161211 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Third Sunday in Advent

Sunday Report

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

On Point

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

On the Gospels

The first fact in the history of Christendom is a number of people who say they have seen the Resurrection. If they had died without making anyone else believe this ‘gospel’ no gospels would ever have been written.

Jack Lewis

Miracles

On the Incarnation

The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man—a real man of a particular height, with hair of a particular colour, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a foetus inside a Woman’s body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.

Jack Lewis

Mere Christianity

None so deaf as will not hear

When the Lion had first begun singing, long ago when it was still quite dark, [Uncle Andrew] had realized that the noise was a song. And he had disliked the song very much. It made him think and feel things he did not want to think and feel. Then, when the sun rose and he saw that the singer was a lion (“only a lion,” as he said to himself) he tried his hardest to make believe that it wasn’t singing and never had been singing—only roaring as any lion might in a zoo in our own world. “Of course it can’t really have been singing,” he thought, “I must have imagined it. I’ve been letting my nerves get out of order. Who ever heard of a lion singing?” And the longer and more beautifully the Lion sang, the harder Uncle Andrew tried to make himself believe that he could hear nothing but roaring. Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. Uncle Andrew did. He soon did hear nothing but roaring in Aslan’s song. Soon he couldn’t have heard anything else even if he had wanted to. And when at last the Lion spoke and said, “Narnia, awake,” he didn’t hear any words: he heard only a snarl. And when the Beasts spoke in answer, he heard only barkings, growlings, baying, and howlings.

Jack Lewis

The Magician’s Nephew

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

St. Matthew 11:29

Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

St. Mark 8:33

We ought to be diligent Bible-readers because the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. We shall never fight a good fight if we do not use it as our principal weapon. It may well be feared that there is not enough Bible-reading amongst us. It is not enough to have the book. We must actually read it and pray over it ourselves. It will do us no good if it only lies still in our houses. Knowledge of the Bible can only be got by hard, regular, daily, attentive wakeful reading. Memorized Scripture is a stronghold against sin in the hands of the Spirit.

JC Ryle

19^th century Anglican bishop and author

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Oscar Wilde

19^th century English writer

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

Bob Livingston

20^th and 21^st century American commentator and editor

Personal Liberty Digest

Propers

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

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

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

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

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

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

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

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon

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

Sermon Notes

Third Sunday in Advent

Saint Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church

11 December 2016, Anno Domini

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

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

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

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

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. (Mark 5:1-20)

This miracle is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew as well as here in Mark.

Depraved minds are capable of great strength and capacity for evil. History is replete with examples such as Herod, Tamerlane, Count Vlad Tepes (the source inspiration for Dracula) of Wallachia, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Hitler, Bin Laden, etc. The demoniac of the Gadarenes was an example of such. His strength seems near super-human. We often wonder at the capacity to perform evil of those who are of like mind with demons. Their evil schemes may seem ingenious to us and seem to prosper more than those of the righteous. Why is this possible? Evil knows no limits to its exploits for power and control. Any means will always suffice. This same proverb holds true to those who are adherents of Maoism or Communism –the end justifies the means. It may be said that the cruel and madly wicked are not in their right minds, and this is precisely the case, for no one is in their RIGHT mind apart from that Mind which was in Christ Jesus! It is interesting to observe that the people of Gadara cared more for their income-producing swine than they did for the wellbeing of the man who had been freed from the demon possession.

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. Christ has come to a people who were either not knowledgeable of the Law of Moses, or who were openly disobedient thereto. The demons waste no time in confronting the power of God when such power invades their long-held regime! And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. This unclean spirit was even reflected in the unclean animals which was the source of livelihood of the Gadarenes. They were raisers of SWINE! This man was one Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. The works of the devil never stray far from his intent for his victim – the tomb! This man lived among the tombs and constantly faced death and its master every day. Demons have great power, if we allow it to them, and this possessed man exemplified that power in being beyond being chained and bound for his own protection. No man can tame an evil mind, but even the most evil of men may be tamed by God!

