190818 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide Communion
Ninth Sunday after Trinity
Sunday Report

Today was the Ninth Sunday after Trinity Sunday as the Endless Green Season marches on!

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

US Government motto
If it isn’t broken, fix it until it is.

Liberty
I would rather be exposed to the inconveniencies attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.
Thomas Jefferson
Founding Father and Third President of the United States of America

A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Mark 6:4

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:43-45

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
Ecclesiastes 10:18

Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Luke 12:56

For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John 9:39

Take away free will and there will be nothing to save; take away grace and there will be nothing to save with.
Bernard of Clairvaux
12th century French theologian and scholar

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 200-203, with the Collect first:

The Ninth Sunday after Trinity.

The Collect.

G
RANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle came from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the Tenth Chapter beginning at the First Verse. Paul reminds us we have a common past, regardless of our actual lineage. Spiritually, we are descended from the Jews of the Exodus. Their God is our God, their actions were directed by our God, the same God. He was a Trinity then as He is today. Their reality it our reality, whether we choose to understand or accept it. Our forefathers drank of “the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” Those who have gone before provide examples, both good and bad. In this letter Paul addresses the bad and suggest we should see what their ill behavior gained them before we set our course and not after. And, let we think ourselves ever so special, he reminds us that we are subjected to no special temptations, only those “as is common to man.” This is another example of the adage, Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it.

B
RETHERN, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Today’s Holy Gospel started in the Fifteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Eleventh Verse and recounts the story of the prodigal son. A man has two sons, the older is a wonderful young man who strives to please his father in everything he does. The younger son asks for his inheritance, now rather than later, and sets off to spend it wastefully in a far off land. In dire straits, he decides to go home to his father and beg to be allowed to live as one of his servants. He decides to tell his father, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son…” Before he can get the words out of his mouth, his father welcomes him, gives him new clothing and calls the servants to prepare a fatted calf for a big party. The elder son is very angry and hurt. He asks his father what he did wrong; he followed his instructions every day to the best of his ability, worked hard, and yet his father had never even given a small party for him. The father answered, saying, “Son, thou are ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost and is found.” This story, like that of the workers in the vineyard has a number of meanings. Like the father in the story, God wants us to be His faithful child, but rejoices when we return to Him. Like the prodigal son, we should be grateful to live long enough to return to Him. If we are like the oldest son, let us learn from his mistake and be joyful when our brothers and sisters come home to our family. Let us join in the celebration and not begrudge the fatted calf.

J
ESUS said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

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
Ninth Sunday after Trinity
Saint Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church
18 August 2019, Anno Domini

The Ninth Sunday after Trinity.

The Collect.

G
RANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Before going into the beauty of this Parable of the Prodigal, let us first examine the reason for our Lord’s telling of it. The Scribes and Pharisee had a head-knowledge of Holy Scripture, but their hearts were far from its meaning, beauty and compassion. They always felt themselves more righteous than any others especially the publicans and common sinners. In fact, the scribes and Pharisees were no common sinners, but were, instead, GREAT sinners whose pride separated them from the common. The older son at the end of this parable represents those same scribes and Pharisees who murmured against our Lord at the beginning of the chapter (vs 1-3).

The Collect points out, rightfully, that our works are nothing worth if not performed to the glory of Him who died for us.

The Gospel Text for today’s sermon comes from the 15thchapter of St. Luke, verses 11-32. For the benefit of those who will be reading these notes instead of hearing them, I will include the entire text by individual verses in the body of my sermon rather than print the entire text at the beginning. We all have Bibles, so perhaps this will simplify our understanding.

Here is another of my favorite passages of Holy Scripture. It is the third series of Parables in this chapter that address “lost” things – the first is one lost sheep out of one hundred (Vs. 4-7). The sheep might be compared to a baby Christian who has not gotten his roots deeply set in the Word of God ere the winds of doubt and temptation assail. He has little vision to see the road ahead, and wanders off from following the Shepherd. Once lost in the rocky crevices of the mountain plain, he is terrified and begins to bleat. His Shepherd is the Good Shepherd and He never loses a single lamb placed in his charge. The second example is that of a lost coin – one silver coin out of ten – that a lady misplaces. All those who are lost without the church are precious to the Lord. The lost have no conscience of being lost. They are as good as dead – just like the silver coin. They cannot even bleat for the Good Shepherd for they are “dead in trespasses and sins.” That lost coin can in no wise find itself, so it is like the sinner who is without hope unless he is found by the good woman (the Church).

