Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide Communion
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday Report
Today was the Fourth Sunday in Lent.[1]
On Point
Someone asked, where do the quotes come from? The answer is from the people who uttered them. But, how did you find them? Oh, that. Some from Bishop Jerry, many from Rev Bryan Dabney, a few from other places, some from Rev Geordie Menzies-Grierson, but overall mostly from Bryan. He always has a few great ones to share. On to the On Point quotes –
Life
A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive.
Pearl Bailey
Pride
There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves. I have heard people admit that they are bad-tempered, or that they cannot keep their heads about girls or drink, or even that they are cowards. I do not think I have ever heard anyone who was not a Christian accuse himself of this vice. And at the same time I have very seldom met anyone, who was not a Christian, who showed the slightest mercy to it in others. There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others.
The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit: and the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility. You may remember, when I was talking about sexual morality, I warned you that the centre of Christian morals did not lie there. Well, now, we have come to the centre. According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.
Jack Lewis
Mere Christianity
More on Pride
If you want to find out how proud you are the easiest way is to ask yourself, ‘How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, or shove their oar in, or patronise me, or show off?’ The point is that each person’s pride is in competition with every one else’s pride. It is because I wanted to be the big noise at the party that I am so annoyed at someone else being the big noise. Two of a trade never agree. Now what you want to get clear is that Pride is essentially competitive—is competitive by its very nature— while the other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident. Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better-looking than others. If everyone else became equally rich, or clever, or good-looking there would be nothing to be proud about. It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone. That is why I say that Pride is essentially competitive in a way the other vices are not. . . . . Greed may drive men into competition if there is not enough to go round; but the proud man, even when he has got more than he can possibly want, will try to get still more just to assert his power. Nearly all those evils in the world which people put down to greed or selfishness are really far more the result of Pride.
Jack Lewis
Mere Christianity
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Proverbs 11:23
In vain do we pretend that God is our God if we do not receive his law into our hearts and resign ourselves to the government of it.
Matthew Henry
17th and 18th century English pastor and author
Idolatry came to Israel when she refused to be patient with God, when she removed her expectant gaze from the mountain of God and looked instead to her own self made religion. When human invention replaces divine revelation in our priorities, idolatry invariably results. Certainly, we are not immune in today’s Church with so much emphasis placed on community centredness, sociological and psychological usurpation of scriptural authority, and politically correct secularization of the Christian moral vision.
Lewis How
20th and 21st century Anglican Orthodox minister
There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough—a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice—which costs nothing, and is worth nothing.
JC Ryle
19th century Anglican bishop and author
Holiness, p. 204
Recent statistics, for example, indicate that approximately 1 in 7 or 42 million Americans cannot read a newspaper or even the instructions on a pill bottle. If people cannot read, or if they simply will not, the safeguard of a democracy – an educated and informed citizenry – is in peril. The importance of an educated citizenry, as envisioned by the architects of the American scheme of government, is that they have the analytical and intellectual wherewithal to recognize and challenge the inevitable corruption of government. Without such an education, inevitably, the people become pawns in the hands of unscrupulous government bureaucrats.
John W. Whitehead
20th and 21st century American lawyer, author and chairman of the Rutherford Institute
When you sit down to negotiate on what you already have, you lose.
Marie J. Parente
21st century member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Big government is not a ‘necessary evil’. It is just evil. Like the ring of Sauron, it lures in the weak with promises of power, but this power is a ruse. Each side of our false left/right paradigm, Democrat and Republican, thinks that if only THEY were the bearers of the ring they would ‘finally use it for good’. But once in their possession, they are overtaken, overwhelmed, and corrupted by personal temptation.
Brandon Smith
21st century American commentator.
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.
The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister or our Deacon Striker.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off. Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.
G |
RANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:
The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.
The Collect.
A |
LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.
The Epistle for today came from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, the Fourth Chapter, beginning at the Twenty-First Verse.
Paul talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free. These two, the bond under The Law and the free under The New Covenant. The people of old are the people of The Law, 613 laws by which they must abide. Perhaps more properly said in practice that they must work around or evade those 613. Yet, they cannot comply with all the laws nor even work around them. They are doomed to failure with no help from God. As people of The New Covenant, the original and real New Deal, we have only to comply with two laws or rules; To love the Lord with all our hearts and to love our neighbor. Actually, those two are much harder to fully comply with than avoiding the 613 laws of The Law. But, we have the key – Jesus Christ. He came to earth not only to lead us to heaven, from the front; but to be a propitiation for our sins, to make us account as perfect to God to allow us to come into His Land.
T |
ELL me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of St. John, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.
J |
ESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
Bishop Ogles’ Sermon
We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes. Today is one of those Sundays. Today’s sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.
The Feeding of the 5000
Fourth Sunday in Lent – (Ides of March)
15 March 2015, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)
The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.
G |
RANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:
The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.
The Collect.
A |
LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.
The Gospel
John VI, i
J |
ESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Over the past several years, I have often preached this text, and usually on this 4th Sunday in Lent. The text itself is pregnant with spiritual meaning that is clearly overt and plain to the understanding; however, I want to look at this same passage through a slightly different prism on this special Sunday before Passiontide on next Sunday.
Bearing in mind there is no word in Scripture expressed without great purpose, let us observe the introduction the text itself makes to the mountain-top event which is related in the feeding of 5,000 men and at least a similar number of women and children.
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
First of all, note that a great multitude followed Christ, but HOW did they follow Him? Christ being, at this time, ascended into Heaven, a great multitude still follows Him. But we do not follow across the ethereal expanse of empty space just as the multitudes did not follow Jesus ACROSS the Sea of Galilee. Their fervent determination to follow caused them to follow in whatever route was open to them to follow – AROUND the Sea! Whatever path leads us to Christ is a GOOD path!
Secondly, note the REASON that the people followed Him. They followed Jesus for spiritual reasons based upon the miracles that He had performed in their sight. His Miracles are not the great reason we should follow Christ, unless we are referring to the Miracle of Love He has demonstrated in His Redemption of lost sinners. But bear in mind, the reason for their following was spiritual and not carnal.
Thirdly, observe that Christ does not always make it easy to follow Him. It sometimes includes bearing a cross – in fact, it ALWAYS includes bearing a cross. So we should not hesitate to follow Him (not only around the Sea), but also up the Mountain of Bread! Jesus loved to pray and to commune from the Mountain tops because the higher one climbs; the less of the world is there which surrounds us. The world falls sharply away so that when we reach the mountain peak, there is only the sky that surrounds us.
Fourthly, mark the OCCASION of the event. “And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.” In that day, the Passover was, at the time, a Jewish feast that pointed directly to that Lamb of God sacrificed before the foundation of the world, but illustrated in the unblemished lamb sacrificed in long-ago Goshen under whose blood the Children of Israel were Passed Over by the Angel of death that terrible night in old Egypt. “18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” (1 Peter 1:18-20)” It is the point made of the PASSOVER that I wish to emphasize today. That symbolic lamb of the old Passover is now fully realized in the true Lamb of God who was about to miraculously and spiritually feed far more than five thousand people (when women and children are accounted for). The Passover is no longer a mere Jewish feast, but is now consummated in the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Eternal Passover!
This Feeding of the Five Thousand has strong Communion implication for the Christian Church. The mystery of it is in the Bread itself – not the numbers alone!
There are national holidays that are observed in every nation. The most important of national holidays usually center upon the date of founding of the nation (4th of July in America, for example). The 4th of July is not commonly celebrated in Britain, or Germany, or China – but only in America. There is, however, a holiday (Holy Day) that is celebrated more often that annually, and in almost precisely the same manner, in every country in the world in which Christians live and worship. That Holy Day is Holy Communion. Truly, it is the Passover of the Lord to the Church. The crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord are the church’s nation foundation day, and we observe that day in a continual spirit of spiritual Presence of the Lord and of remembrance.
“And the Passover……was nigh.” Were this not important for us to know, it would not have been included in our text for today. The extraordinary symbolism of bread to the very spiritual nature of Christ is emphasized throughout Scripture – sometimes overtly, and sometimes in shadows. The Manna that came down from Heaven to the children in the Wilderness was not simply a spilling over of the bread pans of Israel – it came miraculously and with spiritual meaning. It satisfied their famished spirits and souls. The Bread of Presence in the Tabernacle on the shew Bread Table just before the Most Holy Place symbolized the spiritual Presence of Christ in Tabernacles of flesh to us today. The Bread Crumbs from the Master’s Table for which the Syro-Phoenician woman pleaded with humble and persistent heart symbolized the same. Even bread crumbs are still bread, and just a small measure of that Bread from Heaven was enough for her – and enough as well to feed 5,000 in our text. It is this very point that I believe our Lord is making here.
The Passover of the Jews had been celebrated for centuries with a boring sense of ceremonial obligation. They had forgotten the great depth of meaning it had for them in Egypt, and would now have for all peoples. We, too, often receive the Holy Communion with dull sense of its meaning and importance to us in sharing in the real Spiritual Presence of our Lord at the Table. What great spiritual power opened the eyes of the Two Men on the Road to Emmaus to the identity of their beloved Lord? He had related to them on the way all of the Old Testament Scriptures that spoke of Him, yet they did not recognize Him. When He took the bread in hand at their table, they still knew Him not; but when He BROKE the BREAD and gave to them, their eyes were opened to His Presence. It should also be true of our eye-scales dropping away at the reception of the elements of Bread and Wine of the Last Supper.
-
Your attention is invited to consider the manner of the miracle of Bread as Jesus performed it. “When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Jesus spoke this question rhetorically to fathom the waters of Philip’s faith. He had no intention of ‘buying’ bread, for the Bread of Heaven is not for sale. He knew precisely that He would miraculously feed the people from just a small morsel of fishes and loaves. “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Prov 23:23) There seems to be a lot more selling of the truth (of man) than buying the truth of God in today’s churches.
