161009 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

Sunday Report

 

 

 

Today we celebrated the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. 

 

United States Presidential Election

We are coming up on the American Presidential Election.  No candidate will ever be perfect.  But, since Calvin Coolidge our presidents have not really been Democrat or Republican, they have truly represented the Government Party.  We are sliding downhill at a rapid pace.  I ask as you consider voting this prayer from a great patriot and friend of mine Colonel Rob Blissard, USAF Retired:

 

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

 

Dear Beloved God in Heaven; Please give us a president who loves this country and everything it stands for.  Please give us a president who respects you as the one true God. Please give us a president who will, with your help, restore this nation to its former glory, the way you created her. Please give us a president who will not destroy our Churches. Please help us to respect what you have given to us and not take anything for granted ever again. Please God, weaken the evil and strengthen the good, both within and without. May our eyes be opened. All this we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen

 

As never before in the history of this country has this plea been so necessary …. In God We Trust and we pray that GOD WILL BLESS AMERICA!!!!

– Rob Blissard

 

On Point

Someone asked, where do the quotes come from?  The answer is from the people who uttered them.  But, how did you find them?  Oh, that.  Some from Bishop Jerry, many from Rev Bryan Dabney, a few from other places, some from Rev Geordie Menzies-Grierson, but overall mostly from Bryan.  He always has some great ones to share.  On to the On Point quotes –

 

Screwtape[1] advises Wormwood on using time to wear down a soul

The Enemy has guarded him from you through the first great wave of temptations. But, if only he can be kept alive, you have time itself for your ally. The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather. You see, it is so hard for these creatures to persevere. The routine of adversity, the gradual decay of youthful loves and youthful hopes, the quiet despair (hardly felt as pain) of ever overcoming the chronic temptations with which we have again and again defeated them, the drabness which we create in their lives and the inarticulate resentment with which we teach them to respond to it—all this provides admirable opportunities of wearing out a soul by attrition. If, on the other hand, the middle years prove prosperous, our position is even stronger. Prosperity knits a man to the World. He feels that he is ‘finding his place in it’, while really it is finding its place in him. His increasing reputation, his widening circle of acquaintances, his sense of importance, the growing pressure of absorbing and agreeable work, build up in him a sense of being really at home in earth, which is just what we want. You will notice that the young are generally less unwilling to die than the middle- aged and the old.

Jack Lewis

The Screwtape Letters

 

Today

“Grown-up, indeed,” said the Lady Polly. “I wish she would grow up. She wasted all her school time wanting to be the age she is now, and she’ll waste all the rest of her life trying to stay that age. Her whole idea is to race on to the silliest time of one’s life as quick as she can and then stop there as long as she can.”

 

“Well, don’t let’s talk about that now,” said Peter.

Jack Lewis

The Last Battle

Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air…but only for one second without hope.

Hal Lindsey

 

Compound Interest

Though Christian charity sounds a very cold thing to people whose heads are full of sentimentality, and though it is quite distinct from affection, yet it leads to affection. The difference between a Christian and a worldly man is not that the worldly man has only affections or ‘likings’ and the Christian has only ‘charity’. The worldly man treats certain people kindly because he ‘likes’ them: the Christian, trying to treat every one kindly, finds himself liking more and more people as he goes on—including people he could not even have imagined him- self liking at the beginning.

 

This same spiritual law works terribly in the opposite direction. The Germans, perhaps, at first ill-treated the Jews because they hated them: afterwards they hated them much more because they had ill-treated them. The more cruel you are, the more you will hate; and the more you hate, the more cruel you will become — and so on in a vicious circle for ever.

 

Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible.

Jack Lewis

Mere Christianity

 

Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Proverbs 27:20

 

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Isaiah 5:21

 

Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.

Daniel 8:19

 

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but that believeth not shall be damned.

St. Mark 16:15-16

 

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

St. John 14:7

 

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Galatians 6:15

 

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

I St. John 3:16

 

This present world is an evil world. It is so full of sins, snares, and sorrows. We travel a dangerous road full of stumbling blocks, precipices, and false guides… Being told before that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and many bad examples, let us stand upon our guard.

Matthew Henry

17th and 18th century English pastor and author

 

I fear much for many professing Christians. I see no sign of fighting in them, much less of victory. They never strike on stroke on the side of Christ. They are at peace with his enemies. They have no quarrel with sin. I warn you, this is not Christianity. This is not the way to heaven.

