Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide Communion
Saint Luke the Evangelist
superseding the
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Sunday Report
Today we celebrated the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday.
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 –
A great disaster had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that’s why all this has happened.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
I would rather be beaten and be a man than to be elected and be a little puppy dog. I have always supported measures and principles and not men. I have acted fearlessly and independent and I never will regret my course. I would rather be politically buried than to be hypocritically immortalized.
David Crockett
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Psalm 119:156
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
Isaiah 10:21
Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in he way, in the multitude of thy might men.
Hosea 10:13.
Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
St. Luke 4:24
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
St. John 10:27-28
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I Corinthians 5:7-8
If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us something to do.
Matthew Henry
17th and 18th century English pastor and author
We must be careful that we do not give ministers a place and honour which does not belong to them. We must never allow them to come between us and Christ. The very best are not infallible. They are not priests who can atone for us. They are not mediators who can undertake to manage our soul’s affairs with God. They are men like us, needing the same cleansing blood, the same renewing Spirit, men set apart to a high and holy calling, but still, after all, only men. Human nature, alas, always prefers a visible minister to an invisible Christ. Nor must the minister, or any Christian, desire to be great in the eyes of men, but rather great in the eyes of Christ. His aim must be not so much to rule the church as to serve it, not a master but a servant.
JC Ryle
19th century Anglican bishop and author
We celebrate Columbus Day and the Fourth of July because history is written by the winners. Had the Aztecs, the Mayans or the Iroquois Confederation developed the necessary technology and skills to cross the Atlantic and begin colonizing Europe, the fate of its native inhabitants would have been far uglier. The different perspectives on history often depend on which side you happen to be on. To Americans, the Alamo is a shining moment of heroism. To the Mexicans who are the heirs of a colonialist empire far more ruthless than anything to be found north of the Rio Grande, the war was a plot to conquer Mexican territory. And neither side is altogether wrong, but choosing which version of history to go by is the difference between being an American or a Mexican. A nation’s mythology, its paragons and heroes, its founding legends and great deeds, are its soul. To replace them with another culture’s perspective on its history is to kill that soul. That is the ultimate goal of political correctness, to kill America’s soul. To stick George Washington, Patrick Henry, Jefferson, James Bowie, Paul Revere, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and all the rest on a shelf in a back room somewhere, and replace them with timelier liberal heroes. Move over Washington, Caesar Chavez needs this space. No more American heroes need apply. Followed of course by no more America. This is how it begins. And that is how it ends. Nations are not destroyed by atomic bombs or economic catastrophes; they are lost when they lose any reason to go on living. When they no longer have enough pride to go on fighting to survive.
Daniel Greenfield
21st century American commentator
The End of Columbus Day is the End of America, 10-12-15
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 253-254, with the Collect first:
Saint Luke the Evangelist. [October 18.]
The Collect.
A |
LMIGHTY God, who didst inspire thy servant Saint Luke the Physician, to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son; Manifest in thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and our souls; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And, as the Feast of Saint Luke supersedes the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity, we read that Collect also!
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
The Collect.
O |
ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle for today comes from the Second Epistle of Saint Paul to Timothy, the Fourth Chapter, beginning at the Fifth Verse:
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ATCH thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Today’s Holy Gospel comes from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Tenth Chapter beginning at the First Verse:
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HE Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.
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
Saint Luke the Evangelist
superseding the
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Saint Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church
18 October 2015, Anno Domini
Saint Luke the Evangelist. [October 18.]
The Collect.
A |
LMIGHTY God, who didst inspire thy servant Saint Luke the Physician, to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son; Manifest in thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and our souls; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And, as the Feast of Saint Luke supersedes the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity, we read that Collect also!
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
The Collect.
O |
ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:1-11 KJV)
Today’s lectionary text from the Book of Acts is, like all other parts of the Bible, more sensible and cohesive if quoted in a fuller context; and so I have also included three additional verses to those suggested by the lectionary. Practically all ancient and reliable authorities attribute the Book of Acts to the writing of Saint Luke as inspired by the Holy Ghost. It is of such a balanced and broad nature I do not doubt that fact.
This date in the Church calendar is an opportune time to commemorate St. Luke and even the beginning of the Advent Season. St. Luke, in His Gospel, recorded actual eye-witness accounts of the life of Christ. In this present book, he gives us an account of the Second, and yet unseen, Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I sent out a quote yesterday of Philip Schaff on the importance of history concerning the church: “How shall we labor with any effect to build up the church if we have no thorough knowledge of her history? History is, and must ever continue to be, next to God’s Word, the richest foundation for wisdom, and the surest guide to all successful practical activity.” ~ Philip Schaff. Schaff was a renowned writer and historian of the last century concerning the Church. I believe the above quote to be the most profoundly important of all that he wrote in the many volumes of work he authored. So Acts is the beginning history, continuing history, and future history of the Church. It is one book of the Bible that is incomplete because the history of the Church is being written in the lives of believers today.
