180408 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide Communion
First Sunday after Easter
Sunday Report

This is the first Sunday after Easter; the Easter season is five Sundays, the last of which, the Fifth Sunday after Easter, is commonly called Rogation Sunday. Like every day, today we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, “Christ the Lord IS Risen today!”

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, but overall mostly from Bryan. He always has a few great ones to share. On to the On Point quotes –

In the Beginning
And now, for the first time, the Lion was quite silent. He was going to and fro among the animals. And every now and then he would go up to two of them (always two at a time) and touch their noses with his. He would touch two beavers among all the beavers, two leopards among all the leopards, one stag and one deer among all the deer, and leave the rest. . . . [T]he creatures whom he had touched came and stood in a wide circle around him. . . .

The Lion, whose eyes never blinked, stared at the animals as hard as if he was going to burn them up with his mere stare. And gradually a change came over them. The smaller ones—the rabbits, moles, and such-like— grew a good deal larger. The very big ones—you noticed it most with the elephants—grew a little smaller. Many animals sat up on their hind legs. Most put their heads on one side as if they were trying very hard to understand. The Lion opened his mouth, but no sound came from it; he was breathing out, a long, warm breath; it seemed to sway all the beasts as the wind sways a line of trees. Far overhead from beyond the veil of blue sky which hid them the stars sang again; a pure, cold, difficult music. Then there came a swift flash like fire (but it burnt nobody) either from the sky or from the Lion itself, and every drop of blood tingled in the children’s bodies, and the deepest, wildest voice they had ever heard was saying:

“Narnia, Narnia, Narnia, awake. Love. Think. Speak. Be walking trees. Be talking beasts. Be divine waters.”
Jack Lewis
The Magician’s Nephew

Our Place in this World
“Creatures, I give you yourselves,” said the strong, happy voice of Aslan. “I give to you forever this land of Narnia. I give you the woods, the fruits, the rivers. I give you the stars and I give you myself. The Dumb Beasts whom I have not chosen are yours also. Treat them gently and cherish them but do not go back to their ways lest you cease to be Talking Beasts. For out of them you were taken and into them you can return. Do not so.”
Jack Lewis
The Magician’s Nephew

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…
James 4:8

One man with a gun can control one hundred without one.
Vladimir Lenin
19th and 20th century Bolshevik and mass murderer

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

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

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

The Propers for today are found on Page 170-171, with the Collect first:

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

A
LMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s Epistle came from the First General Epistle of Saint John, the Fifth Chapter beginning at the Fourth Verse:

W
HATSOEVER is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The Holy Gospel for this Sunday comes from the Twentieth Chapter of the Gospel of Saint John beginning at the Nineteenth verse:

T
HE same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

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
First Sunday after Easter
8 April 2018, Anno Domini

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

B
EHOLD, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev 1:7-8)

The Lord shall return in the clouds! This is not such an unreasonable revelation considering that He was in the Pillar of Cloud that followed Israel in the Wilderness; He was in the cloud that obscured His appearing on the Mount of Transfiguration; and He was received up into the Heavens at His Ascension by a cloud. Clouds are not solid masses, but semi-transparent and elusive. The clouds that obscured our God of the Wilderness Tabernacle, and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration suggest that there shall always be some mystery that surrounds our Lord until we are joined with Him in eternity. The Word of God itself, despite the petty claims of theologians, is fraught with mysteries that cannot be fully comprehended, but must be fully believed. Tantalizingly, the closer we get to our Lord in wisdom and knowledge, the more the cloud of mystery is lifted to expose more and more of His glorious Person.

Today’s lectionary text is taken from the Book of Revelation – a book that most men refuse to address for the mystery that it seems (to them) to contain. Truly, it will always be a mystery until the Lord wills that those mysteries be revealed fully; however, the title of the Book itself suggests that God desires that we study the book diligently to derive the glimmers of truth that are the object of its revelations.

At the outset of our deliberations of this text, we should recognize that our Lord conquered death, Hell, and Satan on the cross by His own death, burial, and resurrection. He died once a physical death. All who are sheltered in the Ark of Christ shall die only once that same physical death; but be advised that the soul NEVER dies of either good or bad. Those who have rejected Christ, even by professing Him falsely, shall die a double death – the latter being a relegation to the death of Hell which is made the greater pain for being separated from God. There are no smiles in Hell. No mercies in Hell. No friendly words in Hell. These are all characteristics of grace, and there is no grace in Hell, either. It is the second death to which the saints of God are not subject. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev 2:11) Jesus was buried in a borrowed Garden Tomb so that we, too, may need only a borrowed tomb.

Those who believe on the Name of Jesus Christ and are the called according to His purpose shall NEVER die in reality. “ . . . . the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (Eccl 12:7) “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:26) I hope you read this last verse from John 11 with deep thought: All, both wicked and just, shall be believers at the Second Coming; but the Child of God must believe while he yet lives in this life. Once death comes, there are no more decisions of faith or hearing the call of the Lord to repentance.

The Revelations were given to John, the Apostle, as stated at the 1st verse: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” (Rev 1:1) The purpose of Revelations, according to this introductory verse, is to reveal – not to conceal – the glorious prophecies of God.