-
Philip, just as you and I often have done, failed the test of faith. “Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” Even if there was a king’s ransomed of gold, no amount of money could have purchased an adequate supply of bread near a seaside mountain. Even all of the bread in the bread shops of Capernaum would not have been sufficient to feed so many.
-
There is only a tiny grain of faith expressed by the good man, Andrew: “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” Had Andrew not believed that the Lord could somehow make the five barley loaves and two fishes of the boy expand to feed thousands, he doubtless would not have raised the issue. Sometimes, it is only a small grain of faith, as small as a grain of mustard seed that is needed to open the abundant granaries of Heaven. Another point to note in this narrative is that Jesus will use whatever resources of faith and materiel we have available to accomplish mighty works. It does not take much – He could have fed them from thin air had He desired. He also allows even little children to be used in furthering His work.
-
“And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.” There is no hungrily standing in line when the Lord feeds us. “He makes us to lie down in green pastures.” When we are sitting down, we are not taking credit for any of our own works, for it is Christ who works in us and not we ourselves.
-
Does Jesus not do ALL things well? “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.” He gave out no blessings from Heaven without first giving thanks. Can we not, at least, follow His example in this before meals? He allowed the disciples a hand in His work. He allows you and me to be involved as well in His work of the Church. Someone must serve the meals, someone must PREPARE the meals. Someone must preach. Someone must prepare the Lord’s Table. Someone must light the candles. Someone must welcome guests. Someone must go out in the community and seek out the needy, etc. What a privilege that each of us is a perfectly shaped stone to fill a particular void in the Temple of God.
-
“When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” “Waste not, want not!” my dear mother used to say to me. The gifts of god are too important to be wasted. Many men live miserable lives because God has called them to exercise a gift of Preaching, and they have refused the call. By the way, like crumbs, the fragments are still Bread. Those who were privileged to serve the bread (much like clergy) were also the ones who were called upon to take up the remnants and to clean the tables. “Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” At times, we may regard the small churches as simply fragments of God’s church, but they may amount to a far greater treasure of Bread than that with which we began to serve. After all were fed from five loaves and two fishes, observe that twelve basketfuls remained of that pitiful beginning.
It is possible to believe in Christ, but to believe the WRONG WAY! “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” This is a commendable beginning of faith; however, such faith that is based on signs and wonders alone may get derailed into a great abyss of error. “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” The people who were fed viewed the miracle as a sign of great power (which it was). But they desired to employ that power to further a carnal, and not a spiritual, agenda. That Bread of the Mountain was not a common bread, but spiritually created bread. It was a preview of that Bread of Life that was the Incarnate Lord and Bread of Heaven. Just a taste of Jesus can amount to a complete change of life. Like the elements of the Communion, a little goes a long way!
Sermon – Rev Jack Arnold
Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California
Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above.
Consider these words from the Collect:
… we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved …
In the Collect, as is oft the case, we acknowledge to God our sad state, our evil nature, and then ask God to grant us His Grace to be relieved of being accounted as evil, rather accounted as perfect even though we are so far from perfect. This is a constant refrain, so many of the collects have this same theme; we are imperfect, perfect only in our imperfection; yet God is with us and is willing to help us, but only if we let Him. To let Him help us requires us to let Him into our hearts.
To gain eternal life, to leave this Shadowland world for the real world, the world of Eternal Life, God’s World, that is to say Heaven, requires us to be perfect. For only those who are perfect at the final accounting can gain entrance into heaven. Actually, we don’t need to be perfect to get into heaven which is very handy as we will never in fact be perfect, no matter how hard WE try, inasmuch as by our very nature we are imperfect.
How is this possible?
Death is oft referred to as the “Final Accounting”, and as an accountant I can tell you that things can sometimes be accounted as what they are not, legally, too!
At that final judgment day, imperfect creatures that we are, we can be accounted as perfect through God’s Grace of His Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Paul is right on point when he talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free.
These two are representative of the two covenants with God, the bond under The Law and the free under The New Covenant.
The people of old are The People of The Law. Six Hundred Thirteen Laws each of which by which they must abide. A very complex and even more difficult life to live, with trying to comply and uphold those laws and failing. We still fail miserably at times, but we only have two laws, which we will hear about in a second. They are still hard to uphold, but if we manage to, easier to remember. Perhaps more properly said in practice 613 laws that they must live around; not so much as comply with, but avoid breaking. Yet, they cannot comply with all the laws nor even work around them. They are doomed to failure with no help from God.
The New Convenant is much less complex. Remember this from Holy Communion:
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:
T |
HOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
Under the New Covenant, we have only two laws which we must comply with. But, there is a catch. We are not to just avoid breaking those laws, we must actually live them in our hearts, souls, minds AND bodies. We must actualize them. It is the common theme of Action not just Diction, that appears in the sermons past here.
Hey! That is way harder. We are imperfect creatures with free will. That is a combination doomed to failure.
True, but we have the Get out of Jail Free card – Jesus Christ the righteous and He is the propitiation for our sins! Remember that? He accounts us as perfect at our final accounting!
So, now that we know there are two choices, two covenants, we can choose either to be people of slavery, enslaved to sin and Satan, or to be free people, under God and Jesus. This is the two sides that Paul speaks of, we can be either enslaved to sin, or we can be truly free and under God. Only one side will give us true freedom and happiness and I know which side I want to be on, but the question is do you? You, and you alone can make this choice, nobody else here can make it for your. This is yet one of the actions you have to act on, and not just say it.
We always have a choice, it is upon us to choose and decide. But we must pick a side. As I quoted last week, “He that is not with me is against me.” Middle ground exists, but it is quicksand. Any feeling of safety there is illusory. We must take sides. And, we cannot keep with those who oppose the side we choose.
We cannot have one foot standing on the slavery side and one foot on the free side. We cannot just be fence sitters, we must have our feet planted on one side. From rational viewpoint, there is only one side to pick, and that is the side of freedom, of the New Testament offered to us by Christ himself. As people of The New Covenant, the original and real New Deal, we have only to comply with those two laws or rules; To love the Lord with all our hearts and to love our neighbor. While it is true that those two are much harder to fully comply with than avoiding the 613 laws of The Law, we have the key – Jesus Christ. He came to earth not only to lead us to heaven, from the front; but to be a propitiation for our sins, to make us account as perfect to God to allow us to come into His Land.
Now, think about the Gospel. When we need help, how about instead of worry, we substitute trust and action? Trust that God will give us what we need. And, then act based on what we can and should do, not what we want to do. Acting on what we should do gets results. These results may or not be obvious right away, but they will be soon enough. Whereas if you never do anything, you’ll never see any results of your actions, for you are doing exactly nothing. If one is disillusioned enough by the fact he does not need to do anything, I suppose it probably doesn’t matter to that person. But to those of us who feel the acute need to do something, if we do nothing, we are going to feel that lack of action. Therefore, we are compelled to act upon our faith. Perhaps not what we want right at the time, but certainly what we need then and in the eternal future. In the middle of nowhere, two thousand years from the nearest McDonalds, the disciples looked to Jesus to fill the needs of their congregation. Jesus took what they had and gave them what they needed; “for he himself knew what he would do.” He acted to help them. Do ye likewise:
ACT
It is by our actions we are known.
Be of God – Live of God – Act of God
Bishop Dennis Campbell’s Sermon
Bishop Dennis is a brilliant speaker. He is able to take biblical precepts and make them perfectly understandable, even to me. Oft he provides the text of his sermons and I take the utmost pleasure in passing them on:
Law and Grace
Galatians 4:21-31, John 6:1-14
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 15, 2015
The Fourth Sunday in Lent is often called Mothering Sunday. It takes it name from the words of Galatians 4, “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” In times past, the English people celebrated the day by going to the mother church of the parish, and by spending the afternoon with their mothers. There is even a traditional Mothering Day cake, which some say people gave to their mothers on Mothering Sunday.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent is also called Refreshment Sunday, because of a phrase in the Collect that asks God that we may be relieved. When Archbishop Cranmer translated the Collect into English he faced a Latin word that can mean both “relieved” and “refreshed.” He wisely chose “relieved” but the meaning of refreshment continues to be attached to the Collect. I’m glad of this because I think both words are necessary to convey the full meaning of the prayer. Relived is necessary because it carries the meaning of being released from troubles and burdens. Refreshed is necessary because it means to have our strength renewed and to be enabled to continue in the Faith. Both words are appropriate for today because one of the points of the reading from Galatians is that those who are in Christ have been relieved of a great burden, and are continuously being refreshed in the long and often difficult journey of the soul we call faith.
According to Galatians 5 we are relived of the unbearable burden of our sins, and our culpability to bear our just punishment for them. We are also refreshed by our free and full pardon and by the hope of Heaven. In terms more appropriate to Galatians 4, we have been relieved of the burden of the Law, and refreshed by the free offer of Grace. In very New Testament language, we are not under Law; we are under Grace.
Many people believe this means people in the Old Testament era were saved by keeping the Law of God, while people in the New Testament era are saved by grace. But this is exactly what the Bible does not mean. No one in the Old Testament era was saved by keeping the Law. We can see this easily because we know no mere human being has ever fully kept the moral Law of God. All have sinned. Our daily Bible readings have been in the books of Moses since January. And we have seen that even Moses sinned. No person keeps the moral Law of God perfectly. The Bible has shut up all people under sin. In other words, it has rightly and honestly catagorised all people as sinners without excuse and without hope of making ourselves acceptable to God. All people, Old Testament and New Testament.