The glory of St. Luke is like unto the glory of the pen-quill with which Shakespeare, Hafez, or Longfellow wrote their masterpieces. It is not the quill that embodies meaning, but the mind behind the author who conceived and wrote the story – even if by means of a scribe such as St. Luke (the Quill).
Our lives authenticate who we are
Each of you today are writing the story of the church by the living testimony that the world observes in your lives. Hopefully, the chapters will be extensive and intense for beauty. You will acknowledge that the first Bible anyone may see could be that written on the pages of the lives of the church. Look at the opening line of this important Book: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” All that Jesus taught, was also revealed in His actions of compassion, healing, enlightenment, and even judgment. If we are to teach Bible studies, it is incumbent upon us to live a life that will document the credibility of what we teach. No one would venture to have a pile-driver repair a tooth cavity any more than he would hire a dentist to break up a concrete walkway. The teacher must live what he teaches – and Jesus did that.
Note also (from verse 2) that Jesus chose the apostles Himself, and they did not choose Him. No man chooses to become a minister of the Lord unless He is first called, chosen, and empowered by the Holy Ghost to undertake so mighty a work. Many are called and chosen, but have weak ears to hear the call. Those the Lord will make an “offer they cannot refuse.”
The veracity of all Holy Scripture rests upon six fundamental facts of faith: 1) that God is Maker and Creator of all things visible and invisible; 2) that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost by the Virgin Mary; 2) that He lived a sinless life; 4) that He was crucified and buried for the redemption of our sins; 5) that He rose again from the tomb on the third day; and 6) that He ascended to Heaven where He sits on the Right Hand of God the Father. All of these are summarized in our Apostles Creed and proved by Scripture. Even secular history attests to these fundamentals more than any other single event in history. “He shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” In the pulpits of most churches today, there seems to be a loss of memory concerning these fundamentals for they are barely mentioned even at Easter.
Faith demands patience:
“but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” Sometimes our patience is required in the service of the Lord. We do not like ‘waiting.’ We believe that our works will yield immediately results, but our schedule differs from the timeline of Heaven. Abraham received the Promise 2000 years before its consummation in a manger at Bethlehem. He waited and waited – and so did all of the Godly lineage from Abraham until Christ. They looked for the Promise of His coming, and Abraham saw it, by faith, from 2000 years past.
Baptism is more than a wet head:
“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” What is the difference in a saint and a hypocrite, or a Pharisee and a disciple? A hypocrite or a Pharisee may know much more words of the Bible than some true believers – certainly, the Devil knows more than we. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19 KJV) So what does St. Luke tell us that differentiates between a simple Bible scholar and a true Bible believer? Is it not the aid and comfort of the Holy Ghost to call to remembrance all things that Scripture has taught us of Christ? Once we have a head knowledge of God – His Creation, His Kingship, His Son – what else is needful? We have a solid understanding in our head, but that head knowledge must be written in the ink of love on our hearts by the Holy Ghost.
Do not get trapped by timelines and genealogies:
How many ‘for profit’ books are being written today, and gaining much filthy lucre for the authors, on prophecy of the end times? or going to Hell or Heaven and back without either a scorch or a crown? This is not our great concern. Christ may come for you in the next ten minutes via a massive heart attack or automobile accident. Why concern ourselves with the trivials? Why not exercise the patience of the saints and allow Christ to surprise us with that dawning of Eternity! “ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matt 24:35-37)
And what, pray tell, were the days of Noah like? Just like today, the people ridiculed the righteous teacher. Just like today, the imaginations of men’s heart was continually evil. “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen 6:5 KJV) Just as men are eating and drinking to gluttony, and having no respect of marriage or distinction of sexes, so were the men of Noah’s Day: “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,” (Matt 24:38) So I suppose you can use those prolific publications that nail down the very day and hour of Christ’s coming for kindling. (Material used to start a fire for the younger ones here, and what a fire those books will fuel in the hereafter)
Do not fret about the ‘mode’ of Christ’s coming – scripture tells us all we need to know:
Luke closes his text for today with this important glimpse of the Second Advent: And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Yes, the scriptures tell us that Jesus was “received by a cloud’ (verse 9 above) at His ascension! It is quite appropriate that a cloud received Him for He was that Pillar of Cloud by Day and Fire by Night that both led and followed the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. He was the One whom the cloud covered on the Mount of Transfiguration. He was received by a cloud, and He shall return in a cloud. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen (Rev 1:7)
So dear friends, do not be dismayed by the cloudy days – they may herald the return of our Lord. Are you ready?
