150524 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Pentecost

commonly known as

Whitsunday

Sunday Report

Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of our parish joining the Anglican Orthodox Church.

Today is Whitsunday, also known as Pentecost.

Pentecost which is commonly called Whitsunday and the time of Whitsuntide

The octave (8 days) following Whitsunday. In the Book of Common Prayer, the Monday and Tuesday after Whitsunday are Red Letter days, so called because days provided with a proper Collect (prayer), Epistle, and Gospel were marked in the calendar in red ink. “Whitsuntide” (formerly also spelled “Whitsontide”) or “Whitsun Week” is derived from Middle English whitsonday, from Old English hwita sunnandæg, “White Sunday”, in reference to the white ceremonial robes formally worn on this day.

Whitsunday marks the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the 50^th day after Easter. It ranks, after Easter, as the second festival of the Church. In the West, the Vigil of Pentecost soon became a secondary date for baptisms, with a ceremony resembling the Paschal Vigil Service. (Pentecost is the Greek name for the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which falls on the 50th day after Passover.) As the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles on this day (Acts 2: 1), the name was applied to the Christian feast celebrating this event, popularly called “Whitsunday”.

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 some great ones to share. On to the On Point quotes –

Good & evil increase at compound interest. The decisions you & I make everyday are of infinite importance.

CS Lewis

To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

President George Washington

First Annual Message, 1790

On Holiness

If He does not support us, not one of us is safe from some gross sin. On the other hand, no possible degree of holiness or heroism which has ever been recorded of the greatest saints is beyond what He is determined to produce in every one of us in the end. The job will not be completed in this life: but He means to get us as far as possible before death.

Jack Lewis

Mere Christianity

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Psalm 34:11

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Proverbs 24:10

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

St. Matthew 7:24

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

I St. John 5:4

A large proportion of a saint’s anxieties arise from things which never really happen. We look forward to all the possibilities of the journey to heaven and imagine all sorts of crosses and obstacles. We carry mentally tomorrow’s crosses as well as today’s. And often we find our alarms were groundless. Let us go forward in faith, not fear. No problems, real or imagined, can dissuade the man who loves Christ from obeying him.

JC Ryle

19^th century Anglican bishop and author

Nothing advances Satan’s work with more skillful hands than to be ignorant of Satan and his ways. To escape his snare, we must have a strong faith in the fact that Satan exists. We must also have an intimate knowledge of him and his plans.

EM Bounds

19^th and 20^th century American theologian and author

Guide To Spiritual Warfare, pp. 110-111

In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.

Blaise Pascal

17^th century French mathematician, philosopher and author

A country dies slowly. Those living during the decline of Rome were likely unaware that anything was happening…Countries don’t have genetically determined life spans. Nor do they die quickly, unless the cataclysm of some great war does them in. Even in such extreme cases, there are usually warning signs, which are more obvious in hindsight than at the time. Few citizens of a dying nation recognize the signs. They are too busy trying to live their lives, sometimes not an easy task… Economically, people become poorer… work opportunities decline… government tries to ease the burden on the unemployed and lower skilled… which means higher taxes or debt financing… Capital flees first… Talented people leave the country for places that offer greater opportunity… people dig into their savings or begin to borrow in order to retain their standard of living… Eventually bankruptcies increase… Large areas like Detroit become close to uninhabitable… The State moves into full pretend mode… [It] must convince citizens [that] things are not as bad as they seem. [That] the State is not responsible of the situation. [And] that the State must do more (grow bigger) in order to solve the problems… The State has one objective and that is to remain in power… Tyrannical rules and legislation are passed… to protect the leaders against the public when they finally understand what has been done to them… Dependency increases… A “wag the dog” war or crisis is often used as a means to rally the public against some phony enemy… Society becomes increasingly divided in terms of the “makers” and the “takers.” As the takers grow in numbers, the makers shrink in numbers… the parasites overwhelm the productive. Society collapses at that point.

Tyler Durden

21^st century American economic commentator

How A Country Dies, 6-22-14

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.

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 Propers for today are found on Page 180-182, with the Collect first:

Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday.

The Collect.

GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout Whitsun Week.