But some people think the Old Testament saints were saved by keeping the ceremonial/sacramental Law, especially the Laws of sacrifices and sin offerings. In addition to being contradicted by Scripture, saving ourselves through offerings and sacrifices is as impossible as saving ourselves by keeping the moral Law. Why? Because no person can be assured he will not die before making a sacrifice for his sin. Let us say an Old Testament person, a good man, by human standards, sins, and he is on the way to the Temple with his sin offering. While he is on the way something happens to him, and he collapses on the road, dead. He died without making the sin offering, and if sin offerings save people, he died in his sin. If a person is going to be made acceptable to God by giving offerings, he will have to stay in the Temple continuously offering sacrifice after sacrifice until he dies. So the person becomes a slave to the Law. But that assumes the animal sacrifice can atone for our sins. The Bible clearly says it cannot. This is one of the primary points of the book of Hebrews, but it is restated many times throughout the Old Testament, too. The plain fact is no amount of dead sheep can cover your sins or buy God’s forgiveness. He has to give that freely, and the giving of it is called grace. We can only be saved by grace.
There is a popular, but erroneous idea of what it means to be saved by grace. Those who hold it believe salvation by grace simply means having some kind of mental assent to the fact that Jesus Christ died for sinners, and that all who believe this fact are saved. If you know your Bible you notice immediately that it is true that Jesus Christ died for sinners, and that those who believe in Him are saved. That is all true. The flaw in these people’s minds is in their view of what it means to be saved. To them, being saved simply means being saved from hell and being able to go to Heaven. They don’t that being saved means being reconciled to God. They forget that it means being brought out of a life in which they live for themselves, into a life lived for and with God. In other words, they leave out the transformation of life that is a necessary and essential part of salvation. The old timers used a word that describes this perfectly; they called it “conversion.” If a person is not converted, he is lost, no matter how orthodox his theology may be. So the idea that a person can believe a few facts, and have an emotional experience, and go through a religious ceremony called baptism or communion, yet still continue in the same old sinful patterns of life, with no change of heart toward God, is not what we mean by salvation by grace.
So what is salvation by grace? Salvation by grace is God reliving you of the burden of having to justify yourself by keeping the Law. How has He done this? Jesus became your legal, moral, and spiritual representative before God. As your representative He fulfilled the Law in its entirety for you. He became your substitute in keeping the Law for you as surely as He became your substitute in dying for your sin. He also fulfilled the Law by dying in your place. He lived a completely righteous life, and He gives His righteousness to you as a free gift. And He takes your sin sin upon Himself, and dies for it, in your place on the cross. Think of it in terms of a spiritual account. He places His righteousness in your account, and places your sins in His account. He then pays for your sins by dying on the cross.
So Jesus accomplishes for you what you could never do for yourself, no matter how many sheep you kill, or how many prayers you pray, or how much penance you do. In saving you by grace He frees you from the slavery of trying to save yourself. In saving you by grace He gives freely what you could never earn. Ephesians 2, states clearly what Galatians 4 says metaphorically: “by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man boast.”
—
+Dennis Campbell
Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia
Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church
Powhatan, Virginia
www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org
www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com
Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church
Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Revealing the Glory of the Lord
15 March 2015
Psalm 18:1-20 • Ezek. 39:21-29 • 2 Cor 3:12-18
The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.
G |
RANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The overriding theme of today’s scripture readings is revealing the Glory of the Lord. When we reflect on the psalter or the first and second lesson we hear again and again the glory and power of the Lord revealed. Whether this is being revealed to the ancient Hebrew or to the more modern early Christian, this revelation is in three phases; past, present, and the future. Interestingly enough, the three tenses are used in the last lesson from second Corinthians. St. Paul points back to Moses as the past that is no longer an excuse to not know Jesus Christ. In the early portion of chapter 3, Paul makes reference to the glory that is fading, that from the time of Moses. Then he takes that idea and brings it into the present by pointing out the reality of the hope he and the early disciples had in the now resurrected Christ, the true Messiah, the one who was promised from the Fall in the Garden of Eden. He points out that when the old covenant is read, those who are still in that mind set and spiritual sense have a veil covering their understanding and most especially their heart. It has not been removed because as Paul writes “only in Christ is it taken away.”
The veil that Moses wore to keep the Israelites from danger and fear is the foreshadowing of what would come in the way of them when Christ was revealed.
But as the curtain (veil) in the temple was ripped in two when Christ died on the cross, so too was that veil, the veil of misunderstanding also removed. If you think of the times that Moses met God Almighty, he had to hide his eyes, he had to cover himself to avoid being destroyed by the shear Holiness of God, the pure and Sinless One, then think to just before Christ begins his last couple of weeks of ministry. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ is revealed to the few disciples to be truly God. The brightness of His face is the same as with Moses, but instead of hiding that behind a veil, he can be fully seen, because he stands before our Father, as our mediator and advocate, keeping us from sure destruction, because of our sins. Wow, what a difference from Moses, a holy man and prophet, and yet just a man. Here stand Jesus, as a man and yet pure and sinless, he can withstand the ultimate Holiness of God and protect us from being destroyed, and in fact be our once and for all Savior from sin and death.
Paul returns to the theme of Christ as the solution to confusion, misunderstanding, lack of clarity, inability to see where we are going, which of course without Christ is to death and darkness. Then Paul gives us the good news; “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Then to drive the point home, Paul writes of the continuing process; “…and we who with unveiled faces all reflect the lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
We need to understand that this ‘unveiled’ face is what the world sees. It is by our daily walk with our Lord that we reveal to the world what it is like to be a growing Christian. That my friends is an awesome responsibility. We are so easily knocked off the path, we are so easily distracted from doing or saying or living the Christ like way, that we at times can become a stumbling block to non-believers. Oh that the Lord would give us strength to live our lives in his way, to always seek him for comfort and support. We need to always keep Christ central to our lives, to avoid the appearance of evil, to avoid living like the world, to daily take up his cross and follow him.
We must remember, “….to whom much is given, much is required.” We have a great and important task, we must live for Christ as if this is the last day we will be here on earth. We must live our lives, through Christ who strengthen us, to the best of our abilities.
Let us pray:
A |
lmighty God, our heavenly Father, who declares your glory and shows forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth; Deliver us, we beseech thee, in our several callings, from the service of mammon, that we may do the work which thou gave us to do, in truth, in beauty, and in righteousness, with singleness of heart as thy servants, and to the benefit of our fellow men; for the sake of him who cam among us as one that served, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
W |
e implore Thy blessing on all the parishes and missions of this diocese. Grant to them all things needful for their spiritual welfare. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; rouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of Thy truth; bring all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of Thy holy Church, to the honor and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
O |
Lord Jesus Christ, who dost give power to such as will receive Thee, that they may become the sons of God; Draw unto Thyself all those who are desirous to come to Thy light; make the way plain for them, that they may no longer be entangled by any worldly cares, so as to be kept out of the way of salvation. Enable them to realize the privileges of Thy Holy Church, and the blessedness of our adoption into the fellowship of Thy Holy Spirit. Deliver them from all false and unworthy conceptions of Thy service; and grant that they may give themselves to bring others with them to serve Thee’ in spirit and in truth, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and ever. Amen.
T |
HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Beloved go in Peace. Amen.
Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon
We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon. If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, expouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
In the Old Testament book of Micah, God informed the prophet that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem in Judah. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be the ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (5:2-4). The name Bethlehem means “house of bread”, and how fitting it was that he who is the living bread should be born there. Back in my boyhood days, my grandmother once spoke of bread as “the staff of life” on account of its importance as a staple food for people since “Hector was a pup,” or, if you will, from the beginning of human history. The apostle John recorded the words our Lord on this very subject in our gospel lesson for today when he said: I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die (6:48-50).
God has supplied us with numerous accounts regarding his provision for and assistance of his servants. From Scripture, we understand that the manna mentioned by our Lord in St. John’s gospel was given to the children of Israel for their sustenance following their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 16:15). God does not send his own out into the wilderness to die. God will sustain his own. He may use what might be termed the apparent and the ordinary; while in many instances, as noted in the scriptures, he may use the miraculous. Consider the prophet Elijah who was fed by the ravens at the brook of Cherith (I Kings 17:2-7); or Elijah and his care for the widow of Zarephath. The LORD preserved her and her son via his restorative power so that her containers of oil and flour were miraculously replenished until the famine in the land had passed; as well as raising her son from death (I Kings 17:8-24). God saved his people time and again as recorded in the books of Judges, Esther, Nehemiah, Isaiah and Daniel. And God’s love has been manifested in so many different ways that it would take a multitude of sermons to cover them all adequately. So let us focus on the issue of Jesus Christ as that bread of life.
In our liturgy of the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, we hear the following Words of Institution given us by our Lord: do this in remembrance of me. We also hear the words, this is my body and this is my blood. Bishop Ryle once noted that, “The conduct of the disciples at the Lord’s Supper forbids us to believe that the bread they received was Christ’s body and the wine Christ’s blood. They were all Jews taught from their infancy that it was sinful to eat flesh with the blood (Deut. 12:23-25). Yet they were not startled by our Lord’s words as if they perceived a change in the bread and wine. Our own senses forbid us to believe that there is any change in the bread and the wine. Our own taste tells us that they are really and literally what they appear to be. Things above our reason the Bible requires us to believe, but not what contradicts our senses. Our Lord’s true human nature forbids us to believe that his body can be in more than one place at one time. If our Lord’s body could sit at table and at the same time be eaten by the disciples it is perfectly clear that it is not a human body like our own. But this we must not allow for one moment. It is the glory of Christianity that our Redeemer is perfect man as well as perfect God. The language in which our Lord spoke made it quite unnecessary to interpret his words literally. The Bible is full of similar expressions. Our Lord spoke of himself as a door and a vine so we know that he used emblems and figures to describe himself. There is therefore no inconsistency in his using figurative language in instituting the Supper.”