The striking future event prophesied in today’s text, and repeated throughout the Scriptures, is the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ – the Lamb of God! Just as He was received by a cloud at His Ascension, He shall return in the CLOUDS of Heaven. “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11) There is one subtle difference between His ascension and His return: A cloud received Him at His ascension, but He will return in the CLOUDS. He is not returning alone, but with the hosts of the Armies of Heaven. “Behold, he cometh with clouds.”

We will examine the following topics related to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1. Who will see the Lord at His return?
2. What will the response of the world be at His appearing?
3. What is the disposition of those who have known Him as Lord and Savior?
4. How different is His return from His ascension?
5. What does the title, Alpha & Omega, mean?

Every eye of every man, woman, and child, then living, or who have ever before lived upon the earth, shall behold Christ’s return; for every grave shall be opened. Those who have trod underfoot His grace and truth shall see Him in terror and great regret. They will know their guilt for His cross – that they were the ones who called for His death and crucifixion by their rejection and sin. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:10-11) These include men such as Caligula, Nero, Muhammad, Tamerlane, Adolph Hitler, Stalin, and, yes, Barack Obama (unless he comes to Christ)! They will all confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, but too late to save their souls!

All who die in the Lord shall arise from their graves, as Christ did at Easter, with a glorified body that is not subject to pain, sorrow, or death. When we were children we may have had days when we played so hard that we were exhausted at bedtime. We were put to bed, and the lights were extinguished. We closed our eyes and seemingly opened them immediately to the morning glow of the sun. We could not believe that we had slept all night, but we had. The same will be true at the death and resurrection of the people of God: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin isthe law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:52-57)

The Great Cloud of Angels that shall accompany the Lord at His return will fill the Eastern sky, and cover the heavens from East to West. It will be sudden, and without warning. The old Hebrew wedding custom of the Groomsman (Gabriel, perhaps) of the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) shall stand and sound the trumpet, and the Bride (the church) must be ready for immediate flight to the Wedding Party. “. . . . at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” The Lord Jesus Christ shall be seated upon a white charger armed for the purpose of judgment. He came as a little child at Bethlehem, but He returns with all power and great glory: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev 19:11-16) This is not the man on the white horse of Rev 6, but the final appearing of Jesus Christ as Lord!

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the Great I AM, and the Ancient of Days (without beginning or end). Often we have discussed His titles. Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet (in which the New Testament manuscripts are written), define our Lord as the Whole WORD from beginning to end. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4) He is the first Word, and the Last Word, and every Word in between. He is the first and last letters of every alphabet – Hebrew, English, French, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, or Arabic and every letter between. He exists in the Eternal Present. Not confined, as we are, to the Space-Time Continuum, He is ever in the present. He is I AM six thousand years ago, two thousand years ago, today, and eternity future. Our Lord was with God the Father as the Ancient of Days in the Eternity Past before there was a heaven or an earth. Here is love and grace: He was mindful of you and me even then in eternity past! He agreed, even then, to die in redemption of our sins. God knew that Adam would fall. He knew that Adam would bring death and hell upon all his progeny ……unless provision was made for a Savior. That provision was agreed to in Eternity Past by our Lord Jesus Christ.

This should make each of us mindful of the great value of our salvation, and the love which purchased it at so great a cost. Are we? AMEN.

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.

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

Consider these words from the Collect:

… thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth …

God sent Jesus, His ONLY Son, to be The Christ, The Messiah, The Savior, The Lamb to be sacrificed for our sin. He gave His earthly Life, He went down into Hell, that we might be justified before God at our final accounting. However His Sacrifice does not mean that we might be made perfect. Instead of that, His Sacrifice ensures that we will be accounted perfect at our judgment day Just because we are going to be accounted as perfect does not mean we are. Thus, we are in need of God’s help to put away the infection, or leaven, of evil in our hearts so we can serve the Living God here. We must be unleavened bread or unsinful. Without the help of God and the Holy Ghost, we cannot remove the hate and evil from our hearts. We need Him to enter into our hearts so we know the right steps to move forward and act in accordance with His Will.

In his general Epistle, Saint John makes it clear the entity we refer to as God is a Triune Being, that is Three in One; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. What he does not make clear is the relationship between the Three. But, that is not surprising, no place else is it really clear either. The reason is that no earthly human is aware of the intricate details of the Triune relationship and that I must suppose those are not need to know details for us. Just knowing that God is a Triune Being is enough for us to understand and believe on. God is comprised of three separate entities who are of one substance and form a single entity, each has its function. Jesus Christ is our key to life and the Holy Ghost is our key to Jesus Christ. Christ, who was there at the beginning, will be there at our end; the Holy Ghost who breathed life into this world is our key to finding Christ in our hearts. God has made it so.

The Holy Ghost is not often talked about in the church, yet He is the key to understanding. God sent us the Holy Ghost that we might have:

• Comfort
• Understanding
• Patience
• Insight
• Perseverance
• Courage
• Strength
• Sympathy

When John relates the story of Jesus coming in to the Upper Room, note three things:

1. He came into a closed room in bodily form;
2. Then gave them His Peace;
3. He breathed the Holy Ghost upon them.

An interesting point is made when John talks about the closed room. When we leave the Shadowlands, we will gain an optimized body with shape and form, but as Jesus demonstrated things are different in the Real World. We can look at the closed room as a metaphor of sorts for Earth. Earth is a closed room, in that there is no way out, there is no door except through death’s door. When we die, as followers of Christ, we will appear in heaven, out of this closed room. Just like Jesus appeared in this closed room, we will appear in Heaven. And when we appear in heaven, things will be different than here on Earth and for the better. We will no longer be halt, blind and maimed, we will live as God has meant for us.

