240114 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide Communion

Second Sunday after the Epiphany Sunday Report

Today was the Second Sunday after the Epiphany:

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 –

Fare thee Well

Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that … the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.

George Washington

First President of the United States

Farewell Address (1796)

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:5

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 3:13

Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:23-24

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:3-4

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.

Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Luke 4:8

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

I Corinthians 1:18

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 Anglican Church, being founded on the principal of one nation, one church, holds patriotism and true love of country in great regard. It is quite interesting the majority of the Founding Fathers were members of the Church of England and transferred their national church identity to what became the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States. Like Henry VIII and Thomas Cranmer, they saw the need for a national church. Not a captive arm of the government, but a link to God for the people of the nation.

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 the minister or in the case of Morning or Evening Prayer without a minister by the senior member present.

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

The Propers are found on Page 111-112 with the Collect first:

The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

The Collect.

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle for today came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the Sixth Verse. As Paul often does, he gives guidance on what God would have us do. He notes that each of us have differing talents, skills and resources. What God wants us to do is use all of what He gave us to further His will and His way, so that we might be truly happy here on earth. To be gracious and hospitable to those around us, to remember each of us are equal in God’s eye.

AVING then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.

The Holy Gospel for today came from the beginning of the Gospel according to St. Mark, the First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. This is the very first of the New Testament, a New Covenant or agreement with God. It tells the story of the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It talks of John the Baptist, who God sends as His messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And the people came to John and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. But, as a harbinger the One to come, John told them of the One coming the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. He told them of the Holy Ghost. When Jesus, in His submission as a man to God came to John for baptism, as he came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

HE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

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

Second Sunday after The Epiphany

Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide

14 January 2024, Anno Domini (in the Year of Our Lord)

The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

The Collect.

The Collect

Long before we ever ask a favor of a friend, we should first know if he is able to grant that favor. The salutation and address of this great Collect profoundly admits of God’s ability to grant the favor we ask in praying this Collect. It is a mighty favor of mercy that we ask, and He is ALMIGHTY to perform it. That peace for which we yearn we can in no manner deserve, for we have broken the peace with God in Eden. Our disobedience, both once and continual, are acts of a belligerent and not of a friend; yet, we cannot save ourselves FROM ourselves. There must be a power from without who will come to our rescue. God has provided that power through His Son, Jesus Christ! Since He is an EVERLASTING God, the favors of mercy He grants are of an everlasting nature – from Eternity Past, to Eternity Future.

If one examines the original Latin form for this prayer, he will discover a great difference in meaning and application to that which Archbishop Cranmer has rendered more powerfully for the ‘peace of God.’ The peace desired in the original Latin is an outward form of peace in our surroundings, but Cranmer added the true power of the Gospel in rendering the peace petitioned as “Thy Peace” – the Peace of God which is inward and sure. I have given an illustration before, but one which seems most appropriate for this occasion, of a great philanthropist of the arts who once offered a competition for a work of art best depicting true peace.

He solicited the works of all artists, young and old, aspiring or accomplished, to participate for a great prize in gold. Most artists, loving art more than personal fortunes, submitted their works hoping to derive income to enable them to pursue their chosen field without worry of food or lodging. There were a number of truly excellent submissions of great technical and artistic merit that tried to capture the essence of peace. Finally, the judges narrowed the field down to two works of art – one by a fine and well-known artist, and the other by an aspiring young girl who lacked training, or money to acquire it. The accomplished artist had portrayed a beautiful pastoral scene with sheep peacefully gracing in the morning light on a gently sloping hillside. The shepherd stood nearby, watchful and protective of the sheep – a young man of impressive stature wielding a large shepherd’s staff crooked at the top and sharp on the opposite end to defend the sheep from wolves. The young girl had submitted her ‘labor of love’ (in less technically superb execution) of a great mountain waterfall with is turbulent waters cascading hundreds of feet down the upper ledge of the mountain. The sight was daunting with the mist rising from the violence of the deluge. This depiction did not at first seem to be very testimonial of peace. But then, the judges noticed a tree branch BEHIND the cascading waters with a bluebird’s nest. The mother was sitting on her nest seemingly oblivious to the violence all around. This work of art took the prize, for true peace is not dependent on our surroundings, but the condition of a faithful heart. That truly illustrates the peace of God (Thy Peace!)

This peace of God can only come to us through the redemption of the One who purchased it for us – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27) Isn’t He lovely and kind beyond all human understanding! It is not the peaceful environment around us that is the arbitrement of peace, but the peace that frees the heart of troubling fears and doubts. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7) Do we not appreciate the biblical beauty passed on to us through the form of worship provided in the Book of Common Prayer which has us pray this last verse from Philippians as benedictory to each Holy Communion Service – and do we hear these words with calloused hearts, or do they remain fresh and alive at every hearing?