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. My heart bleeds for the depth of despair that drives this man to such abject misery. He was always alone and deserted. He cried always in his pain and misery. He, in a single word, hated himself! He had only contempt for the person he had become. He even cut his body with stones. I have seen such misery among precious young girls of the Far East who were sold into prostitution and who would cut their bodies with broken glass in fits of rage against their predicament. It was a condition that would break the heart of any decent-minded person but one which is beyond real change without the Spirit of Christ working among those people. I still see those images vividly and I regret that I could not have said, or done, something to alleviate their sufferings. The innocence of the very young was sold for pittance into the hands of the devil by greedy and unrighteous men and women.

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? Even the demons set a better example than many of those among us who neither love nor hate God, but are simply indifferent to His Sovereignty and Truth. At least the demons recognize, even at a great distance (which they shall always be from Christ), His Presence and Coming! Demon spirits are reprobate, having deserted their first love and followed Satan into that reprobation, yet still plead for a solution to their damnation. Their hope is forlorn. They certainly do, better than some ministers, in recognizing Christ for who He is! Should we not, at least, have the same presence of mind to recognize Christ for who He is as do demons? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. Do you feel it strange that many false ministers can call upon the name and power of God while they are complete imposters? Look, the demons do it, too!

Unlike Eve before the damnable Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Christ does not engage in a dialogue with the devil except to identify him for what he is. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. But Christ will always identify the evil that plagues our hearts: What is thy name? Let us, too, be knowledgeable of the evil with which we are dealing in purifying our spirits and the Church.

And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. Among men who are indifferent to God (as were the Gadarenes), the demons prosper just as they do among any people or nation that grow indifferent to God. . And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. This land of the Gadarenes was a land of unclean people, therefore, the unclean spirits felt well at home here. They desired to remain in this country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. A demon is not very particular about where it lives as long as it is a place of uncleanness. There are an abundance of unclean peoples in our world that are always vulnerable to such spirits. The unclean have not God’s protection against demons: And forthwith Jesus gave them leave.

And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. The very object of the devil and his demons is the destruction of his victims. The demons will never lead you into green pastures and beside still waters, but to certain destruction. The greatest amazement of this occasion is not the destruction of 2,000 swine (so there must have been at least 2,000 demons possessing the man), but the reaction of the Gadarenes at this great miracle of Christ! And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Notice that fear of the Lord does not always lead to repentance. These people feared Christ for the wrong reasons – their profits from the filthy swine! And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. They should have rejoiced one soul was saved from the power of the devil, but did they?

And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. These men prayed to the right person, but for the wrong purpose. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:3) It is a great tragedy that these men prayed, not that Christ would come to them, but that He might depart from them! They would prefer to live in the company of swine and demons than the Lord of heaven. Is America becoming like that?

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. From the very moment that God casts the demons from our hearts, we immediately desire to be with Him always and rightfully so. This man had literally had his fill of demons and swine, now he desires, above all else, to the One who can grant complete Liberty! Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. The boy once possessed by demons spread the Gospel of Christ’s healing to the ten city (Decapolis) region. We often experience a wonderful time of fellowship with God and His people at worship or during the Convention and we wish not to leave it and return home. We want to bask in the love and warmth of God in places that are full of His presence, but God will have us go to the place where the NEED is greatest – a mission field, a community without Christ, or a place of raising smelly swine where the people need daily reminders of the power of God. The place a Christian heart occupies will always be full of God’s Presence regardless of the outward evils. Do you prefer swinely lusts to the presence of Christ?

Sermon – Rev Jack Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

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

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

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

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

In the Epistle, Paul says we must not fear what others think of us, but rather be concerned about what God thinks of what we are doing and what direction He wants us to go in. We are to look to heaven for the answers to our worldly problems, not to this world. The world’s solutions have been tried and found wanting, but heaven’s solutions are never wanting. The only failure is that of their implementation which is on us and not on God. We just need to have the willpower, which can get from the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to implement these solutions around us.

Rather than fear man, we must fear God, and do what He wants us to do. Then perhaps maybe, some in this world will see what we are doing for Him and come to know Him and join Him. As I mentioned in my sermon last Sunday, we will never know how much we have an impact on others around us. It is on us to be good ambassadors of Christ and to make good and lasting positive impressions on everyone we encounter. Some people will not be receptive of course, so we must shake the dust off our boots and leave. But some people will be receptive and even those that aren’t, in time, might be open to hearing God’s message. We aren’t called to force God’s message on others, but to offer it if they wish to hear it. Otherwise, we must do our part to be polite and kind to others, believers and other sorts of believers/non-believers, be it at work, school or home. Following God’s ways, we will be a much happier people.