Sermon – Rev Jack Arnold
Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California
Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.
Consider the words of the Collect, “… inspire thy servant Saint Luke the Physician, to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son; Manifest in thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and our souls …”
The Collect asks God to inspire us, that is His “Church”, through the intervention and help of the Holy Ghost, to accept the love and healing power of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that like Luke and those he touched, we might have our broken bodies and souls made whole.
This is such a familiar theme, asking God to help us come to know Him and His Help, the Holy Ghost. Without His guidance, we really can do nothing in the end that is right. What seems right to us always ends up in the swamp. We need to recognize the need before we can benefit from the help He can give us. We need to ask for help, then when it is delivered to recognize and accept it. The healing that comes from Christ can only happen if we are willing and able to listen to Him and to let Him into our hearts and minds. He does not come in to those who do not want to receive Him. We have to make it our desire to let Him in.
Paul is truly our ultimate example of God’s Power and Grace. Paul, Chief Persecutor of the early Church, “saw the light” on the “Road to Damascus.”[1] God chose Paul from amongst all the men walking the earth at the time to use his talents to further God’s purpose on earth. An interesting paradox is that the closer you come to God, the more you appreciate how much separates you from His Godly Perfection, the more you realize your shortcomings. But, at the same time the very God who chose Paul to do His Work has chosen you. So, like Paul, see the Light and move to do His Will. You will find that your life will have a purpose to it that cannot be defeated, for in the end, you are on the winning side, that of God’s eternal light. If you do your very best for Him on this earth, with your life, you will have a wonderful eternal reward for Him. It is a pretty powerful motivator that we need to remind ourselves of, more often.
So, when Paul writes to his beloved assistant, helper and fellow minister of the Gospel, Timothy, near the end of Paul’s time here on earth, he is trying to help him with earthly things and motivate Timothy to continue his work in the event they join not again here on earth[2]. He tells Timothy to spread the Word of God, to be prepared to endure persecution and affliction for the sake of the Word. He notes that of all his followers or close companions only Luke remains with him. Thus, when we despair of low numbers in our churches, we should remember Paul. If Paul, arguably the greatest mind of all those who put God’s Word to pen, could not keep everyone in God’s Word, why should we expect such a differing result. The big thing for Paul, and us, is don’t give up[3]. You cannot win if you give up and you cannot lose the war if you do not give up.
At times, it does not seem easy to not give up, with what seems like depressing news at every turn, but we cannot lose that hope eternal, that Christ gives us. We have to look to the Holy Spirit and His Word to strengthen us and encourage us, to enable us to fight the good fight with all that we have. We have to always remember the great love Christ our master has for us, that He died on the cross for our sins, that we might have eternal life. If we remember this and apply the Summary of the Law to our life, and have hope, then all will be truly well with our souls. It may not be well in the world, but we can make our corner of the world a more pleasant place to be in, for us, and for others around us.
On the surface, our part in the battle with the Devil may appear to be won or lost, but as long as we do not give up, in the end God’s Side, and thus our side, wins. To quote Winston Churchill, “Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”[4]
Not everything in life went smoothly for Paul, why would we expect it to be different for us? We must persevere. When we pray for help from God via the Holy Ghost, we pray for understanding, comfort, strength, patience, perseverance. We are like iron, forged under fire, our character in faith is built with the hammering blows of life that are dealt upon us, to make us stronger people of God.
If you think everything is against us, you are not right, but a lot is. There are many Alexander the Coppersmiths these days. We must strive not to be Alexanders, but to be more like Timothys daily. There are plenty of bad examples to go around, let us strive to be good examples, as much as we have it in us to be, and with the help of the Holy Ghost.
When Luke tells us of the Lord sending his representatives throughout the area which He Himself would travel, he is writing not only of ordained clergy or ministers, but of each of us. We, each and every one of us, have a mission here on earth to Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3b), for truly, we are The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3a). Yet, we cannot save people by bringing them to God, only He can do that. But, we can tell them of Him and pray for the Holy Ghost to act on their hearts. We serve the same purpose as did John the Baptist, to be Jesus’ messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Mark 1:2-3) We can only prepare the way, God and the hearts of those to whom we talk must do their parts. We seldom know what effect our work has, yet we must do it.
When we bring the Word of God to people, it is not often accepted these days, for the forces of this world are very, very strong on people’s hearts. The riches of this world blind people to their true poverty. If the Word is not accepted, we merely move on. Luke also tells us ministers of God should be supported by their congregations to the extent of their needs.