In this Collect, we acknowledge the overruling power of God in His governance of “all things in heaven and earth.” We repeat this prayer – do we believe the words we have prayed? Is God the indisputable Sovereign of your heart, Friend? Do you seek His will for your life, not sometimes, but always? Do you act on His counsels so abundantly provided in His Word for your health? Regardless the storms and rigors of life, do you have the assurance that all is subject to His power and that He CARES even for little YOU? Are you not worth far more than two sparrows? The story is told of a young boy walking the streets of a Latin American city carrying a cage with two sparrows. As he went about hawking (pardon the pun) his charges to every passerby, he was approached by an elderly gentleman who asked, “How much for the sparrows?” “Fifty pesos each,” responded the boy. “Well, here is your 100 pesos for the two of them,” said the gentleman. The boy watched curiously as the elder gentleman opened the cage and set the sparrows free. “Why’d you do that, Mister? Are you crazy?” “No, responded the gentleman. I simply value sparrows more than 100 pesos, and God created them to be free.” Another illustration was discovered on our first trip to the Philippines. On the 500 pesos bill appears the inscription: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” Very true, but no less true that every single soul of every tribe and nation, for whom Christ bled and died, is worth dying for.

Not only do we petition God to hear the prayers of His people, but to grant their petitions through His great mercy. You may say: “But God always hears our prayers!” Not so! If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. (Psalm 66:18) And you may say, “But God will ALWAYS grant the thing for which we ask if our hearts are honest.” Again, not so! Like a good and loving child, we may ask our father for things which will not profit us but, au contraire, may harm us. The father will not grant such petitions if it is not His will to do so. He will always know our needs better than we do. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3)

Finally, we do not pray for this peace for the moment, but it is the everlasting peace we seek of a heart owned by God through Jesus Christ. “….all the days of our life.” The kind of peace that God offers is not likened to that peace which comes at the armistice of wars fought on earth. There has never been an earthly peace treaty that has sealed the peace for more than a few years or decades. But the heart that belongs to Christ has the assurance of a continual peace in all of this life, and even a greater in the life to come. Do you have that peace, Friend?

HE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mark 1:1-11)

The Sermon

It is unlikely anyone hearing this sermon can remember the day they were born. With what words could you have remembered, since you had no words in your mind at the moment of your birth? But we all remember the day Christ was born in Bethlehem – and that was even before our own birth. How is that we know? Because God has provided His Word for us to know and to understand. But even having God’s Word, and knowing it intellectually, does not mean that we truly KNOW His Word and, furthermore, know Him! If you believe that you came into being the day of your birth, you would be wrong. You were conceived some months earlier; and if you believe that you came into being at the moment of conception, you would be wrong again because God knew you and conceived of you in the great eternities past. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will . (Eph 1:4-5) So what does St. Mark the apostle mean in his opening remarks in verse 1 of our text: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

First of all, Mark does not mean this account to be the Gospel of Saint Mark (though for simplicity, we call it that). He means the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ insofar as we can know it. It is the revelation of beautiful truths that have existed forever, but revealed to us in the time of God’s own choosing. It does not mean, for example, the beginning of Jesus Christ, for He has eternally existed with the Father, and the Holy Ghost. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God!” (John 1:1) In fulfillment of the promise of God to Abraham and His spiritual Seed, Christ came in the fullness of time to fulfill all things spoken of Him by the prophets.

When raveling to a new land, every great sovereign is preceded by emissaries who prepare the way for his visit, make all arrangements for his reception by the host people, and send out news (such as the Gospel news) of his coming. The emissary sent should reflect, though imperfectly, the nature of the Sovereign who comes. If the Sovereign takes particular interest in the poor and downcast, so should the emissary in selecting his schedule of events, insure that the Way is made ready so that those, especially, will have opportunity to be introduced to Him. The old prophets spoke profusely of this coming Sovereign, but they also spoke uncommonly often of His emissary. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3) and, Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. (Mal 3:1) Truth is unquenchable and it resounds, not only across great distances, but also across the ages of time. So it is meet and right that Mark should echo and remind us of the great prophecies of one called John the Baptist: The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