We will never get anywhere if we follow the ways of this world. As in John 1:11-13 He came unto His own and His Own received him not. But as many as received Him, to them he gave the power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.

If we are born of God, then it is Him to whom we must return and not man. As the verse from John points out, even Jesus came to us and we refused him; how can we expect any better treatment from man, than of God Himself, who came down for us? But the next part of the verse, tells us what we will get if we join with him. He gave us the power to become the Sons of God, as we are His adopted children. He is giving us our eternal inheritance, if we will but follow Him. We are going to get an absolutely wonderful reward, if we do our very best to follow Him. And again, I would like to point out doing our very best is not just saying we are, but actually physically doing our best. There is a distinct difference between the two.

The treatment we receive in this world will pale in comparison to the treatment God will give us in the next world if we but do our very best to follow Him. He has given us the power to become the Sons of God; we are God’s adopted children. This is a power greater than any in this world not of God’s Hands. This is a power that cannot be taken from us, as we are tightly in God’s Hand. The enemy cannot pluck us out of God’s grasp, once we have willingly joined ourselves to God through the help of the Holy Ghost. We need the unifying spirit of the Holy Ghost to help us understand the concepts of Scripture and not only to understand them, but to follow them. With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can understand what we are to do; more than that, we will be able to apply the concepts we learn from Scripture in our every day lives.

In the Gospel, Christ asks the crowd of what they expected to see? Some great big flashy sign He was going to overthrow the Romans and unite the Jews to conquer the world? No! He did not come to do this, for that would be only a temporary and in fact temporal thing to rule the world. He came for far more than that; to prepare our hearts for eternity and change us from unjust to just creatures, worthy of God’s creation and His Hands. As John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Christ’s preaching, Christ came to prepare our way to join our Father in Heaven. His sacrifice was the physical and spiritual action which paved the road for us to ascend to heaven. He came to mould and to shape us from being roughly made to something very valuable. He came to transform us from death to being truly alive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is by our actions we are known.

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon for Saint Peter’s in Statesville

Bishop Jerry writes a sermon most Sundays for the parish which makes its home in the AOC Worldwide Headquarters in Statesville, North Carolina. Today is one of those Sundays. The sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.

Sermon Notes

Third Sunday in Advent

10 December 2016, Anno Domini

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matt 11:2-19)

John the Baptist has been imprisoned for a terrible crime – that of proclaiming the truth. He had told King Herod by marrying his brother, Philip’s wife – Herodias he would be living in concupiscence and adultery. Can you imagine? Today, John would be accused of that disarming act of being “too judgmental” yet John simply proclaimed God’s judgment from His Word! We walk daily among many Herods and Herodiases who would, if they could, cast us into prison for revealing their sinful lives to them. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. (Mark 6:17-20) If you cannot abide the message, then by all means kill the messenger. The messenger is killed today by accusations of being too judgmental; thus the church has become sterile and impotent in dealing with sin. Instead of being salt and light to the world, the church has heard the world and agreed not to judge against the sins of the world.

What is the first characteristic of John the Baptist that comes to mind when his name is mentioned? For me, I think of a Voice Crying in the Wilderness – For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Matt 3:3)

What is this Wilderness?

Wilderness – a wild or uncultivated state. (Webster’s 11^th Collegiate Dictionary) The greatest and most desponding of wildernesses is not geographic, but spiritual. Bread and water are in short supply in a geographic wilderness, but so, too, in a spiritual one – there is lacking the Bread of Heaven and the Water of Life on the neon-lit streets of most American cities. As one walks those streets, he sees a wanton decadence and lust in the vacant faces of those he meets. There is no one with which he can fellowship concerning the riches of Christ for all are spiritually penniless. On those streets, the only mention of Christ is as a ‘Voice Crying in the Wilderness.’

The text today falls into two sections. The first: reveals a faltering faith of the great witness (John) and Christ’s gentle response to this man of faith. (Verses 2-6) The second: Christ provides a witness to John of the truth of His ministry. We are not to consider John weak in faith for that is clearly not the case. John has been imprisoned and treated with dishonor. His life is in peril daily, yet he continues to believe under harsh conditions which exceed our ability to comprehend. But any of us have moments when we need a reassuring word, and this is the moment when John sends for confirmation.