This has a two fold purpose:
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If people do not pay for something, they oft have little regard for its value. You can see the result of that in public housing.
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To the extent ministers of the Gospel devote their time to the Word, they do not have the ability to otherwise earn their living. Balanced against this is the fact that the hire the laborer was worthy of was to meet their needs, nothing more.
In the Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States, we have no paid ministers. This is because we are small, we have experienced[5] ministers who have planned their lives to allow them to serve the Lord on their own dime, so to speak. We must guard against this world entering our Church. We are to be in the world, not of the world. It is a very fine line, that at times is difficult to see, but it must be seen and not crossed into the of the world, but yet remain in the world and engaged in the fight under our Lord’s banner.
Yet, this is more than just about “ordained ministers of the Gospel”, each of us must prepare the way for the Lord. We are truly in a wilderness today. The cares and riches of this world, for we live in the richest (in earthly terms) time ever, drag us away from the Word of God. Each Christian must live their life as Christ taught, acting as a Beacon of Light, shining His Light into the world that others might see that Light and be drawn to it.
Thus the Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message ultimately. We have to ready and willing to listen to God, and walk in God, and act with the Holy Spirit in us, in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven and bring those around us with us. We cannot point people to God, we must lead them[6].
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?
The time to act is NOW. Will you act? For whom will you act? Will you count the cost before you act?
Action, not diction, is what counts. It is by your actions you are known.
Be of God – Live of God – Act of God
Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church
Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany.
Saint Luke the Evangelist
18 October 2015, Anno Domini
Psalms 67, 96 • Isaiah 52:7-10 • Acts 1:1-8
Saint Luke the Evangelist. [October 18.]
The Collect.
A |
LMIGHTY God, who didst inspire thy servant Saint Luke the Physician, to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son; Manifest in thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and our souls; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Acts of the Apostles
1:1-8
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he former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
What is it about a biography, well written, that inspires us to greater things? Is just a rhetorical question or are we striving to do better because we have a great example set before us?
When we think about the authors of the 66 books comprising the Bible what do we have in mind as to who they were? If you stop and think about it, the authors included prophets, priests, fishermen, scholars, kings and a doctor. A doctor? Yes, St. Luke was a Greek who was trained as a physician. Why would he be included in the gospel writers? Was it because as a redeemed believer in Christ, who was a Gentile, he could bring the experience of a trained observer and non-Hebraic to the mix? Why was this so important?
Koine Greek was the language of commerce and also intellectual recourse. Here is an author who grew up speaking Koine Greek who could write to an audience that might not read Aramaic or Hebrew, but could read the Greek.
So what?
Why does this matter?
The Roman Empire used several key languages to administer such a large geographic area. Latin was the official language of Roman law, Roman administration, both in government and the military. But koine was the language of the street, the language of the emporium, agora and on the roads of the empire, especially where the early Church began and would be the “engine of commerce”.
Good roads, relatively safe for everyday passage, standard weights and measures for a means of even trade and commerce, a common language to engage in that trade, all would contribute to the spread of Christ’s Church in the earliest days of the church.
Coincidence?
No, the Providence of God. At his time and at his reckoning, his church began to grow and spread using a system that was in place that would facilitate this growth in a matter of years rather than centuries. If you look at the growth of Christianity in the first two hundred years after Christ’s ministry, you see a phenomenal growth, that was done peacefully for the most part. The violence was done to the early believers, not the other way around. I know the sceptic will point to Islam to show a more rapid growth. But really, do we want that example? Convert or be killed. Christianity’s growth would be accomplished without that threat of violence in the early years, unlike that of Islam.
Now what about St. Luke? He was the right man at the right time. God placed him at this point in the history of the early church where he would have a great influence in keeping the record of the beginning. He would write of the first Advent of Christ to the first years of this new graft (as in plant propagation, which is written about in both the Old and New Testament) of what was the continuance of the Old Testament model of believers. And he was a Greek not a Hebrew! Hmmmm, does this mean that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write this record, the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles? I think that the evidence points that direction.
The Acts of the Apostles was really the last half of Luke’s Gospel, for editing sake and I imagine to separate out the life of Christ and the life of the Church they put in the canon as two books.
Our scripture selection for Saint Luke’s Day is of course about the birth of the church. This started in Jerusalem and as he wrote in the eighth verse of this first chapter of Acts; “…and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.
In this very brief passage we see a number of truths and answers to our basic questions and the observational skills of a trained doctor of medicine.
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Many saw the Resurrected Christ {as evidenced by many witnesses} ( v. 3)
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We must wait upon the promise of the Father (God). Today we can read about it in the Bible and then wait upon the Lord.