This morning’s Epistle came from the Second Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles beginning at the First Verse, which consisted primarily of a listing of all the countries and regions surrounding Jerusalem, or at least the hardest to pronounce ones, and a description of the actions of the Apostles when the Holy Ghost came upon them. But, you will also notice that the coming of the Holy Ghost demonstrated the universality of The Word, for when they spoke in tongues, The Word spoke to each in their own language. The Word was not some stranger’s language, but their very own!

HEN the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Today’s Gospel came from the Fourteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John beginning at the Fifteenth Verse:

ESUS said unto his disciples, If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.

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.

Sermon Notes

Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday

St Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church

24 May 2015, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday.

The Collect.

¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout Whitsun Week.

Today’s text is about prayer as much as it is about Pentecost, for the matter is all wrapped up together in the wonderful manner of the working of God by agency of the Holy Ghost.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” This is an example to us of how a church should be – one accord, one place. If we are One with Christ, we will be One with each other. Christ is not divided against Himself.

The common prayers of the Apostles were joined together as one voice, and that voice was also the Voice of God for, if we pray in His Will, the prayer is a repeat of His Word for us. Common prayer is strong in its effect and reception by God. How can we ere when we pray the very Word of God?

Prayer is not unlike an echo. It rises to Heaven and, if it be a Godly prayer, is resounds from Heaven with a thunderous echo.

Prayer truly is an echo, only the echo is not God’s. It is our spirits echoing, in humble prayer, the will of the Lord. He thunders and we echo that thunder in our hearts.

Our truest prayers are but the echo of God’s promises. And our echoed prayer is answered with echo after echo from God – very much like two mirrors facing so that the resulting image advances into infinity.

We are now about to witness in the text an illustration of the working of that Spirit called Holy – the Holy Ghost! Please note from whence the sound of His Voice originates:

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

From Heaven. No will of God originates on earth, but from heaven. That is why our prayers must ‘echo’ the will of God for us.

A rushing might wind: A symbol of the Holy Ghost, almost always working in the silent chambers of the heart, here is so powerfully present in its coming that it resembles a mighty gushing wind of tremendous force. There is no corner of the house that is not filled with it.

It is like the wind in at least four particulars:

In His —

1. Secret coming.

2. Powerful shaking.

3. Purifying blowing.

4. Soft refreshing.

Like the morning dew, no one can observe its coming, but the evidence of its presence overwhelms the company.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Notice the Holy Ghost is like a FIRE!

In His —

1. Bright shining.

2. Genial warming.

3. Destructive burning.

4. Rapid spreading.

As Matthew Henry notes: “The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up.”

Pentecost began with fervent prayer in the Wilderness, and so does the same occur here at our day of Pentecost following, by forty-nine days, the events of Holy Week.

And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: ¹⁶ Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. (Lev 23:15-16)

This is the seventh week (or 49 days of the morrow) following the Sunday of Resurrection! Once again, fervent prayer is offered and the Holy Ghost answers that call.

We note in the events of this moment that the Holy Ghost had the efficacious benefit to change the hearts of men instantaneously to believe on Him whom they had pierced.

Let us examine this effect:

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

What do these other tongues mean and how were they manifested to those around?

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

There were present representatives from every known nation at Jerusalem. They all spoke in ‘foreign’ languages. This must have been a confusing moment?

Not so!

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

They were confused, not because they could not understand the words spoken by the Apostles, but because they COULD!

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? ⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

I am sorry to tell you this, but all those so-called churches who teach that these tongues were utterances of ecstasy no one else could understand are teachers of false doctrine. They are heretics or unable to read and comprehend the clear meaning of Scripture!

If a man or woman stands up in a church and begins to speak in a babble that no one can understand, does that edify the church? Does it please God? The word babble comes from the Tower of Babble which, because of their sin against heaven, God confused their languages so that each spoke a language the other could not understand. It sounded like babble, babble, babble, or the language of Babel.

The Holy Ghost will not come to you with an uncertain sound.

Paul describes this practice in 1 Cor 14:8-9

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? ⁹ So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

Does God intend confusion to be a reverent manner of worship?

Again Paul says: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Cor 14:33)

The Holy Ghost is an agent of peace, goodwill, love, and obedience. If you hear His Voice, you will not hear the voices of false friends calling you to dress in sexy or inappropriate ways. You will disregard the voices pleading you to go where you should not, or do things you should not do. Do you truly love God? Then obey His Holy Spirit in your daily lives!

