160410 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

The Second Sunday afterEaster

Sunday Report

 

This is the Second Sunday after Easter; the Easter season is five Sundays, the last of which, the Fifth Sunday after Easter, is commonly called Rogation Sunday.  Like every day, today we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, “Christ the Lord IS Risen today!”  By the way, it is also the second anniversary of the AOC Sunday Report!

 

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 –

 

Duty

Sometimes doing your best is not good enough.  Sometimes you must do what is required.

Winston Churchill^[1]

 

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:9

 

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

 

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

St. Matthew 20:27-28

 

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

I Corinthians 3:16

 

The way to heaven is as narrow as the Cross. Only those who are willing to humble themselves and acknowledge their sin and place their trust in the Son of God who died in their stead will ever enter the gates of heaven.

James Kennedy

20^th and 21^st century American theologian, teacher and author

Why I Believe, p.69

 

My own firm conviction is that the Lord’s Supper should on no account be placed before Christ, and that men should always be taught to come to Christ by faith before they draw near to the Lord’s Table. I believe that this order can never be inverted without bringing in gross superstition and doing immense harm to men’s souls.

JC Ryle

19^th century Anglican bishop and author

Knots Untied, p. 187

 

Americans in flyover country have long sensed that the politicians they elect are not the politicians who end up inhabiting the District of Criminals. And they have long sensed that the system is rigged against them and in favor of the establishment and crony corporations. Though they have sensed it, for the most part they still have played along in the hope that, somehow, something will change. But politics is nothing but an absurd theater. It’s a parlor trick. It’s sleight of hand. The two-party system is not Democrats versus Republicans. It’s government versus the people…

Bob Livingston

20^th and 21^st century American conservative commentator

Personal Liberty Digest

 

There is nothing more horrible than the murder of a beautiful theory by a brutal gang of facts.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

17^th century French nobleman and author

 

A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot.

Robert A. Heinlein

20^th century American science fiction author

 

Never give to your friend any power that your enemy may some day inherit.

Paul Weyrich

20^th and 21^st century American Conservative and author

 

Propers

Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible.  There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. 

 

The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament.  The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister or our Deacon Striker.

 

The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off.  Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days.  Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events.  Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent.

 

The Propers for today are found on Page 171-172, with the Collect first:

 

The Second Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

 

LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

This morning’s Epistle came from the First Epistle of St. Peter, the Second Chapter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. The Epistle reminds us that Christ, who was completely without sin or guile, not only died for our sins, but suffered humiliation and torture without complaint for us.  Thus, if we, because we believe in God and our Lord Jesus, are subjected to unfavorable comment, criticism or even persecution, we should bear this gladly, as our Lord gave us his example.  If we want to benefit from the Lord’s sacrifice, then we need to try to follow in his footsteps.  We need to look to His example to live our lives.

 

We are as sheep going astray who have been returned to the flock by our Lord, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

 

We were asked the question, who is this man Jesus?  We answered, he is the Son of God; are we following him?  In this Epistle again, we are admonished to follow our Lord.

 

HIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

 

Today’s Gospel came from the Tenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Using the words that give this Sunday its name, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”  He goes on to say He is not a hireling who cares not for the flock, but rather the shepherd himself.  He understands his job and puts it first, before his desires.  Jesus knows each of His sheep and they know Him, even as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him.  Because we are His sheep, He willingly laid down His life that we might live.  Jesus also points out He is not here to shepherd only the Jews, but all men, “And there are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.”

 

ESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.

 

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon

We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes.  Today is one of those Sundays.  Today’s sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.

 

Sermon Notes – Summary of the Gospel

Second Sunday after Easter

St Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church

10 April 2016, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

 

The Second Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

 

LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Sermon Notes for 2nd Sunday after Easter, The Summary of the Gospel, 10 April 2016 Anno Domini

 

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  (John 10:11-16)

 

            Friends, in the text we examine today, we have a precise summary of the Gospel. The number seven represents the perfection of God, and we discover seven “I AM’s” in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of St. John. It is sometimes called the Shepherd chapter, and it coincides fully in meaning with the 23^rd Psalm composed, under inspiration of the Holy Ghost, by the Shepherd/King, David.

 

            In our world, Christ owns a diverse number of sheep for which He has paid dearly with His own blood. These sheep are numbered in diverse folds from China to South Africa, from Anchorage to Buenos Aries, and from New Zealand to Seoul, Korea. But these shall all be gathered together at the pleasure and timing of the Good Shepherd to become one fold in the Kingdom of Heaven – a time at which the curse of the Tower of Babel will be lifted and we shall all speak in familiar tongues with one another.

 

Summary of the Gospel

 

1. The Good Shepherd – there is no other: Christ alone is the Good Shepherd, and only Shepherd, of His sheep. As He commanded Peter to “Feed my sheep,” He commands us today to do the same; but the food is divine and heavenly – it is the Word of God with which He feeds us day by day, and moment by moment. There are wolves and anti-Christs who disguise themselves as ‘Angels of Light’ but devour the sheep. Christ alone has laid down His life for the sheep. They are HIS.