I have always been struck by this clear and precise description of John the Baptist. He is one who cries, not among the false lights of the city, but in the Wilderness. If men will come to hear a “voice crying in the wilderness” then they must have a serious reason to leave the comfort of Jerusalem and come. They either are drawn by the promptings of the Holy Spirit (for those hearts whose soils are rich to bear fruit), or by the spirit of anti-Christ who sends out his spies to learn of ways to stem the rising hopes of the people in a Redeemer. We have the same among us today in both kinds – and they are IN the Church more than OUTSIDE it. The dress of John the Baptist would have met with serious disdain from the First churches of today. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (Matt 3:4) There certainly was nothing special about John’s appearance, but there certainly was something of an overriding importance in his message! He was a burden on none that he taught, unlike many modern seekers of filthy lucre. No one brought him steak and wine – he ate locusts and honey. He wore neither Armani, nor Gucci, suits but, rather, a robe of camel’s hair and a leather girdle about his loins. The Pharisees and Jewish rulers must have been in a pickle to understand John. He appeared so very low and common, but what of these wondrous words that he spoke which so completely enthralled the crowds who flocked to hear him in the Wilderness? They simply could not lower their dignity from the dunghill of religious sophistry to the pinnacle of simple righteousness and truth found in John’s preaching.

John did not simply speak in even tones when he preached – he roared the message of the coming Savior as one “crying in the Wilderness.” The message was to ALL who believed – not the ones who failed of faith and good will. The dark chambers of the heart were opened in the bosoms of many men and women to a new Voice – a new Truth (to them) of hope and wonder. Yet, it was not in the polished halls of the Temple at Jerusalem that they first learned of this hope – it was in the lonely Wilderness. Have you ever considered how much more clearly one can hear the Voice of God in a quiet place as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the city? The point of John’s preaching in the Wilderness that most touches my heart is the fact that all who ever preached the Gospel before, or after, were as a Voice crying in the Wilderness. Perchance, one is easily enticed to go to the city square to hear a speaker; but they will not travel into the Wilderness to hear the words of a man dressed in camel’s hair and a leather girdle unless there is something mighty special about his message. Did I say HIS message? I should have said “the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” THAT message is worth travelling into the Wilderness to hear. If you are a minister of God, or a devoted witness, you, too, will be as a Voice crying in the Wilderness, calling men and women to the HIGHWAY of the Lord – not the BROAD and DESCENDING Way which leads to The Pit. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matt 7:13-14)

If a man preaches the whole counsel of God, even with great love, the city crowds will not flock to his audience. Therefore, I hope that the ministers of God will cultivate the ground, and plant the seed, without expecting great success in the eyes of the world. The world has never known the meaning of truth and joy in Christ. If the numbers of Wilderness travelers remains few, be happy for the FEW! We sow the seeds of the Gospel – their germination and sprouting to the sun is the responsibility of the Holy Ghost. He works in the darkness of the soil, unseen by human eye, in creating the new life in the heart of the convert.

I love John the Baptist as my true brother! He surely is! What does one see in John that would discourage love? He speaks the truth, as any real friend would do, even when it hurts the water of our face. He is dedicated and earnest. Finally, he is HUMBLE! We are often lifted up with pride at our tiny successes, or even a presumed superior knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Why should we be if the Word we have learned is not ours, but God’s? 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. It was, in the time of John, the responsibility of the lowest servant in a household to unloose the shoe latchets of guests, and to wash their feet. But John, by contrast with Christ, was not even worthy to SERVE Him – and, friend, neither are you and I. If He calls us to the duty, He will MAKE us worthy through His own imputed righteousness.

It is the duty of every believer to be publicly baptized. That is the means by which, like circumcision, we come into the covenant relationship with Christ and His Church. Faith, too, must be the work of the Holy Ghost in the heart. When, by the grace of God, faith is confirmed in the “broken and contrite heart” the Holy Ghost has baptized that heart in the heavenlies.

8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. It is not the outward form of baptism that is efficacious to us before God, but the inward and spiritual grace attaining thereto – else it is only a work of man’s hands. It is much like the calling to the ministry and its recognition by the Church in the following ordination. If the head is ordained to preach, and the heart is not, there is no authority granted to preach. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Eph 4:4-6) Must we be baptized twice? Certainly not! There is one baptism for the remission of sins. The Holy Ghost attend the believing heart in baptism just as we see that it presents Itself at the baptism of our Lord.

9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. “And it came to pass…..” I love the casual manner in which God speaks of momentous events! Sure it came to pass, but it didn’t simply come to pass as a matter of happenstance – it was foreordained from all time and eternity! When all of the stars of Heaven were drawn in perfect alignment; when all the words of the prophets had been met with fulfillment of time and purpose; when Christ had been incarnated and made a man after our physical likeness; when the approval of God the Father thundered down the halls of time – Christ was baptized by John in the unseemly little waters of Jordan. How seemingly inappropriate in the eyes of man, but altogether appropriate in the eyes of God! There was a time fixed for you coming to Christ. Do you feel that coming was accidental, or ON PURPOSE!