JC Ryle

19th century Anglican bishop and author

 

We have built into our economy a government structure and a so-called social safety net that relies on infinite forward expansion in order for it to continue to function… the money collected in taxes over the years [to fund this structure] is gone [spent on other things] and you can’t spend the same dollar twice. [In that light it should be apparent that] infinite forward expansion is impossible [as we have] only a finite amount of resources.

Karl Denninger

20th and 21st century American entrepreneur and author

Only Way Out is Stop Lawlessness Top to Bottom

 

What would it take to make America great again— or indeed to make any of the changes that [conservative and liberty-minded] voters demand? Replacing the current ruling class would be only the beginning… It is difficult to imagine [a] presidency [that would replace the] entire ruling elite… [turning] the country’s current direction… We have stepped over the threshold of a revolution. It is difficult to imagine how we might step back, and futile to speculate where it will end. Our ruling class’s malfeasance, combined with insult, brought it about… Regardless of who wins in 2016, this revolution’s sentiments will grow in volume and intensity, and are sure to empower politicians likely to make Americans nostalgic for Donald Trump’s moderation.

Angelo M. Codevilla

20th and 21st century American commentator and author

www.claremont.org – After the Republic, 9-27-2016

 

Propers

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Propers for today are found on Page 217-218, with the Collect first:

 

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

 

The Collect.

 

O

 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Epistle for today came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the Fifteenth Verse of  the Fifth Chapter.  “… the days are evil.  … understand… what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; …” God wants us to be happy, to be good and to enjoy life.  The key to happiness is to do what God asks of you.  No more (you can’t), no less.  Though you fall short, keep trying, that is all God asks.   If you find this no other place, listen to the words of St. Paul.

 

S

ee then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

 

Today’s Holy Gospel came from the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the First Verse.  Talking to the priests and scribes, Jesus told one of the wedding parables, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.  Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then” he sent “his servants … into the highways” to “gather… together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment?[2] And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

J

esus said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

 

Sermon – Rev Jack Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Todays sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.

 

Consider the words of the Collect, “…God … keep us, … from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest …”

 

The Collect asks God to keep us from the things that are bad for us and make our hearts ready so we can do the things He wants us to do; this ties perfectly with the Epistle and Gospel as almost always it does. Thomas Cramner was one smart man is all I have to say; how he managed to theme the collects around the unifying message of the Epistle and the Gospel is nothing short of brilliant.

 

One word that intrigues me from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is “circumspectly”; which when I looked it up meant “wary and unwilling to take risks.”  I believe Paul meant that today we should not be taking risks with our faith, but walking in that which has been tried and true for over two thousand years. He means we should not compromise our belief in the Gospel. We cannot risk comprising the integrity of the faith, with newfangled New Age spirituality, as some of the liberal mega churches are wont to do. See the Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Churches of today for an example of this. If God has not changed over the millennia, why would we change what we believe?

 

Indeed, we should not change our position, if it is truly derived from His Holy Word, then it should never change. Any sermon or talk from a minister or bishop must be scrutinized by how it matches up with the concepts in Holy Scripture.  It must be reviewed to ensure it is in compliance with the Holy Word. If it conflicts with Scripture, then you know that minister is not in line with His Word and is not a fellow believer. We must all strive to be in congruence with His Word, be it bishop, priest, deacon or layperson. We are all working together in His Church to further His Cause. If we are not all on the same page, then we are not furthering His Work. We have to all work together to spread the Gospel, each person contributes to the much larger picture of spreading the Gospel.

 

Paul warns us against the dangers of drunkenness, but he does not mean never to drink wine, as some, (Puritans and certain Baptists, among others) would take, but rather have “moderation in all things”; which is a similar idea to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.  Just because you can do something, like drinking or eating, does not mean you should do it to excess where it can cause you harm. He is warning against excesses in everything, and that we should do everything in a health dose of moderation. Eating too much can cause you stomach problems, something we want to avoid. Drinking too much can cause serious issues, not the least of which is hangovers. The worst is drinking to death.

 

Our Lord wants us to be moderate in our celebrations, not celebrating to the point of excess where bad things can happen to our bodies and our minds; but celebrating to where we are thankful to Him for all things, and for His Love.