 

1. The Good Shepherd is forever alert to the wants and welfare of the sheep. The sheep know not the danger of the mountain crevices and beasts of prey, but the Shepherd knows the enemy and makes provision for the defense of His own.

 

1. The Voice of the Shepherd is the only Voice the sheep know and respond to, and He knows their voice as well. The sheep will not follow any stranger because his voice is not familiar to them.

 

1. The Kingdom of Heaven is not of this world, therefore, the Shepherd has no human shepherds. There are under-shepherds who echo faithfully the Voice of the Shepherd, but have no voice of their own.

 

1. Those who remain nearest the Shepherd and within the sound of His Voice are in no danger of getting lost. They are continually rewarded by the greenest pastures and still waters to which the Shepherd leads them. But those who straggle far behind are tempted as worldly creatures to the unwholesome vegetation along the mountainsides and ravines. They forget the Shepherd for a time and suddenly realize they are lost and separated from the flock. They then bleat and cry until the Shepherd secures the greater flock and comes seeking far and wide until the lost sheep is recovered.

 

            Although there is only one Shepherd, there are many imposters. Those imposters are seeking personal gain and wealth. They care little for the sheep. They are hirelings. This is not to say that the devout minister does not deserve to be assisted in his living by the church, but his purpose must always be the burden for souls and not for gold.

 

            Then, there is another which is the sponsor of false prophets and teachers. He dresses as one of the sheep, but is truly a wolf so dressed. Because he appears to be a sheep, he is able to gain the trust of the other sheep. He gets near them before he reveals himself, too late, as wolf. He is the counter-shepherd. Instead of laying his life down for the sheep, he, instead, devours them and brutally uses them. He is the devil incarnate. We should not be shocked to learn that there are wolves among us, for God has warned us in no uncertain terms: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  (2 Cor 11:14-15)

 

            There is no past time limitation on our Shepherd because He is once and forever our Shepherd.   I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  To say that Christ WAS our Shepherd, or WILL be our Shepherd, would be to demean His Person as well as the English language (and every other into which the Word is translated). He has ALWAYS been, is NOW,  and FOREVER WILL BE our Shepherd. He is the I AM Shepherd! He has not GIVEN His life; nor WILL He give it; but He continually GIVETH His life for the sheep. (PRESENT TENSE)

 

            When we hire a laborer to dig ditches, he could care less what benefit the ditches afford the one for whom they are dug. He simply labors for his wages. We have far too many ministers who are likewise minded – in fact, the overwhelming majority who have ‘decided’ on the ministerial career as a means of livelihood and not the sound and certain call of God upon their lives. There are three requirements for the identification of ministers:

 

1. God must call a man;

2. The man must recognize the calling;

3. The Church must recognize evidence of the calling on a man’s life IN CONFIRMATION OF IT.

 

I have known ministers who prepare their sons for the ministry because THEY have called their son to it and not God.

 

            We have two great proclamations from God. One is the Law as delivered from the heights of Mount Sinai. No man has kept perfectly the Law excepting One – Jesus Christ. The penalty for disobedience in a single infraction is death. But even if a man were to keep the Law perfectly only in order to avoid that penalty of death,  he will not become godly in his heart because his motive is selfish and without the blood-seal of love.

 

            The other proclamation of God is the Gospel itself! It is a gentle and inviting Gospel that never compels, but persuades and encourages to love. iT BECKONS TENDERLY TO THE HEART. In fact, if we love God enough, we will be compelled to love our neighbors in a divine degree. This kind of agape love will vanquish sin and willful disobedience of God’s Law. Love will cover all of our sins. (Proverbs 10:12)

 

            There is a great difference, and yet union, between these two principles of God’s Word – Law and Grace. Law demands and commands. Grace invites and gives comfort. But there can be no grace without law since grace and mercy are the forgiveness of our trespasses under the Law. Jesus Christ redeemed us from our sins under that very Law that we disdain.

 

            These are the two major declarations from Heaven – Law and Gospel. All others issued by would-be potentates, Popes, and false prophets have no bearing on the futurity of our souls. It is almost amusing, were it not so disgusting, to witness the Pope waffle on grave matters of morality and discipline daily. He seems to desire whatever will best feed his political interests and the coffers of the Vatican. And there are many little horns (pretended popes) of the Protestant church who preach likewise a Gospel that is directed more to itching ears than souls hungry for the pure and undiluted Bread of Heaven.

 

            Truly every fold of Christ divided by geography, language and culture shall be made, finally, One fold.  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. In the Garden of Sorrows called Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for the consummation of this very thing:  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  (John 17:20-23)

 

            The Shepherd always sleeps in the Fold with the sheep (glorified Church). He never leaves us here in our worship, or there beyond Jordan banks. He is the  I AM with thee always, even unto the end of the world.  There will be One Fold and One shepherd at that day. The folds of Iran were cavernous enclosures dug into mountain bases. There was only One entrance – the Door of the Sheepfold. Need I remind you what that Door was?  Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.  (John 10:7) If Christ is the DOOR, He is also the Straight and Narrow Way, for He is the ONLY Way. I am the way, the truth, and the life.  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  (John 14:6)

 

Have you found the Door to your eternal home? The KEY is written in the pages of a BOOK.