I hope you will notice that the presence of the Divine Trinity at the baptism of Christ….Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. The Holy Spirit descended at the moment of baptism – not a long delay of months or years afterward; and the Voice of a joyful Father thundered out of Heaven! Did you feel the love and comfort of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost at your baptism, or in your confirmation? Though you may not have felt it in the first, it was nonetheless, present; and certainly the Trinity was present at your confirming faith in your baptism. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)

Sermon – Bishop Jack Arnold

Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States

Diocese of the West

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together because as is always the case there is a unifying message in the Scripture for this Sunday. Bp Jack’s sermon can be viewed on video HERE -> https://youtu.be/EXjeR_B8e7Q

Good morning! I hope you are all doing well. In today’s sermon we will be looking at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message as we celebrate the revealing of our Lod to the world. Let us start by reading today’s collect:

The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

The Collect.

After we acknowledge God’s place in the universe, we go on to ask God to listen to us and give us His peace in our hearts. God is perfect. His hearing is perfect. It is not His hearing that is in need of help; it is ours. He hears us clearly when we pray; God always hears us when we call Him. What we learn from this Collect is that when we pray to Him, we need to listen to Him. We need to establish two-way communication. In order to act upon His Word, we need to first listen to what He tells us and understand what He is telling us. We are the ones that need help with hearing, not Him. He always listens to what we have to say, but do we always listen to what He tells us? Therefore we need the help to calm our hearts and listen to what He says and then act upon it. This is easier said than done sometimes because of our natural inclinations to sin and do the wrong things. That is why we need the help of the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and help us to listen to what God tells us to do, then He will also give us the strength to act upon what He tells us to do.

Consider these words from the Collect:

… hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace …

In the Collect, we are asking God to listen to us and give us His peace in our hearts. God is perfect. He hears us when we pray, God hears us when we call Him. This Collect is really to remind us that when we pray to Him, we need to listen to Him. To often we ask Him what to do, when He tells us what He wants us to do, it is not what we want, so we don’t hear. After all, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear. So, the question is not, Does God hear our supplication? Rather the question is, Do we hear His answer and abide by it? Do we listen when His answer is not what we want but what we need? We think that he doesn’t answer, but that is often because we are deaf to His answer through our own condition of being poor, sinful creatures that need His forgiveness desperately. If we open our hearts and minds, then we will hear Him. Will we let him in to our hearts for this to happen? It has to start with us letting Him in, and then we will hear His answer loud and clear.

In the Epistle Paul reminds us that each of us have of individual talents important help the Church further its cause. And it is equally important that we all work together. To work together in the church, each of us need to utilize our unique talents according to the needs of the church, not somebody else’s talents, but their talents. God has given each of us unique talents. Indeed, each and every one of us has a talent of some sort, be it musical, talking (being good with communication), sweeping, taking out the trash, there is no end to the need. Almost anything else can be used for His Glory, to further His Work, His Goals, is a talent. What we need to do is co-ordinate with others of differing talents to come together and further His Will. This is what we need the Holy Ghost to help us with that we might co-ordinate our gifts effectively to spread His Word. We have a lot of differing gifts, each and every one of us and the Church needs all of those gifts to work together to further His Cause here on Earth. Each gift is special and unique to the person and can advance the Church’s mission here on Earth and someway. If we do our very best to follow the Holy Ghost’s guidance and use our talents for His Glory, we will find there is no limit to what we can accomplish for Him. We just need to have the Holy Ghost enter into us and tell us what we need to do, then listen to what He says and to do it! IF we do this, we will find that things will turn out very well!

However, we should not look for praise for our own work (though we may appreciate it, we should not dwell on it too long, lest we have to start shopping for size fourteen hats for our swollen heads!) However, we should look for reasons to praise and encourage others. Encouragement is the best way to help the team grow the Church. Encouragement helps other Christians to grow in their talents. The more we encourage our fellow Christians, the better off the team as a whole will be. That which is rewarded most is what grows. And this is how we can encourage our fellow Christians and our other friends to grow and learn, by the encouragement. This encouragement will help sprout the seed for more of the good work around us to flourish.

Look at John the Baptist, out in the wilderness; not in the fancy building, the gold-plated temple, but out where he could prepare straight the way for the Lord. He was out where the people were, he came to them, rather than wait for them to come to him in a fancy building. He was on a mission to pave the way for Jesus to come and preach and ultimately for His Death and Resurrection. Smoothing the path so to speak, making ready the hearts and souls of the people for the coming of the Lord. He did not point at himself, rather he pointed the way towards God incarnate[1]! This tells us where we need to be for our spreading the Gospel, not always in the fancy buildings and mansions but out on the street and where the people are so we can spread the Good News to all nations. God doesn’t want us to stay in the fancy building to speak; but go out to where the people are and with spreading the Good News, we too might pave the way for Jesus’s second coming as John the Baptist did for Jesus’s first coming.