What Bishop Ryle has written concerning the Lord’s Supper is based not on a pronouncement of some earthly body or council, but upon the very words of God. We cannot escape the fact that in our eating of the bread and drinking of the cup we are memorializing our Lord’s death and sacrifice— remembering his passion and giving thanks for his free gift of grace to us.
Listen further to what our Lord said about himself, I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world (St. John 6:51).To partake of Christ Jesus is to partake of his word and commandment. Christ came to offer himself up as a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. He did not come as something foreign to the teachings of the law because he fulfilled the law. We are therefore to partake of him after a spiritual sense not in a physical one. Consider the words of St. Paul in the epistle of Hebrews: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation (9:24-28).
St. Paul warned the Corinthian church not to take lightly their participation in the Holy Communion when he penned the following admonition, For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (I Corinthians 11:26, 27). Nothing done in our worship of the Godhead should be considered mundane or trivial, and such is doubly important in our partaking of this sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. God expects 100% participation and 100% understanding because he has given us such in detail within the Holy Bible.
But there is more. When we hear the words of The Invocation (page 81 of the BCP), that we be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him, we understand that we are joined with our Lord via the Holy Ghost who resides within every born-again believer. And so, in our partaking of the communion elements, we are affirming the very presence of our Saviour within us. Holy Communion then is more than just a memorial feast, it is a spiritual linking of ourselves to our Lord.
The living bread has come into the world and has given us the sacrament of the Holy Communion. Our duty then is to break the bread of the sacrament and to drink from the cup of the same until his coming again when he will both eat and drink with us at that marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-10) prior to his return in glory, for as the Scripture reads, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Our duty as Christians has ever been to proclaim the word of God to others, and to live in obedience to God’s will for us. But in order to do the things that our Lord has commanded, we must possess a proper understanding of whom we are worshiping. We need to be in prayer to God concerning our worship, our work and our walk in this life. If God is our helper, then we ought to lean on him and trust in him. The faithless, the foundering, the disobedient, and the hypocritical are those who will hide behind the mask of Christianity and use it for their purposes; while the true and faithful Christian will don the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11), keeping himself under control and in the Spirit, living and even dying in obedience to God’s word. To be born-again of the Spirit means to live for Christ and to accept him as Saviour and Lord. We who have been regenerated in him believe that he is that living bread; we believe that he is our good Shepherd; we believe that he will come again in glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end (Nicene Creed). Jesus Christ came from a city which meant “house of bread.” He came to bring us more than the simple sustenance of earthly bread, but the eternal sustenance of God. He came that we might have life and in abundance. He came to give us more than a morsel for the furtherance of our earthly existence, but to give us hope of life everlasting in his coming kingdom. Thus to partake of him who is our “staff of life” is to take into ourselves the life-giving Messiah. For all who will believe on him as their Saviour shall receive his free gift of life everlasting.
It is my prayer for each of you, that you will come to the Lord’s Table today and partake of Jesus Christ as that living bread, and that prior to your coming, you would confess your sins and trespasses to God in his name. It is not enough to attend church, sing a hymn or two and them walk away without seeking him who came to make us whole and to bring us into the beloved. We must honor our Lord out of a willing, broken and contrite heart that daily seeks his pardon. God has called us to himself and we have answered in the affirmative, so then let us do all that he has commanded in his word written that we might receive God’s peace and be blessed in every good word and work.
Let us pray,
F |
ather, we thank you for giving us the Saviour: who is that living bread which came down from heaven and was offered for the life of the world; that in our turning and repentance in his name, we have received eternal life, and have also been made coheirs with him in glory; for it is in his name that we offer up to thee our imperfect prayers, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have a blessed week, Bryan+
After Church Hospitality
We would like some pictures of your after service gatherings. Come on! Help out!
People in our Prayers – http://faithfulcenturionprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God’s work.
The Prayer Team of the Anglican Orthodox Church was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.
Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Anglican Orthodox Church to be prayed for?
No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.
What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.
How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Jack – jack@faithfulcenturion.org or Dru – dru@ faithfulcenturion.org, or call the office at (619) 659-3608 or fill out a prayer card at church.
What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.
Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Hap in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!
Please note that on the yellow (maybe green or orange if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the prayer team. Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Hap will know to pray for them.
Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know. We’d like to update our prayers to reflect the need and most important to give thanks!
Travel
Bishop Jerry and Debbie Ogles are on travel this weekend to Atlanta for services there. Please pray for safe travel and God’s Work to be done well there.
Birthday
Dru Arnold celebrated her 60th Birthday on 2 February 2015. For the record, she did see her shadow, thus we are faced with six more weeks of winter. On the other hand, winter here can be tough at 72°F.
Anniversary
Dru and Hap Arnold celebrated their 28th anniversary on 21 February 2015, a testimony to the work of God.
Move
The Thomas Family is now in Okinawa for a second short tour. Please pray for this new assignment to go well for Kurt and for Mary and the kids to make new friends.
Remembrance of those who have gone before us
Kenneth Wayne Ogles was killed in action on 16 February 1967, in the Ia Drang Valley, in the Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, with the First Platoon of C Company, the First Battalion of the 8th Cavalry, First Cavalry Division at the age of 19. Kenneth joined the National Guard at age 17 and immediately transferred to the active Army’s First Cavalry Division. He wanted to make a difference, to do his duty to God and Country and protect the innocent people of South Vietnam. He gave all that we might be free. Please join us in remembering his service and sacrifice, as well as the hurt that it cost the entire Ogles family, the sacrifice and pain is no less 48 years later. Remember Kenneth the next time someone wants you to give a little freedom for the promise of safety or comfort.
Nearing the end of their time here on earth
Maggie is nearing the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for Maggie and her husband Dub as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her. Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.
Alan is a victim of metastasized colon cancer already destroying his liver. His youngest sister has put aside her hard-earned career to care for her brother in these days on earth. Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Alan and his family who will of necessity remain behind.
Saundra is in ICU with congestive heart failure after a heart operation. She is aged and frail. Saundra is near the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Saundra and her family who will of necessity remain behind. Pray for the love of God to stay foremost in their hearts.
Polly is in hospice care with dementia and spinal stenosis. Please pray for her as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her. Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.
Homebound or Infirm
James is on oxygen all the time, this is bothersome to him and terrifying as well. Please pray for James to put his worry, his bother and his terror on the Lord. Pray for strength and guidance for James and his family. They suggest this verse, “I am thine, save me, for I have sought thy precepts.”
Joan has had serious medical problems that have kept her confined. Please pray her health will remain stable.
Barbara Apple is more or less bedridden. Pray for inspiration for those caring for her that they might find the appropriate treatment. Please pray for Barbara to put her trust in the Lord, look to Him for strength and for her to gain energy so she does not lose the mobility she has; pray for a full and rapid recovery. Please pray also for her husband Bob who is taking care of her that he might be comforted and strengthened in this time of stress.
Norma, Sara’s mother is in a state of deteriorating health, both physically and mentally, with both dementia and Alzheimer’s. She is slowly drifting away, though she still recognizes Sara and prayer gives her a sense of peace. Please pray for both Sara and her mother to put their cares and worries on God’s shoulders so they can deal with the many problems involved.
In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Daisy Lee has necrotizing fasciitis, which manifested on 30 January 2015, causing the loss of her right arm and her left hand, as well as parts of both feet. It appears she has turned the corner and is fighting towards recovery. She underwent a “minor” operation for debridement on Wednesday. She is now out of ICU and in a stepdown unit. She will need additional procedures, perhaps surgery. Please join her family in giving to all the ICU nurses & doctors who have played an integral role in her recovery, they are grateful for all of their dedication and compassion. They have taken great care of Daisy and everyone is thankful to see her improving. The family is thankful for all the support they have received during these past couple weeks and hopes all will continue to pray for Daisy’s speedy recovery. Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Daisy’s family, her husband and children Tiffany and Chris. From Daisy on 13 March 2015:
Dearest family, friends & followers,
I am now more cleared minded and wanted to express my thoughts. Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. Your continued support has encouraged me through my road to recovery. I am very lucky and appreciative that I now have a second chance at life. I have been doing better and I concentrate on the present and strive for my full recovery in the near future.
Love,
Daisy
Sarah, wife of Rev Geordie (AOC – UK), has been treating for ovarian cancer. Alas the cancer is spreading causing fluid on the lungs, which is discomforting to say the least. There is a hope this side effect can be stopped by further chemotherapy; however, the last time this particular drug was tried it sent her into potentially life threatening anaphylactic shock. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Sarah, for a miraculous remission; and that Sarah might put all her sadness, fear, worry and terror on God’s back so that her remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Sarah, Geordie and their family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry. Give thanks for the great courage and trust in God made manifest in Sarah and Geordie.
June found she has a recurrence of colon cancer, which is now Stage Four, that is it has spread. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that June’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help June and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.
Cindy has been diagnosed with an aggressive malignant brain tumor. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Cindy’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Cindy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.
Leon McKay suffered a stroke a few weeks back that has left him unable to speak and while undergoing evaluation the doctors also found he has a very aggressive cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Leon’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Leon and his family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Rev. Thomas Brooks is not improving and being kept alive by artificial machines. Please pray for a miraculous recovery and if that not be God’s Will, a rapid passing to home. Help Thomas’ family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry
Ronnie has kidney cancer that has spread and the surgeons are very concerned. Please pray the medical team to formulate a successful treatment plan and for a miraculous remission; that Ronnie’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Ronnie and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Levi was cancer free for 4 years and just discovered he has kidney cancer. Levi has a great deal of faith and said whether he is healed or God takes him home he will be fine. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Levi and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders. In particular, please pray for pain relief; Levi is 22 years old.
Ray Daley is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served his country during the Korean War era. Ray is taking chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Meanwhile his son Trevor is in the hospital in a coma and seems to have lost the will to live.
Pat has been under treatment for colon cancer for sometime. He has had major complications the last few days and your prayers will be appreciated by family and friends.