 

This seems to be the unifying theme of both the Epistle and the Gospel for today.  Rather than turn to the excesses of this world, Paul says we must turn to God and be filled with His Grace of the Holy Spirit. Making joyful noises to the Lord, be it in prayer or in song, and giving thanks always for all things to God.

 

Giving thanks always to God should be one of our top priorities. More often than not we seem to forget who made us, who created the world we dwell in, who created the fantastic beasts on land and on the sea. It seems very strange we forget to thank God for all of these things, but we do. Making a joyful noise unto the Lord is part of how we can do this, besides prayer and thanksgiving. Be it through songs, happy declarations to the Lord or joyful worship, these are all ways we can send our joy unto our Lord.  This is part of the reason it is important to say prayers like the Gloria in the prayer book with “liveliness”, we are expressing our praise and thanksgiving unto God, for having sent His Son down to save us from our wicked selves. This goes with the collects reminding we should do all things he has commanded us to do cheerfully.

 

In our lives, we should be grateful to God more than we are.  At least, I know I am often not thankful to Him, when I should be. I think we all suffer from that issue. That is the troublesome aspect of having free will, we so often exercise it, not to the Glory of God, but for our own means.  We have to turn away from that temptation, and let the Holy Spirit in and guide us to thanking God for what He has done for us in our lives.

 

The Gospel’s story troubled me for a long time, wondering why the King cast out a man, whose only error appeared to be that of the wrong clothes. When I thought about it more, and in many discussions, I found in days of old, wedding garments were furnished by the host.  Thus, if one did not appear properly clothed it was because they intentionally chose not to be.  This brought me to the realization the wrong clothes was Jesus’ metaphor for one who is not prepared for heaven, not walking in God, not filled with the Holy Spirit, and that is why he was cast out of the wedding (Implied to be heaven. And the King stands in for God in the tale.) He was not prepared to enter the great feast of heaven. His incorrect clothing is a metaphor for many in our lifetime who are not in a prepared state to enter heaven, as they have neither confessed nor repented of their sins to our Lord and have not accepted Him as our savior.

 

This man is very much like Esau, when he sold his birthright to Jacob. Esau did not care enough for his birthright, he wanted food more than the permanent status of the birthright which seemed so far off at the time. It is the same with this man and many others in the world. Through Christ, we have a birthright of our own, the Kingdom of God, as God’s adopted children. However, some will gladly trade away this birthright for a bauble or trinket in the present, not knowing what a foolish mistake they are making. People will trade away this birthright when they reject the Gospel, not seemingly caring their choice is leading them to an eternity of misery. This is why we should not take risks with our faith but remain steadfast in our faith and working to spread the Gospel cheerfully.

 

The Collect, Epistle and Gospel tie together, laying out, detailing and reinforcing the same message ultimately.  We have to be ready and willing to listen to God, and walk in God, and act with the Holy Spirit in us, in order to have the right “clothes” to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

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

 

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

 

The time to act is NOW.  Will you act?  For whom will you act?  Will you count the cost before you act?

 

Action, not diction, is what counts.  It is by your actions you are known.

 

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

 

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church

Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany. 

 

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

Idolatry R US

9 October 2016

Ephesians 5.15-21    •     Matthew 22.1-14

 

The Collect.

 

O

 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

What strong messages of correction we read today.   Is any question that the theme of our collect and three passages from the Bible is about effects of idolatry?   Or at least that idol worship is utterly useless in what ever form it takes in our lives?   First thing the modern reader says, “I don’t worship anything made by man, made of gold or silver, dumb idols who cannot help me.”  

 

Oh really?  It is a common misconception we have about idol worship.  It doesn’t have to be a real statue or man-made object, it can be an activity or hobby or career, ANYTHING that gets between us and our Creator.  That can include putting family ahead of God, or good works ahead of God, or anything that we think worthy, ahead of God.  If anything gets between us and the Lord, it is idolatry, plain and simple.

 

So are there any solutions to this issue?   What does the psalmist have to say?   “Trust in the Lord, fear the Lord, trust the Lord.”  Why ?  “The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us;…” “…he will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”

 

Now that seems simple.   The hard part is doing it.  We tend to allow life to get in the way of our worship and trust in the Lord.  We seem to allow everything to sway us or divert us away from our primary mission: to do what our Lord commands.   Yes, we are to worship God, with our hearts, our minds, and our souls, we are to enjoy God, for he wonderfully created us.  So in our journey, which ends at the beginning: (think about this, the end here is the beginning there in heaven, forever with our Creator), is to be “cheerfully accomplish[ing] those things which thou commandest”.  