By the way, how necessary is praise to miserable human beings? God Himself, looking on His Son’s baptism remarked for all to hear, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

How oft do we praise the actions of others? Too often we are quick to criticize the failings of others and over analyze their failings. Sometimes when we think of people we know, all we can think of is their failings and forget everyone has their good parts as well, for each of us has been created by God. It is in our nature, part of our human nature, our free will condition that we must fight against with His help. We must understand while it is valuable to know when we fall short, people strive the hardest for praise of those whose opinion they value.

When you hear those words, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, remember to use them yourself. Lead others to God, don’t just point the way.

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

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

Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi. He wears many hats; he is the Bishop of the Master Diocese of the Midwest, the Diocese of the Epiphany as well as the Administrative Director of Central and South America. He is also the Suffragan Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of the United States of America.

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Each to their own

14 January 2024, Anno Domini

Psalm 99 • Romans 12: 6 – 16 • Mark 1:1 – 11

The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

The Collect.

Humility and glory; quiet dignity and greatness; being a servant and being the God of the Universe. In our scripture readings today we see all of these concepts juxtaposition in so many ways. How can the God of Creation also be a servant of man? How can one so exalted be so humble and meek?

To answer some of these paradox and seemingly conflicting ideas, we need to understand the plan, the grand plan of God, the creator. Why did he send his only Son, in utmost humility, born in a lowly place, and yet born to fulfil all prophesy about his coming? Down through the ages the prophets foretold his coming, where, and even how, but only those who believed seemed to understand what it all meant.

What are we to understand? If you read over the “inventory” of talents that believers are ‘gifted’ with, you can begin to understand what we are to do.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Prophesy

Now that the canon of Scripture is closed, prophesy could be interpreted as a person who can see what may happen if certain actions are taken OR not taken. True Biblical prophets were 100% correct. They were not partly right, somewhat right, they were dead on right. That which they prophesied came true. We have that evidence in the whole Advent season. We see it as we read in the prophesies in the Old Testament and the same being fulfilled in the New Testament, time and again. But a person who has foresight and the logic to see what happens when something is done or not done could be considered prophetic; but does that make them a prophet? Not really. Remember, in order to be a prophet of God you must be 100% correct. Let us say they have the counsel of the Holy Spirit to illume them and guide them in the right direction.

Serving

Service is in all things Christian, whether you are a nursery worker, cook funeral lunches, a door greeter, a vestryman, or just volunteer at any worthy cause. Service is everywhere. The apostles were called upon so much to serve, that they finally had to set aside a group of young men to do that work, the deacon became a vital member of the church body, he was able to help with taking care of the physical needs of the church body, while the apostles would take care of the spiritual.

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Teaching

Very much like service, teaching can be time consuming, but very fulfilling. To teach you must have a certain amount of patience, an ability to share ideas, information, directions, and concepts. In the realm of Sunday School, or preparing for Confirmation, one must be able to convey the Word of God to the student in a way that is both loving and yet firm. The importance of our belief and the importance of being able to give reason for why and what we believe is the best defense against heresy. Heresy that is sweeping the Church today, taking with it many “soft” believer, people who don’t understand their faith or are unable to defend against the wiles of the Evil One as presented by every day life. Good teachers can be found, a good teacher can also be cultivated, a talent that many times lies dormant, simply because no one asks that person to help in the teaching process.

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:….

Encouraging

Probably the most daunting task. To be able to get a person or people encouraged about their lot, to help them see that there is a way out of what seems a hopeless mess, this is a talent. I have known people in my life who have stepped in and given me a boost, shown me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there is a way to see this crisis through, and even survive, not only to the next day but for the rest of my life. These encouragers are so important, especially today, they not only help us on the way, but they pray for us, they hold us up to the Throne of God, seeking His help in our journey. One of the strongest talents of an encourager is the ability to guide kindly and yet firmly, to pray without ceasing, and to always seek God in the endeavor they are encouraging.

…..he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;……13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Contributing

Help when you can. He who has can help those who do not have. Notice Paul writes to give generously, but not all. One who has the talent to make and multiply wealth is to share, but not bankrupt themselves, otherwise they will be of no use to anyone. Wealth in the Bible is not condemned, it is the worship of wealth, the love of money, they hoarding of coins that is condemned, not wealth. Christ reminded us that the poor will be with you always. He also reminds us to help them, not condemn them. Again, a tension but not an impossible task, one can be wealthy and be a Christ follower.