Jesus gave them His Peace. The Peace He talks about is quite different from the peace that the world talks about. The world does not have any idea of what the real peace that Jesus talks about is. Their concept of peace is so far short of God’s version. As they do not have the Holy Spirit within them to enlighten them, they will never know what true peace is. Jesus brings us, like those disciples, the peace of mind and soul that comes with giving all our worry, sadness and terror to Him. This is what true peace is. He leaves in His Wake not confusion, but order and wellbeing. With Him in our hearts we cannot fail at anything that needs be done. His Peace is the calmness of mind and soul we need to get through the difficult situations in life. This is not a concept to be thought about lightly. It is certainly not the hand shaking service interrupting greeting of some churches. They say ‘peace’ when they mean ‘hi.’ These churches have lost the true meaning of Peace.

The Peace Jesus talks about is what we are looking for and have been looking for since we came into this world, for it is our passport out. It is the true peace we get when we know He is carrying our worries on His back and we can let go of our concerns and know that He is looking out for us and will give us the guidance we need to deal with our concerns. We just need to listen to Him and then act upon it.

That brings us to the Holy Ghost. He is the Breath of Life, not just physical, whereas to die is to “give up the Ghost.” He is our spiritual life, for without Him in our souls, hearts and minds we cannot even see the narrow road to the summit, let alone navigate it. Having Him is like having night vision googles to operate at nighttime. Without His spiritual vision, we see only that well lit, broad even way that gently curves downward and gets smoother and smoother as it nears the Pit. The Holy Ghost is the key to knowing our Lord!

Paul continually tells us we must be reborn as a new person in God. We must put on the New Man and put the Old Man behind us. We cannot serve Him as the Old Man, we must transform ourselves into the New Man. This means we need to leave our old habits behind as we strive to make new practices into habits. The only way to do this is through His Help and repetition of those new practices. It is not unlike any other skill we develop, we have to go through constant repetition of these new practices to form them int our spiritual habits. We cannot follow the direction of Jesus towards God without the help of the Holy Ghost; this is the Trinity in actual practice. If you believe in Jesus, you must believe in God and follow Him; you can do neither without the help of the Holy Ghost. Without the Holy Ghost, we are like men who desperately need glasses to see. Without the Holy Ghost as our correcting lens, we cannot see what He wants us to see in order to act. With the Holy Ghost, we can see what needs to be done and also act upon it.

The Holy Ghost is key to all of our efforts here on Earth. We cannot do anything to advance our Lord’s cause here on Earth without His presence within our hearts. So, we must accept the help that the Holy Ghost will give us. To truly accept His Help, we must first listen to Him and then act upon what He says for us to do.

When Jesus came to the disciples on Sunday evening, He breathed the Holy Ghost into their hearts. He gave the disciples the power to pass His Forgiveness on to their followers. As ministers of God, we follow the disciples, but we have not the power to forgive, except as we find in the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We do have the ability to tell you that if you repent, then God will forgive you. Through our Lord, if you repent, He has forgiven you.

The key word here is repent! We must “go and sin no more!” as Christ told the lady who was an adulteress. He did not tell her it was okay to do what she wanted to do, the way she wanted to do it and perhaps suggest a more flattering shade of lipstick. No, He told her that her sins were forgiven, but she was to “go and sin no more!” We repent not only in word, but we must repent in our deeds also, so that we can truly show the world that we have faith. If we do not repent, then we do not have faith in Him. We must have faith in Him, so therefore, we must truly and earnestly repent of our sins and do our utmost best to “go and sin no more.” That is how we can truly show that we have faith. That is all that He asks, is us to actually DO our best, not just say that we are doing our best.

So, what to take from all this?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3.16

If you get that, you have the Holy Ghost in your heart. If you open your heart, He will breathe the breath that sends The Comforter to you. Then you shall have the knowledge to act the way He wants you to act. You will have surefire knowledge of the course that He wants you to take.

When the time comes, how will you ACT?

It is by our actions we are known.

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church
Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany, as well as the Missionary Diocese of the Caribbean, Central and South America.

First Sunday after Easter
The Life Certificate
8 April 2018
Psalm 103 • Isaiah 43:1-12 • 1 John 5:4-12

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

First General Epistle of Saint John, the Fifth Chapter beginning at the Fourth Verse:

Today I’d like to reflect on the epistle reading for today. To me this passage reflects several different concepts and ideas. The most important being the certification of the life of Christ. If you are getting ready to settle the affairs of a loved one or some one who has just died, there must be a certification of death. The death certificate indicates that person is no longer amongst the living and now being declared dead can have all affairs settled. This includes disposing of property, monies, debts, etc., and in the most immediate sense, what to do with the deceased. Now that being a reminder of what we generally do at the time of death. Now let us look at this passage of First John.

F
OR whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1John 5:4-8)

We see instead of a death certificate, a life certificate. We see that through the witness of the Spirit and the baptism (water) and the blood (Crucifixion) we also can obtain life. Through the death and resurrection of Christ we too can be heirs to the kingdom. These three witness are in agreement.