 

We always seem to want to complicate things, we want to make things more elaborate than they need to be, because we want the credit for doing, not giving the credit of all to our Creator.  Don’t worry, it is an age old issue.  It stretches back to the Garden, the Tower, the Sarah/Hagar issue, Moses and a rock struck by a rod, you get the jest of it, we want to do it, rather than let God be first in our lives.

 

As the younger generations like to say; “epic fail”.   Just doesn’t get any better when we try to do it ourselves as we can read in the examples given above.  In each case, whether is was Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah with Hagar, the Tower of Babel, Moses doing it his way instead of God’s way, all resulted in failure.  Sin is introduced into a perfect world at the Garden.  Fraternal civil war begins with the war between the descendants of half brothers, that war continues to this day in the form of Arab vs Jewish killings. The Tower ‘effect’ introduced chaos that continues to this day, multiple languages, where man cannot fully communicate to others, because of the barrier of multiple languages.

 

See a pattern?   

 

When we try to do it our way, we mess it up.  You think this is a lesson learned ?   One of the most popular songs in the last 60 years is “I’ll do it my way” as sung by Frank Sinatra. 

 

My Way

 

And now, the end is near

And so I face the final curtain

My friend, I’ll say it clear

I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this, I did it my way

 

Regrets, I’ve had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this, I did it my way

 

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all, when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way

 

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried

I’ve had my fill, my share of losing

And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that

And may I say, not in a shy way

Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way

 

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows and did it my way

 

Yes, it was my way

 

Now this song, from a purely secular viewpoint, reads and sings with such bravery.  We see a person, in the autumn of life, looking back with no regrets, “doing it my way”.   There are a number of problems with the song.  The least of which is a total reliance upon self.  There is no iota of understanding or even acknowledging a being outside of self.  What a great folly.  This is idolatry in its most extreme.  It is the worship of self.   Notice what the psalmist is saying to us, even ole “Blue Eyes” himself : “…the dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence…”   Wow, now is the time of Salvation.

 

We don’t get a second chance once we are dead.  Many times in the psalms, and other places in the Old Testament, and  a few more times we read in the New Testament, this is it.  Once you have left this mortal coil, you are finished.  So it is of the utmost importance to know where you are going to be for all of eternity.

 

We must seek the Lord while he may be found.  That is the here and now, not in the lie of reincarnation, not in the lie of purgatory, not in the lie of universal salvation.  No, the cardinal points are:

 

  1. There is but one Way to God the Father.  He said it so many years ago.  I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, NO man comes unto the Father, but by me.

  2. Now is the time of Salvation.   “For this night your soul {may} be required of you”.  “For it is appointed once for man to die, after this the judgement.”   “For the wages of Sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

  3. Don’t let anything come between you and your Creator.  “Wherefore my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

 

Let us pray:

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who by thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the Council of the blessed Apostles, and hast promised, through thy Son Jesus Christ, to be with thy Church to the end of the world; We beseech thee to be with the Council of thy Church here assembled in thy Name and Presence. Save us from all error, ignorance, pride, and prejudice; and of thy great mercy vouchsafe, we beseech thee, so to direct, sanctify, and govern us in our work, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, that the comfortable Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed, in all places, to the breaking down the kingdom of sin, Satan, and death; till at length the whole of thy dispersed sheep, being gathered into one fold, shall become partakers of everlasting life; through the merits and death of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

 

O

 GOD, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the whole earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to them that are far off and to them that are nigh; Grant that all men everywhere may seek after thee and find thee. Bring the nations into thy fold, pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

D

IRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

T

HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

 

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

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

 

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

 

Prior to our regeneration in Christ Jesus, all of us had been involved in one sort of sinful behavior or another. Even as babes in Christ, we might have occasionally wandered away from the-straight-and-narrow-way on account of our relationship with friends and relatives who were of the unregenerated masses. God did not save us so that we could keep to our old ways, neither did he fill us with his most holy Spirit so that we might continue to follow after the wicked spirit of this world. In our epistle, St. Paul admonished us to, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). He also warned the Thessalonians, . . . we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more (I Thessalonians 4:1-7).

 

To the Corinthian church he wrote, Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (3:16-17). And in that same letter he stated rather pointedly that, I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person (5:9-13).

