151213 AOC Sunday Report

 

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Third Sunday in Advent

Sunday Report

 

 

 

Today was the Third Sunday in Advent, the period including the four Sundays before Christmas; the first Sunday of which is always the nearest Sunday to the feast of St. Andrew (30 November). Advent is a season of preparation and penitence. We prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but we also look forward to his second coming.  The liturgical color for this season is purple reminding us of the Kingship of Jesus and that Advent is also a season of penitential preparation. Rose-color may be used on the third Sunday of Advent, signifying for us a lightening up of the penitential nature of the season as we draw closer to Christmas.

 

 

 

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 –

 

Screwtape[1] On silence

[The demon Screwtape writes:] Music and silence—how I detest them both! How thankful we should be that ever since our Father entered Hell—though longer ago than humans, reckoning in light years, could express—no square inch of infernal space and no moment of infernal time has been surrendered to either of those abominable forces, but all has been occupied by Noise— Noise, the grand dynamism, the audible expression of all that is exultant, ruthless, and virile—Noise which alone defends us from silly qualms, despairing scruples, and impossible desires. We will make the whole universe a noise in the end. We have already made great strides in this direction as regards the Earth. The melodies and silences of Heaven will be shouted down in the end. But I admit we are not yet loud enough, or anything like it.

Jack Lewis

The Screwtape Letters

Wise Devil

It is said that a preacher once had a dream in which he was shown the abode of the lost. Here a company of demons were discussing the best means for destroying the souls of men. One said, “I will go to earth and tell them that the Bible is a fable, and not of God.” “No, that wont do,” said another, “I will go and tell them that there is no Saviour, no Heaven, no Hell.” At these words a fiendish smile lit up their faces. “No, continued another, that will fail, you cannot make men believe that.” At this the old Serpent arose himself, and remarked, “I will journey leisurely to the world of men. I will tell them that there is a God, a Saviour, a Heaven—yes, and a Hell, too, but I will tell them that there is no need of being in a hurry; take plenty time”: and all agreed that he should go.

625 New Bible Stories and Illustrations

I want to tell

At the battle of Williamsburg, a soldier who had the artery of his arm severed by a fragment of a shell, and was fast bleeding to death, saw a surgeon going to the front for orders; and, lifting his bleeding member, cried, “Doctor, please!” The surgeon dismounted, bound up the vessel, and gave all possible relief. As he started on, the man said, “Doctor, what is your name?” The reply was, “No matter.” “But, doctor,” said the wounded man, “I want to tell my wife and children who saved me.

625 New Bible Stories and Illustrations

 

Pay as you go

Too often we… enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.

John F. Kennedy

 

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:6

 

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

St. Matthew 24:24

 

How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.

St. Mark 10:23b

 

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.

Ephesians 4:4

 

Those that bind up their happiness in the favor of men make themselves an easy prey to the temptations of Satan.

Matthew Henry

17th and 18th century English pastor and author

 

John the Baptist received a special call from God to begin preaching and baptizing. A message from heaven was sent to his heart and, under the impulse of that message, he undertook his marvellous work. This account throws great light on the office of all ministers of the gospel. It is an office which no man has the right to take up unless he has an inward call from God as well as an outward call from man. Visions and revelations, of course, we have no right to expect. Fanatical claims to special gifts of the Spirit must always be checked and discouraged. But an inward call a man must have before he puts his hand to the work of the ministry. Let it be a part of our daily prayers that our churches may have no ministers except those who are really called of God. An unconverted minister is an injury and burden to a church.

JC Ryle

19th century Anglican bishop and author

 

Many of the expedients being tried today in the churches to bring new life to the body are evidence of [the] failure to accept the truth of the Bible’s teaching about man and the seriousness of sin. What is the good of calling in the doctor if the patient is dead? If we truly believe what the Bible tells us that man is dead spiritually, that only the power of God in the Gospel can save him, what are the churches doing with all these gimmicks? If men will not respond to the gospel they will respond to nothing.

David N. Samuel

20th and 21st century former Presiding Bishop of the Church of England (Continuing) The Church In Crisis, p. 36

 

What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence!