 

Sermon – Rev Hap Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Rev Jack is back in Okinawa, Detachment One is active; thus there is a sermon from Hap.

 

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

 

We are in the Easter Season which consists of Easter and the following four Sundays, until we get to Rogation Sunday.  This is a time we should work on centering our lives on the central figure in our religion, Jesus Christ. 

 

Consider these words from the Collect:

 

… who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life …

 

It is critical to understand Jesus is the only begotten Son (John 3:16) of God.  He is also referred to in places as The Word, the means by which God is given to the world.  But, more than that, 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.   (John 1:1-3)  He has been there since before the beginning of what we understand to be the Universe.  He created this world, it is by rights His, not the rightful belonging of the Prince of this World.  He whom is begotten of the Father is who was sent to give His earthly life that we might be accounted as perfect at our own final accounting.  In addition, as we have a dire need of direction, our internal sense of right and wrong so oft lacking, He came to earth to provide us with a perfect example of what to do, while we, ourselves, so oft serve only as bad examples.   As the Collect makes very clear, we need the Holy Ghost in our hearts to more closely follow that perfect example in our daily actions.

 

This brings us to Peter’s point in the Epistle, Christ serves as a perfect example for the conduct of our lives.  If we are wrong and suffer for it, there is little honor; for we were wrong.  But, if we do right, that is follow God’s Will, and suffer for it, there is in fact glory, laud and honor there.  Jesus went to His death on the Cross for our failures that we might be accounted as perfect.  He who is, was and always will be perfect suffered great pain that we might live life eternal.  If He did that for us, should we not follow that example and follow His Direction, counting the cost only after the work is done?

 

We are after all much like sheep, following the lead of those around us, somewhat like lemmings, it seems.  We have great need of a shepherd to lead us back from the edge of The Pit and to life, back to those verdant pastures and still waters.

 

As Peter referred to Jesus as a shepherd, so does John.  There is a reason for this constant reference to Jesus as the Good Shepherd; He is.  The Gospel notes the difference of ownership.  Our true owner will, and I might add, has, given His Life that we might be protected from the ravening wolves of this world, the Prince of this World.  We are cautioned to 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)  But, sobriety only gets you so far; sheep do poorly against wolves and lions.  Make no mistake, we need the help of that Good Shepherd.  That Good Shepherd calls to each of us, we need the Holy Ghost in our hearts to hear that call.  Regardless of what you have been told by those of this world, there is only One God, One Lord, One Savior.  Thus, there is only One Flock; there are many ways to follow Scripture, but they must all have the same general plan.  That is the reason for the creeds, the reason we tell all to compare what is preached against what is in Scripture.  We need to daily work towards doing a better job of following God’s Will.

 

We need help, He provides it, we need to accept it.

 

The key is action, in this case our action.  We need to actually accept the offered help; like the life ring thrown to a drowning person, we must grab God’s proffered help, else we profit nothing.

 

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. 

 

Second Sunday after Easter

The Shepherd, the Voice, and the Comforter

10 April 2016

Psalm 23 • Isaiah 40:1-11 • John 10:1-10

 

The Second Sunday after Easter.

The Collect.

 

LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Lord is my Shepherd

Psalm 23

 

he Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 

This Sunday all three of our scripture passages speak of the Shepherd.  There is no doubt that the shepherd is Jesus.  As we see the caring, loving Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, we find great peace and comfort in knowing that he does provide for us. He provides sustenance, safety, and security.  He provides peace even in the face or shadow of death. He provides health and restoration of our soul.  It is no wonder the 23^rd is used so often in times of memorial at funerals and other solemn times.

 

When the prophet Isaiah takes up the message, he gives us a foreshadowing of the coming Shepherd. He tells of the one who will precede the coming Shepherd, John the Baptizer. He writes of the coming King, who even though he comes in great humility, will be still a King.

 

The paths, the roads and the high places will be leveled for the coming of the Great King, he who will save his people. His glory shall be revealed, all flesh shall see it.  Why? Because the Lord has spoken it.   The good tidings, which will be found first in Jerusalem, will then be shared or spread to the cities of Judah. And from those cities, the good tidings {Gospel} will be spread to the rest of mankind.  ‘All flesh shall see it {the Glory of the Lord} together.’   Now the final blessing from Isaiah; ‘…He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’

 

Now we come to the specific Shepherd as described in the Gospel of St. John.

 

When Jesus told this parable to his disciples and those who also followed along, he was very specific as to who this shepherd was.  He describes all those who came before him, not the prophets, but those who claimed the truth, as thieves and robbers.  He gives a very clear description as to their behavior. ‘They climb in by other means or they entered by other means’, these are not the Shepherd. They have been trying to lead the folk astray.

 

Jesus makes an interesting point in his description of this parable. He speaks to those who would cause death or destruction, not so much physical death, but spiritual death. That really is what Jesus is about. ‘…do not fear those who can kill you, but fear those who can kill your soul…’   A paraphrase on a theme that Jesus echos over and over.  I don’t think that he is just making this point for the folk of the time. He is speaking down through the ages…to us.  We must be aware of those who seek to kill our soul/spirit.  They are the ones who must be kept at a distance.  They are  ‘…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.’