 

He advised the Ephesian church to, walk as children of the light… And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (5:11).

 

And to the Colossians (3:1-10), he wrote, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God… Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, in which is idolatry … put on the new man which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of him that created him.

 

The crux of the issue is this: because our bodies are temples of the living God, we should be on guard against the devil’s attempts to steer us out of a godly path and into paths of unrighteousness. A true Christian is a regenerated person because he or she has been born again through the power of the Holy Ghost. Such a person is then expected to serve the Lord Jesus Christ by bearing fruit on his behalf. But such cannot happen if said person continues to engage in the unfruitful works of darkness of his or her former life apart from Christ. That makes it doubly important that we be mindful of our words and deeds for they serve as the billboard of our faith and practice. If our lives lived do not match what we say we believe, then our witness will be treated as hypocrisy by those who heard our testimony. And so, without a doubt we should engage in self-examination, which ought to lead us into self-judgment for that is what God desires else he will scourge and chasten us as a godly parent would do to an unruly child.

 

But there is an important distinction between the regenerated person’s godly self-judgment and that of the many self-help programs which are in vogue today. Throughout history, men have sought to remake themselves into a something new or better as per some artificial standard of reputed excellence. Profane man is notorious for setting up standards for himself apart from God. The irony of it all is that he rarely ever follows them. To borrow a line from the Communists, “rules are like pie crusts, made to be broken.”

 

There can be no doubt who is behind such thinking. Satan loves to have human beings elevate themselves as paragons of virtue only to topple them through their vanity and pride. Mikhail Bakunin, a 19th century anarchist, put it this way: “But here steps in Satan, the eternal rebel, the first freethinker and the emancipator of worlds. He makes man ashamed of his bestial ignorance and obedience; he emancipates him, stamps upon his brow the seal of liberty and humanity, in urging him to disobey and eat of the fruit of knowledge.” The modern political mantra of “Yes-you-can” is overflowing with the failed notion of self- reformation as described by our Lord in St. Luke’s gospel (11:14-28). In very straight-forward language, our Lord said that without a change of heart brought on by the Holy Spirit, the unregenerate cannot have anything but a temporary respite from an indwelling by demonic spirits. Only through the acceptance of our Lord’s sacrifice can one truly find relief from the perils of the world, the flesh and the devil.

 

Now the Devil loves religion and has employed it to further his works of deception and deviance. In our contemporary world you will find that the various apostate faiths and cults are merely demonic influences masquerading as trendy religious choices. Through the false teachers and guides of these groups, the forces of darkness have ensnared a host of unsuspecting souls, leading them in every direction but toward the truth of Jesus Christ as found within the pages of Sacred Scripture. St. Peter warned of these when he wrote in his second epistle, But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them… And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you… [These are those who] walk after the flesh… presumptuous… selfwilled… wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest: to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever… While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage (2:1-19).

 

Consider also Ecclesiastes 9:3 wherein we are informed that, This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while then live, and after that they go to the dead. Evil people are by their very natures the walking dead. They live to please themselves and satisfy their flesh. Andbecause they are devoid of a life dedicated to God they will, go to the dead— separated from the life to come in God’s eternal kingdom. And such is demonic as Satan hates mankind and desires that we all reject Christ and die.

 

Recently, I was perusing the various websites I read almost daily and found a disappointing piece by an author who happens to be well versed in the world of business and finance. He had recently visited a natural historic site and from his brief encounter there deduced several things particularly there is no biblical inerrancy; that the world is extremely old; and that if you believe the Bible you obviously are not thinking. As I finished the article, I recalled the words of St. Paul in his first epistle to the Corinthians wherein he wrote, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (2:14). Also the apostle’s letter to the Hebrews where in wrote, Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (11:3). The author is a member of a particular Christian denomination, but he does not possess a saving faith in Christ. How can he? He has rejected the biblical account of the creation as found in Genesis 1:1, as well as the Spirit-inspired gospel account written by St. John wherein we find the following passages: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made(1:1-5). The apostle Paul informed us that All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II St. Timothy 3:16-17). To put it simply, he is saying that God’s word cannot be truth in every case and by inference he is calling God a liar which is just what the Devil would have all men do.