Dorothy had pneumonia, on checking her lungs they found tumors which permeated the lung area. Further investigation found a primary site in the colon, with the lung being secondary. It would appear there is no viable treatment at this time. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that her remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Dorothy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Becky has fourth stage metastasized lung cancer and is not doing well with chemotherapy treatments. Please pray for Becky and her husband as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.
Jane has fourth stage cancer and is not doing well. Please pray for Jane and her family as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.
Colleen has been battling pancreatic cancer over the last year and it has now spread to one of her lungs. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Christine has cancer of the colon, which spread to her liver; she is receiving chemotherapy and is having difficulty eating. Please pray for the medical team treating her to pay attention and do their very best; pray also for confidence in our Lord for Christine and her family.
Todd and Kenny have both been fighting osteocarcinoma for over five years and have been told their time here on earth is nearing its end, absent a miracle from God. Both are ready to go home and leave the pain, but would like to stay. Please pray for them and their families.
Surgery
Edware is having his fourth back surgery (in the last four years) Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Edware and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Jeff has been undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation since October for pancreatitis and Pancreatic cancer. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Jeff, his wife and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Albert had a pacemaker installed recently. He will require surgery soon for a leaking heart valve and has just been told he has esophageal cancer. Pray he will turn to God and come to know Him on a more personal basis as the days go by.
Jane underwent heart valve repair surgery on 3 July 2014. Please pray for full recovery. Pray also Jane and her family to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Mario has early-diagnosed prostate cancer and had surgery. Pray for complete remission and that Mario and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Eddie has upcoming bladder surgery. Please pray for the surgical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Eddie and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.
Testing and Treatment
Rev. Steve Boardman has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Pray that Jesus will be close and comfort his family and members of his congregation.
Hang So Ryu has cancer. Please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for him and his family, as well as physical strength.
Traci has not been well for the last several months. She does not have a colon and all tests have been negative; she has abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea and is exhausted and very weak. She and her family thank you for your prayers. Traci seems to have good days and bad. Your continued prayers are appreciated.
Olivia, age7, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma. The prognosis is good at this time, please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.
Paul has been hospitalized recently several time because of persistent high fevers. He is being tested and checked by physicians and seems to have a slight scoliosis, a node and Schuermann’s disease. Please pray it will be discovered how to treat these problems and healing will begin so he will be inspired to continue his education.
Carol Anne needs God’s comfort and healthy test results as she is anxiously undergoing tests related to previous hysterectomy and experiencing symptoms in the surrounding area.
Garth Neel finished chemotherapy and is undergoing radiation for lymphomacancer. It seems the treatment is working, please see this note from Garth:
I have some good news today. The radiologist has told me that the PET scan which they did last week in Saskatoon is showing good results. He judges that there is no longer any lymphoma active in what is left of the tumour. They are still going ahead with 15 treatments of radiation therapy, the first of which I received today, but will be able to use a fairly low dosage, given the results of the scan. This means that the chemotherapy did its work and that now the radiation can simply ensure that the cancer does not return to the tumour. Of course, it can return elsewhere in the body but the hope is that I shall remain free of same over this next year and then in the years to come. I shall let you know how the radiation treatment goes. Many thanks to all for their persistence in prayer. I am thankful to the Lord for each of them. Blessings, + Bishop Garth Neel
Please give thanks for the great results! Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Garth and his family, as well as physical strength.
Garth is the AOC Bishop of Canada with oversight of South America and a really both good and nice fellow.
Jennifer has some lumps on the right side of her neck; they have grown and multiplied. In the last few months she has been having problems swallowing. Jennifer has an appointment with specialist in several weeks to try and discover what it is. She is having a great deal of anxiety as she waits for her Doctors appointment and will appreciate your prayer for anxiety and health.
Rick has heart problems. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Rick and his wife Wanda to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Clay has melanoma. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Rick and his wife Pam to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.
Atina has been diagnosed with skin cancer, which turned out to be a melanoma. A routine CT scan found a 9mm (3/8 inch) lesion in her left lung. The melanoma appears to be spreading; they need to remove the offending tissue and test the sample. Pray for guidance for the medical people treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Atina’s faith is being tested, she has difficulty in praying and accepting the outcome, she wants what she wants and is perplexed about her faith in Jesus. Pray for help for Atina to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry.
Evelyn has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Pray for guidance for the medical people treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Evelyn to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry.
Stacy has Multiple Sclerosis and was hospitalized for what turned out to be food poisoning. Pray for trust in God for Stacy and Chris as they deal with Stacy’s illness.
Liz Strauch had a pineal cyst, which in the end responded well to a surgical draining last year. Since November 2013, similar symptoms have returned. A CT Scan turned up what is thought to be either a new cyst or an enlarged pineal gland. More testing, including an EEG is in the works. She can no longer work. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Liz and her family, in particular her husband Ken and sons Caleb and Nathan; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Liz to heal completely.
Faye is in the hospital because she is weak has been receiving blood transfusions. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Faye and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Faye to heal completely.
Tom has heart and kidney problems. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Tom and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Tom to heal completely.
Harold has had a severe stroke. He is now home, but his family is looking for a rehabilitation facility to help him recuperate. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Harold and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for him that they might find the best treatment facility to allow Harold to heal completely.
Joe has had a preliminary ALS diagnosis. Pray the final diagnosis will something that will allow him to continue taking care of his devoted young family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Joe and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Mark Wilson’s breathing seems to be under control at present, he is getting oxygen, which is a huge blessing for which he is grateful. Pray for God’s guidance for the doctors and medical people treating him that they might figure out a way to treat him that will work and not adversely affect other parts of his body, particularly his oxygenation levels, kidney and liver function. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mark, as well as for his family.
Preston is reacting poorly to recent neck surgery and now has problems with his liver count; Physicians feel that dialysis will help. There may be a blockage in the bowel and an operation might be necessary. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best to determine how to help Preston and for a good outcome. Pray also that Preston and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders while Preston does his best to facilitate a return to good health.
Erica has a non-malignant Brain Tumor which cannot be surgically removed due to the size and location. They are going to attempt chemotherapy. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Erica, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.
Brenda is in the hospital because of bleeding on her brain. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Brenda, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.
Mackenzie is a young girl with leukemia. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mackenzie, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.
Mack has had diabetes most of his adult life. Circulation in his legs is very bad and doctors are considering amputation. Please pray his medication will help and he will not face amputation. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mack and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Michael has been diagnosed with lung cancer recently after making it through gastro intestinal cancer last year. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Michael and his wife Gayle; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Ken Strauch has been tired and is anemic, he had a colonoscopy which found a pair of polyps which were removed and are being tested. Just for good measure they found he has a hiatal hernia with ulcers, basically part of his stomach is pushed up into his esophagus and is bleeding from there. Sounds like there may be surgery involved. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Ken and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.
Adriano is in the hospital due to high sugar and high blood pressure. He is very weak and will appreciate your prayers.
Heather recently found out she has cancer. Please pray for peace of mind for her and for the medical team treating her will be guided to the right solution.
Jim has had an aneurism and blood clots. Pray that healing will come.
Georgia has liver and pancreatic cancer. The doctors are evaluating whether to do surgery and how to tackle the disease. Georgia is a faithful Christian and appreciates your prayers. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Georgia and her family.
Lana’s doctor found something on her lymph nodes and ovaries. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Lana and her family.
Healing
Betsy Lane had what is thought to be food poisoning, she appears to be recovering but was too weak to make it to church. If you know Betsy, that is a really bad sign. Please pray for a full and complete return to strength as soon as possible for her and comfort and strength from our Lord in her time of weakness.
Bernie Coogan had a stroke near Christmas time. He is undergoing physical and speech therapy at a rehab facility where his wife works. Bernie is doing pretty well, his speech is a bit slurred, but his mind is clear. He is still Bernie. Bernie, his wife JoAnn and their family would appreciate your prayers for a full and rapid recovery as they maintain full trust in the Lord.
Scott Winters underwent apparently successful ligament replacement surgery on his knee on 8 January 2015, however he contracted an infection somehow which is causing him great difficulty. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray the infection will be overcome.
Amy has melanoma in her lungs, liver and kidneys; they have found a treatment for her that has a high success rate however the side effects are debilitating. Please pray she will be able to tolerate the side effects and the treatment is successful. Amy has full trust in the Lord, but would still appreciate your prayers.
Debbie is just beginning chemotherapy for cancer of the lymph nodes. Prayer she will be able to tolerate the therapy acceptably and remain strong as she remembers the Lord is with her at all times.
Liz had a massive stroke at age thirty-seven. The prognosis is good but she has a long road ahead. . Please pray for guidance for those treating her, for trust in our Lord for Liz and her family, for healing.
Ebick is suffering from a severe ulcer but the Doctors cannot give her the proper dosage of the medicine due to her six month pregnancy. Please pray doctors will find an alternative avenue for treatment or that God will provide.
Stan is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. He is elderly and the treatments are tiring him. Please pray for his wife Marvelene as they do this together.
Meg recently found out she had heart problems causing low blood oxygen levels, loss of focus resulting in an emergency room crisis. As a result of the symptoms she made errors on the job that caused her to lose her job. She is grateful for the excellent medical care she has received and optimistic, feeling with God’s intervention in her life her health may be reversed and a new job will become available.
Donald is in the hospital and had his leg amputated on 14 April 2014. Pray he will adjust and healing will begin.
Lucius Dabney (father of Rev Bryan Dabney) is now at home recovering from an infection. Please pray for a complete healing of the infection and return to health.
David has many concussions and unable to go to school, read books, watch TV and has headaches and migraines. He has trouble sleeping and his family will appreciate your prayers for this 10 year old young man.