Charles H. Spurgeon

19th century English pastor and author

Morning and Evening, p. 12

 

In the midst of this appalling confusion of modern cults and the innumerable sects of Christianity, the Bible, God’s living Word of Truth, is the Christian’s only sure protection against doctrinal deception and demonic despoliation— the Bible, rightly understood, however, and implicitly obeyed. Satan and his hosts can by-pass human opinions and men’s interpretations, but they cannot penetrate the impregnable defense of God’s Holy Word!

Merrill F. Unger

20th century American Baptist seminarian and author

Biblical Demonology, pp. 179-180

 

What do you believe about the Bible? It is a very simple question. Do you believe that the Bible is truth in every case? The apostle Paul reminded young Timothy that, All scripture is given by inspiration of God. God has proclaimed that the Bible is truth and that it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II St. Timothy 3:16). When man’s learning and sensibilities conflict with the plain teaching of the Bible, the devout believer must reject the former in favor of the latter. Nevertheless, I have too often witnessed both individuals and groups who accepted the word of another mortal over the word of God because that person was, in their estimation, learned in a particular field of human endeavor and appeared to have credibility. What does that say about such people? They are in essence putting another created being in the place of God. It is one thing to claim ignorance of certain things found in Scripture; but it is altogether something else to know what the scriptures say and to take a position which is contrary to them. That is arrogance. That is blasphemy.

Bryan Dabney

Anglican Orthodox Minister

 

Some advocates of ‘sensible’ gun control argue that no one needs … a semi- automatic pistol or rifle … or a ‘high capacity’ magazine or a weapon over a certain caliber or which has a certain ‘threatening’ appearance … In a free society, the [individual decides] for himself what his needs are … In an unfree society … [such is] defined by… those [in power] … And if those with guns decide you don’t need a gun — they will feel free to decide you don’t need other things as well. Depend upon it. Need is the intellectual-moral cup of hemlock being offered to the American people. We’ll shortly see how many decide to take a sip.

Eric Peters

21st century American car expert and libertarian

If Guns are “Bad”…, 12-19-12

 

There is no peaceful Islam… Radicalization isn’t transformational; it’s incremental… Radicalization does not go from zero to sixty. It speeds up from sixty to seventy-five. It builds on elements that are already there in the mosque and the household. The term “extremism” implicitly admits that what we are talking about is not a complete transformation, but the logical extension of existing Islamic beliefs… The Muslim teenagers headed to join ISIS did not come out of a vacuum. They came from mosques and families that normalized some degree of Islamic Supremacism and viewed some Muslim terrorists as heroes and role models. It’s time for Western governments to admit that the ISIS Jihadist is more the product of his parents and his teachers than of social media Jihadis on YouTube and Twitter. Radicalization doesn’t begin with a sheikh on social media. It begins at home. It begins in the mosque. It just ends with ISIS.

Daniel Greenfield

21st century American commentator

The Myth of Muslim Radicalization, 06-18-15

 

Slavery

Slavery is such an atrocious debasement of human nature, that its very extirpation, if not performed with solicitous care, may sometimes open a source of serious evils.

Benjamin Franklin, 1789

 

Cellar Rats

Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.

Jack Lewis

 

Growing Up

“Aslan, Aslan. Dear Aslan,” sobbed Lucy. “At last.” The great beast rolled over on his side so that Lucy fell, half sitting and half lying between his front paws. He bent forward and just touched her nose with his tongue. His warm breath came all round her. She gazed up into the large wise face.

 

“Welcome, child,” he said. “Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.” “That is because you are older, little one,” answered he. “Not because you are?” “I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”

Jack Lewis

Prince Caspian

 

Win or Lose

What we give up for Christ we gain. What we keep back for ourselves is our real loss.

 J. Hudson Taylor

 

You lead, I will follow

It is ours to say what David’s followers said to their master: ‘We are your servants, ready to do whatever my Lord the King commands.’

WH Griffith-Thomas

 

The Rock on which our Country was founded

Let me remember, O Lord, the time will come when the trumpet will sound, and the dead shall rise and stand before the judgment seat.

George Washington

 

More of the Rock on which our Country was founded

If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation.

Samuel Adams (1780)

 

Why?

If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the scriptures.

Daniel Webster

 

Rules of the Road of Life

Most successful football players are free to perform at their best only when they know what the expectations are, where the limits stand. I see this as a biblical principle that also applies to life, a principle our society as a whole has forgotten; you can’t enjoy true freedom without limits.

