200322 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church
Worldwide Communion
Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sunday Report

Today was the Fourth Sunday in Lent.

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

On Lent
If a man will but fast from his sins, he may eat what he pleases.
Robert E. Lee
American General and Patriot

On Lent
The best way for most of us is to fast from our sins and to eat what is good for us.
Robert E. Lee
American General and Patriot

I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.
Winnie the Pooh

Leadership
For this is what it means to be a king: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there’s hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land.
Jack Lewis
The Horse and His Boy

Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Matthew 8:22

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Luke 17:3

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 5:39-40
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
II Corinthians 4:5
The standard of the world, and the standard of the Lord Jesus—are indeed widely different. They are more than different—they are flatly contradictory one to the other. Never be satisfied with the world’s standard of Christianity!
JC Ryle
19th century Anglican bishop and author

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

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

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 130-132, with the Collect first:

The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.

G
RANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.
The Collect.

A
LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.

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

Paul talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free. These two, the bond under The Law and the free under The New Covenant. The people of old are the people of The Law, 613 laws by which they must abide. Perhaps more properly said in practice that they must work around or evade those 613. Yet, they cannot comply with all the laws nor even work around them. They are doomed to failure with no help from God. As people of The New Covenant, the original and real New Deal, we have only to comply with two laws or rules; To love the Lord with all our hearts and to love our neighbor. Actually, those two are much harder to fully comply with than avoiding the 613 laws of The Law. But, we have the key – Jesus Christ. He came to earth not only to lead us to heaven, from the front; but to be a propitiation for our sins, to make us account as perfect to God to allow us to come into His Land.

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ELL me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of St. John, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.

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ESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

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
Fourth Sunday in Lent – Saint Andrews Church
22 March 2020, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.

A
FTER these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place.. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (John 6:1-14)

It is perhaps more than coincidence that the pantries of many homes today are bare of bread as well as the local markets. Where shall we buy bread, and of what quality. My wife and I spent worship service today in a room bare of bread-seekers, but filled with the Bread of Life, and it is available without purchase to all who come. We did not insist that our people – mostly young – come to church today against the stated wishes of their parents; although the parents kindly agreed to send them if I insisted. I did not.

Before delving into the substance of today’s Gospel text, I would like to venture into the Gospel of Saint Matthew concerning children: 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matt 18:1-6) You may rightly ask, “What has this to do with the feeding of the 5,000 plus in today’s text?” I believe there is a beautiful truth hidden there that relates to this passage from Matthew.

It is unlikely, in my opinion, that 5,000 men, plus wives and children, came to this mountain scene without having made any provision at all for eating. But when the disciples asked if anyone had brought food, no one spoke out – except a young lad of probable meager means. His heart was not worn to sin and he had retained the flower of innocence in his youth. He did not have much considering the great need, but what he had, he was generous in sharing. Unless we become like that little child in innocence and charity, we cannot fathom the deeper things of God.

Our Gospel lesson also, in my opinion, has a great relationship to the Lord’s Supper, only offered to the multitudes that would later be left in the care and oversight of the Apostles. The miraculous feeding of the five thousand men (and, additionally, women and children) was a precursor to the Lord’s Supper which Jesus would institute on the night of His betrayal.

It should not go without mention the Jew’s Passover is made reference to here; but in its original reference, it was called the Lord’s Passover. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD. (Lev 23:5-6) As with all spiritual laws and customs, the Jews added their own fads and fashions which made the day less a Holy observance and more a social one.

Unleavened Bread being a particular aspect of the Lord’s Passover, I believe our Gospel today points to that Holy Observance. In verse 4 of our text, John is careful to point out that the Passover was nigh.

I believe we will all agree bread itself is an important staple to nourish and sustain the body. In a broad sense, and in the way that it figures in today’s text, bread was the paramount nourishment for the disciples on that mountaintop by the Galilean Sea. Even a morsel of bread, which comes from God, was important to the Syros-Phoenician woman who pleaded only for the bread crumbs that fell from the Master’s Table. Bread, and its thousands of crushed grains (Archbishop Cranmer), represents the body of Christ on earth today. We consider always that Christ is present when we partake of the Bread from His Table, It brings us near to Him as we contemplate His promises: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt 18:20) I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Matt 28:20) The Bread which Christ broke at the Supper in the Upper Room represents His complete Body – even the multitudes that are drawn to Him on this mountain. It is not simply for those who are appointed as clergy and apostles. His Real Presence is not in the grains of wheat, but in the hearts of His people that make up His earthly Body – the Temple of God. That true Bread of Heaven opens our eyes to the mystery of Communion with Christ just as the eyes of the two men on the Road to Emmaus were opened at the moment Christ broke, and offered, Bread.