Gladys has breast cancer and has had a lumpectomy. She needs to take a year off of her work to have chemo treatments.
Alwin Jack has had a stroke and recently has had a relapse. Please pray for those who treat Alwin that they might chose the best possible treatment and pray for peace of mind for Alwin during the recovery phase.
Carolyn has Multiple Sclerosis with complications. Pray Carolyn and her children will be close to our Lord Jesus Christ as they and family members help to ease the problems.
Jeong was in an auto accident and sustained a serious back injury. Please pray for a full and rapid recovery.
Gil Garcia is home and doing pretty well. Pray for strength for Gil and his wife Mary as they deal with the stresses of Gil’s paraplegia and the general aging process.
Mary Garcia had surgery, she is home, but not healing as well as she hoped. Please pray for her continued healing.
Bill had malignant growth removed from a lip last month and seems to be experiencing a re-growth of the cancer. He asks your prayer for the medical team treating him and for peace of mind for himself.
Hank has osteoporosis, which has caused him a great deal of pain and inconvenience in the past few years. Pray for his healing and that his medical bills will be met.
Evelyn is an elderly woman who has had problems with her eyes and is now blind. It appears some sight will return shortly, pray for that to happen!
Joanne has begun kidney dialysis as a result of kidney failure due to extensive chemotherapy. Additionally she cares for an adopted drug addicted baby who is now nine years old. Please pray for her to keep her faith, to let the Lord carry her worry and concern and to give her strength. Pray also for those treating her that they might pay attention and do their best.
Mr. N. Anand is in the hospital and is seriously ill. He is being encouraged to pray for repentance of his sins and to depend upon our dependable God for a cure and recovery of his health. Pray that he will be a strong witness for Christ.
Jacob has been going through some dental procedures and has some pain and aggravation with the numbness. Please pray for comfort and strength for him, as well as for guidance for the medical team treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.
Jean fell and broke her ankle in three places. She will be in the hospital for rehabilitation for the next 6 weeks. Please pray for comfort and strength for her, as well as for guidance for the medical team treating her that they might pay attention and do their best.
Bud and his wife for their continued welfare and enthusiasm. Bud has been advised of an aneurism in his heart of a size not mandating immediate surgery. This comes at a time when he has sole care of his wife who recently broke two vertebrae and thereafter sustained pneumonia.
Virginia has Sinus and Allergy problems giving her severe problems. Pray that the Doctor will discover why it continues and find a cure.
Steve Thornell had a brain aneurysm, which was found before it burst. He is home from the hospital and working hard on recovery. He lacks energy from seven days in the hospital. His doctor told him he has to make serious life changes. One of the two main arteries in the back of the head is now completely closed. He must take blood thinners, he has thick blood and recent chemotherapy made it worse. Steve has always operated at 110 percent, he needs help to slow down. Please pray for trust in the Lord and a full and rapid recovery. Pray for peace of mind for Steve and his family.
Arlen is receiving treatment for lung cancer and recently experienced a ruptured colon during treatment. She is alone in Oregon but does have a friend who has traveled a great distance to be at her side. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Arlen.
Oscar discovered some time ago he had blood clots in his leg and lung. He has been treated for them and has not been cured. He now will be facing surgery. Please keep him in your prayers.
Angela had an ischemic stroke (clot).Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Angela. Please pray also that she and her family might put their worries on our Lord’s back so she can work hard towards recovery.
Nora had a stroke mid February 2013. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Nora. Please pray also that she and her family might put their worries on our Lord’s back so she can work hard towards recovery.
Linda has been hospitalized for several days with a gastrointestinal problem. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Linda.
Dester is suffering from unknown skin and diseases. Please guide the medical team treating him to find out what the problem is and cure it. Pray also for Dester to trust in the Lord.
Lee has Arterial Fibrillation, sheis doing much better and she and her family thank you for your prayers. Her pain level is high and some medications have bad side effects. Please continue her in Prayer in the weeks ahead as she heals.
Nell recently adopted two children and has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Mary Lou has been suffering with seizures. She was in the hospital with a 24 hour monitor and is being sent home from the hospital with two medications and orders to return in 2 months for another MRI to review whatever is going on in her brain. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating her, as well as peace of mind and trust in God for her and her family.
Kathleen has spent the last two weeks in the hospital. She has been diagnosed with colitis, shingles and possibly colon cancer. Pray she will be comfortable and begin to heal.
Rachel has Mitochondrial Myopathy. This is a hereditary disease of the muscles and they do not have a cure for it. Part of her pain is her family does not believe she is indeed ill, as she appears to be just fine. Please pray her family will learn the truth and be supportive of her; pray also the medical people treating her will find the right measures to minimize the disease. Most particularly pray for Rachel’s trust in God.
Nicolas is in the hospital with serious symptoms of a heart disorder. Please pray for peace of mind for him and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.
Juanita is a young girl who was in a coma because of a blood disease. She has not come out and is gaining strength. They are awaiting results from blood samples. Her family thanks you for your prayers and asks that you continue.
George had foot surgery. Please give thanks for the surgery and pray for a full and rapid recovery.
Nellie is in the emergency room of a hospital in a great deal of pain. Please pray for peace of mind for her and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.
Lauralee Meade underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. A further anomaly has been discovered and she had additional preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Bill, Sara’s husband, had a third abdominal surgery on 22 November 2011, to remove a tumor. Bill is doing better keeping the doctor’s instructions, for which we are all grateful, including taking chemotherapy once a day for one more year. He has decreased the consumption of alcohol and eating at least mostly properly. Please pray for help for him to continue do all this. Please pray also that Bill might turn his heart outward to help those around him, as well as live a long and healthy life to the honor and glory of God. Pray also for peace of mind for Bill and his wife Sara.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) has had a chest infection, perhaps viral, but seems to be getting better. Please pray for continued peace of mind for Mrs. Kay and her family. Give thanks for her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
Matt Alcantara, age 16, came back with ZERO SCANS again in August 2014! Matt has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and often lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. This is a disease that is about 90 percent fatal in a couple of years. He has no hip joint on one side, but he walks and swims! Courage? Guts? You bet! Please also give thanks for the great faith of Matt and his entire family. Their faith and trust is a wonderful example for each and every one of us. But, now is not the time to stop praying. Actually, it never is the time to stop praying!
Judith Clingwall is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She is currently in Laurel Place, an extended care facility in Surrey, British Columbia. Judith’s condition has worsened recently. Please pray for her to take an active part in her own life, for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family. Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.
Vince (age 15), reoccurrence of Osteosarcoma, recent testing found a nickel sized tumor in his lungs. The doctors are consulting with a specialist in Houston. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Vince and his family.
Healing and Patience
Kym (43) has various hip problems which seems to be related to osteoarthritis. And, her mother Ruth is in the early stages of dementia. Pray for guidance for those treating both of them, as well as patience and trust in the Lord for both of them.
Christopher has had problems with his leg for some time. Now he has to have it casted and it will stay that way for what to him seems an interminable time. Pray for patience and peace of mind for this young man who has much he wants to do.
Thanksgiving and Continued Healing
Janet Jessup had a stroke on 3 July 2014 and heart problems that were causing huge issues for her. They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is going home from the hospital. Please join the entire family in giving thanks for this wonderful development. Please pray for those treating her to find the appropriate treatment and for trust in God and peace of mind for Janet and her family, in particular her husband of 43 years, Rev Roger Jessup, retired minister of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church.
Jim has been hospitalized and had several operations for cancer the last few years. He has recent good news, for which he asks you join in giving thanks:
The LORD be with you! I wanted to let everyone to know I received a great report from Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Newnan, GA yesterday. I met with all three (3) of my doctors. Each reviewed my scans and were satisfied with the results. The cancer is still there but it has not changed in three (3) years. All of the doctors were happy with the report and I will continue with the monthly sandostine injection to retard future growth of the tumor. Thank you very very much for your prayers and encouragement!
Jim
Arch Crittenden has Multiple Myeloma (cancer cells in bone marrow); without this treatment life expectancy is one to two years. As long as he can tolerate the daily oral Revlimid treatments, it seems he can carry on. Arch is not worried about the weight loss side effects, he says he planned ahead for that; the hair loss does have him concerned as most of that has already left. There is very good news, X-Rays show no holes in his bones. And he can still travel about and visit his family! This is super, please join Arch and family in giving thanks. Arch and his lovely wife Kathy ask that you pray for their trust in God to remain strong and for a good outcome. From Arch this week:
I’m in my third series of oral chemo. On 3 weeks and off one. Then a dose of 10 steroids, all at one time at the end of each of the three chemo weeks and even the steroid dose on the fourth week before restart of the chemo for 3 more weeks and on and on. The alternative is very dormant or so I hear. Being on prosthesis (below the knee) for nearly 45 years does not allow me a lot of mobility even now. I may have this regimen for a year before any true diagnosis is definitive. We will carry on. And we will continue to persevere to the extent of our limited ability. GODSPEED ! arch / kathy crittenden, Virginia,VA
Aleyne Bergman had a pacemaker installed on 26 January 2015. Please give thanks for the medical team paying attention, doing their best and for the good outcome. Pray also that Aleyne and her husband Ron, as well as the rest of her family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders. Please pray also for a complete and rapid recovery for her.
Dick Gray has a Merkle Cell carcinoma just under his sternum carcinoma which is considered a stage four carcinoma since it has ‘metastasized’. After much treatment and hospitalization the main site is less than half the size and there are no new tumors. He continues the fight. Please give thanks for the good results so far! Pray for those contemplating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Dick and his wife Jennifer. Dick is the Treasurer and a Vestryman at Saint Paul’s AOC in Missouri.
Jenny, wife of Adam, mother of two, (niece of Marianne Lane) had difficulty breathing the night of 22 January 2015. Adam brought her to the hospital. After considerable thought and testing, they found a growth thought to be scar tissue from intubation when she was an infant. On 28 January 2015, they preformed a mechanical expansion to allow her to breathe which was a success. Please give thanks for the great result and pray for a full recovery and that the opening will stay clear.