Now the third example is you, and me, and all who call themselves Christians. Do not make the mistake of assuming, ladies, that this Parable is just about some errant son – it is about the errant daughter as well. If we belong to Christ, we are all equally the sons and daughters of God the Father. I understand this parable quite well because I have traveled the same road that the Prodigal traveled and, thank God, I have also returned by way of that same road. I have wasted my substance in riotous living, found myself alone and devoid of a friendly soul, wandered to the depths of the pigsty, and then, thank God, came to myself and arisen and returned. If you are honest with yourself, you, too, may have done all that the Prodigal did unless you are a very unusual son or daughter of Adam. The prodigal, unlike the lost sheep and the coin, knows his Father well, has a conscience to think, and goes into a far country away from his Father with intentional resolve.

Let us go back in time to that day when Jesus, confronted by the murmuring scribes and Pharisees, looked deep into the hearts of all men and spoke this Parable. His mind could see every human heart and every prodigal that had ever lived, or will ever live. Being the Master of all Truth and Wisdom, He condenses all of those prodigals into a single account, so much more accomplished at the art of example than any Shakespeare that ever lived – or any other. “A certain man had two sons.” (Luke 15:11) This is every man – every father, but especially, God the Father. The two sons are you and me, and every daughter that has seen the light of day.

The man is a good Father, and He loves His sons dearly. The younger son is a rebellious boy, just like you and me, who resents the authority of his Father over him. “And the younger of them said to hisfather, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.” (vs. 12a) The boy believes that he deserves a reward for which he has never labored or sacrificed. He believes the wealth of his Father falls to him simply by accident of birth. How many of us cry for the blessings of God, but deny His Sovereignty over us? I venture to say everyone who hears this sermon does so to some extent. The Father looks at His willful son with love and disappointment; but His disappointment does not abate His love for his rebellious son. “What can I do to awaken my son to his great need?” the Father must have asked. Surely, He could have denied the boy’s request, but would that have awakened him to his dire shortcomings, or simply hardened his heart in the matter?

“And he divided unto them hisliving.” (vs. 12b) God the Father has no obligation whatsoever to bless us, but He chooses to do so. This old Hebrew father has no legal or ethical constraint to grant the boy’s request, but he grants him his prayerful request knowing that the boy will fare badly on his own. Why? Because the only way that we can have our dull eyes opened, often, is by having all, losing all, and then coming to our right minds. It is coming to the last rung on our ladder. So what does the son do?

“And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” (vs. 13) This son was in a great hurry to get out from under his Father’s thumb. “And not many days after” he gathered up his newfound wealth and left his Father, his brother, and all that was his Father’s. That is what we do when we have known God and, yet, embark off on a far journey to satisfy our own lusts and desires.

“And when he had spent all.” The only thing we own in this world is what our Father has given us. We have no wealth of our own at all since ALL belongs to God. When we strike out away from our Father’s House, we will soon expend the daily Manna He gives and exhaust ourselves in barren places. “And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.” (vs. 14) Wherever we go away from God, it is a ‘far country’ of unloving strangers. Whenever we obey our own wills and not the Will of the Father, there will result a famine in that land to which we have fled. The want for bread is not nearly so dreadful as the want for spiritual fellowship with our Father. A famine of the word, as Amos says, is far more severe than a famine of bread and water. (Amos 8:11-12)

If we take a chunk of our Father’s money and go out to a far country – say, Las Vegas – we shall have many friends as long as the largesse remains; but once gone, so are all of the doting friends. Their faces now become sharp and condemning. Just as sodium is never found in its pure form in nature, but always joined to some other element, so the son who is not joined to his Father, must join himself to others – others who only use and do not care for him. “And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.” (v.15) There is no real love among the Godless. This young Jewish son found himself in the most deplorable of conditions for his faith – feeding the pigs. I will remind you that the Father knew all that was happening to His son just as God knows every second of your life, but He lifted not a finger to bring him home. Why was this? We shall see in due time.