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? This is not for the benefit for John’s disciples, but for his own comfort of reassurance. He is giving his very life on preparing the way for Christ’s ministry, so a reassuring word under these circumstances is reasonable. John is in prison in the gloomy fortress of Machaerus that Herod had built to serve as a sinful pleasure house and an impregnable fortress in the savage hills of Moab. The halls of pleasure and impregnable walls have collapsed, but the dungeon area is still discernible with the holes in the masonry to serve as witness of the chains of its victims (John included).

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Christ gently gives counsel to John’s disciples to go and give testimony of all that has been prophesied and fulfilled in the ministry of Christ. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5-6) The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61:1) These are prophecies written seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, so we are emboldened in our faith to see their complete fulfillment – so was John. I love that phrase from Isaiah regarding the proclamation of Liberty to the captives. As a nation, God has favored our founding and our place as a nation among the nations of the world; but He has also made available to every man and woman of every land this Liberty from the captivity of sin if they will but come to Him. Jesus tells these things to John’s disciples so that John will have his faith confirmed, but to us, too!

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. These are all questions whose import is every whit as directed to us today as to the disciples around Jesus. When we go to prayer service, do we go to see some amazing performance of a man preacher? These services are seldom called prayer services today, but more often ‘Celebrations’ or ‘Festivals. Such terms describe experiences intended to uplift man, prayers and worship uplift Christ! Do we expect our clergy to wear the latest fashion in clothing? My father told me that any man given to frequent changes of fashion in attire is also likely to be blown about by every wind of doctrine. We have evangelists today clothed in $2,000.00 suits, wearing great diamond rings, and sporting gold, Rolex watches appealing for “seed money” from widows and elderly who barely can supply their pantries with bread. I can almost smell the scorched fires of their punishment to come. John is no mere prophet, but the chosen messenger of God to herald the coming of His only Begotten Son!

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (see also Malachi 3:1) Christ extols the virtues of John after his disciples depart. He desires no honor be lost of John’s character in sending his questions to Christ. The character of Christ is quite different from that of men: Christ gives acclaim to the Baptist after his disciples have departed. Man gives flamboyant acclaim to men to their faces, but often critical stabs to their backs. Though John stands high above the mark in the company of men, he is well short in the Kingdom of Heaven to which he aspires – as are all of us.

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. The battle is hot and the mournful cries of the battlefield are full of the painful suffering of the saints. The path to the Kingdom is not a self-willed, demonstration of manly power (as is today in the modern church), but a gentle following of that Great Shepherd of the Flock. The wolves stalk the flock seeking every remunerative opportunity to shed blood and get advantage. This describes the Kingdom of Matthew 13:31-32. Those ‘birds’ lodging in its branches are demons, and they most often win the higher positions of honor in the tree.

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Christ is generous in sharing great mysteries to those whose ears are open in humble faith to hear. Amazingly, the worldly wise can never grasp the simplicity of truth uttered by Christ. But if we have ears (open ears, believing ears, trusting ears, hearing ears) to hear (not just the Words but the Spirit speaking) understand these mysteries. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (Mal 4:5-6) Please note the last word of the Old Testament: CURSE. The law is a curse to those who do not believe. Note the last word of the New Testament: AMEN (hearty approval). Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Rev 22:20-21) There is a glorious difference in our prospects from the Old to the New Testament. Jesus Christ makes ALL the difference!

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. Donald Frasier wrote (in Metaphors of the Gospel) that Jesus “pictured a group of little children playing at make-believe marriages and funerals. First, they acted a marriage procession; some of them piping on instruments of music, while the rest were expected to leap and dance. In a perverse mood, however, these refused to respond, but stood still and looked discontented. So the little pipers changed their game, and proposed a funeral. They began to imitate the loud wailing of Eastern mourners. But again they were thwarted, for their companions refused to chime in with the mournful cry and to beat their breasts.” These non-participating children are non players. They never like the tune or the narrative, but stand jeering on the sidelines. Have our churches become such dead events of observation?