It may be true today that the crowds may follow Christian ministers for the wrong reasons, just as the Galilean crowds had done, yet, if they receive the true Bread of Heaven, they shall be healed in more than body and mind. We are told that the multitudes followed Christ because of the healing miracles He had wrought on them. It may be true that the work of God must proceed from the labors of witnesses in feeding the hungry, healing the sick and despondent, and living among the people by facing all of the heartaches and hardships that they face in order to make them know the love of God is in our hearts. It is then that their hearts will be moved to learn of the great Savior who has instilled in us a love that surpasses their common understanding. It is to be hoped that the multitudes went away with more than a full stomach after the miraculous feeding – a heart that has been changed by the Love of God! 1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

John the Baptist, the baptizer of Christ, has just been beheaded. This news must have hurt the tender heart of our Lord. He was tired. He was weary of travel. He must have been sad. So he sought a place of quiet and solace, yet, the multitude followed on. His Heart of such loving compassion could not disregard the needs of those who followed after Him even if their motives were amiss. Does our AOC church not face the same circumstances daily? Many abroad, hurting for bread and sustenance, follow us on the web and then appeal for funds even if they do not know the Savior we serve.

The next verse seems parenthetical, but I do not believe that it is: 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.John felt it necessary to add this particular detail. He says no more, but there is obviously meaning attached to the fact of the Passover. It was the same event that the Lord celebrated in the Upper Room. In fact, Jesus Himself became our PASSOVER! So, on the eve of the Passover, Jesus here again will offer Bread to the people.

I would imagine that Jesus had a slight gleam in His eye when He asked the next question: 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Here Jesus and His disciples are gathered on a mountain overlooking the Sea of Galilee. There are not nearby bakeries of places that sell foodstuffs. So Jesus presents a testing challenge to His disciples. It was a great company, in fact far more than five thousand, that approached. It appeared to the disciples as a gathering army. How could they possible find food for so many; and, even if they found a source, where would they find the enormous amount of money required for the purchase?

We find in the response to Jesus query, three distinct responses: the first is in the response of Philip who was counting on the meagerness of available provision. He was counting on the LEAST of provisions.. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. The people of God often count the lack of provision rather than the abundance in Christ. Even the crumbs are enough, why believe that crumbs cannot be made a feast in the hands of the Lord! We must despise no blessing because of its size. The second response is that of the disciples: 35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: 36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat (Mark 6:35-36) When the obligation seems too great to reach the lost, the church often simply desires to wash their hands of these troubling poor by sending them away.

The third response is that of Andrew who is always seeking others for Christ. You will recall that it was Andrew who, being called by Jesus, went first to find his brother Peter to come and see Christ. 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (John 1:39-42) We named our little church in Enterprise, Alabama, Saint Andrews because we are to be seekers for Christ. As rector, I brought none to the church – the youth went out and invited their friends who came and stayed to hear about Jesus. I loved them. So, Andrew, true to form, goes on a search the moment he realizes the need for bread. He is not the kind of fellow to be discouraged at the meager proportions for he knows that even crumbs, with the Lo9rd, will be made a sufficient supply. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Now there is a fourth type of person in the crowd that is not described above. It is this one response that melts my heart – the little lad who had only five barley loaves and two fishes, but was willing to share that small provision with such an immense number. He must have had a heart touched by the loving hand of God from his mother’s womb. This innocent young knew his bread and fishes would only be a drop in the bucket to feed so many. He also knew that there would be scarcely a crumb left for his own hunger; yet, he had seen and heard Jesus. He placed his innocent confidence in this warm and compassionate Teacher. So he offered ALL that he had to satisfy the immense crowd who surrounded Christ. This is the kind of son every parent should long to have.