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When is Christ coming again? (a major issue in some groups). “…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” Is that not a direct command from the Lord to leave this alone? He is coming again. This we know from the words spoken and recorded on the mount at the Day of Ascension. But otherwise we should not dabble in foolish speculation, prophecy by headline and other spurious speculations[7].
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This is the most important message of this passage. We are to reproduce, we are to bear fruit, to bear witness to the Word which was made flesh.
We are to carry the message of Salvation to all parts of the earth. EVERYWHERE ! ! !
Let us go and do likewise.
Let us pray:
A |
LMIGHTY God, who called Luke the Physician, whose praise is in the Gospel, to an Evangelist, and Physician of the soul: May it please thee that, by the wholesome medicines of the doctrine delivered by him, all the diseases of our souls may be healed; through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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ALMIGHTY God, who hast called us to faith in thee, and hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses; Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of thy Saints, and especially of thy servant Saint Luke, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through thy mercy, we, with them, attain to thine eternal joy; through him who is the author and finisher of our faith, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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GOD, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful; Mercifully assist our prayers which we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by thy good providence, be brought to nought; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
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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.
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
1 Kings 21:17-22
In today’s first lesson, we read the words of God to the prophet Malachi who chided the priests of his day with these words, Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? (2:17)
Consider also the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of burnt offerings… I delight not in the blood of bullocks… When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of the assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them (Isaiah 1:11-14).
Now one might counter the above with the following questions: Did not God command that these things be done as part of the law of Moses? And if so, why would he be weary to bear them? Let us now examine each part to discern the truth which God had revealed to those prophets.
It should be understood that the law of Moses was given to be, as St. Paul so noted in Galatians 3:24, …our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. It revealed to the Israelites their sinful natures, and it set forth their need for redemption. And such redemption could only be obtained through the shedding of blood which would only cover not erase their sins in God’s eyes. Unfortunately, it did not dawn on them that God was training them up through the law’s precepts to be a holy, just, and righteous people. Sadly, everything that God tried to teach them through his word and commandment was rejected; and in its place, the sons and daughters of Jacob substituted a pathetic revision of paganism. They offered God the things he had commanded without giving him the very things he desired from them— their hearts and minds in loving obedience to his word and commandment. Ergo, they simply came to placate the LORD much as the pagans of the ancient world acted toward their own deities. In their eagerness to appease God, they wearied him with their heartless worship of him.
And since they possessed neither a true love for God nor a respect for his law, they could not worship him in Spirit and in truth. They brought their vain oblations to his Temple because it was a merely a custom or tradition. They came to be seen of their fellows. They observed the required feast days, new moons and sabbaths during which they reveled and made merry. All these they did without any thought concerning the many blessings they had received at God’s hand. You might say that they had learned nothing of any consequence regarding the true meaning of the law, and they had forgotten every good thing which the LORD had done for them.
And in response to their faux religious practices, God replied: …when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow (Isaiah 1:15-17). Basically, the LORD had reached the limits of his patience with their false offerings of praise that issued forth from their lying hearts. God said he would no longer see them as his own and would no longer listen to their prayers. And why? because their hands are full of blood. The disturbing and repulsive worship of Molech and Baal called for, in the case of the former, human sacrifice; while for the latter, such worship involved lustful depravity and uncleanness. They had offered to those false gods what the LORD had warned them not to do, and then afterwards came into his presence to lift up to him in worship their unclean hands and unclean hearts. This sort of thinking might be liken unto a spouse cheating on his or her mate and then returning home and acting as if nothing is amiss in their relationship. Again, they had wearied the LORD with their false piety and wholesale rejection of his word and commandment.
But God sees on a level that would shock most people. Our Lord said, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36). Every idle word? That means every action, every thought, every aspiration of the heart shall be made known and judged. And so all false offerings, as well as false witnesses, errant beliefs, and aberrant thoughts will be called into judgment before the throne of a just and righteous God.
St. Paul reminded the Philippian church that, For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (3:18-19).
Yes, there is a judgment coming. Yes, there will be a good deal of weeping and gnashing of teeth when it arrives. Yes, God is going to consign all who are not his in Christ Jesus into the pit of perdition. Yet this truth stands sure and certain: none need perish if they but turn unto God and repent in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Peter admonished the crowd who in ignorance mocked the disciples at Pentecost saying, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). And to Cornelius, the Roman centurion, and his household he said, that through [the name of Jesus Christ] whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins (Acts 11:43). St. Paul called on the Philippian jailer to, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)
Consider also the following passages from Isaiah wherein the prophet spoke on behalf of the LORD saying: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land (1:18-19). Notice the concept of repentance is plainly set forth. When we examine the scriptures regarding the necessity for sacrifice under the law, we find that such was provided as a means for the believer to be cleansed so that he or she could commune with God. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). Continually throughout both testaments, there is this calling out to both Jew and Gentile to repent and turn away from sin. God will reason with us through the word, but we have to be willing and obedient to his expressed will and commandment for there can be no salvation apart from obedience to the same.