Do you hear the Echo?

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action

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:

… sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort …

When Jesus left on Ascension Day, we lost a teacher here on earth. We still have Him as Redeemer and Savior; but what to do for understanding? In response to His departure, God sent us the Holy Ghost.

Who is this Holy Ghost?

We worship the One True God, a triune God, that is Three in One; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Most people have no trouble understanding the concept of God the Father, Christians seem to get God the Son, but many seem to have a bit of difficulty with the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost has been there since the beginning. He breathed life into the world, yet His actions seemed to be sporadic until Pentecost.

Well, today is Pentecost, the time one normally thinks of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Breath of God, the Comforter. When people do think of Him, they oft think of the actions described in the words of Saint Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. The dancing and speaking in tongues. All that happened so we might understand that with the help of the Holy Ghost we might bring the Word to all mankind. The Word of God is a universal language. When the disciples spoke in tongues, the people around them heard the Word in their own language, not an odd combination of sounds that no one understood. The disciples spoke and were heard by those around them in their own language, not Klingon. It is not for us to speak in tongues without study; that was a one shot deal. It was designed to show us that we could, with hard work and persistence bring the Gospel to the world in the language of the people. It showed that we were in fact to preach the Gospel to all nations, not just the nation of Israel, but to all the nations of the World. The many nations all comprise of the fallen race of Adam of which the Good News is to be spread. Which is what the purpose of God sending the Holy Ghost was for, was for us to bring the light of Christ into the world for all to see and believe upon. The Holy Ghost allows us to spread His Word amongst all the people in the world and to convince them and let them believe. It opens our eyes to what is good for us and what is not good for us, so that we know what to believe and what not to believe.

The Holy Ghost is also our direct connection to God. When Jesus left, the disciples were distant from God. When they were not near Jesus, they did not do as well as when they were with Him. See Peters actions after the arrest of Jesus for an example, thrice denying His Lord. The Holy Ghost came so that we would have understanding and a direct connection to God, wireless as it were, instead of having to be tethered to Christ. It is how He will always be with us, even though He is not physically with us at the present time. We will never have to fear anything as long as He is with us, for if He is with us, who should we be afraid of, if we are on His side?

If we allow the Holy Ghost into our hearts, we will never be far from Him, and He will never be far from us. We have to consciously let Him in, He will not come uninvited into our heats. The Holy Ghost will help us understand Scripture and will give us guidance on our earthly lives, as we work towards staying on the straight and narrow path towards heaven. He will give us the inspiration and help us to do what is right for our fellow Christians and friends, while staying true to God. He will light our paths in difficult times and trials and will give us the guidance we need to finish our race for Him.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that He would be leaving, but the Father would send a facilitator; one who whose presence, if we let Him into our hearts, would let us understand His Word with those self same hearts. The Comforter would bring the Love of God into our hearts to let us feel His Love. He will help us understand that we are striving to be one with God, with Jesus and with the Holy Ghost. Our love can be demonstrated by our actions. Which are only possible if we allow the Holy Ghost into our hearts and believe and Act upon our faith! This is a point that is made time and time again in Scriptures. We need to be doers of the world, not just hearers, to paraphrase St. James. For if we love Jesus, we will do as He asked.

If you think about it, you will recall that the second half of the Book of Luke is titled The Acts of the Apostles. It is not the thoughts, the beliefs, the feelings, the meditations, the inner feelings or any other touchy feely, it is the ACTS. If you believe, act on those beliefs. The Holy Ghost is here to help us know how to act, we will just have to let Him into our hearts, and then ACT.

We need the help of the Holy Ghost to learn what we are to do, how we are to do it and most of all to do it. Action, not just diction.

Pray for His continual presence in your heart.

Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail. The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.

The time is now, not tomorrow. The time has come, indeed. How will you 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:

Our Comforter

John 14:15-31

Whitsuntide

May 24, 2015

Jesus did a lot of talking about His going away. So do we. We begin early each year, long before Easter, in the early days of Lent we begin to talk about His death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. Even before that we read about Joseph being told to take Mary as his wife, for, “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” How was He to save His people from their sins? By dying on the cross, by going away from them into the realm of death. In His infancy Mary was told, “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also.” What is that sword but the loss of Christ on the cross? And long before Christ’s birth, in many ways and in many places, the Holy Bible tells us that this One who will come to bring peace will be rejected and killed and go away again. Jesus is talking about going away in our reading from John 14 this morning. “I go away.” He said in verse 28. “I go unto the Father.”