 

Jesus makes a very clear distinction between those who seek to steal, to kill and to destroy and what He, Jesus is doing. ‘…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’   Of course this life is spiritual. It is eternal, it is forever with Him in his Kingdom.

 

Today let us remember some key phrases from our selected scripture.   ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  Comfort ye comfort ye my people, saith your God. …the Glory of the LORD shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. …when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.’  

 

The Lord God comforts us, he feeds us and he cares for us; giving us comfort, safety and eternal life.  

 

Let us pray:

 

 Almighty God, who hast bidden us seek that we may find, and who pourest out on all who desire it, the spirit of grace and of supplication; Deliver us, when we draw nigh to Thee, from coldness of heart and wandering of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.    Amen.

 

 God, at whose word man goeth forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening; Be merciful to all whose duties are difficult or burdensome, and comfort them concerning their toil. Shield from bodily accident and harm the workmen at their work. Protect the efforts of sober and honest industry, and suffer not the hire of the laborers to be kept back by fraud. Incline the hearts of employers and of those whom they employ to mutual forbearance, fairness, and good-will. Give the spirit of governance and of a sound mind to all in places of authority. Bless all schools of good learning, and grant to’ every work of mercy an even course. Care for all aged persons, and all little children, the sick and afflicted, those who travel by land or by sea, all strangers, and emigrants, and outcasts. Remember all who by reason of weakness are overtasked, or by reason of poverty are forgotten. Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before Thee, and have mercy upon those that are appointed to die. Give ear unto our prayer, O merciful and gracious Father, for the love of Thy dear Son our Savior Jesus Christ.    Amen. 

 

e entreat Thee, O Lord, holy Father, everlasting God, grant that the way of Thy truth and of the knowledge of Thee may be shown to Thy servants who wander in doubt and uncertainty amid the darkness of this world; that their eyes may be opened, and that they may acknowledge Thee the One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and enjoy the fruit of this confession, both here and in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord.     Amen.

 

 Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in Thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

✟

Bishop Dennis Campbell’s Sermon

Bishop Dennis is a brilliant speaker.  He is able to take biblical precepts and make them perfectly understandable, even to me.  Oft he provides the text of his sermons and I take the utmost pleasure in passing them on:

 

A Study in Contrasts

1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:11-16

Second Sunday after Easter

April 10, 2016

 

The Collect for this Second Sunday after Easter emphasises the  point that we are to be equally recipients of the benefits of Christ’s suffering, and followers of His example.  We are still in the Easter Season, still remembering and reflecting on the meaning of His death and resurrection.  In a sense, we are always in the Easter Season.  We areEaster people, for we live in continual remembrance of, and reflection upon the great mystery that the Word, who always was, always is, and always will be God, became flesh and died on a cross for you and me, and there are tremendous benefits we receive from Him, which we will never fully understand until we are with Him in Paradise.  There, living, finally, in absolute righteousness, surrounded by unshakable joy, and living in the fullest possible union with Him, we will be able to say, “this is what He died to give to me.  Now I am beginning to understand.”

 

But, considering those great benefits of His death and passion, let us also remember that He is our Teacher and Example.  Our Collect reminds us of this very Biblical principle twice.  First, by calling Him, “a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life.” Second, by asking God to, “Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life.”

 

The Scripture readings today present two sets of glaring contrasts, which the Collect assumes as we pray it.  The reading in John contrasts the True, or, Good Shepherd, with the hirelings.  The reading in Peter contrasts the Good Shepherd’s true sheep with the strays.

 

Our Lord, who is the speaker in the passage in John, takes for granted that we understand that we live in a wilderness, and that the wilderness contains wolves who want to kill and destroy us.  We are fortunate in having enough familiarity with the Bible to know that the wolves symbolise the devil and the false teachers who want to lead us astray and use us for their own unGodly purposes.  Real wolves want to kill and eat the sheep.  These spiritual wolves want to ruin our lives and take our souls to Hell.  I recently attended the funeral of a beloved and courageous minister.  After the funeral two ladies spoke to me about a time he led his congregation in a study of C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters.  Perhaps you have read that book.  I heartily recommend it.  Though well written, and deeply insightful about the ways Satan attempts to distract and destroy us, the book’s real strength, in my opinion, is that it reminds us that there really is a power, a being, who hates God, hates, goodness and hates you.  This being, and his legions of demons, wants to see this world burn in riots and wars, wants to see children starve, wants to see crime and hate and abuse, and wants to see you burn in hell forever.  This being is much smarter than you.  He has eons of experience in deceiving people. And he is working, working, working on you, to get you into the fires of Hell.  He is one of the wolves.

 

But not all the wolves are outside of us.  Some are inside of us.  In a way, we are spiritual werewolves, and our passions and desires are like the full moon, which bring out the wolf in us.  Changing the metaphor, slightly, our passions and lusts are like wolves within us. If we give in to the wolves, they will destroy us.