Sadly, the majority of Israelites did not turn from their wicked ways and were lost to captivity and the sword of conquest as prophesied by Isaiah who said, But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it (1:19-20). What remnant that was left was half-hearted in their faith, but God spared them to honor his promise to their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Still, none but the faithful will be spared everlasting separation from God because he only accepts those who are truly faithful to his word written.
God does not care for lip service, neither will he accept a half-hearted prayer of remorse. Only the truly penitent person may pass into his kingdom and into his rest. Only a person who has accepted his free gift and repented will avoid wearying God.
Our Lord’s warnings found in the Old Testament are just as binding upon us today as they were then. We cannot walk our own paths and do what we think is right as opposed to those things that have been expressed within the pages of Scripture. God’s word is truth at all times and in all places (St. John 17:17). The children of Israel acted as if God was not present with them on a personal level.
Needless to say, but there are many folk who claim to be Christians who also live and believe the same. They show up on Sunday and occasionally on Wednesday evening to be seen of their fellows within the precincts of the church building. They may even make an appearance on special feast days and so forth, but their hearts are elsewhere. Our Lord’s description of them is frighteningly accurate: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (St. Matthew 15:7-9).
In this Season of Trinity, let us remember our need to be made right with God, and recognize his perfect way to be made clean and accepted through the atoning work of his only begotten Son. God gave him up to serve as that sacrificial lamb— that perfect offering for our sins— who died on that rude cross so long ago. It was there, that he took on the sins of whole world. It was there, that his blood was shed so that all who would turn unto God in his name could be saved. In no manner of speaking did he die so that a universalist understanding of salvation could be accomplished. God’s saving grace has always been reserved exclusively for the true and faithful Christian.
As we prepare to receive communion, let us examine ourselves more closely to see if we have in fact removed all obstacles to our fellowship with God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I also encourage you to be in prayer for others who have not made their peace with God and sought his forgiveness and blessing, that they too might turn unto him and be saved. As Christians, we have been called to be witnesses and ambassadors for Christ and not to weary him; so let us go forth today and every day ready to serve our Lord in his harvest.
Let us pray,
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oly and Gracious God, we appeal to you to forgive us of our sins and trespasses, and help us in our life and work to be more effective witnesses on your behalf; for this we ask of thee in the name of thine only begotten Son, 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 your 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
No known travel this week.
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.
Wedding
William and Melanie Arnold were married on 10 October 2015. Please pray they will grow together as one in our Lord.
Birthday
Hope and her twin sister Faith celebrated their birthday on 30 August 2015.
Departed
Don Hendricks passed away on 8 September 2015. Please help his family adjust to the temporary separation that they might let God carry their sadness, fear and worry.
Nearing the end of their time here on earth
Dick has a metastasized Merkle Cell carcinoma just under his sternum carcinoma for which all treatment has been exhausted. He is in hospice now. His faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him. Pray he, his wife Jenifer and family will keep their trust in our Lord and his time here on earth with his family will be good; pray also for a good passage to home.
Mrs. Tiffany (90) has chosen to refuse extraordinary care as it will not gain much earthly time. The Tiffanys have been together for a long, long, long time. Pray for Mrs. Tiffany and her husband as together they begin this Journey to be with their Lord.
Charles has tonsil cancer; his treatment was stopped in June 2015. The tumor was too large and prevented surgery. Charles is unable to ingest nutrition and he is in a great deal of pain 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.
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
Gemma Dillinger has been treating for breast cancer for over a year now, after surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, she is reaching the limit of her tolerance with no end in sight. Please pray for her to gain strength and ground on the cancer. Help her to continue with her faith in our Lord, she is not afraid to go home, but wants to make sure it is time. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go and that her time here on earth with her family will be good.
Janet has had a blood borne cancer for several years. Her faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go.
Holly has had Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and now it is in her spine. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Holly, for a miraculous remission; that Holly’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Holly and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror. Pray for strength and courage for Holly.
Tim was on a kidney transplant list and started dialysis and was taken off the transplant list for a heart problem that required stents, while putting in stents a leaking valve was found. A port was put in and something happened and it has to be redone. In several days he will have a valve replaced, after heart surgery and recover he will go back on the transplant list. Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and rest. Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.
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.
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
Steve, brother in law of Paul Martin, appears to have early onset dementia and is likely coming to live with Paul. Steve had teenage children and is very concerned for them. Please pray for the disease to stall or abate and for peace of mind for Steve and his family.