Sam had surgery on his entire large intestine that had become infected. At the time of the operation he was just hours away from a complete organ shutdown. He had had turmoil in his life over the years. Sam is now in the ICU and his Minister visited him and explained to him God had given him another chance for him to make things right with his Lord. Pray for his good health and his spiritual life with Jesus.
Marv Rogge had successful heart valve replacement surgery on or about 20 December 2014. Other than a desire to chew his food way too much, Marv is doing great, up and about. Please join Marv, his lovely wife Marian and the rest of the family in giving thanks to God for the great result. Pray for a full and complete recovery.
Ian had surgery to remove excess skin rendered a nuisance by controlled lost of 200 pounds. Please give thanks for the successful result and for those treating him to have paid attention and done their very best on the lengthy surgery, taking the best possible care of him. Please pray for his continued recovery and strength for his Mother who will be in charge of his after care.
Jenniffer had surgery for breast cancer on 15 October 2014, which seemingly went well; please give thanks for that. She has had other complications which preclude her from making a full recovery in particular the drugs are making her terribly sick; please pray those will be overcome. Pray for help for Jenniffer to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry and concern as she recovers. Please pray also for strength and courage for her family as they try their best to help her.
Jim had infection complications from diabetes in his foot. The infection appears to be under control and he has been released from the hospital. Please join in giving thanks for the quick and good result and pray for complete healing.
DiAnne Thornton had back surgery 23 September 2014, with apparently good result. Please give thanks for the good result and pray the L5 decompression will allow her walking abilities and balance to be restored.
Alice had a mastectomy on 17 September 2014, that apparently went very well with a good result. Please give thanks for the good outcome and pray for full healing and complete remission.
Mary had successful hip replacement on 10 September 2014. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and ask for God’s help in her recovery.
Kathy had what seems to be very successful surgery on Wednesday, 3 September 2014, for cancer that returned somewhat unexpectedly. Please give thanks for the good results of the surgery and pray that the cancer will be held at bay by this action. Pray also for Kathy and her family to let God carry their worry, concern and terror so that Kathy can recover fully and quickly, so as to gain the best result. Help their entire family to keep their full trust in God.
Peggy had very successful knee replacement surgery 26 August 2104. She is going home on 29 August 2014 with no pain! Please give thanks for a great result.
John Evetts had successful extensive heart surgery; he is still in the hospital and recovering. He is in good spirits. John and his family thank God for the answer to many prayers on his behalf. John is a minister in the Anglican Episcopal Church which as a relationship with the AOC. We look forward to his return to his ministerial duties at St. George’s Anglican Church in Ventura in the near future.
John Evetts entered the ministry after a lifetime of work in industry and business as well as service in the Armed Forces in Vietnam. Like the Apostles, he came to the ministry from the secular world of work. Rev. Evetts is married and has two daughters and two grandchildren.
We thank the Rev. Evetts for his service to our country and his continuing service to God and His people.
Mary Thornell had colon cancer surgery and finished chemotherapy 17 June 2014. Tests the week of 2 June 2014 showed totally clear scans. Things were going well, but tests the week of 16 February 2015 showed what appears to be unknown spots on both lungs. She is going to City of Hope for a second opinion. Please pray for guidance for those treating here, as well as strength, guidance and peace of mind for Mary and her husband Jim, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, as she undergoes treatment.
Jim Thornell (Jet) seems to have recovered from the five stomach ulcers and now is dealing with blocked coronary arteries and taking care of Mary. Please give thanks for the great result and also for the strength, guidance and peace of mind our Lord gave Jet and his wife Mary, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, as he underwent treatment.
Al had an abscess found on his liver for which he was hospitalized, it turned out to be benign and will not require surgery, he has been released from the hospital. Please give thanks for this good result and pray for continued healing.
Elma is suffering from cancer. She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor. We were asked to pray that Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and that Elma and family might put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry. Since then, Elma’s Bishop told us a great Miracle of the Lord is working over Elma. Doctors sent her home to die, but now she seems to be doing all right. On behalf of her, thank you for all of your prayers. Please continue praying for her complete healing.
Dennis has heart problems; now the medical people treating him discovered a large mass on his liver which turned out to be a cyst! Please give thanks for this great development and pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Dennis and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that the contemplated surgery might go well.
Dwight had major oral surgery, for which he gives thanks. He is recovering slowly and asks your prayers to speed the process.
Mike is a veteran who has served his country when she called. Please pray he will open his heart to God so He can make Mike’s crooked road straight and pull him towards the summit rather than to the pit.
Dick’s left arm was amputated after treating for Merkel Cell carcinoma over a year ago. He has met with the oncologist’s and reviewed the CAT scan. Good News! The tumor has been reduced in size—it was down to one half the size that it was in September and there was no indication of a new tumor in the chest area. Dick wanted the Prayer Partners to know and join him in thankfulness to our Lord. Please join Dick and his family in giving thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ for his recovery as well as for their trust in God.
Carol Stone, the sweet wife of Mike Stone, recovered far better than expected from a severe brain bleed, but fell recently and broke her hip. She still requires 24 hour care, which Mike provides with little help.
Business
Mark’s business is in difficulty. He works in a shrinking field, of which he is one of the country’s true masters, but there is little work available. He asks that you pray that he can find a way to survive in his industry, which he loves and needs his talents. Pray he can find new sources of business and new ways of doing things, perhaps someone to partner with to better use his talents. Pray also for those who work for and with him that they might do their best to help.
Financial Guidance and Employment
Anne is unemployed and just interviewed for a position. Please pray she will be employed, if not at this position then that this interview will lead to better prospects. Pray for her ot be encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Ghost.
Doug recently became unemployed from his job of 18 years. He has been applying for jobs, but unable to get one at this time. His wife is working; this is not enough for the family. Please pray he will find employment with a firm that will be able to use his considerable skill and hard work to benefit both the firm and the family.
Catherine and Lewis are at a low ebb due to a struggle for employment. Your fervent prayers will be appreciated.
Lori is considering a potential change in her employment. Please pray for God’s guidance in considering all aspect of her potential work.
Sara is concerned about the future with her company. She would appreciate prayers for her continued employment and that her firm might find more and better ways to use her considerable skills.
Financial Guidance and Healing
Clark is in need of salvation; for God’s Will to be done in his life. Pray his family will be blessed with the financial miracles that come from doing His Will.
Timothy and Sharon had their home foreclosed the morning of 15 April 2014. They are experiencing spiritual, emotional and financial crisis at the current time. Please pray for God’s guidance as to how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves and more importantly have them draw closer to God and each other.
Linda, Rick, Christian and Sawyer are a family experiencing spiritual, emotional and financial crisis at the current time. Please pray for God’s guidance as to how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves and more importantly have them draw closer to God and each other.
David and Lorna are having financial problems. They are trying to find a smaller home which may be more affordable. Lorna has had an ongoing battle with brain cancer, her trips back and forth to the hospital have drained their finances to the point they sometimes struggle to have enough food in the house. Pleaser pray for Lorna’s healing and guidance on how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves.
God’s Strength and Peace of Soul
Tommy Dunning is facing his first Christmas following the death of his only son to cancer. Please pray he can concentrate his heart on what he had and will have in his son through God.
Guidance
Eli has some mental issues and has lost his way. He was admitted to the hospital for psychological evaluation to get a proper diagnosis and medications and has been discharged. He has yet to come to grips with the demons chasing him. Pray he will return to the Lord and his family. Eli’s brother Carl has gotten little to no support from the family, he being the one to get Eli into treatment. Daughter Katie seems to be the least helpful. Pray they will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and they will listen when He speaks to them. The family has been open to the Prince of Darkness and needs help.
Debbie has family problems that must be dealt with and she asks God’s guidance in making the correct decisions and how to stand.
Edward (45) had the opportunity to meet with a Christian during the conversation she discovered Edward had some background about God but thought He was not relevant to this day. Edward asked many questions about the Bible and was surprised at the answers and continued to ask questions. They both went their separate ways and the Christian told Edward that she would pray for him. Will you join in prayer for Edward, please?
Kathy is experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks. Please pray she can let the Lord calm and direct her in the best path to take to help alleviate these problems.
Michael and his Family ask your prayers for wisdom as they are under trial and affliction to follow the law of the land and yet honor God in so doing.
Flora is in remission with cancer, but has high blood pressure and fatigue. Flora’s Mother recently died and this has caused added stress. Please pray that she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she needs to do.
Elizabeth and Gunner need your prayers for their general well being. Pray that they might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide their lives. Pray they might open their hearts not only to the Lord, but to each other to become one in Him and happiness.
Eric and Betty need your prayers for their general well being. Pray that they might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide their lives. Pray they might open their hearts not only to the Lord, but to each other to become one in Him and happiness.
Eli has lost his way both spiritually and mentally, please pray for him and his parents Ed and Barb, who are having great struggles seeing their son, go through these afflictions having brought up in a Christian home. Please pray his parents can find a way to help Eli.
Marie has suffered the loss of her husband, her job and her pet all in a short period of time. Please pray for peace of mind for Marie, as well as for trust in the Lord for her and those around her that she might adjust to the changes in her life and move forward to the honor and glory of our Lord with His Help. (140607)
Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Christ. Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care. Please pray Mitten will see the light.
Kristen, Rickey and their two children ask you to pray for grace, wisdom and understanding as they attempt to cope with infidelity, separation and possibly divorce as a result of backsliding from the Lord into the World.
Aaron has a problem seeing is where his life should be leading him. Please pray that he can listen to his father Paul and those around him who want him to work hard and obtain a real education now rather than just coast towards oblivion.