Coach Tom Landry

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 are found on Page 93-94, with the Collect first:

 

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

 

 

O

 LORD Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

The propers for the First Sunday in Advent can be found on Page 90-92:

 

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

 

¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.

 

The Epistle for today came from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the Fourth Chapter beginning at the First Verse.

 

Paul calls on those who would be the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God to be good and faithful stewards leading their flock rather than commanding from the rear.  He tells them not to be fearful of the judgment of man.  In fact, he tells he is not concerned of the judgment of men, or even that of himself, but rather that of God.  God knows our hearts and when He judges, He “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

 

Let it be fully understood that when Paul writes of ministers and stewards, he is talking of each of us, not just those who are “ordained ministers.”  We each must be good and faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to each of us.  We each must help those around us  benefit from the gifts which are freely given.

 

L

ET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

 

The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, the Eleventh Chapter, beginning at the Second Verse.  Now when John the Baptist “had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?”  John was Jesus’ cousin and the one who baptized Him and heard God say, THIS IS MY SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.”  Yet, he and the rest of the Jews of the time expected the Messiah to come into Jerusalem in triumph, sit in the temple and rule, commanding, nay compelling the Romans to leave.  No doubt marveling at the question, for it was asked of Him who had performed countless genuine miracles, healing the blind, the deaf the lame, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”  As John’s disciples parted, Jesus talked to those about him.  He asked them concerning John, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet?”  He was counseling them, trying to help them fully understand the implications of what was around them.  He was there!  So, he explained that John was not “just” a prophet, but the messenger of God, the man with the flag running before the locomotive.  He went on, “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.”  Because Jesus came into this world, not to be the King of the Present, but rather the King of that to Come.

 

 

N

ow when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

 

Sermon – Rev Jack Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above.

 

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

 

 

O

 LORD Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

 

¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.

 

In the Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent, we are referred to as the ministers and stewards (caretakers) of the mysteries of God: the Scriptures and His Word. We ask for help in getting the hearts of the disobedient, by the wisdom of the just, to turn and look to the Kingdom of God for answers and not this world.  In view of the recent events, how timely can this prayer be?  When we look to the world for solutions, we find the solutions of this world.  This world, ruled by the Prince of this world, the Prince of Air, the devil himself!  But, what will people think when we reject worldly solutions to worldly problems.  There is an answer for that, conveniently following the Collect.

 

In the Epistle, Paul says that we must not fear of what others would think of us, but rather be concerned about what God would think of what we are doing and what direction He wants us to go in. Rather than fear man, we must switch to fearing God, and doing what He wants. Then perhaps maybe, some in this world will see what we are doing for Him and come to know Him and join Him. We will never get anywhere if we follow the ways of this world. As in John 1:11-13 “He came unto His own and His Own received him not.  But as many as received Him, to them he gave the power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.”

 

If we are born of God, then it is He to whom we must return and not man. As the verse from John points out, even Jesus came to us and we refused him, so how can we expect any better treatment from man, than of God Himself, who came down for us?  But the next part of the verse, tells us what we will get if we join with him. He gave us the power to become the Sons of God, as we are His adopted children. He is giving us our eternal inheritance, if we will but follow Him. We are going to get an absolutely wonderful reward, if we do our very best to follow Him. The treatment we receive in this world will pale in comparison to the treatment God will give us in the next world if we but do our very best to follow Him. He has given us the power to become the Sons of God, we are God’s adopted children. This is a power greater than any in this world not of God’s Hands. This is a power which cannot be taken away from us, as we are tightly in God’s Hand. The enemy cannot pluck us out of God’s grasp, once we have willingly joined ourselves to God through the help of the Holy Ghost. We need the unifying spirit of the Holy Ghost to help us understand the concepts of Scripture and not only to understand them, but to follow them. With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can understand what we are to do and more than that, we will be able to apply the concepts we learn from Scripture in our every day lives.

 

In the Gospel, Christ asks the crowd of what they expected to see?  Some great big flashy sign He was going to overthrow the Romans and unite the Jews to conquer the world?  No, He did not come to do this, for that would be only a temporary and in fact temporal thing to rule the world.  He came for far more than that; to prepare our hearts for eternity and change us from unjust to just creatures, worthy of God’s creation and His Hands. He came to mould and to shape us from being roughly made to something very valuable. He came to transform us from death to being truly alive in all of the senses of the word.