 

Further on in Scripture, St. John also observed in his first epistle (4:1-6), Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. No doubt the unregenerate today are possessed by this same spirit of error. Such persons can seek peace and safety all they want, but their ungodly beliefs and practices will net them little except more misery and hopelessness. Their cult gatherings and mantra chanting will not get them to the next level of consciousness, only a one-way ticket to hell itself.

 

The apostle Paul once warned the Corinthians in his second epistle, Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men . . . (5:11) and such should be part of our Christian witness, that we persuade as many as we can to seek after the truth of God in Christ Jesus. We ought to encourage them to learn of him and seek his forgiveness for their sins. We should inform them of the great, condescending love which he has for his own, and, in turn, that they should love him and have heaven, rather than to be separated from his love and mercy for an eternity in the fires of perdition.

 

But to effectually know the salvation of God, one must be born again of the Holy Ghost, and then afterwards, such a person must endeavor to maintain fellowship with the Father by living his or her life in a manner which keeps the flesh under control and subservient to the will of God. If we truly are in Christ Jesus, we will have this new nature. We will shun evil in every form and appearance, for that is what St. Paul was speaking of when he encouraged us to walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15). As regenerated people, we have been called to put on that new man of the Scriptures and avoid any false recreation that has been shaped by the will of our adversary the devil.

 

Therefore , my brethren, walk circumspectly.

 

Let us pray,

 

F

ather, bless us with thy most holy Spirit, that through him we would walk circumspectly in this life as well as lead others to do the same; for this we ask in the name of our only Mediator and Advocate even 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!

 

911

Please pray for those who lost their lives on 11 September 2001 and those whose lives have been lost in subsequent actions against Islam, as well as those who have been injured.  Pray for the families who remain behind.  Pray we will come to understand evil anywhere is evil everywhere.

 

Immediate Prayer Please

Victor Knowles had a massive heart attack the morning of 7 August 2016, he made it to the hospital alive and is undergoing treatment.  Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very best.  Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Victor and his family.

 

Travel

The Biennial Convention of the Anglican Orthodox Church is taking place this Thursday and Friday at the GHQ in Statesville, North Carolina.  Most people will be traveling there Tuesday or Wednesday and returning home on Friday.  Please pray for safe travel for all our members as they go to and from.  Pray also that God’s Will be made manifest at the Convention and followed.

 

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

No current birthdays

 

Anniversary

Barbara and Bob Apple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 15 September 2016.

 

Departed

Karon passed away on 26 September 2016, after brief stay in hospice.  Please pray for comfort, strength and above all trust in the Lord for her family and friends who of necessity remain behind.

 

Don passed away after a stroke on 7 September 2016, and then a heart attack.  Please pray for comfort, strength and above all trust in the Lord for his family and friends who of necessity remain behind.

 

Nearing the end of their time here on earth

Danny E. a good friend of Bishop Roy, is nearing the end of his time here on earth, his nervous system is being attacked by a non-Parkinson disease which is causing his body to slowly decline.  Since March 2016, he is no longer able to walk, his speech is very difficult to understand, he is under full-time care by his wife Linda who is a Registered Nurse. Danny and Linda would much appreciate your prayer for trust in the Lord and strength for Danny to pass from this world to home in a Christian manner and to enjoy what time he has here on earth.

 

Neal has heart problems and is very weak, he also has COPD, kidney problems, his potassium is too high, he is near the point of death.  Please pray his family will  get a second opinion and a way of finding a better quality of life will be found.   More importantly, please pray Neal will accept salvation through our Lord and Savior.

 

Paul is in Hospice and ready to meet His Lord.  Please pray for Paul as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him.  Pray for the faith of his family to build and the transition to be good.

 

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.

 

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

Larry H has general weakness as the result of extreme fatigue, he has reached a point where he cannot walk without assistance and is fairly naturally somewhat depressed.  Please pray for help for Larry to put his trust in the Lord, relax and build strength and give Pastor Roy guidance on helping him.

 

Laurel Bessessen (95)has begun to lose her mental abilities to recall people, places and things around her.  Her family is no longer able to care for her at home and she is in a skilled care facility.  She is the last of that family’s generation.  Please pray for the mental degradation to stop or for her to leave for home.  Pray for her family who do their best to care for her, visiting every day; for her children Cookie, John and Bill, as well as the other members of the family.

 

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.

 

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

Bob Apple is having surgery for a squamous cell carcinoma. 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 Bob and his family.

 

Marcia has had a biopsy 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

Ross an elderly gentleman has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Ross has had good health until now, your prayers at this time will be appreciated by his family and friends.