Helene and her family ask your prayers for them as they deal with the loss of Alan, husband and father.
Stephanie seems to be very deeply into post partum depression after her baby was born prematurely. Please pray for her Mother in Law who is going a great distance to help Stephanie and her new Grandson. Pray that Stephanie will be able to direct her attention outward, rather than inward.
William is an elderly man living with his Son and Daughter in-law. William is causing trouble in the family because of his demanding ways and continually using bad language. The family is at wit’s end to know how to handle him and will appreciate your guidance and prayers.
Caitlin is in the grip of the Prince of Darkness; she thinks there is escape from reality in drugs. The saddest part is that reality is not as she sees it. Her family is despairing as they can do nothing to help her and ask that you pray for the Holy Ghost to enter into heart and show her the need for change before it is too late.
Nathaniel is in spiritual turmoil. His family and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal his heart.
Sam and her two children that have been living in a shelter and are to lose their place there. Please pray a place will be found they can stay in and recover.
Please pray Darlene will surrender her life to Christ.
Norrie is facing daily exams in the weeks ahead. Pray for calmness and concentration and to do the best possible.
Jonathan is addicted to drugs. He is now in jail awaiting trial. His parents and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal addiction.
Beth is suffering from ungodly treatment in her marriage. Please pray God will guide her in her behavior, actions and thoughts that she might be able to lead her husband to God so her marriage might prosper to the benefit of them.
Brandon a young man from a Christian family who married a year ago and almost immediately became estranged from him family. As a result he has had a serious problem with keeping the civil law. Please pray for Brandon that he will return to the Lord and the many problems will be eventually settled. Pray the hurt he has caused so many will be helped with our Lord’s care and love.
Dennis has some decisions to make and will appreciate our Lord’s guidance.
Jeanette has had many members of her family die from diabetes and several are near death now. Jeanette does not know the Lord and is despondent and perplexed about her family and herself. Please pray she can open her heart to allow the Holy Ghost in to bring her knowledge and understanding.
Dr. Elizabeth Raj is teaching a biblical approach to the psychological problems facing many in our society today. She is battling against the growing influence of worldly psychology adopted by the churches themselves. Elizabeth constantly stresses answers are found between the covers of that precious Book, the Holy Bible. Please pray for encouragement, strength, fortitude and courage for her.
Abigail is a teenager who has behavior problems. She feels she is in an area of mental darkness. Please pray that she might look to God for help and not within herself.
Sara asks that you pray for guidance for her as she deals with the stresses of her family and life. Pray that she can separate those things which she can affect from those things which she cannot and give her grace to accept that she cannot do everything and can only change those things within her control. She asks for God’s help for her business so that she might remain gainfully employed while keeping up with the needs of her mother and husband and healing her own problems.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Hap asks you to pray he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly, to change those things he can change, accept those things he cannot change, sleep well to be able to do the correct things with a clear head and that he will open his heart to the Holy Ghost.
School Challenges
Destiny, Blake and Janet
Anglican Orthodox Church
Indonesia
Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.
A |
lmighty God and Father of all who trust and believe in thy dear Son, Jesus Christ: We seek thy divine will in the establishment of an Anglican Orthodox Church of Indonesia. In this present day of waning faith and compromising ministers, we hope to discover your will in this important matter. Keep us always strong in faith, worship, and practice; purify continually your visible church on earth, and lead us into green pastures of evangelism and love of truth. The people of Indonesia are a precious people in your sight, and we would seek the honor of preaching your Gospel in those great islands. Grant us wisdom to know and do your will always, for we ask it in the Name of thy dear Son, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN
Pakistan
Please remember Faith Theological Seminary Gujranwala, Pakistan in your daily prayers as we are making arrangements for the Annual Graduation Ceremony on to be held on 20th of March 2015. Pray for graduating class 2015 so that after receiving degrees they will go out in the field to preach and teach the Good News of Jesus Christ.
– Bishop Jacob, Principal, FTS
O |
Father of Lights, and of all Knowledge and Learning: We ask thy blessings and grace be shed abroad upon those scholars of Faith Theological Seminary who are scheduled to graduate from their arduous studies on the upcoming 20th of March in Class 2015. Though they have completed one challenge in their calling to preach and teach the Gospel of Christ, they will be faced with mounting trials as they undertake the role in the fields that are white for harvest. We ask that you strengthen and encourage them in their calling and mission, Lord. Be with them on every dark and lonely road as well as on the pleasant meadows of your mercy. Go with them just as surely as you walked with the two men on the Road to Emmaus. Protect them from every evil and wicked snare the Archenemy of our Souls may set for them along the way. Let them remember the wise words of their teachers and professors at Faith Theological Seminary, and above all else the wise and life-giving Words of your Holy Scriptures. Bless them and prosper them, O Lord, and all good Christians of the Churches of Pakistan; and bless Faith Theological Seminary that it may continue to be a Beacon of Truth and Force for Christ in that land upon which you have planted it. These blessings and all others we ask in the Holy and Pure Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please keep the people in Pakistan constantly in your prayers. The Taliban has Bombed a Church in Lahore, killing 15 people and injuring 70.
Serbia
Rev. Igor Djurcik leader of Anglican Orthodox Church in Serbia asks us to pray for his students. He has excellent young people in Belgrade who are having services and classes on the Bible.
Fiji
Savusavu Fiji Islands is establishing a new Anglican Orthodox Church congregation Rev. Jack Andrew and members from the AOC in Labasa were with them for the weekend for this special time for our Church in Fiji. Pray that our Lord will be with the members in Savusavu as they bring others to his house.
Philippines
Please pray a Minister will be found who would like to serve in Tabuk, in the Philippine Islands. The Anglican Orthodox Church has an established Church there and in the surrounding areas and need a Shepherd to lead the flock.
Central African Republic
Christians in the Central African Republic are experiencing the ravages of a war between the Muslim and Christians. We have both ministers and members of the Anglican Orthodox Church in Central African Republic. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Diocese of the Epiphany
Saint Paul’s, Moberly, Missouri would like your prayers that the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might be more effective in spreading the Word of God.
Atlanta
Bishop Jerry is in Atlanta, preaching at a church who has in attendance many members of another church founded in 1887 that has closed. Many of those are older, in their late 70s and early 80s. Please pray they will see this is a parish where they can be one with other believers. Please pray the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might see their way to come together.
Diocese of Virginia
Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church is under a lot of stress. We all are, but they need even more prayer. Rev Roger Jessup, their wonderful minister, had to retire as he was so pressed by the duties of a primary care giver, in addition to all the worries of this world. Pray for trust in God for each member of the parish and for them to find economic relief.
Armed Forces & Contractors
Kristyna Thomas (Army – Fort Jackson), Airman Donny Patton (USAF – Hulbert Field, Florida), Jordan Brown (USMC – Fleet Marine Force – Pacific), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – New Jersey), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Camp Foster, Okinawa), Ethan (US Army Airborne – Southwest Asia)
For Our Country
Our country has lost its way. Over half the people that vote, voted for a government that promises them things it cannot deliver in return for their souls which it can, will and does take. Our foreign policy backs the rise of Islam, we turn our backs on those who would follow God and arm those who murder them. Pray God will raise up a leader from among the people who can turn the country’s course 180° and attempt to come back to God. Pray the people will recognize that they are headed down a smooth wide road into the pit, a road that will get smoother and smoother, steeper and steeper until the only possible way is down. Down, into the depths of the pit. Pray people will recognize there is:
- · One True and Triune God who is goodness in and of Himself
- · All religions are not equal
- · All ways of life are not equal;
- · The Bible holds the Key to Life;
- · All rights come from God, not the State;
- · Good;
- · Bad;
- · Evil;
- · Right;
- · Wrong;
- · Allah is the Devil;
- · Abortion is no more than sacrifice of children to Baal.
Pray this recognition will not come too late. Pray we will, each of us, do our duty to God, Country and Family, putting His Honor above all.
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the name of “Separation of Church and State” in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Nathan had successful surgery on 4 August 2014, to remove a tumor near his heart; then underwent chemotherapy. During a visit on 2 December 2014, the PET Scan found no evidence of cancer. Nathan and his family thank God for the great result, the medical team for paying attention and doing their best and you for your prayers.
Various Special Requests
Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific have been hit within the last day by a 165 mph Typhoon. Things are not good there. Pray for the people to see clearly what they must do to rebuild.
The Anglican Orthodox Church in Peshawar, Pakistan sustained damage to their building as the result of heavy rains. At present the roof is being rebuilt and they have not been able to hold services. Pray it will be fixed very soon and a new place might be found until the church is restored.
Nathalie is teaching English in a small western Ukrainian town where they are having so many problems. Pray for Nathalie and others around the world who are standing up for Christian principles in their countries.
This is a horrible time for the people of India, Christians in particular; they are having problems with Hunger, Bank Closings, Transportation and Schools not functioning. Pray for the Leaders and Members of our Church in Eluru Andhra Pradesh. Pray their basic needs will be met and God will be close to them in this time of need.
We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better. Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!
Thanksgiving
Losana had Dengue Fever, she has now recovered. Please join her in giving thanks for the swift recovery.
Kristyna Thomas gives thanks for a successful and safe graduation from Boot Camp at Fort Bragg, as do all the Thomas family and her many friends. She is off to Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic School now!
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
22 March 2015 – Passion Sunday – Fourth Sunday in Lent – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
29 March 2015 – Palm Sunday -– Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
2 April 2015 – Maunday Thursday – Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (5:45 pm); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
3 April 2015 – Good Friday – Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (5:45 pm); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
5 April 2015 – Easter Sunday – Holy Communion – SONRISE SERVICE – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
[1]Lent – Forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing till Easter, observed by some Christian churches as commemorative of the fast of our Savior. [1913 Webster] a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday [syn: {Lententide}]