We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. [this is life changing, this is the witness that shows a person turning from their wicked ways and repenting of their sins and starting the life long journey to God’s heaven. Anyone who does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about His Son.” [because one does not believe that have committed the ‘unpardonable’ sin, that being the rejection of the work of the Holy Spirit and the means of salvation offered by God through his Son Jesus]

I
F we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1John 5:9-12)

We end this meditation of the Word by the last two verses of our reading.. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

By this simple declaration we see that God has given us a ‘life certificate’, we have that reality of living for every with Christ in heaven or we can be forever separated from Christ by not accepting his gift by believing. Do we have to make choices now? All you have to do is refer to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. We have only here and now to make our choice, because after death we only have destinations. We must make our mind up now, this cannot wait, one cannot put off what must be done today. When you feel the pull of God’s love as express by the gift of his Son, Jesus, you must make a stand, you must accept that gift, tomorrow may be too late.

Let us pray:

G
RANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living; to the honor and praise of thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O
GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly, union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O LORD Jesus Christ, who saidst unto thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church; and grant to it that peace and unity which is according to thy will, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
✟

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

Witnesses
Psalm 103, Isaiah 43:1-12, Luke 24:36-49
First Sunday after Easter
April 8, 2018

This morning’s Scripture Lessons have the common theme of witnessing the mighty acts of God. Psalm 103:7 says God “showed His ways unto Moses, His works unto the children of Israel.” “Ye are my witnesses,” God says to Israel in Isaiah 43:10, “that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.” Luke 24:48 records the words of Christ to the men who would soon become the Apostles, “ye are witnesses of these things,” meaning His death and resurrection.

I want to concentrate on Christ’s words in Luke 24, because they address the men who, by God’s directions, became the foundation of Christ’s Church. It is they who preached the Gospel of Christ, they who wrote the Scriptures, they who formed the faith and practice we still believe and practice today in the Anglican Orthodox Church. It is important to us to know that these men were witnesses to the things they spoke and wrote about, and for which they eventually suffered and died. They saw “these things.” Thus, John wrote that the Apostles declare “that… which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands handled” (1 Jn. 1:1). “That which we have seen declare we unto you” (1 Jn. 1:3). Peter, in Acts 2:32 was speaking of the resurrection of Christ when he said of himself and the other Apostles, “we are all witnesses.”

These men saw, heard and touched Jesus. They were there when He turned the water into wine. They were there when He stilled the sea and walked on the water. They saw Him restore the sight of blind Bartimaeus. They saw Him cast out the demon they could not exorcise, the one Jesus said only comes out by much prayer and fasting. They saw Lazarus walk out of the tomb, still reeking of death and decay, but whole and well and alive again. They saw Christ betrayed, arrested, “crucified, dead, and buried.” They saw Him die. They probably helped Joseph of Arimathaea remove His body from the cross and lay it in the tomb. They touched His cold, lifeless flesh. There was no doubt about His death. The Romans knew how to kill, and nobody ever came down from the cross alive. In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens wrote, “Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am about to relate.” The rest of the story will make no sense if that fact is not grasped. The same is true of the Bible. Christ was dead, and none of the Bible will make any sense to you until you really grasp and accept that fact in your soul. He was truly “crucified, dead, and buried.” But, just as they saw Him dead and buried, they also saw Him alive again. They saw the risen Christ. They saw the empty tomb, the angelic messengers. They saw Him in the upper room which we read about in Luke 24 this morning. They saw Him ascend into Heaven. They were witnesses to these things.

But they didn’t just see what He did, they also saw what He was. They saw His compassion, generosity, power, and His genuine and complete goodness. They saw that He is the Light, and the Life, and the Power and the Glory. They saw that He is God. They saw that in Him God was present with them. He truly was, is, and ever shall be Emmanuel, God with us. They saw that He is the Truth. When He spoke, God spoke. What He said, God said. What He is, God is. They saw Him give Himself on the cross to save us, to bring us back to God, and they knew that by His blood their souls were made clean.

The Apostles saw all of these things, and they bear witness of what they saw. But, as John reminds us, they also heard Christ. They declare what they have heard. And what words they heard from the lips of Christ. Words like:

“I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” And, some of my favourite words, from John 14:

“Let not you heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

One day soldiers were sent to arrest Jesus, but they heard His words and let Him go free. Questioned by their superiors, they said, “Never man spake like this man (Jn. 7:46). One day when many turned away from Christ, He challenged the disciples, saying, “Will ye also go away?” Simon Peter answered for all of them, and I hope, all of us, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). “Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” said the disciples when Christ spoke to them on the Emmaus Road. The Apostles heard these words, and declare them unto us.

When Christ told the Apostles repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name, He was implying that they were the ones who would preach it. In fact it is implicit in Luke 24:48 that, as His witnesses, they will tell others what they saw and heard in Christ. If we look back at 1 John 1:3 again we see this clearly stated, for John wrote, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. To a great extent, the New Testament is their declaration. In it the Apostles declare “all that Jesus began both to do and to teach” (Acts 1:1). And so we have in the New Testament the testimony of these witnesses. They are telling us what they saw and heard and touched in Jesus. And this is the purpose of their testimony; that we may believe and be saved. They wrote, as Isaiah said, “that ye may know and believe [God].” This is what the testimony of Scripture and the witnesses want from you; see, and believe. Believe and be reconciled to God.