 

The Lord compares Himself to the hirelings, who see the wolves coming, and abandon the sheep, allowing the wolves to kill and destroy the sheep.  The hirelings are false teachers, who do not care about the sheep.  They only see the sheep as money.  They are there to fleece the flock and eat the sheep, not to protect and save them.  Thus, they run when they see the wolves coming.

 

But the Good Shepherd places Himself between the wolves and the sheep.  He forms a barrier, a fold, around the sheep, and the wolves must get through Him to get to you.  Of course, we often see sheep running to the wolves, as though the wolves give safety and peace.  These strays embrace the wolves, and they will pay the price, but that’s another sermon.

 

The point here is that the wolves attack and kill the Shepherd.  We are talking about the crucifixion of Christ.  On the cross He laid down His life for the sheep.  The hirelings are in it for themselves, the Good Shepherd is in it for the sheep.  The hirelings run when the wolves come, the Good Shepherd dies to save the sheep.

 

But not all sheep are the same.  In John, the Lord refers to His faithful people, the ones we would call, “true believers.”  These are people, like the Apostles,  like Timothy, Mary Magdalene, and the martyrs under the throne in Revelation, who followed Christ to the dungeons, the crosses, the lions, and the  fires.  But in other places, the Bible talks about lost sheep, and wolves in sheep’s clothing.  Our reading in John ended at verse 16, but, if we read a little further, to verse 26, we hear Jesus saying to some people, “ye are not of my sheep.”  There is a clearly implied question in this passage; which kind of sheep are you?  Whose sheep are you?  Do you follow the Good Shepherd, the hirelings, or the wolves?

 

Peter also uses the analogy of sheep.  In verse 25, he says we “were as sheep going astray but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”  Here, again there is an implied contrast between the sheep who are going astray, and the sheep who have returned to Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls.  But, Peter emphasises Christ as our Great Example, and following His example as the true expression of being His sheep.

 

Peter is writing to people who are in danger of losing their lives for being Christians.  He calls this following the example, or following the “steps” of Christ.  In verse 24, Peter is saying that, as Christians, they are dead already.  They have died to sin, and have been resurrected to a new life of righteousness.  He is making the point that, just as Jesus died for our sins and rose up from that death to new life; we, who claim to be His sheep must die to sin and be resurrected into a new life of righteousness.  We have all mourned over the loss of beloved friends and family.  We know that a dead person is gone from this world.  You can put his favourite foods and things in front of him, but he can’t eat them or enjoy them.  He is dead to them.  That is the kind of break Peter says ought to exist between a Christian believer and the world of sin.  It ought to be that complete and that final.  None of us have reached that point yet.  We never will in this life.  But this is the question.  Is that your real intention?  Do you devote your time and energy to it?  Does it occupy your thoughts?  Is it the desire of your heart?  That’s what Christ’s real sheep do.  That’s what real Christians do.

—

+Dennis Campbell

Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia

Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church

Powhatan, Virginia

www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org

www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com

 

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

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

 

Second Sunday after Easter

 

Halley’s Bible Handbook (p. 332) reads as follows concerning Chapter 34 of  Ezekiel:

 

Responsibility for the captivity of Israel is here laid directly at the door of the greedy and cruel kings and priests who had exploited and led astray the people. Against this background Ezekiel sees a vision of the Future Shepherd of God’s people in the Coming Messiah, under whom they shall never more suffer, and ‘there shall be showers of blessing’.

 

Thus the applicable message of Ezekiel to us in our day is clear: While God expected those in leadership positions within ancient Israel to be faithful, he expects the same from those who hold offices within the body of Christ today. And as those of the Israelites who had deviated from his will were punished, so too will he deal with those who occupy positions within the churches if they are faithless to his word and commandment. Ezekiel was given of the LORD to speak against the wicked shepherds of his people, more particularly the king and the priests (34:1-2). The king was considered a shepherd because of his duty to properly administer justice and to care for the whole of the land as God’s steward. The priests were charged with leading the people in their worship as well as instructing them concerning the very laws of God. But they had been looking out for their own interests rather than the interests of those in their charge, and as a result the LORD gave the prophet to proclaim, Woe be the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flock? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered (vv.2-5).

 

The prophet Malachi was given a similar message that was specifically aimed at the priests: And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart… For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should see the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts (2:1-8). It seems even after the dispersal of 70 years, the Levite clan had fallen again into the same sort of behaviors as they had engaged in prior to their exile in 586 BC.

 

Now consider the words of our Lord as found in St. Luke 15 wherein he reminded his hearers that there is more joy in heaven over those sinners who came to repentance than over those who thought themselves just persons which need no repentance (v.7). He also delivered a stinging critique of the religious authorities as noted in St. Matthew 23 when he said, Woe unto to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in (v.13). Our Lord expressed the same level of concern for the lost sheep in his day as the Lord GOD had done in his message to the prophet Ezekiel. The person of Christ as God made flesh did not change his mind over the centuries. As God the Son, he came to seek and save the lost. He came to bring the gift of salvation to those whose hearts were willing to be changed via repentance. And our Lord expects those in church leadership to be good shepherds and not hirelings who only care for the sheep because they are paid to look after them (St. John 10:12-13).