 

Carman was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Pray for her family as they continue to help her get the proper care.  Pray with Carman, her family and friends that the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Carman, her family and friends in this worrisome time. 

 

Jesus Valenzuela was just diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer.  Please pray for him to benefit from the upcoming chemotherapy and to tolerate it well.  Pray with Jesus, his family, in particular his son Alfonso and friends that the physicians treating him will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Jesus, his family and friends in this worrisome time. 

 

Kathie Lynn Holter sister of Rev Phil Ternahan, was just diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer (never smoked) which spread to the brain. She was operated on 26 June 2016.  Please pray with Kathie, her family and friends that the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Kathie, her family and friends in this worrisome time. 

 

Tina just found out she has cancer on her left kidney. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for Tina and her family.

 

Martha is now home after testing and she does not have cancer, but she does have bad kidneys and is adjusting and getting ideas to work with that. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for her.

 

Spencer has been diagnosed with Autism.  Please pray for guidance for the people treating him and for trust in our Lord for him and his mother Lorna. 

 

Madisun Hanks (13) has Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and Tourette’s Syndrome, she also gets debilitating migraine headaches.  There are various very high risk treatments which provide some relief.  None of them are close and none are easy.  Please pray for Madisun, her mom Hilda who guides her through all this and those treating her.

 

Patrice Li is in 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 Multiple Myeloma and is set for back surgery on Monday 9 May2016.  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 continued 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.   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 and is now being treated with exercise, nutrition and vitamins.  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.

 

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 is bedridden after a fall which left her with two paralyzed limbs. She continues to experience pain in the effected limbs and will be totally bed bound for the remainder of her life. Your continuing prayers for her are appreciated and are great comfort to her. 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 miraculous full and rapid recovery. Also, please continue to pray for her husband Bob who is taking care of her that he be comforted and strengthened in this time of stress.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 is having surgery on 30 September 2016 to repair a hole in his aorta bleeding into the abdomen which caused stroke like symptoms.

 

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.

 

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

Jim Thornell (Jet) recovered from the five stomach ulcers, then found to have bowel cancer, that was removed and he is doing pretty well all things considered.  He started on a bi-weekly three month course of chemotherapy at the City of Hope on the same schedule as his wife Mary; he is still dealing with blocked coronary arteries and taking care of Mary.   Jim is doing considerably better with the side effects of the chemotherapy.  Please pray for remission of the cancer, for tolerance of the chemotherapy and give thanks for the strength, guidance and peace of mind our Lord gives Jet and his wife Mary, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, through these difficult times.

 

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, 10, 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. Dylan is still going back and forth to Mass. General Hospital for chemo and blood transfusions. He gets healthy and eats well, and then there is a relapse. The doctors do not give a firm positive or negative indication of his prognosis. His mother is a saint. The doctors at Mass General are fantastic. Dylan is almost always upbeat. (He hates the blood transfusions).  Please pray for healing and for trust in the Lord and peace of mind for Dylan, Erin and the rest of the family.

 

 

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) was able to get a hip replacement in spite of her heart and kidney problems and is recovering remarkably!  Please give thanks for this great evet and result!  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.

 

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

Bob Reisor had surgery on 19 September 2016 for a kidney tumor that is 130mm – 5 inches; a softball is 3.8 inches.  He is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present.  The pathology report indicated an aggressive  cancer, but fully contained.  Likely Bob will undergo chemotherapy and perhaps other treatment.  Please give thanks for the great result and pray for peace of mind for Bob as he awaits decision on further treatment.  Pray he and his family will be drawn closer to our Lord.

 

Shamu had surgery on 30 June 2016, her eleventh, to reconnect her insides, which then failed and now she is trying to recover.  She needs to gain strength and raise her blood pressure. She is still weak and has been re-hospitalized several times for apparent dehydration.  She is now home.  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.

 

Ron Cardin had another artificial knee implanted on 23 September 2016 after the previous one got infected and was replaced with a spacer for several months of antibiotics.  The surgery went well, he feels better than in well over a year.  Join the Cardin family in giving thanks and pray for a full and rapid recovery.

 

Jan Jessup is recovering reasonably well from surgery to place a new knee joint in her right leg.  Pray for her family to be able to properly care for her as she returns home and for Jan and her husband Roger to 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.