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. The world will always find cause to condemn the people of God and to kill the prophets. Either they are too pious, or they lack piety; either they are too hot, or they are too cold; either they are too bold, or not bold enough; either they are too spiritual, or not spiritual enough. If we are the Children of Wisdom, we shall have ears that hear and know. We dare not stand on the sidelines jeering, but become active responders to the pipe. The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (Isaiah 50:4-5) Are we rebellious children jeering those who labor, or are we those who, taking to the plow, never cast an eye right, left, or back, but plow a straight row for Christ? (Luke 9:62)

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, as well as South America.

Third Sunday in Advent

Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so

11 December 2016

Psalm 107:1-16 • Isaiah 35 • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-

The Third Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

The First Sunday in Advent

The Collect.

Isn’t it time for God’s people to praise Him? Why do we have to wait for a calamity, crisis, or major problem before we turn and praise the Lord? The psalmist reminds us time and again as to our duty to give thanks to the Lord, to praise the Lord, to understand that his mercy will last or endure for ever. How many times do we blithely go through life, not worrying about anything as long as things are going our way? We seem to ignore the Lord, on a daily basis, until we suddenly need help.

As we read the following sixteen verses of Psalm 107, notice a deep pattern, a deep meaning, a deep and profound aspect of the gospel, yes a “proto-gospel”, and yet a gospel.

Psalm 107. Confitemini Domino.

GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, * and his mercy endureth for ever.

Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath re- deemed, * and delivered from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west; * from the north, and from the south.

4 They went astray in the wilderness out of the way, * and found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, * their soul fainted in them.

6 So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, * and he delivered them from their distress.

7 He led them forth by the right way, * that they might go to the city where they dwelt.

8 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men!

9 For he satisfieth the empty soul, * and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Such as sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, * being fast bound in misery and iron;

11 Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord, * and lightly regarded the counsel of the Most Highest;

12 He also brought down their heart through heavi- ness: * they fell down, and there was none to help them.

13 So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, * he delivered them out of their distress.

14 For he brought them out of darkness, and out of the shadow of death, * and brake their bonds in sunder.

15 O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness; * and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men !

16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, * and smitten the bars of iron in sunder.

The Good News in this psalm points to a coming savior. We read of a people who cry out to the LORD, they are hungry and thirsty, their soul faints with in them. (This gives us the indication that we are reading about spiritual matters, not material). Hunger and thirst of the soul. Notice that the LORD calls us out from all lands, from the east, the west, the north and the south, he redeems us from the had of the enemy. The only enemy in a spiritual sense is of course the fallen angel, Lucifer. Satan, Lucifer, or the Devil is the only real enemy of mankind. He hates God’s creation. He will do anything to thwart the redemption of God’s creation, the imago dei, because we represent Satan’s only enemy, the ONE who will banish him to eternal hell.

So what happens with this great struggle, by the way, the outcome has been foretold many times and many ways, (Satan loses), when it comes to mankind?

Let us look at a three scenarios of this epic battle.

First

We are not alone. God is on our side; if we are the redeemed, those called and following Jesus the Only begotten Son of God, then we are not alone. Sometimes we let life get in the way, we let life blot out the Son in our life and then we despair. Look at verse 6.

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

Call out to the LORD and He will deliver us.

Second

Verse 14 reiterates the promise of the Lord. He will deliver us out of chaos, confusion, and fear. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. God will take care of us, he will protect us and he will redeem us. As we see in verse seven, “…he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation…” This is significant in that when the Lord gathered those he would from the four corners of the earth, he found us wandering in the wilderness “in a solitary way, they found no city to dwell in”. The import here is a city is safe, it is habitable, it has sustenance for feeding and for thirst, all things that are important for a human being. But of course it is more than that, it is the eternal need, the feeding and watering of souls being discussed here.

Third

The last part of this epic battle is gratitude that man should show, the psalmist is imploring man to do so in verses 8 and 15. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

In our great struggle on our journey to the heavenly kingdom we sometimes tend to forget to praise God, thank God, and tell others what God has done for us. This is part of the great struggle and epic battle. We must not forget to praise God…from whom all blessings flow.

I encourage you to read the other two passages of scripture set aside for this Third Sunday in Advent. In each you can find an abundance of wisdom, especially in how we are to treat fellow believers, (1 Thess. 5:12-23). The support system that we are to maintain for fellow believers is so important. We are not “lone-ranger” Christians. We are in a spiritual battle, the head of our command it the King of kings and Lord of lords, he will not fail. So in understanding that concept, we should help each other during, between, and after spiritual battles that we face daily. Notice St. Paul admonishes believers to lift up fellow believers, admonish them when needed, give thanks in all things, avoid evil, (in all forms, gossip, backbiting, etc.).