….he that ruleth, with diligence;

Leadership

Very short and sweet. Govern diligently. To be on guard for corruption, evil doings, to follow the civil laws as they prevent chaos, but most especially to be diligent, which sounds more like following the law of the land, without corruption. Lead the people.

…he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Mercy

Being able to forgive, being able to see the positive in a person, especially if they have fouled up once or twice. It is so hard to be merciful, if we are quick to condemn and hold people accountable for something, that in most cases is not that important. Remember the parable of the talents, and the debts one fellow has with his boss, his boss forgives him of his debts, then the forgiven turns on one below him and is without mercy on the debt the fellow below him owes the forgiven. And remember the boss then comes and rectifies the situation, he without mercy is cast out.

Let us think upon our talents, think about those things we are gifted with from our Creator, then pray that God gives us an opportunity to act upon these gifts and to use them to the Glory of God. None of the lessons from the letter to the Romans is really complicated. It requires diligence and perseverance as far as doing what is right and godly. As believers, we can do these things, serving, leading, giving, encouraging, teaching, and showing mercy.

Let us go and do likewise.

Let us pray:

ATHER, we ask you illume us with your Holy Spirit, help us to see what work we have been set aside for, the work that you have for us to do, for the advancement of your Kingdom, give us the sense of urgency, the need is great, the workers are few. These things we ask in the Name of God the Father Almighty, Christ Jesus his Only Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, now and forever. Amen.

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

HE LORD bless us, and keep us. The LORD make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The LORD lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen.

✟

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

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

Second Sunday after Epiphany

We often hear the lament, “Why did this happen to me?” or, “I am a Christian, so why did God put me through this or that situation?”

The implication of the previous questions is found in Scripture. In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul posed the following: Is There Unrighteousness with God? (9:14). The short answer for a born-again Christian is an unequivocal, “No”. St. James has the answer: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man… Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (1:13, 17)

The Jews used a similar line in Ezekiel’s day when the prophet noted, Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal (18:25). Their complaint was that God was being unjust in not giving their good deeds any standing if they did not continue living righteously. The whole point of Ezekiel 18 was that God’s justice required a person to keep his statutes all the days of his or her life and not just part of the time. If a person did what was right at the beginning of his life, then he should continue to do so for the duration. For if he slipped into wickedness, then all the good he had done would not count at all. That is why if you have been regenerated by the Spirit you are expected as a matter of course to keep God’s commandments for living and nothing short of that will do.

Returning to Romans 9 we read, For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (vv. 15-16). God desires all to turn unto him, but he will not save the unjust apart from their repentance and acceptance of his only begotten Son. In Romans 8:33 we read, Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justified. Only the truly penitent sinner who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Only a person who has sincerely recognized the error of his or her ways will receive God’s gift of pardon. St. Paul observed that, If a man therefore purge himself from these [sins], he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work (II Timothy 2:21).Those who are predestinated to glory must first see the need to be cleansed, and that is in keeping with the very words of Scripture, for God hath chosen us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love (Ephesians 1:4). The Bible teaches the sovereign nature of God is not prevented or diminished by the will of man. And so it follows that the will of God for us in election is an affirmation of his sovereign authority in the very nature of our own choosing.

Consider Article XVII of our Articles of Religion wherein it is affirmed that, “Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from the curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels of honour…”

God is not unjust to forgive us our sins when we ask him to do so in the name of Jesus Christ, neither is he unjust to refer to all who come to Christ as his elect and chosen. Now, nothing in Scripture tells us how this divine choice is made, for as we read in Article XVII, “he hath… decreed by his counsel secret to us.” Ergo, if it is a secret, then we ought to respect the reticence of God and avoid needless and senseless speculations. In his work, The Principles of Theology: An Introduction To The Thirty-Nine Articles, W. H. Griffith Thomas observed that, “… there will always be an element of mystery in the relation of two wills in the universe, Divine and human. Christian people undoubtedly revolt against any view implying that the majority of the human race are everlastingly lost and only a few saved. Nor will any refuge be found by those who know and follow Scripture in the thought of purgatorial or purifying fires, which cannot be found in the Bible. [But] no careful and honest reader of Scripture can believe for an instant that all human beings will be saved, for, if the Bible teaches anything distinctly, it clearly shows that there are those who, through their own deliberate choice, remain outside the circle of the saved.”