 

To be worthy of the charge and care of His mysteries, we must willing to listen to Him and do whatever we need to do to line ourselves up with what He wants for us, not what we want for ourselves.  We must think of others, instead of thinking of ourselves all the time.  I must confess that I am guilty of this, but I am always working on trying to reverse this, as we must, in order to walk with Him. We must be willing to never give up and persevere; if we follow this, we will keep getting better and better all the time.

 

Life is a continual process of learning in every aspect of our lives, not least of these aspects is our spiritual growth and development.  The Japanese have a word for this, introduced into their industry by the American engineer W. Edwards Deming, Kaizen (改善) that is to say continuous improvement.  Never perfect, but always endeavoring to improve.  Day by day. Our goal is to make the next day better than the last. This is how we must continually develop as Christians.

 

To care for the mysteries of God properly, we must keep learning in our spiritual lives and if we do this, we will keep growing more and more every day.  Reading the Scriptures is one way to further our spiritual development, as well as helping others without thought for ourselves.  We must keep doing a combination of these and similar things, if we expect to be able to facilitate our spiritual growth and change the minds of the disobedient and the unjust. We have to undergo our spiritual rebirth before we can help to transform others and to serve others. We need to have the mental state that only the Holy Ghost can give us, to do this. We must keep trying our best to improve and learn from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit and to trust in God and dread naught.

 

As He came to change us for the better, Paul and the Collect remind us to do the same for the others.  We have to keep trying to help our friends and family and to do our best to do so, while shining the light of Christ as His ambassadors. We know not what seeds we plant when we perform such actions and in a future time they may bear fruit. We must not try and rush the work of the Holy Spirit, who works on God’s time and not that of our own time. All good things will happen in due course. If we do our part by planting the seed, the Holy Ghost will nurture and develop this seed to bear fruit. We must put our hearts and minds together and think about what God wants us to do in the end rather than what we want to do. Put God first and all will be well, is what can be taken from today’s collects and lessons, ultimately.  We must be willing do to this, then we can be properly caring for the mysteries of God.

 

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

 

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

 

It is by our actions we are known.

 

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

 

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.

 

Third Sunday in Advent

The Word was Fulfilled

Psalm 85 • Mal. 3: 1-5 & Ch 4 • Luke 1:1-25

 

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

 

 

O

 LORD Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

 

As we reflect on these passages of the Word of God selected for this the Third Sunday in Advent…think fulfillment. The Word was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus those long years ago, time and again we have been pointed to this event in history, now it is done.

One of the interesting things that happened during this first coming, the birth of Christ; it happened, some people were aware of the event, others went about their day to day lives without any clue to the happenings.

 

Look at the last couple of verses of Psalm 85, vs 8 – 13

 

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

 

Notice the key phrases: Peace and salvation; Love and faithfulness; Righteousness and peace; Faithfulness and righteousness

 

And then an interesting promise; Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.  Righteousness shall go before him and shall set us in the way of his


steps.

 

In this verse as well as in Malachi both refer to John the baptizer, the cousin of Jesus; elsewhere we can read passages that speak of preparing the way of the Lord.

 

Ironically, a group of pagans well East of Bethlehem will pour over all types of sacred script to see what might be revealed in an astronomical happening. I speak of the Magi. They had been watching the heavens as they generally did when they noticed a new light, a new star, so they try to figure out what it means and are able to surmise that it was announcing the birth of a king. Interestingly enough, God didn’t always use His word, there were signs and wonders, “…the Heavens declared the Glory of God…” as the 19th psalm begins.

 

As People of the Book, the Hebrews should not have been ignorant, unless someone wasn’t teaching them. Zechariah, John the baptizer’s father, knew the birth of his son was special, he will sing his song of praise. Simeon, an extremely elderly and righteous man, will approach the earthly parents of Jesus at the temple grounds, when they came to present Jesus at the temple, and will praise God for allowing him to see the Salvation of Israel in the person of this baby Jesus.

 

We can see that there were people in Jesus early life who did understand who he was, they did understand why he was here. But you also notice that the Spirit of God was upon them, they didn’t do this on their own. They did need the illumination of the Holy Spirit to allow them to see what was before them.