Without further thought, upon hearing of the small provision available, Christ took action: 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.Jesus does not make us anxious in feeding us. He prefers that we be comforted always by His Bread. He has the men sit down as guests do in any home. He also expects that those about to receive the Bread of Life should do so in good order, thus we observe a liturgical form of worship. There was a mixture of men, boys, women and children present, yet there were five thousand men in all plus those other persons. The Word of God is able to feed all who will come to be served without limit.

Do you remember our Lord was baptized in like manner we should be? In all, we should follow Him. He also gave thanks for the provision given by the Hand of His Father in Heaven. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. Herein lies an important lesson. That which God has given you, you must also share with others. Jesus gives us the privilege and high honor to be His servants to the people. Not masters, but SERVANTS. All clergy are servants to God’s people. When they cease to be servants, they cease to be ministers. Note also that from the small provision, every one of the thousands seated about took as much as they wanted. God’s Word is always sufficient for thee. ….My grace is sufficient for thee …. (2 Cor 12:9)

Quite often, that which comes at no cost to us is easily wasted, but the Bread of Life comes at an immense cost to God the Father – it cost Him the life of His only Begotten Son! None of the Lord’s provision should be wasted. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Every soul is precious to God. He will have us lose nothing that He places in our hand. This is the security we have in Christ. If our hearts belong to Him, He will never lose them. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Have you ever gone out and befriended some hungered stranger? Have you noticed that you may have approached the fellow with a reluctant love? But do you remember the heart, brimming with love, with which you departed from him after answering the needs of his soul. That is the LOVE of God. The more you serve, the greater the reservoir remaining. This defies the law of physics, doesn’t it; but this is not a natural, but a spiritual, law.

What result do the labors of Christ and His servants have upon the hearts of men? 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. That is the result! Faith! When people see what Jesus is able to do through your own life, they will know Him to be “that prophet that should come!

Though we may take good counsel from the examples given of the disciple Philip, those other disciples about Jesus, and of Andrew who sought when the need was revealed, the greater lesson – in my view – is from the little boy who gave all in spite of hunger, to Jesus for the feeding of others. He surrendered fully His all. And he did not go away hungry for, when you give your all to Christ, you cannot lose. Have you done?

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action
Church of the Faithful Centurion
Descanso, California
Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above.

Consider these words from the Collect:

… we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved …

In the Collect, as is often to the case we acknowledge to God we have fallen way short of our goals He set for us. We are also acknowledging we deserve to be punished for our failures; by His Grace we are relieved of that punishment. Jesus accomplished that relieving by laying down His Life so we might be free of eternal damnation.

In order for us to enter heaven, we have to be accounted as perfect. Most of us know we are so far away from perfect, it would not seem to be possible.

How then can we get into heaven, if not by our own means?

The answer is simple. God has provided the Way, the one true Way, by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so we might have eternal life, and He also sent the Holy Ghost to help guide us.

At that final judgment day, if we stay the course and follow God’s guidance, we can be accounted as perfect through the Grace of God’s Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Paul is right on point when he talks about the two sons of Abraham, one of the bond, one of the free. Being adopted into the freewoman’s family requires us to follow Him and His guidance. This gift of eternal life is not free. It was paid for by Jesus’ death on the Cross and it requires us to actively follow and work for Him here on earth.

The son of the bondwoman represents our state before Christ and those who refuse to follow Him. They are stuck in bondage to their own sins and to Satan and will never truly be free. They are in essence slaves of their own will. We have free will, let us exercise it in the way God intended, to follow the path of righteousness towards Him.

The two are representative of the two covenants with God, the bond under The Law and the free under The New Covenant.

The people of old are The People of The Law. Six Hundred Thirteen Laws each of which they were to follow. They really did not attempt to follow them, rather to avoid being seen to break them. A very complex and even more difficult life to live, to comply and uphold those laws and failing. We still fail miserably at times, but we only have two laws, which we will hear about in a second. They are still hard to uphold, but if we manage to, easier to remember. The big thing to remember about the 613 laws is they could not accomplish what Christ accomplished with His Sacrifice and establishing the New Covenant. The Holy Ghost helps us along the journey to this goal, to bring us to eternal life.

The New Covenant is so much less complex than the Old Covenant. It is much easier to remember the ways of the New than the Old. However, the Old Covenant had to come first to get people’s hearts ready to follow the New Covenant. For the New Covenant could not be introduced, or in other words, Jesus could not come to Earth until the people were ready for His Teachings. The Old Covenant was a stepping stone to the New Covenant.