We know He did go away. He went away once for three days after his crucifixion. But then He went away again, and this time He has been gone for more than two thousand years. Before He left He made some promises. One is found in our reading for this morning, and it is beautifully stated for us in John 14: 18: “I will not leave you comfortless.” Actually, in the Greek, it says, “I will not leave you orphans.”

Orphans did not last long in Roman culture. With no one to care for them, feed them, clothe them, or shelter them, they starved rapidly, or were gathered up and forced into cruel and dangerous slavery. Sometimes they worked in mines, in the tight places where men could not fit. Sometimes they were simply fed to the beasts. The promise not to leave us orphans, is a promise that God will not allow this to happen to us. As Christ has been our caretaker, our elder brother, and our comforter, He will also send another like unto Him to continue His care over us.

I’m sure you have heard that the word “comforter” comes from a Greek word meaning to come along side or to stand beside. You have probably heard that it comes from the Roman court system, and refers to the lawyer who takes your side in the case. He not only stands beside you, he defends you from your accusers. But before it acquired that meaning, it referred to any person who comes to the aid of another. It could be someone who saves a comrade’s life on the battlefield. It could be a Good Samaritan who helps a battered and needy person. Or it could be a person who takes an abandoned, orphaned child into his home and care, to save him from death, or from a fate worse than death. God’s promise to you is this; you will never be an abandoned, orphaned child. The Holy Ghost will come to you, and be your Comforter.

But I would be unfaithful to God and my calling if I were to allow people to think this promise of the Comforter is just a general promise to all mankind. A serious look into John 14 reveals that the Comforter comes only to certain people and only under certain conditions. These people and these conditions are stated clearly in the 15^th and 16^th verses: “ If ye love me, keep my commandments, and I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” Who are the people to whom the Comforter comes? Those who love Christ and keep His commandments. What are the conditions upon which the Comforter comes? Loving Christ and keeping His commandments.

When Christ used the word “love” He was not talking about the feelings we might have for another person, or a cute puppy. He was talking about a mindset that puts God above all else, even your very life. He was talking about a total commitment to God that can only be expressed as loving Him with all your heart soul, and mind. Most of us know what Christ means, our problem is in doing what we know. That fact is we don’t love God above all, we love ourselves above all and we are more than happy to let other things come between us and God. Why don’t we obey God’s commandments? Because we love ourselves more than we love God. We love to please ourselves more than we love to please God.

I think most “Christians” are “A La Carte” Christians. They are like people in a restaurant who take what they want and leave the rest. When it comes to doctrine they think, “I’ll have a little ‘God loves me,’ and some ‘peace on earth, good will to men.’ But I don’t want any of this wrath of God stuff. It spoils my appetite.” In Christian living they say, “I’ll take some, ‘judge not that ye be not judged,’ but I don’t want anything that condemns the anger in my heart, or my continuing failure to even attempt to be a Biblical husband/wife/parent/daughter/son/in-law, or the lust in my heart.

You should know the most popular Churches in the world today are “A La Carte” Churches. They let you take the sweets and leave the spinach. They preach forgiveness without confession. They preach salvation without repentance. They preach peace with God without transformation of the heart. They preach the death of Christ, but not the sinner dying to sin. They preach the resurrection of the body, but not the spiritual resurrection out of sin and rebellion into a new life of holiness in Christ Jesus. They preach the blessing of God, but not the obedience of the saints.

Now we come to the point of this sermon, and I think it is one of the primary points in this passage of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is for those who love God, and keep His commandments. I am not talking about perfection in heart or practice. I am talking about a life-attitude and intent to put God above all else, and to do what God wants. A second point is that the presence of the Holy Spirit is always marked by a decided tendency toward obedience to God. The presence of the Holy Spirit “will always make itself manifest in the conduct, behaviour, tastes, ways, choices, and habits of him who has it. It is not a dormant thing, that can be within a man and not show itself without. The heavenly seed is “not corruptible, but incorruptible.” It is a seed which is distinctly said to “remain” in every one that is born of God. (1 Peter i. 23; 1 John iii. 9). Where the Spirit is, He will always make His presence known.