In a similar vein, Dr. Henry M. Morris offered the following: “[The Word of God makes] it very clear that the substitutionary death of Christ is sufficient to |take| away the sin of the world (John 1:29), that salvation and eternal life are offered as a free gift of God’s grace to anyone who will accept it, and that anyone who will may come! It is only the voluntary act of our own wills that is required, but there are many of whom Jesus must say: Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life (John 5:40).” And Charles Spurgeon once noted that, “… If your life is unholy your heart is unchanged, and if your heart is unchanged you are an unsaved person. If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness, he has done nothing in you of a saving character. The grace which does not make a man better than others is a worthless counterfeit. Christ saves his people, not in their sins, but from their sins.” He also stated that, “… The Holy Spirit makes men penitents long before he makes them divines; and he who believes what he knows, shall soon know more clearly what he believes.”

Let us also consider the words of the apostle Peter who reminded his readers that, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). And our Lord warning to the Jews of his day is apropos: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37).

It is clear from the above quotations that the choices before us are indicative of our destiny. If we choose to reject the truth of Christ, then we lose heaven. If we choose to embrace the truth of Christ, then we obtain God’s everlasting felicity. There is therefore no unrighteousness with God because he has given to us the gift of his grace if, and only if, we believe on his only begotten Son and accept him as our Lord and Saviour (John 3:16-18). Returning to Romans 9, we find, For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? (vv.17-20). Yes, God has a sovereign will. Yes, God has the authority to harden and to soften the heart of man as the case may be. But such does not automatically infer that God loses his sovereignty over his creation through his allowance of human choice. God can do as he pleases and, in every case, he would not be unrighteous because he cannot be unrighteous. Whatever he does, he does with his nature in mind. God does not change. He was, is and shall always be, the Lord of all creation and of all life. He holds all authority, might, dominion and majesty. He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

When we hear comments such as, “God is unfair,” or “God is too harsh,” we ought come back with, “Where did you get this idea that God is any of those things?” Usually, the person offering such comments will have only a vague grasp of the truth of the scriptures and so their rationale will be tenuous at best and contradictory at worst. The baby Christian, the carnal Christian, the neophyte, and the like, might find a Bible verse to throw back at you like a hand grenade, but its effectiveness cannot bear the truth of a properly presented text of Scripture offered in answer to their poorly informed understanding of the precious tenets of our Christian faith. In no way, shape or form is our God unrighteous or unfair. God is caring, considerate and loving beyond our earthly understanding of those words. Our mortal language fails in its ability to adequately project the real meaning of what God has in store for all who truly believe on Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord (I Corinthians 2:9). So let us go forth this day and live the victory which Christ has won for us at the cross. Let us rejoice that our God is wholly righteous and sovereign in all things. And let us also go forth in thanksgiving and praise to our heavenly Father for the gift of his unmerited favor towards us and live as saved souls in Christ.

Let us pray,

ATHER, we beseech thee to look with favor upon us and help us to live within thy perfect will; and this we ask in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Bryan+

Bishop Dennis Campbell’s Sermon

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

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Mark 1::1-15

The Baptism of Christ

Our Scripture readings from Christmas through Easter lean heavily towards the life and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is good. It is logical. It is edifying. We need to know about Jesus. We need to read His story over and over, year after year throughout our lives. The Gospel truly is the greatest story ever told. The events in that story are the most important events that have ever happened on this planet. We are not the only Church to emphasise the life of Christ during this time. It seems to have been the pattern from the early days of Christianity, and today, many denominations encourage ministers to plan Bible studies and sermons around the life of Christ during this time of year. Thus, today, with many churches and Christians around the world, our meditations are on the baptism of Christ.

Today we could say with Jesus, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand.” The appointed time of God had arrived, and the plan that was made before the foundations of the cosmos were laid, was ready to be revealed. Prophets foretold it. Angels proclaimed it. The Messiah had been born, and was come to manhood. The forerunner was preaching repentance and telling of the arrival of the long awaited Saviour. And Jesus stood before John to be baptized.

John was incredulous. He had been preaching repentance and faith, and calling people to be baptized for the forgiveness of sin. People came by the hundreds. According to Mark, “there went out unto him all the land of Judaea and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mk. 1:5). I wonder if the appearance of so many people coming, hearing, and being baptized surprised John. More than that, I wonder how he felt when, “it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan” (Mk. 1:9). Like Mary at the annunciation, he must have wondered, “How can these things be? John’s baptism was of repentance for the remission of sins. He baptized sinners unto repentance. Even John, who had come to “Prepare the way of the Lord” was a sinner. Even John was not worthy to serve as a slave to remove the sandals of Jesus. Even John, of whom Jesus Himself said “Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Mt. 11:11). was a sinner. But not Jesus. Jesus is the One without sin. There is no shadow or spot of sin in His righteousness. Thus John “forbad” him. John probably trembled in his heart to think about even touching the sandals on the feet of Jesus, “I have need to be baptized of thee,” he said to Christ, “and comest thou to me?” Why did Jesus allow Himself to be baptized by John if He had no sin or reason to repent? Jesus said it was to “fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus had a reason for His baptism.