And above all, “…pray without ceasing…”. Do these things and “…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

This coming week, as we reflect on the First Advent of Jesus Christ and begin to look to his glorious coming again, let us give out the light that quenches darkness. Let us show those around us who may not know the Only redeemer of the world, that He (Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son of God) is the reason for this season of hope.

Let us pray:

LMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking; We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ETERNAL God, our heavenly Father, who alone makest men to be of one mind in a house, and stillest the outrage of a violent and unruly people; We bless thy holy Name, that it hath pleased thee to appease the seditious tumults which have been lately raised up amongst us; most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in thy holy commandments; and, leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for these thy mercies towards us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. 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, espouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.

Third Sunday in Advent

Matthew 10:1-15

ND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

In Saint Matthew’s Gospel, our Lord called out twelve disciples, and gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (v.1). These men were also referred to as apostles which can mean “one who has been sent on a path or mission.” Their qualifications were plain enough. Only those men who were called directly by our Lord could rightly bear the title of apostle, and not those who, through the tradition of the laying on of hands, followed them.

Unlike the offices of bishop, priest and deacon, the office of apostle was not meant to be a perpetual one. If our Lord had intended for there to be others, then the Holy Ghost would have supplied the authors of the New Testament with the criteria for filling that office. Look in vain if you will, but there are no qualifications listed within the pages of Scripture that would permit anyone to assume said office, in particular those in today’s world who have taken it upon themselves to either assume the title, or accept it via some convocation which was called for that purpose.

So then, what was the purpose for our Lord’s calling of the apostles? In an elastic fashion, they bear some resemblance to the start-up engineers that I worked with back in my field engineering days when I was employed by a large power plant construction company. Start-up engineers tested the equipment and systems that we had assembled, and afterwards turned it over to the client for operation. It was at that point that the start-up engineers then moved on either to test another system or they left for another plant. In like manner, the apostles were the start-up engineers for the Christian faith as they went forth laying the ground work for the development and sustainment of the body of Christ. They trained up men to fill the operational offices of the Church such as bishop, priest and deacon. A few of them were called by the Holy Ghost to write the various books of the New Testament. But that was not all.

It was the apostles who carried out the terms of the Great Commission: teaching and baptizing those among the nations who believed and accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. They taught the words which our Lord had commanded, and they instructed their various congregations in the particulars of faith and orderly worship.

Unfortunately, many Christians today have taken for granted the works of the apostles. For them, the apostles lived a long time ago and most of what is known about them is found in only one source— the Bible— which is not something they read much less take to heart. The whole story of the apostles was not recorded and we only have Church tradition which tells us that most of the apostles save one— St. John the Revelator— died unnatural deaths at the hands of one group or another. But even in their martyrdom, they advanced the Christian faith throughout much of the known world of their day. Their understudies then laid hands on new believers, and those likewise laid hands on others. This laying on of hands involved not only the ordination of clergy, but in the administration of baptism upon the laity. We refer to this passing of the faith by those who had received the same from the preaching and teaching of the apostles as “apostolic succession.”

But this doctrine is not without controversy. According to Dr. W. H. Griffith Thomas, “If [Apostolic Succession] means simply a historical succession of ministers as a fact, thereby emphasising the corporate and continuous idea as distinct from individualism and separatism, there can be no quarrel with it. But this is not the case. The usual meaning is that the ministry has descended from the apostles by a continuous transmission, and that this is the guarantee of grace in the Sacraments.” He went on to point out that, “The authority from Christ comes to the whole Church and not through any corporation of officials.”

When we accept apostolic succession as something restricted to church officialdom, then we have lost the true meaning of what the Apostles were sent out to do. As our Lord said in the Great Commission, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you… (St. Matthew 28:19-20). The above is a very inclusive passage. It does not have a hint of separation or isolation between believers. It applies to both clergy and laity. Both are mortals. Both were at one point sinners in need of salvation. Both— if they believe— are saved with an everlasting salvation. But the key here is the word “both” therefore the message is not limited to one group within the body of Christ. Yes, the minister received the word from another before him, but the lay person who was not gifted with a talent for ministry also received it as well. Both are saved because both believed the gospel message which originated with the apostles of our Lord.