We hold that it is wrong to tell men that they are “children of God, and members of Christ, and heirs of the kingdom of heaven,” unless they really overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. We maintain that to tell a man he is “born of God,” or regenerated, while he is living in carelessness or sin, is a dangerous delusion, and calculated to do infinite mischief to his soul. We affirm confidently that “fruit” is the only certain evidence of a man’s spiritual condition; that if we would know whose he is and whom he serves, we must look first at his life. Where there is the grace of the Spirit there will be always more or less fruit of the Spirit. Grace that cannot be seen is no grace at all, and nothing better than Antinomianism. Note, in short, we believe that where there is nothing seen, there is nothing possessed” (Bishop Ryle on Evangelical Religion).

In these days many are looking for proof that they have the Holy Spirit. Some look for signs and miracles and ecstatic experiences. Some look for knowledge of doctrine and theology. Some look for good works, as defined by the self-appointed and politically confused “elite.” They should be looking for two things. First, does the Spirit they claim to possess lead them to love God the way the Bible teaches? Second, does the Spirit they claim to have lead them to obey the commandments of God?

—

+Dennis Campbell

Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia

Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church

Powhatan, Virginia

www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org

www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com

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.

Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday

Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of our Lord. Our church calendar commemorates this solemn and extraordinary event which is also referred to as Whitsunday, or Whitsuntide for the first three days of the week on which Pentecost falls during the year. The name Whitsunday comes to us from the Old English word for the color white. This was on account of the white robes which were worn by recently baptized persons. Pentecost was and remains a Jewish festival which falls fifty days after Passover and memorializes our LORD’s giving of the Law to Moses. For Christians, it is the birthday of the church when God gave the gift of his Spirit to the apostles. Ever after, the Holy Spirit of God would come to all who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Now let us consider the details of that latter event. Our Lord instructed the disciples, prior to his ascension, not to depart from Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:4-8). St. Luke, the author of both the gospel which bears his name and the Book of Acts, was very meticulous in his recording of the events which occurred in the life of Christ and those of the early apostles. While no gospel writer recorded every single event, or every aspect of the events about which they wrote; they, nevertheless, gave us what the Holy Spirit of God urged them to write on his behalf. Notice that the eleven disciples observed the ascension of our Lord and heard the witness of the angels present (Acts 1:11) who informed them that as Jesus had so ascended, in like manner he would return. It was this event which affirmed in their minds that Jesus is of God and that all which he had told them would come to pass. Their eyewitness testimony and their willingness to die rather than to deny that witness is an integral part of the Christian ethos as noted in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. And no one who bears the name of Christ can be his while at the same time denying his ascension into heaven as the apostles so witnessed, and which has been recorded within the pages of the Bible.

After the ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were found continually in the temple praising and blessing God (St. Luke 24:52- 53). They gathered themselves together with other believers and were in prayer and supplication. They also at the urging of the Holy Spirit, selected another disciple from among the brethren who was named Matthias.

Ten days later, on the Feast of Pentecost, God sent to them the Holy Ghost as Christ had promised. The Spirit of God came to them with a rushing wind as in Genesis 1:2 and was then followed by the cloven tongues as of fire that sat upon each of the disciples. As the Rev. Matthew Henry once observed, “These tongues were cloven (divided) to signify that God would divide unto all nations the knowledge of his grace. The tongues were divided, yet they (the disciples) still continued all of one accord, for there may be a sincere unity of affections where yet there is a diversity of expression.” They were, after all, preaching the same message just in different languages.

Across the globe, there are myriads of Christians who make up the body of Christ. They may speak different languages and have differing orders of worship, but if they are in Christ, they will possess the Holy Spirit of God. They will thus honor and adore the Godhead through their reverent worship, teaching, preaching and living of his word and commandment. And such will be plainly visible to any fellow Christian. While Anglican Orthodox Christians will differ in our worship from those of the other denominations of the Christian faith; still, if we are all holding to the essentials of the faith, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, eternally linked to him and to one another by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