Remember this from Holy Communion:

Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:

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HOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Under the New Covenant, we have only two laws with which we must comply. But, there is a catch. We are not to just avoid breaking those two laws, we must actually live them in our hearts, souls, minds AND bodies. We must actualize them. It is the common theme of Action not just Diction, that appears in sermons past here. The only way in which we can follow these two laws is we have to put them into practice in our day to day lives, which requires Action and not just Diction.

That is way harder. We are imperfect creatures with free will; a combination seemingly doomed to failure.

True, but we have the ultimate Get out of Jail Free card – Jesus Christ the righteous and He is the propitiation for our sins! Remember that? He accounts us as perfect at our final accounting!

There are two choices, two covenants, we can choose either to be enslaved to sin and Satan; or to be free under God and Jesus. These are the two sides of which Paul speaks. We can be either enslaved to sin or we can be truly free and under God. The two choices boil down to either eternal slavery or eternal freedom. I know which side I want to be on, do you? From a rational viewpoint, there is only one side to pick, and that is the side of freedom, the New Testament offered to us by Christ himself. As people of The New Covenant, the original and real New Deal, we have only to live those two laws or rules; To love the Lord with all our hearts and to love our neighbor. Those are much harder to comply with, however, if we seek God’s guidance out and follow it, then all will be well with our souls.

The Gospel tell us when we need help, how about instead of worrying all the time, we substitute it with action? Trust God will give us what we need. And, then act based on what we can and should do, not what we want to do. Actions get results. The results may or not be obvious right away, but they will be soon enough. A hard principle to follow; but in the end, it is the easiest way and worth the struggle to trust God instead of worrying and or doing what we want to do.

Action will always benefit our spiritual state compared to inaction. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are compelled to act upon our faith. Perhaps not what we want right at the time, but certainly what we need then and in the eternal future. In the middle of nowhere, two thousand years from the nearest McDonalds, the disciples looked to Jesus to fill the needs of their congregation. Jesus took what they had and gave them what they needed; “for he himself knew what he would do.” He acted to help them. Do ye likewise:

ACT

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 the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Revealing the Glory of the Lord
22 March 2020
Psalms 18:1-20 • Ezekiel 39:21-29 • 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
The Collect.

And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.
The Collect.

¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.

The overriding theme of today’s scripture readings is revealing the Glory of the Lord. When we reflect on the psalter or the first and second lesson we hear again and again the glory and power of the Lord revealed. Whether this is being revealed to the ancient Hebrew or to the more modern early Christian, this revelation is in three phases; past, present, and the future. Interestingly enough, the three tenses are used in the last lesson from Second Corinthians. St. Paul points back to Moses as the past that is no longer an excuse to not know Jesus Christ. In the early portion of Chapter 3, Paul makes reference to the glory that is fading, that from the time of Moses. Then he takes that idea and brings it into the present by pointing out the reality of the hope he and the early disciples had in the now resurrected Christ, the true Messiah, the one who was promised from the Fall in the Garden of Eden. He points out that when the old covenant is read, those who are still in that mind set and spiritual sense have a veil covering their understanding and most especially their heart. It has not been removed because as Paul writes “only in Christ is it taken away.” We can find such comfort in that thought today. As people seek solace in fake religions and empty philosophies, as people of God, we can know that our Savior lives and reigns forever, from now into eternity.

The veil Moses wore to keep the Israelites from danger and fear is the foreshadowing of what would come in the way of them when Christ was revealed.

But as the curtain (veil) in the temple was ripped in two when Christ died on the cross, so too was that veil, the veil of misunderstanding was also removed. If you think of the times that Moses met God Almighty, he had to hide his eyes, he had to cover himself to avoid being destroyed by the shear Holiness of God, the pure and Sinless One, then think to just before Christ begins his last couple of weeks of ministry. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ is revealed to those select disciples to be truly God. The brightness of His face is the same as with Moses, but instead of hiding that behind a veil, he can be fully seen, because he stands before our Father, as our mediator and advocate, keeping us from sure destruction, because of our sins. Wow, what a difference from Moses, a holy man and prophet, and yet just a man. Here stand Jesus, as a man and yet pure and sinless, he can withstand the ultimate Holiness of God and protect us from being destroyed, and in fact be our once and for all Savior from sin and death.