When we recite the words of the Nicene Creed, we might take away from that recitation a false understanding of what we ought to believe especially when we read the following, “…who for us men and our salvation came down from heaven…” Jesus Christ did not come down to save only those ministers who developed the Nicene Creed. He came to save both male and female, young and old, rich and poor. Race does not matter. Place does not matter. The only thing that matters is that we individually believe on Christ Jesus as God’s only begotten Son who died to save us from our sins, if and only if we confess them to God the Father in his name, believing on him and keeping his word and commandment.

Now, the devil has worked very hard to convince us that we need a priesthood based on a corporate model and not the priesthood of believers which our Lord sought to affirm in Scripture. St. Peter wrote in his first epistle (5:1-4): The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the suffering of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Did you notice in that passage anything that established a corporate office over the lay people other than an officer who was dedicated to their good? There is a big difference between oversight and overpowering. The true and faithful minister is one who serves his congregants and cares for them. He will admonish the unruly in love for their good, but never, ever to lord over them as a ruler of this world might do. And so the above passage from the apostle Peter demolishes any understanding of corporate exclusiveness regarding the meaning of apostolic succession.

Let us close with words of St. Paul from his first epistle to the church at Corinth: And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (2:1-2). This was not a message to only a few but to all believers. The apostles were called to teach and preach to all people regardless of their condition or situation. They got the ball rolling, as it were, and now it has come to us and what then shall we do with it? We must witness to others. We must tell them the truth about our Lord. We must do our duty to Christ and let the Spirit call whom he will into the ministry or into service elsewhere. But regardless, the gospel is for every human being and it all began with our Lord and his disciples.

Let us pray,

LORD, as you have called us to faith in your dear Son, let us also be obedient to thy word written and follow the prescriptions for ministry and life that are found therein; all of which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a blessed week, Bryan+

After Church Hospitality

We would like some pictures of your after service gatherings. Come on! Help out!

People in our Prayers – http://faithfulcenturionprayerteam.blogspot.com/

Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.

It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God’s work.

The Prayer Team of the Anglican Orthodox Church was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.

Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Anglican Orthodox Church to be prayed for?

No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.

What is the commitment from the prayer team?

Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.

How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?

You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Jack – jack@faithfulcenturion.org or Dru – dru@ faithfulcenturion.org, or call the office at (619) 659-3608 or fill out a prayer card at your church.

What should I ask for?

Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.

Updating the Team

If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Hap in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!

Please note that on the yellow (maybe green or orange if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the prayer team. Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Hap will know to pray for them.

Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know. We’d like to update our prayers to reflect the need and most important to give thanks!

Immediate Prayer Please

Ben has had a stroke and lives far from his family. Please pray for trust in the Lord, strength and courage for Ben and guidance for those treating him.

Jessica and her unborn baby are having neo-natal and diabetic issues brought on by her pregnancy. Jessica and her husband have three other children under eight. The doctors think they will soon be putting her to bed; pleaser pray all will go well for Jessica and her new unborn baby.

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 be Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Victor and his family.

Travel

No known travel this week.

Move

The Thomas Family are concluding their second short tour in Okinawa. Please pray for their new assignment to go well for Kurt and for Mary and the kids to make new friends.

Birthdays

Aaron Gray celebrated his 14^th birthday on 17 November 2016.

Departed

Arch Crittenden passed away 30 November 2016, after a hard fought battle with Multiple Myeloma (cancer cells in bone marrow). Please give thanks for Arch’s time here on earth and pray for trust in God, comfort and strength for his loving wife Kathy who of necessity remains behind and will feel the sorrow of the temporary separation sorely.

Lou a retired Missionary in Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia for over 40 years lost a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer in October 2016. A memorial service is scheduled for the weekend of 10 December 2016 in New Hampshire. Please pray for the family, as they gather to celebrate Lou’s life and his dedication to do work of our Lord. Pray for safe travel for all who will be attending the service.

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 came back from the point of death. He is now home and permanently on oxygen. He is doing well, for that he and his family are grateful and ask your thanksgiving prayers. 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 liPlease 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 re 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

Sarah had to move to an Assisted Living Home and has found the adjustment very difficult. Please pray she will come to terms with the situation and that her Lord Jesus will be close to her.