Back in Genesis 11:1-9, the LORD broke the ethnic and linguistic unity of mankind in order to restrain the operations of evil in the world. While in Acts 2:1- 11, he began the process of reunifying mankind under the auspices of the Holy Ghost. Through the third person of the Trinity, he would build a spiritual unity amongst the various peoples, kindreds and tongues who not being able to identify with others different from themselves apart from the Holy Spirit, might have that unity by means of God’s Spirit in Jesus Christ. For after the Holy Ghost had come upon the disciples, they spoke in the languages of the multitude of visitors who had come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. As St. Luke noted in Acts 2:5, there were in Jerusalem devout Jews from every corner of the known world and they each heard the gospel in their own language. This miraculous act demonstrated God’s power to proclaim to all the world beginning first in Jerusalem his offering of salvation (St. Luke 24:47). God ‘s word cannot be restrained nor can it be rendered unfruitful. God’s plan and purpose has been to redeem that which was lost, and the gift of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost was an important milestone in that regard.

Now consider what it means to receive God’s gift of the Holy Ghost. First of all, we are regenerated— born again— by his power in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are thus made alive in Christ and have died to this world system (Ephesians 2:1-10). If such does not happen— if we do not die to the things of this world— then those desires for the inordinate things in this life— the lures of the world, the flesh and the devil— will draw us back into a life of sin and degradation. Our Lord said, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other… (St. Matthew 6:24). We have to choose whom we will serve. If we are born again then we will choose to keep to the strait gate and the narrow way of Christ. If not, then we will fall prey to the evil one.

Secondly, we have received an anointing by God via the Holy Ghost who has sealed us (I St. John 2:20-27). Matthew Henry once noted concerning this passage that, “True Christians are anointed ones and are anointed with oil of grace, with gifts and spiritual endowments by the Spirit of grace. The Holy Spirit is compared to oil as well as to fire and water. .. The effects of this unction [anointing] is a spiritual eye-salve. It enlightens and strengthens the eyes of the understanding. Thereby you know all things concerning Christ and his religion.” And so, by this anointing we have grace sufficient to do those things which God has called on us to do. Via our anointing, we have become soldiers in his army and workers in his harvest. We have not been anointed to live a life of indolence— to be as sloths— hanging about waiting for some opportune moment to partake of the benefits of God’s grace. We have been anointed to be like the diligent sower, the vigilant watchman, the persistent prayer warrior, and the faithful steward. We have been anointed to ACT, as the Rev. Jack Arnold reminds us in his church’s weekly newsletter.

Thirdly, as we have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost we ought to keep in mind that it was not a work of ourselves, or of men, but of God. In Acts 2:17, St. Peter recounted what the LORD had said through the prophet Joel (2:28- 29), I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh. While we are commanded to observe the sacrament of Holy Baptism, it is after all God who furnishes his Spirit, not at our behest, but in accord with his will and purpose. While men and women may undergo water baptism, if their hearts are not right with God, then nothing will come of their efforts. We only receive that one true baptism if we truly believe and accept God’s offering of salvation via his only begotten Son’s atoning work on our behalf. Think of all those who have submitted to this sacrament or ordinance but who did so not to please God, but to receive the praise of men. If we would truly receive the gift of the Holy Spirit of God, then we must have a heart dedicated to obedience to Christ.

And lastly, the Holy Ghost guides us into all truth (St. John 16:13); empowers our witness (Micah 3:8); and sanctifies us in our walk and work (II Thessalonians 2:13-14). You cannot please God except by living in accordance with his word and commandment. And you will not get, as it were, to “square-one” with the Godhead apart from the divine assistance of the Holy Ghost.

So at Pentecost, the church received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is a gift of inestimable value and one that is confined solely to those who possess a true and lively faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. If we are truly of the faith, then the Holy Ghost will empower our witness and our lives in God’s service. May God so fill each of us today.

Let us pray,

ather, we pray that thou would fill us with thy most holy Spirit as you did the apostles of old; that we might ever proclaim the good news of salvation to those who are as yet mired in sin; that they too might come to believe on Christ Jesus as their Saviour, and be numbered with thy saints in glory; for this we ask in that name which is above every name, 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 Roy and Janet are on travel this week to Portland, OR.

Bishop Jerry is on travel to Ventura, CA this week for ordinations and celebrations at St. George’s.

Birthday

Siri celebrated her very FIRST birthday on 20 May 2015^{^[1]}. She is a member of our church in India and her Grandfather and family will appreciate your prayers.

Anniversary

Dru and Hap Arnold celebrated their 28^th 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.