Once famine strikes at the heart, it is unrelenting – never lessening, but always increasing from misery to misery. “And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.” (v. 16) Once we have known God as our Father, separation from Him becomes unbearable. Our hunger for righteousness becomes ravenous. God did not put us in this deplorable state: we did it to ourselves without Him. No man will lift a finger o alleviate the suffering of the poor in the Far Country of the World. It is a terror to be ravenously hungry and to know that no man cares enough to give us a crumb from his table. As the Prayer of Collect truly asserts, “. . . cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Lord does not bless us in Far Countries from Him.

There are five profound matters that come to light which the son acted upon when he found himself in extreme depravity of soul:

1) HE CAME TO HIMSELF: “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (v.17) It is my opinion, and I believe one supported by Scripture, that all who are apart from God are out of their right minds. The son finally “came to himself” and recognized his total lack of worth in this “Far Country away from his Father. Everyone who comes to Christ must first recognize their depravity and great need.

2) HE RESOLVED TO ARISE AND CONFESS TO HIS FATHER: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.”(v.18,19) Every repentance of man begins with a resolution to arise. Certainly, a sinner can sink no lower than he has already sunk. The only way to move is up toward God and His Savior.

3) HE ACTED ON HIS RESOLUTION: The son did not pay mere lip service to his resolution – he ACTED upon it! “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” (v.20) Here is a picture of whose beauty I can barely imagine! We know that the Father is completely aware of His son’s debauchery, yet He never sought to bring him back. If He had sought the son to bring him back before he had reached the end of his rope, nothing would have been learned. The Father waited and watched in pain of soul. Every rebellious sin we commit as Christians is like another lash over the back of Christ. The son returned! His Father has sat watching the horizon patiently for days, then weeks, then months, and then the months turned to years. But with failing eyesight, He watched. Suddenly, a figure emerged over the distant horizon over which the road wound upon which his son had left long years before. The figure was dressed in rags, walked with a stumbling step, smelled of the filth of the pigsty, was bearded and gross of appearance – no one would have recognized this figure as the handsome young boy who so proudly marched away on the road of prodigality years before – no one EXCEPT the Father. His loved told Him who this fellow was at such a long distance. God loves us so much that He knows and recognizes us even when we are in desperate sin. The Father could no longer sit and wait. He waited when His son was going away, but when he was returning, this was a joy to the old man’s heart. God cares that we are headed in the right direction even if we are yet a long way off from being at His side. Sin is a DIRECTION and so is RIGHTEOUSNESS. The Father hugged a filthy, flea-bitten son who stank to high heaven.

4) HE CONFIRMED HIS RESOLUTION BY CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE: “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (V.21) It is only when we recognize our unworthiness that we can please God. It is HIS worthiness upon which we must furl our flags. The Father, just as He knows our hearts, already knew, without words, the heart of His son. He did not even hear the verbal confession of His son – the spirit had shouted the news to His heart from afar.

5) HE IS FORGIVEN, RECEIVED, AND RESTORED: “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put iton him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on hisfeet:” (V. 22) The Father does not quibble over the depth of our sins and disloyalty when we have returned to Him with broken spirit and contrite heart. THE ROBE: He takes that precious, blood-bought Robe of Righteousness that Christ purchased at our Redemption and covers our filthy rags of sin and pungent odor. That covering represents forgiveness, justification, and acceptance. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.”(Isaiah 61:10a) THE RING: This is literally a signet ring which conveys the authority of the Father upon the son. As believing Christians, we too have that authority conveyed upon us. In labeling sin as sin, we express not our own opinion, but the law of God. SHOES: I have seen disturbing pictures of late of the senseless and cruel murder of captured Iraqi soldiers by ISIS. Most were lying in a ditch to be shot, and shoeless. Why? It has been a tradition as far back as King Cyrus that the shoes of captured prisoners be taken to prevent their escape. Shoes are a sign of liberty, and Christ is the Perfect Law of Liberty.

The Father arranges a feast for all who return to Him in love and repentance. “And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry” (v.23) There is rejoicing in Heaven over the repentance of a single sinner. (V. 7)

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (v.24)

Time does not suffice to bring out all of the beauty inherent in this Parable, or to expound upon the final verses. That will be food for a later time. But each of us should read this parable and, in each place the prodigal is mentioned, insert our own names. It will be an eye-opener.