He will demonstrate that power in his death, burial, and glorious resurrection on that wonderful Easter morning.

Paul returns to the theme of Christ as the solution to confusion, misunderstanding, lack of clarity, inability to see where we are going, which of course without Christ is death and darkness.

Then Paul gives us the good news; whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Then to drive the point home, Paul writes of the continuing process; …and we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

We need to understand that this ‘unveiled’ face is what the world sees. It is by our daily walk with our Lord that we reveal to the world what it is like to be a growing Christian. That my friends is an awesome responsibility. We are so easily knocked off the path, we are so easily distracted from doing or saying or living the Christ like way, that we at times can become a stumbling block to non-believers. Oh that the Lord would give us strength to live our lives in his way, to always seek him for comfort and support. We need to always keep Christ central to our lives, to avoid the appearance of evil, to avoid living like the world, to daily take up his cross and follow him.

We must remember, ….to whom much is given, much is required. We have a great and important task, we must live for Christ as if this is the last day we will be here on earth. We must live our lives, through Christ who strengthen us, to the best of our abilities.

Let us pray:

A
LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who declares your glory and shows forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth; Deliver us, we beseech thee, in our several callings, from the service of mammon, that we may do the work which thou gave us to do, in truth, in beauty, and in righteousness, with singleness of heart as thy servants, and to the benefit of our fellow men; for the sake of him who cam among us as one that served, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

W
E implore Thy blessing on all the parishes and missions of this diocese. Grant to them all things needful for their spiritual welfare. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; rouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of Thy truth; bring all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of Thy holy Church, to the honor and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.

O
LORD Jesus Christ, who dost give power to such as will receive Thee, that they may become the sons of God; Draw unto Thyself all those who are desirous to come to Thy light; make the way plain for them, that they may no longer be entangled by any worldly cares, so as to be kept out of the way of salvation. Enable them to realize the privileges of Thy Holy Church, and the blessedness of our adoption into the fellowship of Thy Holy Spirit. Deliver them from all false and unworthy conceptions of Thy service; and grant that they may give themselves to bring others with them to serve Thee’ in spirit and in truth, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and ever. 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.
✟

Ryan Underwood’s Sermon
Bishop Jerry asks you carefully consider this sermon from Rev Ryan Underwood of the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide. You should find this interesting and instructive.

Sermon Notes
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
22 March 2020, Anno Domini

We live in uncertain times. Our countries are afflicted with sickness and want. Governments are ordering businesses to close, putting thousands out of work. Go to the grocery stores, and it is likely that you will not find your favorite foods and drinks. Churches of all denominations are closing everywhere. Your 401Ks are crashing. In some places, whole states and countries are placed on quarantine. In such trying circumstances, do we doubt the ability of our Lord to provide for our every need? If so, then let us be comforted and our faith strengthened by this text of Holy Scripture.

In the Gospel for today, we see Our Lord ministering in the lands around Tiberius. It appears that there are a number of sick persons in this locality. After Our Lord crosses the sea of Tiberius, he performs miracles in this area which impress the people, and which cause them to follow Him out into a mountainous area. What are these impressive miracles? John does not say. He says only that they were done on those that were diseased, and that they resulted in masses of people following the Lord Jesus Christ.

But in Chapter 6, Jesus tells us to search the scriptures which testify of him. What do we find in these Scriptures concerning the ministry and miracles of the Lord? We read that Our Lord is the Sun of Righteousness who comes with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2), to heal the broken in heart, and to bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Indeed, from the Scriptures we learn that Jesus, the Word made Flesh, is sent to heal and deliver His people, He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20)