Departed

Nyric (age 15) passed away the evening of 21 May 2015, from congenital congestive heart failure in the Solomon Islands. Bishop Mostyn Prana was with Nyric and his family. The family and church thank you for your prayers. Please rive thanks for his time here on earth and pray that his family will be able to put their sadness on the Lord’s back as they move forward. Bishop Mostyn asks you pray for the Lord’s comfort of his family. May his soul rest in peace with our Almighty God.

Alan passed away on 18 May 2015, as the result of a malady which destroyed the frontal region of his brain. Please pray for his wife Linda and his family as they cope with his loss.

Jean Maxeiner passed away on 4 May 2015, at home with her daughter and son in law, Mary and Richard Hargrave. Please give thanks for her time here on earth and pray for comfort and strength for her family and friends who of necessity remain behind; strengthen their trust in the Lord. Help Jean’s family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness and replace it with memories of love.

Nearing the end of their time here on earth

Phil was taken off life support on 2 April 2015. 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 Phil and his family who will of necessity remain behind.

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.

In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan

Marilyn has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Marilyn’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Marilyn and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

Kathy, Don Patton’s sister, has reoccurring abdominal cancer which has not responded to treatment so far, they are nearing the end of the know treatments, with one course left to try. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Cathy, for a miraculous remission; that Cathy 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 Cathy, Don 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 Cathy.

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.

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.

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.

Surgery

Sandy Patton is scheduled to have an ovarian cyst removed on 9 June 2015, it is large enough that it cannot be removed laparoscopically. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very best. Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Sandy and her family.

Nat had a second cornea transplant done on 8 May 2015, it looks like it may hold. This has been a difficult time for Nat and his family. Please pray for trust in the Lord and a successful outcome.

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

Shamim Gray was hospitalized for gastrointestinal bleeding. The medical team treating her had not been able to control the bleeding. They are considering removal of Shamim’s colon. She is now home and waiting for the next month or so to see how her body recovers. This is a very trying time for her. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her, that they will be guided, pay attention and do their best. Pray Shamim and her family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

Red Thornell has mass in his neck, which appears likely to be cancerous. He has had a biopsy on 22 May 2015 and expects the results after a PET scan on Tuesday 26 May 2015. While there is an infection, his temperature is now normal; he is not for he sleeps 19-20 hours a day. Please pray for trust in our Lord for Red and his wonderful wife Vickie as they try to get through this nightmare.

Elma has been suffering with headaches for a long time. Doctors have not been able to discover the reason for them. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Elma and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to banish the headaches completely.

Corissa has been diagnosed with a blockage. As soon as the Physicians determine the exact problems they expect Major Surgery will proceed.

Barbara Apple was more or less bedridden after a fall. She was hospitalized in great pain and had been transferred to a skilled nursing facility where they hope to be able to control the pain level. 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.

Bob Apple was at the hospital picking up his wife Barbara to bring her to the skilled nursing facility when he experienced chest pain. Barbara’s release from the hospital was delayed until Bob underwent an angiogram and had his medication adjusted. Please pray for comfort and strength for Bob and his continued healing.

Deborah has had a stroke, she is doing much better and out of the hospital. She has a problem with anemia and is taking supplements for that. Pray our Lord will be close to her and her family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Deborah and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to allow her to heal completely.

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.

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 times 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.

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 method 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

Cindy is very ill, she is young and has children, she and her family need your prayers that they might stay close to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as she heals.

Diana, age 15, broke her leg while in school and now has a cast on. Pray she will adjust and be healed soon

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.

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 back in the Long Beach VA Hospital. It is quite a trip for Mary, so please pray that he will recover fully and quickly. 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

Diane spent a month in the hospital because of an inability to breath., due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) apparently from chronic bronchitis. She is home, still very weak and learning to live with this progressive disease. Pray she will let the Lord help her be calm in her new circumstances and that healing will come.

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.

James for the Lord’s healing of health issues and give a remedy for many personal challenges at the moment

Thanksgiving and Continued Healing

Herb McCormick (1st Sergeant, USA Retired and dear friend of Bishop Jerry) had throat cancer surgery on 12 May 2015 at Emory Hospital, Atlanta. At 86, it was major surgery with little hope of survival. Herb survived the surgery, which apparently went very very well. Please give thanks for the medical team paying attention and doing their best and for the good outcome. Pray also that Herb and her family will be able to let God help them as he recovers. Peggy and her family thank you for your prayers. Herb, his wife and two daughters give thanks for your prayer and ask you pray for continued healing.