If you are whiling your days away in a Far Country (no matter how far away that country is), come to your senses, resolve to arise, then follow up by arising; return to your Father, confess your sins, and be restored.

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action
Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California
Today’s sermon tied the Epistle and Gospel together talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction, the general content is in forewords above.

Consider the words from the Collect, wherein we ask God to give us … the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will …

This is kind of a follow-on to last week’s Collect. We are asking God to give us direction that we might know right from wrong and follow the right way. If we listen to our hearts and minds, like the aviator, mariner or adventurer without a compass, we will soon be hopelessly lost. With the compass God gives us, we can find the One True Way, much like the compass always points North.

The Collect acknowledges without God’s intervention through the Holy Spirit in our lives we cannot do anything good or right. This has been true since the Garden of Eden; there the Fall shows our own very natures prevent us from doing what is right. Our nature is inclined towards being away from God, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can reset our nature to be towards God. We just have to ask for His help and not just ask for it, but willingly receive it. By receiving, I mean that we have to be willing and ready listeners, ready to listen to what He wants us to do, and then act upon that. We have to have His will be our will. We have to put aside what we want to do, and put what God wants us to do in the forefront. This is a very difficult matter, a concept we have always have and always will struggle with.

This is nothing new. As Paul reminds us we have a common spiritual past, regardless of our actual lineage. Spiritually, we are descended from the Jews of the Exodus. Their God is our God; God directed their actions. He was a Trinity then as He is today. We are like them in that we stubbornly, due to our own nature, resist His will. It is in our own fallen human nature to be like this. We follow in our ancestor’s footsteps and struggle with the exact same sins and temptations.

In light of this thought, those who have gone before provide numerous examples, both good and bad. We should aspire to follow the good examples of those who have gone before and not follow the bad examples that they have left behind. People too often point out the bad examples of our ancestors and not the good examples. We need to learn from from both to help us become better human beings. In this letter Paul addresses the bad and suggests we should see what their ill behavior gained them before we set our course and not after. He points out their examples both good and bad are for our learning and we can benefit from them if we take the time to study them. He is telling us we are in a way to embrace the Japanese concept of kai-zen or continuous development. Just as pilots need to keep learning to become better and more proficient pilots, good Christians need to always be learning to become better and kinder human beings.

We should not strive to emulate the murmurings of the people, though we may feel that way sometimes, as we can learn from their bad examples. We must see their bad examples and do not emulate those; on the other side, we must see the good examples, and strive to emulate them.

Speaking of lessons, when Saint Luke recounts the story of the prodigal son we oft think ourselves as that prodigal one returning to God so late in life. Yet there is far more to be learned than the titular son.

Consider the two sons. The older is a wonderful young man who strives to please his father in everything he does. The younger son asks for his inheritance, now rather than later, and sets off to spend it wastefully in a far off land. In dire straits, he decides to go home to his father and beg to be allowed to live as one of his servants. He decides to tell his father, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son…” Before he can get the words out of his mouth, his father welcomes him, gives him new clothing and calls the servants to prepare a fatted calf for a big party. The elder son is very angry and hurt. He asks his father what he did wrong; he followed his instructions every day to the best of his ability, worked hard, and yet his father had never even given a small party for him. The father answered, saying, “Son, thou are ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost and is found.”

This story, like that of the workers in the vineyard has a number of meanings. Like the father in the story, God wants us to be His faithful child, but rejoices when we return to Him. He is a loving and patient Father, but will not accept our sinful behavior. Yet, if we repent of that behavior, He will always welcome us back with open arms. We should always do our best to recognize when we have erred and strayed from our ways like lost sheep. Like the prodigal son, we should be grateful to live long enough to return to Him.

The moral of the younger son’s story is that God is always waiting for us, and if we are not too late, we can always return to Him. Today preferably rather than tomorrow! He will always accept us with opening arms, but we must make sure it is not too late. Don’t wait until you die! If you feel you have erred and strayed, repent now! Do not put off until tomorrow your repentance. If you are led by the Holy Spirit to repent, please do it today, you may not live to see tomorrow.