 

So how do we reveal Christ to others ? In today’s world there are many silent and non- invasive ways to let others know that Jesus Christ is in control of your life.  You can live a life to the best of your ability or you can ask God to use you to the best of the talents that He gave you; the latter would be by far the better way. This being that Christ living through us is far more powerful than anything we can do, in thought, word, or deed. We can share God’s love with others without having to beat anyone over the head with a Bible. We can show others that God is in us by example, by trying to be the person that God would have us to be, and most especially asking God to forgive us and renew us DAILY in the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

It isn’t easy. There are plenty of things, events, people, and others issues that can make us angry, discouraged, depressed, or just down right unchristlike. It is so much easier to give in to our self and not try to behave or be Christ like. We must pray daily for a renewed spirit of faithfulness and a renewed sense of our total inability to do it ourselves, we need His help to do the job.

 

Let us pray:

 

A

LMGHTY God please help us to relate and understand your Word and to translate it in this season of hyper busyness, let us try to pause and reflect on the great Gift that You sent us, the perfect, once and for all sacrifice for our sins, the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer. We ask that you be with all those who are lonely, afraid, cold, hungry, and without salvation, bringing them the Light of the World, most especially at this time of the year.

Help us to be the bearers of Good News, to be a small light in the great darkness that surrounds us, to make us salt and light to the world.  These things we ask in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen

 

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon.  If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, expouse the truth and live the truth.    This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.

 

Third Sunday in Advent

 

Our sermon today comes from the Old Testament book of Nahum. It is a follow-on to Jonah’s by some 150 years as both men were given to preach about Nineveh: a notorious middle eastern city that was located on the banks of the Tigris River in what is now northern Iraq. But where Jonah’s message concerned God’s mercy and acceptance of a penitent sinner; Nahum message was about God’s judgment on Nineveh as it had returned to its former ways of sin and wickedness.

 

Now, you won’t hear any voices rising in support of the Assyrians. By all accounts, they were generally loathed by their neighbors and Nahum’s message of their coming destruction would have been welcomed by all of the peoples of that region, so just a bit of background might be useful at the juncture.

 

The Assyrians were a Semitic people who began their conquest of Mesopotamia during the 9th century BC. They were believed to have been the first people to organize their armies into units much like our modern division which contained specialized field units such as infantry, cavalry, engineers, and quartermaster. They were also believed to have been the first people to have practiced the art of psychological warfare via their use of terror and mayhem to induce their foes to surrender without a fight. The Assyrian king, Ashurnasirpal had the following account recorded which described his gruesome tactics: “I flayed all the chief men… I covered the pillar with their skins… some I impaled… on stakes… I burned [them] with fire… I took living captives… I [mutilated them]… the city I destroyed, I devastated.” As Professor Thomas Africa noted in his work, The Ancient World, p. 44, “Such spectacles produced an immediate effect: but Ashurnasirpal had established a precedent in ferocity that obliged his successors to continue atrocities which only made their victims lust for revenge. The frightful Assyrians continually faced rebellions.”

 

So, yes, there was a popular sentiment in the Fertile Crescent from the 9thcentury until the end of the 7th century BC that the Assyrian Empire ought to “dry up and blow away.”

 

When Jonah preached at Nineveh, the Assyrian Empire had come on the world stage as a force to be reckoned with. But the fact the that from the king right down to the lowest subject in that great city repented at his preaching is a testimony to the power of God’s word presented by his appointed — but less than willing— witness. Jonah was angry that God’s word had such an effect on that city. Still, God’s mercy was extended to a Gentile people upon their heart-felt recognition of their sins and their sorrow over them before God.

 

But for Nahum, the message was not a calling to repentance but one of destruction. Notice the opening words of Nahum (1:1), The burden of Nineveh… for anytime God uses this phraseology, it refers to an approaching terrible and unavoidable judgment. Nineveh’s burden was its heavy load of sins for which God would hold them accountable. As God had been gracious to spare them on account of their repentance in Jonah’s time; nevertheless by the time of Nahum, they had forged an even greater chain of wickedness (to use a Charles Dickens’ expression from his Christmas Carol).

 

Consider also verse 2, God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. Notice the repetition in this verse. Normally stating such only once in a chapter or book is sufficient, but when the message is immediately repeated, it compounds the notion above the norm. He is God and there is no other. He hears and sees everything. Every evil, every idle word, every wicked thought, every wicked glance of the eye. Every lying word and false teaching, God has seen and heard it all. And so every tear, every unkindness, every broken heart, and every physical violation will be on record with him. Therefore, true vengeance belongs to him. He will punish evildoers and avenge those of his own who have been victimized by the wicked.