 

Returning to Ezekiel 34, God announced his judgment upon those whose solemn task had been to care for his people. He made it rather plain that he would be against those so-called shepherds and would, require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them (vv. 9-10). Without a doubt the crushing defeat of King Zedekiah and his administration marked the end of the kings of Judah leaving only the promise of God to reclaim his lost sheep and restore them to the land of their forefathers (vv. 11-22). The city of Jerusalem was sacked and the Temple was burned. The majority of those who survived were carted away into captivity while only a small portion of the population was left behind to tend the fields for the Chaldeans. The promise of judgment had come. All that remained of the prophecy was for God to send to the promised redemption through the Messiah. As the prophet noted, And I will set up one shepherd over them and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd… and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen… (vv. 23-28). God informed Ezekiel the Messiah will be a shepherd to his people much as David had been. This reference to David was made twice in two contiguous verses, and emphasized the Messiah blood connection to him in keeping with the earlier prophetic promises made in Isaiah 9:6-7 wherein it is written his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

 

Sadly, the faithless shepherds of today have ignored God’s word just as those kings and priests in Old Testament times had done. Our Lord warned us concerning such persons when he said, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (St. Matthew 7:15). What better way to gain access to the sheep fold than by posing as a sheep yourself. It is easy to assume that all that glitters is gold, but such would be a mistake. We have been warned often not to “judge a book by its cover”, so too must we not judge superficially when it comes to those who are our ministers and servants within the church.

 

St. Paul noted in his second epistle to the Corinthians that, if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (4:3-4). Indeed, the gospel is kept from these folk as they work for the adversary. Satan has done and will do all he can to keep as many mortals away from the truth of God’s word. He has dropped a shroud, as it were, over their hearts so that they cannot discern the things of God around them.

 

In his second letter to St. Timothy, the apostle admonished his charge to, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (4:2-4). Preaching is essential for the furtherance of the gospel in this world. The apostle advised young Timothy to preach with earnest the words of truth so that more would hear and receive it to their eternal good.

 

But too often false teachers and preachers have twisted God’s word to mean what he did not intend. They have taken liberties with the word in their ministrations, and this has led to a fair number of folk being deceived into accepting all sorts of beliefs and behaviors within their churches. Look about at what passes for the modern church and you will find acceptance of every sort of false doctrine you can imagine. And the only way that those churches came to embrace such was that they accepted into positions of leadership persons who had, in varying degrees, bought into Satan’s grand deception for the Church.

 

St. Peter recorded in his second epistle a telling description of these false teachers when he wrote, … there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them… [they] walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government [ or, those who are appointed over them in the church]… [they are] presumptuous… selfwilled… not afraid to speak evil of dignities… they have eyes full of adultery and cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; [they are filled with covetousness]; cursed children… [they] have forsaken the right way… following the way of Balaam… who loved the wages of unrighteousness… These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever (2:1-17). The apostle was given to pen this chapter to remind the faithful that evil may come in the guise of a brother or a sister in Christ whose sole purpose will be to lead them astray. Without sound preaching based upon the expressed word of God, and without the faithful being careful to check what they have been told by their ministers using the very words of Scripture, deception is a real possibility for said Christians.

 

So what should the faithful do when faced with those who are peddling the pabulum of demonic deception within their churches? First of all, they ought to thank the LORD that their eyes were opened to the problem. Next, they should determine the scope of the problem within their respective church bodies. After that, they can make an informed decision as to whether or not it would be possible to bring said bodies back into conformity with orthodox Christian teaching. If they can be salvaged, by all means do so. But if they cannot then it would be best for the faithful to find a new church body where God’s word is respected as truth and not just a choice among choices.

 

Jesus Christ is the good shepherd (St. John 10:14). No other person either in the past of ancient Israel or in the church age has ever possessed the singular purpose of taking care of the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3) like our Lord Jesus Christ. We can rely on him. We can trust in him. He will not leave us to be stolen, killed, or destroyed by our adversary the devil (St. John 10:10). You can count on him to keep his word; and just as he dealt with those wicked and slothful shepherds in Ezekiel’s day, he will deal with those who are false witnesses and faithless shepherds of this time as well. There is a judgment coming. Make sure that you and the church you belong to are on “the right side of the river.”

 

Let us pray,

 

 LORD, keep us, we pray thee, in this time of our mortal life; that we being so protected by thy most holy Spirit may ever praise thy name as a witness to those who claim they need no repentance: that they might hear and turn unto thee the only wise God, through the merits and satisfaction of thy dear 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

Jack Arnold is on travel through 17 April 2016, to Okinawa to visit the Thomas family.

 

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.

 

Birthdays

Gil Garcia celebrated his 86^th birthday on 28 February 2016.

 

Marriage

Tracy Reisor and Chad Heron were married on 2 April 2016, please pray they might come together as one in marriage as the Herons.

 

Departed

Lucy, unborn daughter of Tamara and Jody, passed away before birth when her heart failed.  Please pray for her safe return to heaven and for comfort and trust in the Lord for Tamara and Jody.