Emma Lee is in a Nursing Home and while moving her she was dropped and her femur was broken. She was operated on and her femur was repaired and she is in rehab. She is not responding well and your prayers will be appreciated.
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
John is undergoing a biopsy on 19 October 2015. He had been weakening this entire year, then developed pneumonia. While in the hospital for the pneumonia they discovered several problems including this one. Please keep the doctors, nurses and technicians helping him in your prayers that they might figure out what to do to help him, pray for John and his family that they might keep their trust in the Lord and let him carry their worry and concern.
Shamu is set for additional surgery on 20 October 2015, for a disruptive colon.. She is in great need of God’s Help for healing. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very best. Please pray now for Shamu to trust in God, let Him carry her worry. Pray she will recover to the point her internals may be rebuilt.
Marcia has had a biospy of a mass in her breast which indicated a tumor that must be removed. 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 Marcia and her family.
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
Gwen Savarese (Sandy Patton’s mom) had what was thought to be a min-stroke this week, when they looked at her carefully, they found a large mass, thought to be a tumor. At this point, it does not appear it is possible to surgically remove it. For now, they will put a shunt in to relieve pressure and decide what to do next. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Gwen and patience and trust in God for Gwen, her husband and family. Pray also for a full recovery for Gwen.
Dan is very sick with cancer and is starting an experimental treatment. This treatment will take Dan away from their family business and put even more stress on him and his family. Please pray for Dan’s wife who is meeting with Steve who plans to keep the family business going while Dan is ill. Pray for Steve as he has many new responsibilities.
Timothy has brain cancer. He had surgery and is waiting for the pathology report to find out what kind of chemo he will need. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Timothy and patience and trust in God for Timothy and his family. Pray also for a full recovery for Timothy.
Mike Wysocki has a fluid buildup due to unknown reasons. He is being given diuretics which seem to reduce the fluid buildup. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Mike and patience and trust in God for Mike and his wife Wendy. Pray also for a full recovery for Mike.
Pricilla has intestinal issue causing a great deal of pain; she is not responding to medications. Pricilla had a serious operation not long ago and perhaps things in the past are causing the present complications. Pray Jesus will be close to her and his healing will replenish her body. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Pricilla and her family. Pray also for a full recovery for her.
Melanie Zimmers was hospitalized for a serious stomach area bleed on 15 September 2015; this is on top of heart problems. She had an angiogram on 10 August 2015, which turned out clear, but there are problems. Her heart’s has only a 20% ejection fraction, with no symptoms. They hope medications can get the fraction to above 45 percent or mechanical changes will have to be made. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Melanie and her family, particularly her husband Mike. Pray also for a full recovery for her.
Helen was admitted from her doctor’s office 15 July 2015, as the result of a blood test, to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital with an extremely high white blood count. She and her husband are very active in the ministry of their church and are asking for believers to pray for them and their family, as they are facing very serious problems in the days to come. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Helen and her family. Pray also for a full recovery for her.
Vickie has been falling and passing out and hurt herself. Pray the medical team treating her will find out the problem and bring it to an end.
John Thornell, Colonel, USMC Retired Pilot is recovering from a heart related event which began on Tuesday 19 May 2015, when he noted some chest pain while playing golf. He skipped lunch and went home for a nap. About 0100 the next day, fully recognizable chest pain developed, four aspirin, one EMT battle (in which the losers apparently got the rights to bring John to the wrong place), one full on back from zero paddle battle, two surgeries and three stents later, John is in ICU wanting out, but because his blood pressure is so low (he is a runner, turns out it is just like it was a month ago) they don’t want to let him out. Please give thanks for all this coming together so John is still with his family here on earth. Pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for John, his wife Linda and kids Skyler and Remi. Pray also for a full recovery for him.
Steve Thornell is undergoing cancer treatment at University of California Irvine, please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Steve and his family. Pray also for a full recovery for him.
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
Dennis will begin chemotherapy for an active cancer spot on his spine on 17 September 2015. Please pray for a good result and tolerance of the treatment for him.
Vickie has been bothered with Migraines and all that go with the headaches. Please pray for relief from the pain for Vickie.
Amelia Perez had a small stroke on 11 July 2015 and drove herself to the emergency room, she was admitted for three days, had her carotid artery opened up and is recovering. Amelia’s faith and spirit are strong. Please give thanks for the progress so far, for her continued and full recovery and her faith to continue to support her. Pray also for her family who are still quite worried for her.
Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapyis producing neuropathy in his legs so that it is a challenge for him to get around. Please pray that he will be as comfortable as possible; he has been a Marathoner runner so this is especially difficult.