Do not let the sun go down on your sins and wrath, you may not live to see another day! On the other hand, consider the oldest son, let us learn from his mistake and be joyful when our brothers and sisters come home to our family. Let us put aside the anger and jealousy and replace those hurtful emotions with the emotions of pure love and joy! Let us join in the celebration and not begrudge the fatted calf. We should not be jealous or angry when our long lost brethren return to the flock of Christ! We should be merry and joyful they have returned to us! Do not let your pride become anger and cloud your emotions like it does so many of us. But, rather see a sinner coming back into His flock and rejoice in he is no longer headed towards The Pit!

Action counts. For by their actions ye shall know them.

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

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

It is by our actions we are known.

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

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

Ninth Sunday after Trinity
Educating our Spiritual Lives
18 August 2019
Psalm 51 • Proverbs 4:1-4,20-27 • Hebrews 12:1-13

The Ninth Sunday after Trinity.

The Collect.

G
RANT to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 51. Miserere mei, Deus.

H
AVE mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness; * according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, *and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my faults, * and my sin is ever beore me.
4 Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; * that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and clear when thou shalt judge.
5 Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, * and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
6 But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts, * and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.
7 Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; * thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, * that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Turn thy face from my sins, * and put out all my mis- deeds.
10 Make me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence, * and take not thy holy Spirit from me.
12 O give me the comfort of thy help again, * and stabish me with thy free Spirit.
13 Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, * and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou that art the God of my health; * and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness.
15 Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall show thy praise.
16 For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it thee; * but thou delightest not in burnt-offerings.
17 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: * a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise.
18 O be favourable and gracious unto Sion; * build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations; * then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar.

As we approach the beginning of a new school year let us reflect on the “educational” theme that seems to run through the scripture selections for this ninth Sunday after Trinity. In our spiritual journey, we should always be learning and growing, never staying stagnant or in one place. This is not the focus of St. Paul and the other authors of the New Testament. They all focus on the forward movement and growth of each Christian believer. We are to thrive. It is the mark of a good plant or tree, if it thrives and produces fruit in its time. So should all believers. They should grow, tell others of the gift of God; Christ His only begotten Son, who died for our sins, and thrive a living believing child of the King.

What are some of the “marks” of a thriving believer? And is there learning or educating is taking place within that believer’s life?

I. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
David asks God to spiritual cleanse him and restore or renew a right spirit within him. He knows that only God can do this. So he asks God to do so.
And in the same sense he asks God to not forsake him.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
David knows that he must be cleansed of his own sins, so he implores God to do so:

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

David understands that he has sinned and must be corrected. He has learned this from his knowledge of God’s revelation in his life. We know this because we have the written Word to guide and teach us.

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

II. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Now that David has been cleansed (a daily need)*, he then asks God to restore the joy of salvation, the freedom of fear, and the desire to praise God, his creator.

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Now that David has been restored, he now has the greatest desire to share that joy and peace with others: Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. It is interesting that David can sense the power of the Holy Spirit in that when he teaches others the Way of God, they, the sinner, will be converted. Do we understand the Holy Spirit’s power to convert? Sometimes we are timid. We don’t want to offend, we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, by telling them that they are on the wrong path. That their ways, lifestyles, daily living, is the broad path to destruction. The Road to Perdition.

Now as any good teacher will do, a review of the concept or idea, is a good way to make it stick or become a second nature idea in your student’s heart and mind. David goes over the reason he must be made pure by the Creator, God the Father:

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

III. For thou desirest not sacrifice;
As early as the times of David, it was understood that blood sacrifice was just a stop-gap or fill in for the real sacrifice, that being the Son of God, dying on the Cross, for the redemption of the World. Over the next dozen centuries the true sacrifice, the only sacrifice to be permanent will be revealed to the world. With the coming of the Christ child, at his first Advent, the world would finally be given the perfect, once and for all, sacrifice to save sinners. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who’s death, burial, and glorious resurrection will destroy Death and put Satan on his final flight path to a permanent place in Hell.