 

In verse 3, we learn that God is slow to anger, and that he will not at all acquit the wicked. The Assyrians had butchered and plundered their way across Mesopotamia even as far as Egypt to the west. They had carted away most of the inhabitants of the northern kingdom of Israel, and had attempted to conquer the kingdom of Judah. God preserved the southern kingdom because they at least had a few righteous kings where the northern kingdom had none. Still, God knows how to reserve the wicked for the day of judgment and to deliver his own out of their snare if it be agreeable to his will and purpose. His reservation of the wicked for judgment speaks of God’s righteous nature. His judgment will come upon all who have sinned without due consideration for its consequences, and who have not attained the means of salvation. For such there will be neither pity nor lessening of his verdict (II St. Peter 2:9). And so Nineveh fell to a coalition of Medes, Persians and Chaldeans in 612 BC which the prophet Nahum (3:18-19) prophesied ahead of time saying, Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them. There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit [rumour] of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?

 

Returning to Nahum chapter 1, we find in verse 7 that The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. This is a common theme in both testaments of the Bible. God is indeed good and will be a place of refuge for those who trust in him (see Psalm 46:1-11). Our Lord has gone before us into heaven to prepare a place for us (St. John 14:2-3), and until he comes again, we are expected to abide in his word. We are to trust him who is our strength, shield and sure defense as we pass through the troublesome times of this mortal life. As one friend of mine has said, “We are either entering a storm, in the midst of it, or passing out of it and headed toward another one.” We have not been promised a smooth journey only that with God’s guiding Spirit, we will have the comfort of his presence in this life, and the assurance that we will make that safe harbor of his kingdom.

 

And so the lesson for us is this: God will remember the evil of the wicked, and will eventually bring his judgment upon them. But for his servants, he will be our strong hold— a mighty fortress— preserving us as he has promised in his word. May God lead you and preserve your whole spirit, soul and body unto the day of Christ’s glorious appearing.

 

Let us pray,

 

F

ather, make of us vessels fit for thy use via the power of the Holy Ghost; that we being so conformed to thy will would carry to others the truth of thy word written; and these things we ask in the name of thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 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

Bishop Jerry and Debbie are on travel this week to Atlanta for services.

 

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

Ali Esquivel celebrated her 27th birthday on 22 November 2015.

 

Mary Garcia celebrated her 78th birthday on 10 November 2015.

 

Departed

Professor John Maher long time member of the Anglican Orthodox Church and faithful member of Prayer Partners passed from here to home on his 85th birthday, 3 December 2015, leaving behind his family and in particular his loving wife Joan.  Please pray for his wife and family that they might adjust to the temporary separation.

 

LTC Bernie Coogan passed away on 19 November 2015, after a stroke near Christmas time.  He had recovered pretty well, but other complications set in.  Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for Bernie’s time here on earth and for trust in God and comfort for those who remain behind.  Pray in for particular for his wife JoAnn, daughter Rebecca and son Chad that they might adjust to the temporary separation.

 

Jose Miranda passed away on 16 November 2015, in hospice care as a result of kidney failure, gangrene and other organ failures.  Please pray for his wife and daughter that they might adjust to the temporary separation.

 

Nearing the end of their time here on earth

Dick Gray has a metastasized Merkle Cell carcinoma just under his sternum carcinoma for which all treatment has been exhausted.  The pain has gotten to the point he has been given a morphine pump, which for now is working.  His faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him.  Pray he, his wife Jenny and family will keep their trust in our Lord and his time here on earth with his family will be acceptable; 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

Jose Francisco Vidas was in a terrible automobile accident on Friday 11 December 2015 as he was on his way to work when an unlicensed driver in a jacked up pickup truck ran a red light and destroyed his car.  Francisco has massive internal injuries, swelling of his brain and unknown orthopedic injuries.  His family and co-workers are with him around the clock.   Please pray for physical and spiritual strength for Francisco, his wife, daughter and co-workers, particularly Scott, Roger and Mark; pray for the medical team treating him that they might be open to God’s guidance and do their very best.  Pray for trust in our Lord for all concerned.

 

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

John has Alzheimer’s; pray he will call on God to help him as he deals with this time in his life.