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

Maria Carla is going to the hospital for corrective surgery. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to her as she has this operation. Pray for her father who will be taking her a long distance for the operation.

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 be 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 be 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.

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 bePray 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 bePray 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

Kathy Cox Merritt has been receiving Chemo and 12 November 2016, had bowel resection surgery and was given a very bad prognosis. Kathy just retired as an RN in Orthopedics at a local hospital; sometimes a little medical knowledge can be dangerous to the patient but she remains positive.. PLEASE pray for Kathy’s healing and peace and comfort for her and her family, both spiritually and physical

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.

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.

Mark Wilson is still dealing with all of problems connected with COPD; he had cataract surgery, which went well; but one eye got infected and he cannot see properly out of that eye. Due to reduced vision, he lost his job. Please pray the medical people treating him will find a reasonable way to deal with the COPD and allow him a lung transplant if that is best for him; pray also his vision might return. Give Mark trust in the Lord and strength to deal with all his health and other problems.

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

Dennis will begin chemotherapy for an active cancer spot on his spine on 17 September 2015. Please pray for a good result and tolerance of the treatment for him.

Vickie has been bothered with Migraines and all that go with the headaches. Please pray for relief from the pain for Vickie.

Amelia Perez had a small stroke on 11 July 2015 and drove herself to the emergency room, she was admitted for three days, had her carotid artery opened up and is recovering. Amelia’s faith and spirit are strong. Please give thanks for the progress so far, for her continued and full recovery and her faith to continue to support her. Pray also for her family who are still quite worried for her.

Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapyis producing neuropathy in his legs so that it is a challenge for him to get around. Please pray that he will be as comfortable as possible; he has been a Marathoner runner so this is especially difficult.

Margaret, from California, fell and broke her on 7 July 2015, while visiting her daughter in Arizona. She will stay in Arizona for the rehabilitation and return to her home when able. Furthermore, Margaret is in good spirits; however she will be away from her church family which is important to her for an extended period of time.

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

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

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

Bill had surgery November 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present. It appears the cancer has spread to another spot. Please pray for Bill as he undergoes chemotherapy and perhaps other treatment. Pray Bill and his family will stay strong in their faith and draw the strength they need from our Lord.

Anita had surgery on 4 November 2016 to remove what they thought were five tumors in her right lung, but turned out to be eight. They removed all eight. In addition, her lung was folded from her previous coil embolization. They removed the coils, unfolding her lower right lobe and oversewed the area. In reality she may come away with increased lung capacity. Anita, her husband Michael and family express for the power of your continued prayers and expressions of love. Please join them in giving thanks for God’s Grace and pray for her continued healing.

Alejandra Jasso (Doug Witherspoon’s mother in law) had a kidney transplant; the surgery was a success and the kidney is working, please give thanks for that. Pray for continued healing and non-rejection of the transplant. 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.

Bob Reisor had surgery on 19 September 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present. It appears the cancer has spread to his lung and another spot. Five years ago there was no treatment, but now it appears there is an oral medication that has shown great effectiveness on this particular cancer. Please pray for Bob as he undergoes chemotherapy and perhaps other 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. She has left Walter Reed Medical Center for John Hopkins and seems to be getting decent medical care now. Please pray for strength; physical, mental and spiritual for her. Pray for guidance for the new 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 be 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.

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

Judy seemingly does not want to allow the Holy Ghost into her heart so she might come to know our Lord and Savior, despite the efforts of her family. Please pray for her to open her heat and for her family to be at peace with their efforts.

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 ChriMitten 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

Worldwide

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide are meeting for their Biennial Convention in Statesville, North Carolina. Please pray God will be with them as they make decisions.

Solomon Islands

Anglican Orthodox Church in the Solomon Islands are meeting for their Biennial Convention. Please pray God will be with them as they make decisions.

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.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

18 December 2016 – Fourth Sunday in Advent – Holy Communion – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

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

25 December 2016 – Christmas Day – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

26 December 2016 – Saint Stephen – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

27 December 2016 – Saint John – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

28 December 2016 – Holy Innocents – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

1 January 2017 – Circumcision of Christ – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

6 January 2017 – The Epiphany – Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (5:45 pm); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

8 January 2017 – First Sunday after Epiphany – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

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