In Luke 24:47, Jesus says something very important, and something most people miss. After speaking of His death and resurrection He states that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name. Remission of sins means absolute and complete forgiveness. No matter what you have done, your sins can be completely forgiven because Christ took them on Himself on the cross, and suffered the wrath of God for them in your place. He paid the debt of your sin. In times past, people who served time in jail for a crime said they paid their debt to society. Today we still have laws that require financial payment to people injured by the actions of others. Jesus paid your debt to God. Jesus paid for your crimes against God. That is why and how God forgives you of your sin.

Jesus used another word in that verse. He said repentance should be preached in His name. Repentance means to turn from one thing to another. It is a complete change of mind, a change of ideals and values and life-style and life-orientation. It is to be like a person driving a car, who suddenly realises he is on the wrong road, so he turns around, goes back to the correct road, and gets on it, and takes the correct way to the destination.

Jesus uses the word to describe people who have been following their own ideas and values and living for themselves. They are not necessarily bad people according to the world’s values. But Jesus is saying they are on the wrong road and they need to turn around and get on the right road. And what is the right road? It is Jesus. It is living for Him, according to His values and teachings. It is, as we pray in the prayer of confession, to live a Godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of His name.

The vast majority of people in this world today, has heard that Jesus died for their sins. Most do not believe it, but they have heard it. Of those who profess to believe it, few make any serious attempt at repentance. Most continue to follow their own ideas and values, paying very little attention to God. They believe in the remission of sins, but leave out repentance. But that’s like saying you have a coin with only one side. There is no such thing as a one sided coin, and there is no such thing as a Christian who has received forgiveness of sins but is not living for Christ. May God grant to us both repentance and remission of sin.

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia
Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church
Powhatan, Virginia
www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org
www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com

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

First Sunday after Easter

In today’s Epistle (I St. John 5:4-12) John tells us: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (v.4) We therefore can be rightly called “overcomers” because we have been born again of the Spirit of God and are made new creatures in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). With that in mind, let us examine the process of becoming an “overcomer.”

First of all, God proclaimed the mystery of his will to us as found within the pages of Holy Scripture (Ephesians 1:9-10). The Bible tells us much about its author. We understand from the very beginning of the Book of Genesis that he is the Almighty God, the Creator of all things seen and unseen. Through the scriptures we came to see him as a righteous and holy God whose word is law and whose works are perfect. God certified his creation with these words in Genesis 1:31, And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And when the Devil poisoned the world with sin and degraded it, God was prepared to act. Throughout the pages of Scripture we find God’s hand at work as he guided the righteous, preserved those who recognized him as LORD and prepared the means of salvation for his highest creation: mankind.

Nevertheless, God’s will for humanity was a mystery which he has unfolded within the pages of the Bible. The fall in the Garden left mankind without that closer walk and fellowship which our first parents once had with him in Eden. So God through his callings and assistance sought to teach a select few about himself for their eternal good and for his glory. How men and women will praise and worship him on account of his blessings and gifts when they are finally confronted with the truth of God! And if we are in Christ, we will lift our hearts and voices in praise to our heavenly Father for the Bible which schools us, for his Son who saves us, and for his Spirit who guides us and helps us. As St. Paul noted in his epistle to the Romans (8:14-15), For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Paul noted further those who are “overcomers” have heard the word and trusted in him of whom the scriptures speak. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He came to save all who would truly believe on him as the Messiah, the Prince of Israel, the King of kings and Lord of lords. We therefore trust in his word and commandment which contains all that is necessary for us to know so that we might grow in godly knowledge and wisdom. As he further noted in his second epistle to St. Timothy, the apostle affirmed that, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (3:16-17)

And that brings us to the next point: that we responded to the word of truth via our acceptance of Christ and then were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:13-14). All who are truly in Christ Jesus have responded to the gospel message by embracing him as their Lord and Saviour. Christ has redeemed us from death and hell through the shedding of his own blood on our behalf.

Hear now the words of the apostle Paul from Ephesians 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. (I St. Timothy 1:15) We are saved and then we are sealed so that no power can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The seal on each of us as regenerated souls in Christ means we cannot pass out of the Master’s hand once we are in it. And why? Because ye are bought with a price. (I Corinthians 6:20) and that price was paid in his blood shed on our behalf. Our sin-debt has been paid by our Saviour so we now belong to him. And if we belong to him then we will live for him and not for ourselves.

Too often people who say they have accepted Christ have not really done that at all. They are only kidding themselves. If we are living for Christ, we will not have time for the wicked and deceitful lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. We will seek to keep God’s word and commandments. That said, such is not meant to infer that in keeping the law we are working to be saved. On the contrary, we do the works of God precisely because we are saved. We love him because he first loved us and gave himself for us. (I St. John 4:10) And we honor God by keeping to the precepts of his word written.

Being an “overcomer” means we have put aside the vanities of this life. We are not forbidden the pleasures of this sphere unless they seek to displace God in our hearts. We have Christian liberty but not license. With liberty one is free to act but with care not to violate God’s laws and proscriptions. With license, one exercises his or her own will in this life without regard to the will of God.