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

For more wisdom and more spiritual education, please make time to read the other two scripture selections set aside for this ninth Sunday after Trinity. Proverbs 4:1-4,20-27 and
Hebrews 12:1-13. And in keeping with the theme of a daily need for forgiveness always remember the following:

O
UR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

As we begin a new school year, whether we are teachers, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or caring friends, let us pray for those who are starting anew this year, some as continuing, some as first-timers, some as ending a phase of education, and some as they step out into the wonderful world of work, all of them need our prayers.

Let us pray.

A
LMIGHTY God, we beseech thee, with thy gracious favour, to behold our universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge may be increased among us, and all good learning flourish and abound; bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A
LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, who hast committed to thy Holy Church the care and nurture of thy children; Enlighten with thy wisdom those who teach and those who learn; that, rejoicing in the knowledge of thy truth, they may worship thee and serve thee from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 honour and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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

Ninth Sunday after Trinity

In II Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul set forth the principles for our Christian giving: …he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Very many Christians might find those verses at odds with what they have been taught about giving to the church because they believe that they are supposed to supply a set percentage. Their giving then is based on the Old Testament requirement of the tithe or ten percent of their earnings.

To better understand this concept of biblical giving, let us start with two Hebrew words that have been translated as tithe or tithing. The first is maaser or “a tenth”, and the second is asar or “to take or give a tenth.” A popular passage that has been offered as an affirmation of tithing is that of Genesis 14:20 wherein we learn that Abram gave Melchizedek tithes of all the goods he had recovered from his defeat of Chedorlaomer. Notice that Abram did not supply Melchizedek with an annual gift of all that he had, neither was such a requirement placed upon him by the LORD. So this passage is not useful in defending the concept of tithing annually to your local church.

In Leviticus 27:30 we are told, …all of the tithe of the land whether of seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD. God later clarified the purpose for this in Numbers 18:24-32 as it was used to support the Levites who had no separate inheritance in the land of promise and were thus given a portion of all the tithes and offerings for their services as the priests of God. Dr. Russell Kelly observed that, “…True biblical tithes were always only food from the farms and herds of only Israelites who only lived inside God’s Holy Land… The increase was gathered from what God increased and not man’s craft or ability.” Dr. Kelly also noted that, “God did not command tithes from that which man produced, built… or earned through his own wisdom. Money from crafts and trade always existed in the Bible, but it was never included in the basic definition of ‘tithe of food.’” So it follows that the aforementioned verses are not useful in defending the payment of a tithe to the church.

Consider the words of the apostle Paul in his epistle to the Galatians: … that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ… for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (2:16). Tithing was just such a work which the apostle had warned the Galatians concerning the reasonings of the Judaizers when he penned the following: O FOOLISH Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith (3:1- 2)?… For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith… Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. . . (3:10-13).

Article VII of our Articles of Religion states that, “… Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.” And Article XXXVIII says, “… every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.” The early twentieth century theologian and author, W. H. Griffith Thomas wrote concerning this article that, “The New Testament has three great principles of giving, and these call for careful attention and constant emphasis on the part of all who are required to teach. A man is to give according as God hath prospered him (I Corinthians 16:2); he is to give according to his ability (Acts 11:29); he is to give according to his heart’s purpose (II Corinthians 9:7). The New Testament is thus true to its genius in avoiding all references to a specific proportion like the Old Testament rule of the tithe. In harmony with the essential feature of Christianity as a religion of principle, not of rule, it lays the burden upon the enlightened spiritual mind to give “according to” what is possessed, pointing out that giving is one of the most definite and searching proofs of the reality of the Christian life (I John 4:20-21; 3:17-18).”

We Christians understand that the most legitimate and up-front way for a church to raise money is to solicit such from its members who have in times past given from their hearts, and not out of necessity or compulsion. We trust God to provide for us and we lean on him rather than on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). With that in mind, pastors and congregations ought to pray for the needs of their churches. God answers prayers including those regarding the provisioning of his church, but it is after all his decision. Shortages can happen and budgets must be trimmed. In such times God may strip us of those things that we think are important so that we can then do the things he would have us do. Maybe it is time to put an end to those things which do not further the gospel message. Maybe it is time for the church to heed the call of God and return to a purer faith, and a simple and more reverent form of worship where the congregation’s focus is on him rather than on themselves and how they feel. Our Lord said, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him (John 4:23).