 

Nathan passed away 24 March 2016 after a long and hard fought battle with cancer.  Give thanks for his time here and pray for his family and friends who of necessity remain behind that they might put their sorrow at the temporary separation on our Lord’s shoulders.

 

Nearing the end of their time here on earth

Dot is an elderly woman with liver cancer.  Please pray for Dot 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.

 

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.

 

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

Krysti is off life support and able to talk, please give thanks for the good news.  She is still unable to feel her legs. When that comes back she will go to a rehabilitation facility.  Krysti has used drugs, has high blood pressure, is diabetic and has organ failure. Her families are with her and will appreciate your prayers.

 

Pat has metastaticosteosarcoma; there is little that can be done.  Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Pat’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Pat and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

Amy has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and has cancer all over her body, and in one of her kidneys which are no longer functioning.  Amy and her family have asked for prayer to stop the growth and to aid the family financially with the medical bills. At present she has to have surgery every two months to place stents. Pray Jesus will be close to all.

 

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 she 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 two aggressive malignant brain tumors.  We have been praying for a miraculous remission; one shrank and the other disappeared; now the shrinking one has started to grow agian. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Cindy’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Cindy and and her family will continue to 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.

 

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

Janet Jessup is having an operation on 12 April 2016, she is very weak and in the hospital for a second time this year and the fifth since February 2014. She has had two heart attacks and two strokes the first damaged the part of her brain which reaches logical decisions and uses mathematics. On top of everything else a knee replacement from 2011 has come apart and must be removed very soon. She was last in the hospital for three septic infections one of which settled in that defective knee. The Doctors will remove a cement spacer and anti-biotic implants placed around the spacer. After twelve weeks if she is still with us there will be a follow-up to place a new knee joint in the right leg. The surgeon has called in her cardiologist, infectious disease doctor, and neurologist; all of which had to approve the operation.  This is a complicated and dangerous operation, the more so because of her current condition.

 

Please pray for Janet to gain strength and for the medical team to pay attention and to be open to God’s guidance, to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also Janet and her husband Roger will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

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.

 

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

Patrice Li is hospitalized with what is apparently the early stages of Congestive Heart Failure.  Please pray with Patrice, her husband William, family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to health and for trust in the Lord for Patrice, her husband William, family and friends in this worrisome time. 

 

Jane has severe back pain and possibly a far more serious blood disorder.  Please pray with Jane, her family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Jane, her family and friends in this worrisome time. 

 

Michael has cancer of the blood and is starting chemotherapy.  Please pray for the physicians treating him 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 Michael.

 

Clay has a large gallstone; he is in poor health and not currently a surgical candidate.  Please pray for the physicians treating him 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 Clay.

 

Jim Sevier has been in the hospital for heart related troubles.  Please pray with Jim and his family the physicians treating him will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Jim and his family in this worrisome time. 

 

Claude has been falling and he does not know why. Pray doctors will discover what the problem is and he can continue without any more difficulties.

 

Sungeun (Janice) has been experiencing persistent stomach pain, fevers, and incontinence for the past 30 days and has been hospitalized.   Please pray with Janice and her family the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Janice and her family in this worrisome time.  She is a founding member of St. Andrews Parish in Enterprise, Alabama. 

 

Jieun, a concert pianist and founding member of St. Andrews Parish in Enterprise, Alabama, and sister of Janice above has a persistent cough that has nagged her for several months. She has undergone clinical tests and may know something tomorrow, Please pray with Jieun and her family the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Jieun and her family in this worrisome time. 

 

Gretchen has been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. Her doctor wants to treat her with injectable drugs which have fearsome side effects. Please pray with Gretchen and her family the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Gretchen and her family in this worrisome time.

 

Pete has not been well and is back in the hospital with another stroke.  Please pray for the physicians treating him 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 Pete and his family in this worrisome time.

 

Kamil has heart problems and they are trying to stabilize his medication, now he been admitted to the hospital because of breathing problems. Please pray for the physicians treating him 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 Kamil and his family in this worrisome time.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 continues to have problems and was a concern mesh used in an earlier surgery may have come loose and was moving in her abdomen. A CT scan only found three polyps which do not seem to be the problem.  Pray the medical team treating her will find out the problem and bring it to an end.

 

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 has been under tremendous strain both physically and with work; he passed out just before New Years Day and awoke in the hospital, he got out then back in apparently with double pneumonia and now out.  Due to very bad lungs already, this is a life threatening issue.  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

Alejandra Jasso (Doug Witherspoon’s mother in law) had a kidney transplant; the surgery was a success and the kidney is working, please give thanks for that.  Alejandra now has high blood pressure and other complications as her body deals with the transplant.  Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her.  Please pray also for her and her family, in particular her daughter Ines, to let the Lord carry their worry, concern and even terror, putting their whole trust in our Lord as Alejandra goes through this difficult time and for a full recovery for her.