The apostle John noted in his first epistle we are to Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (2:15) And the apostle Peter warned, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. (I St. Peter 2:11)

That we are free to sin is not justification for sinful acts. Again, we have liberty not license. We must exercise our pilgrim character which Peter referenced in his first epistle. We must keep ourselves unspotted by the world. (James 1:27) And sinful behavior will necessarily bring with it God’s judgment. Paul reminds us of this when he wrote, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. (II Corinthians 5:10-11)

In sum, the “overcomer” is one who has committed himself or herself to Christ. He has believed on his name and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He has rejected the world and all the vices and vanities it holds out to charm and seduce the pilgrim and stranger in Christ Jesus. The “overcomer” has indeed, overcome all of these things and more; but he was able to do so only through faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost. Make that you aim and goal to be the true saint of God; the stranger to this world; the pilgrim on the road to a better country and a better city wherein righteousness dwells.

Let us pray,

O
GRACIOUS and loving God, whose power no one in heaven or in earth nor under the earth can stay; grant us grace sufficient to our efforts to be overcomers in this life so that we might reach the realms of thine eternal kingdom; for these things we ask in the name of him who overcame all for us and made us thy sons and daughters even Jesus Christ thine only begotten Son and our Saviour. Amen.

Have a blessed week, Bryan+

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 our happy duty to give thanks!

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

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

Travel
Tricia, Marc and Anthony are on travel to the British Virgin Islands for work. Pray they have a safe travel and a productive time there.

Hap, Jack, Hope, TW, Paul and others are traveling this week to Dallas for the midyear meeting of the Organization of Flying Adjusters.

Move
The Thomas Family are now in Virginia on what was to be a headquarters tour. Pray for peace of mind for Kurt and for Mary and the kids.

Immediate Prayer Please
Ken Harris lost his wife Carol in December after many many years of happy marriage and is really lost and unable to regain his place here on earth. Please pray that he will be able to adjust to her passing and concentrate on those things which he needs to do in order to be an effective and useful member of society here and now. He has much left to do here and right now, he just cannot see his way clear to doing those things. Please pray he will look to God for solace and help at this time of need.

Evelyn, an 88 year young woman recently experienced a TIA affecting her sight, speech and walking. Please pray for God to guide those treating her and for her to let God carry her worry.

Tricia broke her left arm and it seems to be recovering slowly. Please pray God will enter in to her, help her to regain range of motion in her arm so that she will not require surgery. She would appreciate your prayers for healing and patience.

Chelsea Brown has need of God’s strength and guidance for her, her daughter Lauren and those around her. Her life has been in turmoil for the past two years. Chelsea was in an accident which left her without the use of her right arm for almost two years, though after two surgeries it is back, her daughter has had three sets of lung blood clots, dropped out of college and lost her job and car due to another accident. Things are very bad for them, they need housing as they are about to be evicted from their current apartment. Please pray that God will give them the direction and strength they need and that the government officials in Raleigh will see clear to provide housing.

Dakota had to be life flighted from Enterprise to Birmingham, Alabama. He is having seizures. Please pray for peace of mind and soul for Dakota and his family and for inspiration and understanding for the medical team treating him that they might find a solution to the seizures.

Ron Cole Klages is a patriotic former Marine who has debilitating blood clots pursuant to cancerous growths on his liver and unknown other places. Please pray for the medical team treating Ron that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance.

Jill was on life support; her family members traveled a great distance to see her and returned home safely. Jill’s condition improved to critical, but needs your prayers to continue her recovery.

Samson Hendrik has prostate cancer and his kidneys are not working. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to him and his family of friends during this illness.

Ordination
Rev Stephen Cooper of the Church of the Redeemer in Fairbanks, Alaska, was ordained to the office of Priest in the Anglican Orthodox Church Sunday, 25 March 2018 by Bishop Jerry L. Ogles. Please give thanks for Rev Cooper’s commitment to this office and for strength and guidance as he performs in it. For the foreseeable future he will report directly to Bishop Ogles.

Departed
Claudia Jean Ryan left for home early the morning of 23 March 2018, after a short and hard battle with cancer which began on 2 January 2018. Claudia and her husband Al, an Anglican Deacon, have great faith, strong will and trust in the Lord. They ask you give thanks for her time here on earth and a safe passage from the Shadowlands to home. Pray for comfort and strength for her family who of necessity remain behind.

Nearing the end of their time here on earth
Amos Dweh the Bishop of Liberia is critically ill. He is a long standing minister of the Anglican Orthodox Church and preparing to meet the Lord. Please pray for comfort for his family and especially his son Benjamin. This picture was taken when he was in Statesville at St. Peter’s Anglican Church the church of the AOC National office after he was consecrated as a Bishop.

In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Doug Lambert has been battling sepsis of unknown origin. For twelve weeks they have not been able to find the source of the problem. He is very weak and concerned that no one can find the reason for the infection. He asks that you pray for the medical team treating him to do their best, to be open to God’s guidance and for him to keep his trust in the Lord and not worry.

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.

Ron had a Heart Attack, at the hospital he found out he also has Kidney Cancer. He is a man of faith and is in need of prayer for his health and that the Lord will provide strength for his family.

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

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

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

Gemma Dillinger has been treating for breast cancer for over a year now, after surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, she is reaching the limit of her tolerance with no end in sight. Please pray for her to gain strength and ground on the cancer. Help her to continue with her faith in our Lord, she is not afraid to go home, but wants to make sure it is time. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go and that her time here on earth with her family will be good.