Margaret, from California, fell and broke her on 7 July 2015, while visiting her daughter in Arizona. She will stay in Arizona for the rehabilitation and return to her home when able. Furthermore, Margaret is in good spirits; however she will be away from her church family which is important to her for an extended period of time.
Ashley broke her wrist. Pray for full and complete healing of her wrist and patience and trust in God while it heals.
Cindyis 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.
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.
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.
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 another chest infection, perhaps viral, this one is pretty bad. Please pray for her full and rapid recovery and for her ability to breathe to return quickly. 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
Terry was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer, which he had to stop to amputate his leg below the knee due to diabetes. The surgery was successful, he has been fitted with a prosthetic leg and foot. He is in good spirits and positive about the remainder of his treatment. Please join Terry and his family in giving thanks for the successful surgery and continue to pray for his return to radiation treatment and then to chemotherapy, ask God to give Terry, his wife and seven year old son trust in him for peace of mind and heart, as well.
Cynthia (Cindy) Olufson (Melanie Zimmer’s sister) had surgery to remove Harrington rods put in her back 25 years ago because of an infection. The surgery went well, please give thanks for the great result and pray for a full and rapid recovery for Cindy.
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. 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.
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.
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
Geordie can use your prayers following the loss of his lovely wife Sarah. Ask for help for him to turn outward from his inner feelings and act on the commission given him; help the pain of temporary separation to dim.
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
Gulnura is depressed. Help her to see God’s plan for her and those around her and not to listen to the forces of this world and the Prince of this World, help her to see God only calls her to do her best and trust in him. Help her to see the light in the world and not the darkness.
Holly and her two sons Brandon and Bailey need your prayer. Holly is in need of employment and her two sons have turned their back on God and are walking into the world and making their way down that broad smooth boulevard which leads to The Pit. They now wish to be not only in the world, but of the world. Please pray Holly will remain strong and preserve in her faith and that she can find help in the Holy Ghost to help her return her sons to the Word in which they were raised and back to that narrow path that leads to the summit; help them to distinguish fun from happiness and to see the signs of Donkey Island before it is too late for them to turn back.
Maria Legumana will graduate with a Bachelor of Education Friday from the University of the South Pacific Fiji. The ceremony will be in Honiara Solomon Islands so her family will be able to be with her. Pray that she will continue to seek God’s guidance as plans for the future come into her life.
Cam has gotten into some of the issues being with the wrong crowds, too much dinking and making the wrong decisions. Pray he will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and he will listen when He speaks to him.
Paul recently had his large toe amputated due to diabetes and is having a difficult recovery filled with fear about dying. He recently accepted Jesus as his savior and his family Rosie and Brenda are very grateful. Pray for strength for both Rosie and Brenda who are staying by his side through it all encouraging him on.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 cellar rats 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. Please pray for the church there and guidance for the people involved.
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.
Ernest Jacob
Presiding Bishop Pakistan
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.
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
Dustin (Middle East), Kristyna Thomas (Army – Fort Lewis, Washington), 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) 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.
Education
Thomas Dabney is attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, to finish his Bachelor’s Degree. Please pray for Thomas to focus on education and do his very best at school.
Various Special Requests
Nicholas will enter the Georgia Police Academy on Monday 29 June 2015, to begin his training and certification process as a Police Officer. Pray for strength, courage and persistence 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!
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
25 October 2015 – Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
25 October 2015 – Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
[1]Take a moment to reflect on the power of The Word. These two phrases permeate our language, yet today few know where they come from. An epiphical moment where a hidden truth or solution to a problem comes is known as “seeing the light”, the Light which Paul saw literally. That moment is oft referred to as a “Road to Damascus moment.” Yet, think how few read the Bible today to know the true meaning of the term.
[2]Note the length of this sentence, a typical Pauline sentence. Paul seemingly was somewhat parsimonious in the use of periods.
[3]An interesting side note, the don’t give up is a part of one of the most famous quotes in naval history – Don’t give up the Ship – The name comes from the dying words of Captain James Lawrence to the crew of his USS Chesapeake, later stitched into an ensign created by Purser Samuel Hambleton and raised by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812.
[4]Sir Winston Churchill, Speech, 1941, Harrow School
[5]For the most part, they are either retired from some other field or have paying jobs, the ministry is their life’s work, not their “job.”
[6]Remember, for 285,000 people this day is their end of time here on earth, they face their Lord this day. We know not at what hour the Master cometh, nor at what hour we may be called to Him.
[7]The End of Time, when all shall go to their final destination, much like Jack Lewis’ Final Battle. Yet, for 285,000 people this day is their end of time here on earth, they face their Lord this day. We know not at what hour the Master cometh, nor at what hour we may be called to Him.