Thus, God heals and delivers through His Word. God gives us poor and miserable sinners, dead in our tresspasses and sins, the healing food of His quickening Word so that we may live in Him, For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (John 6:33) Jesus is sent to heal, to heal men of their sins and of those illnesses and deprivations which men suffer on account of sin. He does this by bearing the punishment of our sins in His own body on the Cross, so that we might be counted righteous before God in Him and thereby gain eternal life, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24) If you are sick or are in want during this time of social turmoil, then look to Jesus, for He offers all you need. His Word, as preserved in the Holy Scriptures, is that Bread which gives health and life of body and soul to all who faithfully partake by His Holy Spirit. This heavenly Bread is not like your earthly food which so swiftly disappears from the supermarkets the minute difficulty comes. No, rather if you have His Word in your heart, then the Holy Ghost will feed you by it even when the supports of this world seem to fail. Look at the earthly bread given by Our Lord to the multitudes on the mount. It fills them all, and yet there is more to spare! If it be so with earthly bread, how much more so with the heavenly Bread, the Word of God, which comes down from heaven and gives life unto, not just a few men, but the world. How glorious is the healing power of God’s Word! You need only look at the many Christians who suffered in this life, from disease and want, in the communist concentration camps. They had nothing in terms of this world, but they had food which comforted and preserved them through it all, namely God’s Holy Word. What a glorious thing it is to know that Jesus offers true health and the food of eternal life to all who believe in His name. Even if you suffer in times of disease and famine such as today, He will give you the grace to bear your sufferings so that they do not crush you, but rather strengthen you, turning grievous illness into an opportunity to carry your crosses and follow after Our Lord in loving service to Him unto eternal life.

At this time, there is much talk about health and wellness. We frequently wash our hands to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus, but let us also pray that God may continually wash us in the laver of His Blood and Holy Spirit, so that as our bodies are clean from the contaminations of this world, so may our souls be clean from the contamination of sin. For bodily disease only lasts for a season, and ceases forever at death. But sin will remain with you for all eternity if you are not healed and cleansed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that God may continually forgive you your sins on account of His Son’s blood. Pray that He may fill you with the spirit of thankfulness, that as He has satisfied all of your necessities, perhaps not your wants but surely your necessities, that as He has given you the promise of eternal life through faith in His Son, so too may you follow Him and convey His healing Word to all men in the spirit of true Christian charity and brotherly love.

Friends, we hear so much about social distancing today, and there is much good sense in it, but let us as a Church remember when men were sick with contagious diseases, Our Lord did not distance Himself from them, but came to them and healed them. When the Lord saw men who were sick or hungry, He cared for them and gave them bread which satisfied body and soul. We are called to do the same. Bearing in mind proper health and safety precautions, let us remember our loved ones, our neighbours, and our fellow men who are affected by the virus. Let us pray for the sick, and make sure that their physical and spiritual needs are met. Let us remember those who lost their jobs and are in need because of the virus, and see how we can help in providing food for their families and spiritual comfort for their souls. Let us remember those doctors and nurses who are busy caring for the sick, that God may bless the work of their hands in the way of healing. Let us pray for our President and Governors, that they may neither neglect their duty nor use the virus as an excuse for the extension of unlawful governmental powers. Those of us who are healthy and well, let us give thanks to God, and seek to be useful for His glory and the application of His saving health by His Holy Spirit to all sorts and conditions of men. Those of you who are unhealthy or suffering deprivation at the present time, pray for the grace to carry your crosses faithfully, and so endure unto the end. Let us all strive to be helpful to those worse off than ourselves in the hope of everlasting life through the Lord Jesus Christ. Above all, let us remember to give those in illness and want not only that bread and medicine of the world, for it must eventually perish, but also the eternal and life-giving bread and medicine of God, the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God which leads to everlasting life.

Brethren, examine the Scriptures, and see that the Bread and health which God gives to men in Christ involves the call to repentance, the call to turning away from sin and to a lively faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. From the Scriptures we know that God visits rebelling nations with sickness and death on account of their sinfulness. We all have rebelled against God’s Holy Law, and have much to repent of individually and as a nation. If we do not repent, then we will never find true and abiding health of body or soul. Therefore, pray for God to give you and our whole country the grace of repentance, that we may turn from sin and to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way, the only truth, the only life, the only source of true and everlasting health, that we may fall before His throne and say with the children of Israel, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. As we prepare for Easter during this time of illness and trouble, let us remember that before the Resurrection came the Cross.