Janet has had a blood borne cancer for several years. Her faith in the Lord is great and she is ready to be with Him. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go.

Holly has had Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and now it is in her spine. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Holly, for a miraculous remission; that Holly’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Holly and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror. Pray for strength and courage for Holly.

Tim was on a kidney transplant list and started dialysis and was taken off the transplant list for a heart problem that required stents, while putting in stents a leaking valve was found. A port was put in and something happened and it has to be redone. In several days he will have a valve replaced, after heart surgery and recover he will go back on the transplant list. Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and rest. Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.

Marilyn has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Marilyn’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Marilyn and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

June found she has a recurrence of colon cancer, which is now Stage Four, that is it has spread. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that June’s remaining time here hon 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.

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 some time. 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.

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. She recently lost 30 pounds and her eyesight is deteriorating. Pray her appetite will improve and her eyesight will return to normal. Most of all, please pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to her at this difficult time.

Larry H has general weakness as the result of extreme fatigue. Larry is now up and about, walking without assistance. The depression is still a part of his life. Due to several chronic illnesses, he will never be able to live on his own. On the other hand, he has been transferred to a facility near his former home so he will be nearer his friends. Larry has difficulty with the lack of what he considers fairness in the Word. 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. Please pray for 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.

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.

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
Bryan Alford (~40) has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and seeking treatment.

April and her husband ask you prayers for the Lord to guide them and lead them both to the correct medical care; and that the family may receive comfort in the process.

Michael Moriarty has been diagnosed with upper duodenal cancer which is the upper section of the small intestine. It is fairly rare and they have not decided how to treat him. Pray with Michael, his family and friends that the medical insurance people will fulfill their obligations and 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 Michael, his family and friends in this worrisome time.

Chloe Mayo, granddaughter of Justice Roy and Kayla Moore, good friends of Bishop Jerry, suffered a serious kidney attack possibly resulting from strep. Pray 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 Chloe, her family and friends in this worrisome time.

Josh has two little children and just discovered he has a rare form of Cancer. Please keep him and his family in your prayers in the days ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 her sole caregiver that he will be comforted and strengthened in his time of need.

Deborah has had a stroke, she is doing much better and out of the hospital. She has a problem with anemia and is taking supplements for that. Pray our Lord will be close to her and her family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Deborah and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to allow her to heal completely.

Rev. Steve Boardman has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Pray that Jesus will be close and comfort his family and members of his congregation.

Hang So Ryu has cancer. Please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for him and his family, as well as physical strength.

Olivia, age 7, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma. The prognosis is good at this time, please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.

Paul has been hospitalized recently several times because of persistent high fevers. He is being tested and checked by physicians and seems to have a slight scoliosis, a node and Schuermann’s disease. Please pray it will be discovered how to treat these problems and healing will begin so he will be inspired to continue his education.

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.

Brenda is in the hospital because of bleeding on her brain. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Brenda, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

Mackenzie is a young girl with leukemia. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mackenzie, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

Mack has had diabetes most of his adult life. Circulation in his legs is very bad and doctors are considering amputation. Please pray his medication will help and he will not face amputation. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mack and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

Michael has been diagnosed with lung cancer recently after making it through gastro intestinal cancer last year. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Michael and his wife Gayle; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

Adriano is in the hospital due to high sugar and high blood pressure. He is very weak and will appreciate your prayers.

Heather recently found out she has cancer. Please pray for peace of mind for her and for the medical team treating her will be guided to the right solution.

Jim has had an aneurism and blood clots. Pray that healing will come.

Georgia has liver and pancreatic cancer. The doctors are evaluating whether to do surgery and how to tackle the disease. Georgia is a faithful Christian and appreciates your prayers. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Georgia and her family.

Lana’s doctor found something on her lymph nodes and ovaries. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Lana and her family.

Healing
Jim Simmons’ Hodgkin’s disease has returned after 24 years. He hopes to get through this as he did before. Jim would appreciate your prayers for the medical team treating him; please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very best. Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Jim and his family.

Kurt Thomas asks for your continued prayer that his body not reject his transplanted heart parts Pray also for Kurt to accept what he cannot do at present and concentrate on what he can do. This is a very foreign situation for this Christian warrior. He needs God’s help to adapt and prosper.

Vladia had a right knee replacement which went well, but since the operation she is experiencing very painful side effects from medicine, very low hemoglobin and also back problems. She has been transferred back to the hospital to help correct these problems. Please pray the doctors will seek God’s Wisdom and come up with a plan to help her get back on her feet and have some normalcy in her life.

Madisun Hanks (14) has Tourette’s Syndrome and suffers from horrible migraine headaches. There are various very high risk treatments which provide some relief. None of them are close and none are easy. Madisun is truly one of the most inspiring young ladies we have ever come across, her attitude and actions are almost unbelievable. No one should have to go through what she does, but she makes it through and performs incredibly when others just get by. Please pray for Madisun, her mom Hilda who guides her through all this and those treating her.

Linda has a melanoma just forming and she needs to have it removed. She has had severe medical problems the last 15 years and needs help coping. Pray for all of her family at this time as new problems have come to light.

Chris Hill (close friend of Jon Weston) suffered a brain aneurysm and needs your prayers. He came out of a coma he had been in since the week before Christmas 2016. He is now in a stepdown facility. Every day is a new day to him; his memory seems to have been damaged to a point where it is not recovering so far. Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very best. Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Chris and his family.