 

Dylan Klein, 9, grand-nephew of Chet O’Brien, lost his 41 year old father last April, there was no insurance; his grandmother died in December with brain cancer. Dylan is the middle boy of Chet’s niece, Erin.  On 18 January 2016, Dylan was found to have a brain tumor; an operation on 25 January 2016, appears to have been successful in removing all of the tumor.  The biopsy showed it was cancerous. He is going to begin a regimen of radiation and chemo treatments in about 2 weeks.  Please pray for healing and for trust in the Lord and peace of mind for Dylan, Erin and the rest of the family.

 

Felipe had to have his right leg amputated just below the knee due to diabetes complications.  Please pray for a full and rapid recovery, adjustment to a prosthetic leg and return to work for him, as well as regulation of his diabetes so he does not have further problems.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 issues giving her severe problems.  Pray that the Doctor will discover why it continues and find a cure.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Judith Clingwall is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  She is currently in Laurel Place, an extended care facility in Surrey, British Columbia.  Judith’s condition has worsened recently. Please pray for her to take an active part in her own life, for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family.  Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.

 

Vince (age 15), reoccurrence of Osteosarcoma, recent testing found a nickel sized tumor in his lungs.  The doctors are consulting with a specialist in Houston.  Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Vince and his family.

 

Healing and Patience

Kym (43) has various hip problems which seems to be related to osteoarthritis.  And, her mother Ruth is in the early stages of dementia.  Pray for guidance for those treating both of them, as well as patience and trust in the Lord for both of them.

 

Christopher has had problems with his leg for some time.  Now he has to have it casted and it will stay that way for what to him seems an interminable time.  Pray for patience and peace of mind for this young man who has much he wants to do.

 

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

 

Thanksgiving and Continued Healing

Brett Gregr had surgery on Tuesday, 22 March 2016, to remove a bleeding lesion.  The surgery, which had potential to end his life, was apparently completely successful.  Please give thanks for the great outcome and great work by the surgeons and medical team and please pray for Brett’s peace of mind, as well as that of his wife Karin and the rest of his family during his recovery.

 

Shamu had surgery again on Friday 18 March 2016, which appears to have been completely successful!  Please give hearty thanks for the good result.  She had eight surgeries now to attempt to solve a disruptive colon.  She needs at least one more.  She is still weak.  Please pray for strength, physical, mental and spiritual for her.  Pray for guidance for the medical team treating her.  Pray also for her to continue her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time.

 

Linda had successful dental surgery on 15 December 2015, she is also on a course of chemotherapy and this type of surgery was not recommended for people while they are taking chemotherapy.  But, it was an emergency and had to be done. Please give thanks all went well and pray for continued healing and for peace of mind and trust in God for Linda and her family.

 

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.

 

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

James and Sarah who have recently moved to a new area and have new positions in employment. They are finding much stress in the new surroundings and will appreciate your prayers as they adjust.

 

Financial Guidance and Employment

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

Thomas Schopp is currently in the Lemon Creek Correctional Center, Juneau, Alaska.  He asks that you pray for guidance for him and for him to open his heart fully to the Holy Ghost that he might be guided to be a force of good in this world and be able to be a productive member of our society.  He adds that he much appreciates your prayer on his behalf as he is confident the Lord listens.

 

Adrian Heywood (friend of Thomas Schopp) is currently in the Lemon Creek Correctional Center, Juneau, Alaska.  Thomas asks you pray for guidance for Adrian, that he might be helped to open his heart fully to the Holy Ghost to be guided to be a force of good in this world and be able to be a productive member of our society.  Thomas adds he much appreciates your prayer on Adrian’s behalf as he is confident the Lord listens.

 

Krysti has issues stemming from habitual drug abuse. Pray she will take help from God through Christians trying to lead her to our Lord.

 

Charlie McCormack is really feeling down again.  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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Caitlin is in the grip of the Prince of Darkness; she thinks there is escape from reality in drugs.  The saddest part is that reality is not as she sees it.  Her family is despairing as they can do nothing to help her and ask that you pray for the Holy Ghost to enter into heart and show her the need for change before it is too late.

 

Nathaniel is in spiritual turmoil.  His family and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help.

 

Sam and her two children 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.

 

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.

 

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

Fiji

Please pray for the people in the Fiji Islands that have had floods for several days and Cyclones are expected. Pray for Rev. Jack Andrew and all members of the Anglican Orthodox Church throughout the Islands.

 

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.

 

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 and Luis Aviles (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

Aaron is in need of God’s guidance to see what he needs to do to fulfill his potential and live his life in a manner which will bring true happiness to him.

 

Thomas Dabney is attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, to finish his Bachelor’s Degree.  Please pray for Thomas to focus on education and do his very best at school.

 

Various Special Requests

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

 

17 April 2016 – Third Sunday After Easter – Mothers Day – 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

 

24 April 2016 – Fourth Sunday After Easter – 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 May 2016 – Rogation Sunday – Fifth Sunday After Easter – 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

 

5 May 2016 – Ascension Day – Evening Prayer – Service start time 1830 (6:30 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1815 (6:15 pm); Time 1830 (7:30 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

8 May 2016 – Sunday after Ascension Day – Mothers 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

 

15 May 2016 – Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday – 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

 

22 May 2016 – Trinity Sunday – Holy Communion – 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