History teaches us that human beings have crafted some really interesting methods for doing things, and that includes raising money. But when it comes to the church, it would be wise to follow God’s dictates rather than turning a set- aside practice from the Old Covenant into a new and binding requirement upon those who are under the New. And all because it might accomplish a desirable financial end. Remember the old saying that “the end does not justify the means.” (see Acts 15:13-31).

Godly folk understand the necessity for giving to support their churches. If we love God, then we will give cheerfully regardless of the amount. But whatever a person vows to give, that is between that individual and the Lord. If God has put it upon your heart to give a particular amount, then who is to say otherwise? And remember that whatever you decide to give— whatever you purpose before God— then give it with joy. You cannot out-give God, so trust in him to provide as he will, … make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work.

Let us pray,

F
ATHER, put upon our hearts to cheerfully give for the support of our churches; for this we ask in the name of thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. 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
Sky and Mary Cruz are on travel this week to the British Virgin Islands.

Birthdays
Annie Jamieson celebrated her 17th birthday on 18 August 2019.

Zachary Gray celebrated his 18th birthday on 23 June 2019.

Departed
Larry Horning (72) died on 13 June 2019 after a long battle with several chronic illnesses, please pray for his family and friends who remain behind.

Berta Zeberer, grandmother of Jennifer Eady, passed away on 20 June 2019, after a hard fought battle with dementia. Please pray for Jennifer, her brother and grandfather Michael, Berta’s husband of 66 years, who of necessity remain behind.

Aaron Martin left this earth for home after a motorcycle accident on 9 April 2019. Please give thanks for his time here on earth and pray for comfort and strength for his father Paul, mother Judy and sister Sarah as they adjust to the temporary separation.

Immediate Prayer Please
Angie K Colgrove had a bad case of Pericarditis likely brought on by a PVIA procedure (Pulmonary Ventral Ablation) to correct an Atrial Arrythmia in her heart. She was in Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, then the Mayo Clinic there.

She was in and out a few times, but is home now, or at least was. She just developed an UTI and is still losing blood. She still has problems eating and is concerned about fluid build up and other heart issues.

She asks that you pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance on diagnosis and treatment, as well as for herself to not worry and devote all her strength to the fight against the illness, as well as for peace of mind for her and her family.

Please pray for peace of mind and soul for Angie, her daughters Audra and Athryn and husband Hugh, as well as for the doctors, nurses and technicians to pay attention and do their very best, as well as to be open to God’s guidance. We also pray for Hugh to remain calm and be a source of strength to Angie and those around them.

Hope DeLong has what appears to be viral myocardial myopathy which advanced to cause temporary congestive heart failure. She has been hospitalized and released; hopefully she is in the recovery stage. Please pray for a full and rapid recovery for Hope and that she is able to continue with the cessation of smoking and for peace of mind for her and her husband Ralph.

Tricia had a reoccurrence of a viral pericarditis, it is seemingly resolving. She now as a Staphylococcus Aureus ear infection which seems to be resistant to the drugs she has been given and may be related to the pericarditis. Please pray for peace of mind and soul for Tricia, as well as for the doctors, nurses and technicians to pay attention and do their very best, as well as to be open to God’s guidance.

Kurt Thomas has apparent had a minor heart attack to his rebuilt heart. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family as they wait and 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.

Shamu had her twenty-fourth or so abdominal surgery at John Hopkins to see what a tumor is in her abdomen and also to see what the pockets of infection are. She is losing weight and cannot lose much more. She has much pain and is very concerned. She has now undergoing additional testing so they can decide what to do next. Right now it appears she will be on external feeding for the rest of her life and she is quite discouraged. Pray for her to cast off the discouragement and continue her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time. She is sad and needs your prayer. Please.

Bob Reisor was told at his last examination that the cancer can no longer be found. He is very grateful and asks you join him in prayers of thanksgiving. He has to continue the chemotherapy in the future. Pray he and his family will be drawn closer to our Lord.

Bill Scrivner has significant back pain and does not like to leave his home, this makes his life far less enjoyable than it otherwise be. Please pray he will do what is needed to ease the back pain and try harder to look and move outward so he can stay connected with his family who care deeply for him. He has trust in the Lord, pray he will act on that trust.