M
AY God give us the grace to accept His Will for us, to carry our crosses and sufferings in this life, so that at the last we may pass through death into eternal life with God in happiness and peace, through Jesus our Lord and Saviour. 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.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

In our liturgy of the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, we find the following Words of Institution given us by our Lord: Do this in remembrance of me. We will also see his words regarding the same when he said, This is my body and this is my blood. Bishop Ryle once observed that, “The conduct of the disciples at the Lord’s Supper forbids us to believe that the bread they received was Christ’s body and the wine Christ’s blood. They were all Jews taught from their infancy that it was sinful to eat flesh with the blood (Deut. 12:23-25). Yet they were not startled by our Lord’s words as if they perceived a change in the bread and wine. Our own senses forbid us to believe that there is any change in the bread and the wine. Our own taste tells us that they are really and literally what they appear to be. Things above our reason the Bible requires us to believe, but not what contradicts our senses. Our Lord’s true human nature forbids us to believe that his body can be in more than one place at one time. If our Lord’s body could sit at table and at the same time be eaten by the disciples it is perfectly clear that it is not a human body like our own. But this we must not allow for one moment. It is the glory of Christianity that our Redeemer is perfect man as well as perfect God. The language in which our Lord spoke made it quite unnecessary to interpret his words literally. The Bible is full of similar expressions. Our Lord spoke of himself as a door and a vine so we know that he used emblems and figures to describe himself. There is therefore no inconsistency in his using figurative language in instituting the Supper.”

What Bishop Ryle has written concerning the Lord’s Supper is based upon the very words of God. We cannot escape the fact that in our eating of the bread and drinking of the cup we are memorializing our Lord’s death and sacrifice— remembering his passion and giving thanks for his free gift of grace to us.

Now examine the words of our Lord in John 6:51, I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Think about what he said. It is akin to what he said to Nicodemus about being “born again”. We therefore partake of him after a spiritual sense not in a physical one. St. Paul clarified the same in the epistle of Hebrews when he noted, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation (9:24-28).

Indeed, we are partaking of the Lord’s body and blood, but after a spiritual manner. Nevertheless, the reality of his spiritual presence requires us to self-judge and confess our sins and trespasses BEFORE we eat of that bread and drink of that cup. St. Paul warned the Corinthian church in his first epistle not to take lightly their participation in the Holy Communion when he wrote, For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (11:26- 27). Given what we have read from Scripture we may conclude that nothing done in our worship of the Godhead should be considered mundane or trivial, and that includes our participation in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. God expects 100% participation and 100% understanding on our part as regenerated believers for the simple reason that he has supplied us with such detail within the pages of Scripture.

So ,when we hear the words of The Invocation (page 81 of the BCP), that we be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him, we understand that we are joined with our Lord via the Holy Ghost who resides within every born-again believer. So, it follows that in our partaking of the communion elements, we are affirming the very presence of our Saviour within us. Holy Communion then is more than just a memorial feast, it is a spiritual linking of ourselves to our Lord.

The living bread has come into the world and has given us the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Our duty then is to break the bread and to drink from the cup until his coming again when he will both eat and drink with us at that marriage supper of the Lamb prior to his return in glory, for as the Scripture reads, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7- 10).

Our duty as Christians has ever been to proclaim the word of God to others, and to live in obedience to God’s will for us. But in order to do those things we must possess a proper understanding of whom we are worshiping and how we are to worship. We ought to be discerning with regard to our worship, our work and our walk in this life. If God is our helper, then we ought to lean on him and trust in him. The faithless, the foundering, the disobedient, and the hypocritical are those who will hide behind the mask of Christianity and use it for their purposes; while the true and faithful Christian will don the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11), keeping himself under control and in the Spirit, living and even dying in obedience to God’s word. To be born-again of the Spirit means to live for Christ and to accept him as Saviour and Lord. We who have been regenerated in him believe that he is that living bread; we believe that he is our good Shepherd; we believe that he will come again in glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end (Nicene Creed).

Jesus Christ came from a city which meant “house of bread.” He came to bring us more than the simple sustenance for our earthly bodies, but the eternal sustenance of God. He came that we might have life and in abundance. It is my prayer for each of you, that you will come to the Lord’s Table today and partake of Jesus Christ as that living bread, and that prior to your coming, you would confess your sins and trespasses to God in his name.

It is not enough to attend church, sing a hymn or two and them walk away without seeking him who came to make us whole and to bring us into the beloved. We must honor our Lord out of a willing, broken and contrite heart that daily seeks his pardon. God has called us to himself and we have answered in the affirmative, so then let us do all that he has commanded in his word written that we might receive God’s peace and be blessed in every good word and work.

Let us pray,

F
ATHER, as we have received eternal life through thine only begotten Son, assist us in our service to thee, that in all things we will do our duty on thy behalf; for this we ask in Christ’s most holy name. 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!