 

Atina has skin cancer, which is now in remission.  Please give thanks for the remission, pray for continued remission of the cancer; pray also for continued faith for Atina and her family.

 

Clay has melanoma which is now in remission.  Please give thanks for the remission, pray for continued remission of the cancer; pray also for continued faith for Clay and his family.

 

Cindy (81) had an operation to remove a cancerous growth in her stomach which was successful.  She is now home, but in a bit of pain.  Please give thanks for the good result, pray for full and complete healing and remission of the cancer, as well as cessation of the pain; pray also for continued faith for Cindy and her husband Les (91).

 

Jim Flanagan, Bishop of Pennsylvania (AOC) had a Lumbar Laminectomy and fusion on Tuesday 7 June 2016, to help with pain in his L3, L4 & L5 areas.  The surgery appears to have been successful, but he had difficulty recovering from the anesthetic, which has now resolved   Please give thanks for the successful surgery, recovery from the anesthetic and the start of healing.  Please pray for strength, physical, mental and spiritual for Jim and his lovely wife Mary Lou.  Pray for guidance for the medical team treating him, that they will pay attention and do their very best.  Pray also for Jim and Mary Lou to continue their trust in our Lord as they goes through this difficult time, letting Him carry their worry.

 

Brett Gregr had surgery on Tuesday, 22 March 2016, to remove a bleeding brain 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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

Elma is suffering from cancer.  She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor.  We were asked to pray Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and 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

Kona is applying for a job in the hospital. Pray our Lord will find the right position for her and she will glorify Him in the work.

 

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

Hyo Son Pak, a high school student, suffers from depression and anxiety.  He cannot say why; on the one hand knowing rationally things are okay 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.

 

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 (17) (friend of Thomas Schopp) is living with an abusive alcoholic stepfather, while his mother looks the other way, seemingly because she needs the stepfather’s money.  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

Barbara has been recovering from cancer for the last three years. Pray for her husband Bill who has come down with a mental illness that may have been caused by much stress the last few years. Barbara and Bill will appreciate your prayers.

 

Larry is very weak and has periods of confusion and depression. Larry has been in the hospital and recently moved to a rehab. Please keep him in prayer as he begins to gain strength in the days ahead.

 

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 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 needs your prayers for her general well being.   Pray she might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide her life.

 

Gunner need your prayers for his general well being.   Pray he might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide his life. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Indonesia

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

 

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.

 

Macedonia

There is massive flooding in the capital of Skokie dues to torrential rains; many have perished. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the storm and the water level was five feet in some of the areas, Homes remain flooded and without electricity, and some are collapsed. Your prayers we be appreciated.

 

Pakistan

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

Ernest Jacob

Presiding Bishop Pakistan

 

Christian Community of Warsak, Pakistan and for the family of Sammuel Sardear who was martyred in an Islamic bombing of the compound there.  Pray for people to recognize islam is of the Prince of this World and to understand that evil anywhere is evil everywhere.  Pray for comfort strength and adaptation for Sammuel’s family.

 

Congo

Jimmy is a missionary in the Congo. There has been violent unrest in this country and also a water shortage. Please pray people will find water to drink and Jimmy will be a means of helping others to find the Lord.

 

Serbia

Bishop Igor Djurcik asks us to pray for his students in Serbia. 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 – Stateside), 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)

 

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, 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

 

12 – 15 October 2016 – Anglican Orthodox Church Biennial Meeting in Statesville, NC.

 

16 October 2016 – Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity – 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

 

23 October 2016 – Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

30 October 2016 – Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

6 November 2016 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

13 November 2016 – Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

16 November 2016 – AOC Birthday in 1963 – 53rd birthday – Grace, dinner and then! Cake and Ice Cream start time 1900 (7:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

20 November 2016 – Sunday next before Advent – 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

 

24 November 2016 – Thanksgiving 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

 

30 November 2016 – First Sunday in Advent – 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]Remember, Screwtape is one of the Devil’s minions, a supervisor at that, so when he advises his student what to do, it is the polar opposite of what God wants.  In his case, God is The Enemy! The patient? That is YOU!

[2]In that day, the giver of such a feast would have provided wedding garments for those who traveled far and were unable to bring one.  In our case, Jesus provides the appropriate garb to those who will wear it, not just accept it and put it to one side.

By |2016-10-17T19:46:27+00:00October 17th, 2016|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 161009 AOC Sunday Report

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