 

Steve, brother in law of Paul Martin, appears to have early onset dementia.  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

Ashiei had surgery on Tuesday 1 December 2015, to remove a tumor from her chest; complications ensued.  Please continue Ashiei in your prayers and pray for the medical team to be open to God’s guidance on further treatment, to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also Ashiei and her family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

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

 Mary Lee has bleeding into her stomach and they cannot find the sources. Mary Lee is in CCU and her husband Maurice is not eating until she returns home for is so upset.  Please pray for the physicians treating her to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for her, Maurice, as well as the rest of the family in this worrisome time.

 

Glenn Porter, MAJ USMC Retired, has Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, which causes him to be unable to get enough oxygen into his system without supplemental oxygen all the time.  The only real treatment is a lung transplant, without a transplant he has between two to five years here on earth.  Please pray for him to continue in his faith and for a set of lungs to become available.

 

Kathy Cardin appears to have macular telangiectasia, a degenerative eye condition which ultimately results in blindness for which there is no apparent cure.  Please pray for the physicians treating her to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for no loss of vision and trust in the Lord for her, her husband Ron, as well as the rest of the family in this worrisome time.

 

Eileen Jacob wife of Bishop Ernest Jacob in Pakistan, has idiopathic facial paralysis due to hypertension.   She has, by God’s Grace, avoided a major stroke.   Please pray for the physicians treating her to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for her, Jacob and their daughter Erma, as well as the rest of the family in this worrisome time.

 

Pat has an aneurism of the brain, Pray she will make the right decision on how to treat this problem and it will be healed.

 

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 appears it can stay.  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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Rev Bill had a stroke. Pray he will stay comfortable and Jesus will be close by, please pray for a full and rapid recovery.

 

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.

 

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

 

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 has been in the Long Beach VA Hospital for eight months now and hopes to get out before Thanksgiving.  It is quite a trip for Mary, so please pray 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

Shamu had surgery on 20 October 2015, for a disruptive colon.  Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for her full and rapid recovery.  She is having some problems with post surgical infection, please pray for that to be overcome and pray also for her to continue her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time.

 

Ruby broke her hip on 10 December 2015, surgery was successful.  Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for her full and rapid recovery.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Charlie McCormack is really feeling down as the holiday season approaches.  He cannot say why; on the one hand knowing rationally things are pretty darn good and on the other hand feeling what he knows to be irrationally that doom is impending.  He asks your prayer that the Holy Ghost might fill his heart with light and drive the darkness far away.

 

Guidance

Thomas recently learned as the result of a parole violation he will not be allowed to return to society for the remainder of his life. He is despairing and fearful of his inability to cope with this new news and God’s plan for his life.  Please pray he will be able to work with God to live with the choices he has made and go forward.

 

Shyla, age 8, has been suffering for five years with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). She is extremely disturbed and thinks she would be better dead; pray the Holy Ghost will bring an understanding of what our Lord Jesus Christ expects from her so she can have peace of mind and give her family guidance that they can find someone who can help Shyla with her problem and that all the family will remember God’s love for them.

 

Anne has been helping a woman; the woman has turned against her and become very mean. Pray she will better realize God is with her and that He will help with the problems.

 

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 they might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide their lives.  Pray they will 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 he might open his heart to God’s guidance and see what he needs to do to fulfill his potential and live his life in a manner which will bring true happiness to him.  Please pray 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.

 

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 (USAF – 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)

 

Dustin – USAF and has been in Kuwait for the last six months and during this time he was promoted to SSgt. Dustin is now on his way home to the USA for a visit and he and his family thank you for your prayer and ask you to continue as he serves his country and Lord.

 

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.

 

Thanksgiving

Hope DeLong, JB Alexander, Eric Popper and others give thanks for safe travel this past week to the San Diego.

 

Various Special Requests

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

 

20 December 2015 – Fourth Sunday in Advent – Holy Communion – 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 December 2015 – Christmas Day – 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

 

26 December 2015 – Saint Stephen – 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

 

27 December 2015 – Saint John – 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

 

28 December 2015 – Holy Innocents – 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

 

3 January 2016 – First Sunday after Christmas – 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

 

6 January 2016 – The Epiphany – Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (5:45 pm); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

10 January 2016 – First Sunday after Epiphany – 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]Don’t forget Screwtape is a devil, actually a devil middle manager, and God is his enemy!

By |2015-12-17T20:00:32+00:00December 17th, 2015|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 151213 AOC Sunday Report

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