Corona Virus
Not much travel going on with most of the world on some form of restriction. We ask you pray for the governments be guided into appropriate reaction and scientists find cures and vaccines and that the virus pass each of us by.

Birthdays
Amy Jamieson celebrated her 44th birthday on 22 February 2020.
Dru Arnold celebrated her 65th birthday on 2 February 2020, the day when she wakes up, goes outside and if she sees her shadow, six more weeks of winter. The bright blue completely clear skies provided a brilliant sharp shadow. Six more weeks of winter! On the other hand, given we are in Southern California, six more weeks of winter is not much of a threat.

Departed
Miguel Madera left this earth for home in the early morning hours of 8 March 2020. He was newly appointed as Bishop of Argentina and South America.

Bishop Madera was a strong man of God who was a staunch defender of the Reformation Faith and that “Gospel once delivered to the saints” a friend and brother. Our plans were large for his future labors in the Anglican Orthodox Communion, but God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts not our thoughts. Our Lord does all things well and we shall understand in the sweet by-and-by.

Our prayers are now for the comfort and consolation of the beloved family which Bishop Madera leaves behind. He loved them with the tender love that exemplifies every husband and father who recognizes his duty to God and family.

Immediate Prayer Please
Zephaniah Leguman – the Iron Bishop of the Pacific – has been diagnosed with a serious eye affliction that could lead to blindness. Your fervent prayers are requested to plead the mercy of the Lord is forestalling this advancing condition and leave our friend with the ability to continue the commendable work he has been led by the Lord to perform among the Islands of the Pacific. We have known Zephaniah for many years; he is a man of great spiritual fortitude and foresight. We need his services in those beautiful Islands of the Coral Sea.

Gary Anderson of Enterprise has been hospitalized with unknown illness. He request prayer for diagnosis and healing.

Jim Flanagan has diabetes and back problems; he was stuck in bed on oxygen all the time and developed a bed sore which became infected. He has undergone two surgeries and is now recovering, there is still infection, but it appears to be subsiding. He can eat pureed food and sit up, he has gotten out of bed; all little things unless you cannot do them. He will be in the stepdown facility for some time, but things see seem to be moving in the right direction. Please pray for them to continue and for the medical people treating him will pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray also the ‘insurance’ people will pay what they are supposed to and not turn their hearts against Jim. Please pray for James and his lovely wife Mary Lou to put their worry on God’s back and do what must be done.

Corrie Marsh, daughter of Ida Benson, is facing serious medical procedures in coming days. Please pray for trust in God for Corrie and her family and for the doctors, nurses and technicians to pay attention and do their very best, as well as to be open to God’s guidance.

Tricia had a reoccurrence of a viral pericarditis, it is seemingly resolving, but it was followed by tachycardia and difficulty breathing. She now has a Staphylococcus Aureus ear infection which seems to be resistant to the drugs she had been given but does not seem to 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. Please pray also she will be open to seeking appropriate medical treatment.

Bill Scrivner underwent surgery on 9 December 2019 after radiation and chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. The tumor had kept him from eating. All this on top of pre-existing significant back pain. He does not like to leave his home, this makes his life far less enjoyable than it otherwise be. Please pray he will look outward so he can stay connected with his family who care deeply for him. He claims to have trust in the Lord, pray he will act on that trust.

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.

Shamu had her 26th abdominal surgery on 21 December 2019, at John Hopkins to attempt reconstruction of her lower intestinal tract. She has very much pain and is very concerned. Right now 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.

Cyrus has blood cancer and is very very ill. Please pray the doctors treating him will pay attention and do their very best. Pray also for comfort and peace for Cyrus and his family; pray that if it not be that he will recover that he past restfully to home.

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.

Bob Reisor has had his last radiation treatment. Please pray for the cancer be driven from him. He is positive, but concerned. Pray he and his family will be drawn closer to our Lord.

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.

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
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
Hap Arnold tripped over his own feet and broke his right arm. Please pray for healing and patience.

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.

Thanksgiving
Bryan Alford has been declared free of cancer at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, even though he was Stage Four at beginning of treatment. He acknowledges all praise belongs to God and those who held him up in prayer.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

29 March 2020 – Fifth Sunday in Lent – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

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