Peggy had very successful surgery for a torn Rotator Cuff on 30 April 2015. Please give thanks for the medical team paying attention and doing their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Peggy and her family will be able to let God help them as she recovers. Peggy and her family thank you for your prayers.

Bob Balslev gives thanks for successful knee replacement operation and asks for your prayers for a full and rapid recovery.

Bill Hall gives thanks for a successful bilateral knee replacement operation and asks for your prayers for a full and rapid recovery and for help with pain at night.

Carolyn, (Charlie McCormack’s mom) was hospitalized with a blood clot in her arm, she is back home and doing well. Please pray the clot will continue to abate without damage to her system. Give her trust in the Lord and peace of mind for her and Charlie, too.

Daisy Lee is recovering from 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. She has turned the corner and is fighting towards recovery. She underwent hyperbaric treatment which worked, but was quite far from home. Now she needs to heal and decide whether to try continued healing or additional amputation. This is very very hard, but Daisy has kept her faith. As she becomes more well, less in people’s thoughts and prayers it will be a lot tougher for her. Please pray for strength for her and her family and friends as time moves on. Her 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.

Michael Lenahan known to all as Bullet was hospitalized on 18 March 2015, and had a stent placed in a cardio artery. All went well and he is recovering nicely. Please give thanks for the great result and pray for a complete and rapid recovery for Bullet.

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.

Arch Crittenden has Multiple Myeloma (cancer cells in bone marrow); without this treatment life expectancy is one to two years. The treatment has apparently been effective. Arch and his lovely wife Kathy ask that you pray for their trust in God to remain strong and for a good outcome.

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.

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 reconstructive surgery seems to have gravely affected her back muscles and nerves, resulting in both very limited mobility and extreme pain, 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.

Mary Thornell has been battling colon cancer for three years now, she is currently treating at the City of Hope. Things seem to be going well, the numbers seem headed in the right direction. Please pray for guidance for those treating her, 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.

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 

Steve is addicted to alcohol, pain pills and gambling. Pray for wisdom, courage and strength to stick with treatment and follow God’s plan for his life

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?

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 so that His Light can penetrate into the far corners of his heart and eradicate the darkness lingering there.

School Challenges

Destiny, Blake and Janet

Anglican Orthodox Church

Kenya

The Anglican Orthodox Church is making plans for establishment of a presence in Kissi, Kenya. There are six parishes, a total of 161 members, 68 adults, 93 children with two ministers:

· Raphael Ondara
· Johnson Otara
·

Please pray for the church there and guidance for the people involved.

India

Nepal has experienced a 8.3 earth quake and it has reached India where we have members of The Anglican Orthodox Church. Please pray now and continue your prayers as they experience the many problems

Indonesia

Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.

Pakistan

The forces of evil are strong in Pakistan. The force of God stronger. Pray for our Christian family there.

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.

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 was 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 – enroute to Camp Walker – Taegu / Daegu, ROK), 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

The Islamist group (ISIS) just took over Quaragosh, the biggest Christian city in Iraq; 164 men, women and children were beheaded. People ask where is God? The real question is where are the people to enforce God’s will. Pray the people of the world will see Allah for who he is, the Devil. Pray for those who remain behind that they might find a way to safety.

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.

Various Special Requests

Buzz Barron’s long time cat family member Georgie is doing very poorly, it may be the end of Georgie’s time here and Buzz is very concerned. Pray for trust in the Lord for Buzz and for those taking care of Geordie to do their best for him.

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

Bishop Jerry gives thanks for safe travel last week to Statesville, NC.

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.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

31 May 2015 – Trinity Sunday – Holy Communion – Service will be held in conjunction with Saint George’s in Ventura, CA (AEC) Bishop Jerry Ogles will be presiding – 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 – 6300 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93003

^{^[1]}For you Apple users, now you can see why sometimes Siri is not as attentive as you might like to your questions; she is only just now 1!

About the Author: admin

240421 AOC Sunday Report

240427 AOC Sunday Report

240331 AOC Sunday Report

240324 AOC Sunday Report

240317 AOC Sunday Report