Janine Alvarado’s daughter has what appears to be terminal cancer, she is in much pain, in and out of the hospital. She asks that you pray for a miraculous recovery for her daughter and if that not be God’s will, a safe passing home. She asks you pray also for peace of mind and strength for both of them.

LTC Jay Houston a very confident Christian, particular friend and one of Hap’s favorite WSOs has major lung issues that have been going on for some time. Pray also for peace of mind for Jay and his family, as well as a favorable result.

Evelyn, an 88 year young woman is losing her eyesight to glaucoma. Please pray for God to guide those treating her and for her to let God carry her worry.

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. Please pray that God will give them the direction and strength they need and the government officials in Raleigh will see clear to provide housing.

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.

In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Doug Lambert has been battling Congestive Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for some time now. The conditions combine to make him very weak. 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 liPlease remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and re Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.

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

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

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
Loretta Walker is aging and losing some of her mental acuity, and thus independence, she is also plagued by diabetes and loves sweets. She is understandably vexed with this. She and her family ask you to pray God will help keep her mind and body together and that she not be mean or bait those who care most for her.

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.

Surgery
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.

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.

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.

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 be 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 be 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
Gloria just found out she has stage one breast cancer. She loves the lord and has a positive attitude toward healing. They are doing a lumpectomy on 27 August 2019.

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 bePray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Jim and his family.

Vladia had a right knee replacement which went well; she has had a full recovery and has had her other knee replace and soon will be running like never before. She thankful for the prayer support.

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 recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed and she is doing well, 15 years with Multiple Myeloma is doing great. She is continuing bimonthly chemo and this keeps her going strong, she is grateful for all prayers.

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 bePray 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
Bruce Arnold has an enlarged heart. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating him that they might find a complete solution to his heart problems. Pray for peace of mind for Bruce, his wife Milly and his children Megan, Kikki and Bruce, Jr.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Financial Guidance and Employment
Matt was made redundant after many years in a job. Please pray he will look through his considerable talents and find a set that will match a new position at a more honorable company quickly.

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.

Lori is considering a potential change in her employment. Please pray for God’s guidance 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
Charlie McCormack asks your prayer the Holy Ghost might fill his heart with light and drive the darkness far away.

Guidance
Jackie and her son Tommy, Jackie 10 years free of substance use returned to substance use while pregnant with Tommy who was born free of substances. Tommy has been removed from her and place with Grandparents. Pray for the Grandparents strength and courage to raise Tommy in a Godly way and for Jackie to return to the Lord and give up substance use and become a responsible Mother.

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 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.

Linda is slowly converting her children through her great loving attitude and Love of the Lord.

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. He has returned to his family living in a cottage on his parents’ property in Hawaii so that they can keep him on his meds. He is doing much better, but he still needs prayer to follow his medication schedule. His parents are so thankful for all of the prayers as they have felt the Holy Spirit’s power in handling Eli during his dark periods.

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.

Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Chri 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.

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 life. Pray 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 to keep up with the needs of her 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
Diocese of Central and South America
Rev Miguel Madera was received into the Anglican Orthodox Church on 13 August 2018, with the AOC mission of San Augustin de Canterbury, La Plata, Argentina.

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.

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 – Schofield Barracks, HI), 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 – Camp Pendleton, California), Mitchell Thomas (USMC – 26 Palms, California) 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.

Blessings on a new path
Bishop Jerry appointed Ryan Louis Underwood as Lay Reader-at-Large for AOC. Ryan is studying for the Master of Divinity degree at the respected Reformed Episcopal Seminary. Though a young man of tender years, Ryan has demonstrated a love and proficiency for Holy Scripture that is rarely reflected in one so young. God bless him.

Thanksgiving
Catherine and Lewis are both fully employed and give thanks.

Shamu gives thanks for safe travel last week to London to visit her mum.

Anita asks for prayers for Thanksgiving, she is still seeing doctors and while all other lumps removed has a new one.

Matt Jamieson gives thanks for finding with a new position a more honorable company that looks like it will more fully utilize his considerable talents and compensate him accordingly.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
25 August 2019 – Tenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

By |2019-08-19T19:19:33+00:00August 19th, 2019|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 190818 AOC Sunday Report

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