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

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

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

Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma. There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapy is producing neuropathy in his legs so 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.

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.

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 choose 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.

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.

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, she is 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.

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 event 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
Shamu underwent exploratory surgery at John Hopkins hospital 19 February 2018, where they found a stricture in her lower intestine and relieved it. Please pray this will be effectual in relieving her suffering.

Chief Mike Wysocki finally had heart valve surgery June 2017. He was back in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer, but made it home. Please give thanks for that and pray for the medical team treating Mike that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray a complete recovery and peace of mind and trust in God for Mike, his lovely wife Wendy and his family.

John Young had three way heart bypass surgery on Thursday, 23 March 2017, in Alabama, which was apparently successful, then had a stroke in October while undergoing testing for his FAA medical. He has lost his right side peripheral vision. Please for a recovery of John’s vision.

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.

Bob Reisor had surgery on 19 September 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present. 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. As of 12 January 2017, the main spot shrank from 3.3 cm (1 1/3 inch) to 2.2 cm (7/8 inch) and the spots on his lungs have receded even more. And as of 22 June 2017, they have shrunk further. Please give thanks to the Lord for such wonderful progress. 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 12 May 2017, her seventeenth, to reconstruct the damage done her by Walter Reed Medical Center. She now has a bacterial infection which is laying her low. Please pray for strength; physical, mental and spiritual for her. Pray for guidance for the new medical team treating her and for her to know how to proceed with regard to the damage done her by Walter Reed Medical Center. Pray also for her to continue her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time.

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.

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).

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 and heart problems were causing huge issues for her. They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is home. 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 45 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 gidan ce in considering all aspects of her potential work.

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.

God’s Strength and Peace of Soul
Roger is the caretaker for his ailing father who has been in the hospital for a week and his wife who had been declining emotionally, cognitively and in bodily health. He asks you pray for strength and peace for him and help for those he cares for.

Charlie McCormack asks your prayer the Holy Ghost might fill his heart with light and drive the darkness far away.

Guidance
Zachary is having huge problems growing up. He has let the wrong people guide his life and thinks he is the smartest person in the world. He cannot or will not see the destructive power of drugs and lies in his life. Pray his parents Lee and Shamu will come to see what course of action that they can take to help Zachary and safeguard his brother and sister. Please pray for God’s guidance for all of them and in particular for Zachary to open his heart to God and his parents help.

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. 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.

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 she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she must 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.

Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Christ. Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care. Please pray Mitten will see the light.

Kristen, Rickey and their two children ask you to pray for grace, wisdom and understanding as they attempt to cope with infidelity, separation and possibly divorce as a result of backsliding from the Lord into the World.

Helene and her family ask your prayers for them as they deal with the loss of Alan, husband and father.

Stephanie seems to be very deeply into post partum depression after her baby was born prematurely. Please pray for her Mother in Law who is going a great distance to help Stephanie and her new Grandson. Pray that Stephanie will be able to direct her attention outward, rather than inward.

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

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

Sam and her two children have been living in a shelter and are to lose their place there. Please pray a place will be found they can stay in and recover.

Norrie is facing daily exams in the weeks ahead. Pray for calmness and concentration and to do the best possible.

Jonathan is addicted to drugs. He is now in jail awaiting trial. His parents and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal addiction.

Beth is suffering from ungodly treatment in her marriage. Please pray God will guide her in her behavior, actions and thoughts that she might be able to lead her husband to God so her marriage might prosper to the benefit of them.

Jeanette has had many members of her family die from diabetes and several are near death now. Jeanette does not know the Lord and is despondent and perplexed about her family and herself. Please pray she can open her heart to allow the Holy Ghost in to bring her knowledge and understanding.

Sara asks that you pray for guidance for her as she deals with the stresses of her family and life. Pray that she can separate those things which she can affect from those things which she cannot and give her grace to accept that she cannot do everything and can only change those things within her control. She asks for God’s help for her business so that she might remain gainfully employed while keeping up with the needs of her mother and husband and healing her own problems.

Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.

School Challenges
Destiny, Blake and Janet

Anglican Orthodox Church
Madagascar
Please pray for the people in Madagascar, in particular for the members of the Anglican Orthodox Church there, who are being subjected to terrible flooding and unceasing rain.

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

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
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 peace between Serbia and the country of Kosovo which broke away from them in 2008. Kosovo is a muslim country and seems to be willing to provoke conflict; Serbia is a primarily Christian country which seems to be ready to return the conflict. Pray Serbia will look for the long term best interests of its people.

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 – Recruiter – Iowa City, Iowa), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – McGuire AFB, NJ), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Virginia), 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
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.

Jim and Mary Lou’s grandson Pearce, who is entered college 22 August 2107.

A good, happy and productive year for our Jim and Mary Lou’s grandson Colin who is completing his Junior Year in High School.

Jim and Mary Lou’s granddaughter Lucy, who is in second grade for gifted children. Pray it will be the challenge she needs and she will also mature socially.

Thanksgiving
Shamu, Zachary, Aaron and Nadia give thanks for safe travel to visit Shamu’s mother in London who is having health and mental difficulties.
Skyler gives thanks for safe travel and a productive time in the British Virgin Islands for work.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

15 April 2018 – Second Sunday after Easter – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

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