Baptism was Jesus’ answer to the call of God.

With our very limited knowledge and ability to understand the mind and ways of God, we often wonder what Luke 2:52 means by the words, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Stature, physical growth, we can understand, but wisdom? He is the Word of God. He is the very image of the Father. He and the Father are one. He existed with God and as God from all eternity. How can God grow in wisdom and in favour with God? Truly this is a great mystery, beyond our understanding. We know Jesus had to learn to walk and talk. We know He had to truly and fully partake of the human experience. He could not allow Himself any special exemptions or privileges. He had to live by faith, the same as you and I. He even had to learn the Bible. As He increased in wisdom, when did He know He was the Messiah? Did He know that in the manger of Bethlehem? Did He know it when the wise men came to Him? Did He know it in Egypt, or at His bar mitzvah in Nazareth? It seems to have been a growing consciousness in Him. We know that, at twelve years of age He knew and understood the Bible well, because He amazed the doctors in the Temple. He even surprised Mary and Joseph when He said “wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 3:50 says Mary and Joseph “understood not the saying which He spake unto them.” I wonder, how much did Jesus understand? All we know is that, by the age of about thirty, He was fully aware of His identity and calling, and went to Bethabara to be baptized.

Baptism was Jesus’ Dedication to the Ministry.

We could say Jesus’ baptism was His acceptance of His mission to be the Saviour of the world. It was His ordination. It was His dedication. In Exodus we read of God’s command to dedicate Tabernacle furnishings and vessels to the service of God. They were no longer for everyday use. They were set aside for God. The priests had to be dedicated before they could begin their services, even the Tabernacle itself was dedicated, set aside, reserved, for the service of God, as a cloud covered it and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. It was not a multi-use building. or a civic centre. It was God’s dwelling. It was different from all other places and tabernacles on earth. Thus, at the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus’ baptism publicly dedicates Him to being the Messiah-Saviour by public teaching, and by the sacrifice of the cross.

In a sense, we can think of the ordination of ministers in a similar fashion. They are taking up a holy calling. They are being dedicated to the service of God and His Church. They are being set aside for the work of the ministry. The office, the ministry of the Gospel, has been committed to them. Whether as deacon, priest, or bishop, they vow that they believe themselves “truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the canons of this Church, to the ministry of the same.” Our Lord was doing something similar in His baptism.

Baptism was the Father’s Confirmation of Jesus.

Confirmation means to make certain. You may confirm motel reservations, or seats on a plane or train. In another sense, it means to certify. Thus a product may be certified “organic,” or 100 percent pure. You may remember that on the day of your confirmation, your bishop asked, “Do ye here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that you made, or that was made in your name, at your baptism?” Then as part of that same question, he added, “ratifying and confirming the same; and acknowledging yourselves to be bound to believe and to do all those things which ye then undertook?” You were confirming your faith and dedication to God. Now listen to the words of this prayer which your bishop said as he laid his hands on your head.”

“We make our humble supplications unto thee for these thy humble servants, upon whom, after the example of thy holy Apostles, we have now laid our hands, to certify them by this sign, of thy favour and gracious goodness towards them.”

He certified you. You went through a period of instruction during which you convinced your priest that you understand the basic doctrines of grace, and believe them in your heart. Based on that, your bishop confirmed that you are a communing member of the Church, a recipient of the favour and gracious goodness of God, are regenerate, and have received the Holy Ghost.

It is possible that a person may be confirmed outwardly, but not inwardly. Many people, in fact simply go through the ceremony, but are not converted inwardly. It is possible to fool your deacon, your priest, your bishop, and, even yourself. It is not possible to fool God.

We have been looking at some of the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards over the past few days, since some people make new years’ resolutions. In one, Dr. Edwards resolved to review his baptismal vows regularly, and I urged you to do the same. I encourage the same review of your confirmation. It begins on page 296 of the Prayer Book. Baptism begins on page 273.

God, our True Priest and Bishop, confirmed Jesus at His baptism. “Thou art my beloved Son.” I wonder if Jesus ever had any doubts about his identity. I wonder when He really became aware of His identity, and if that growing awareness caused questions in His mind. Whether that happened or not, God confirmed Him at His baptism. In one sense, God confirmed Jesus through the words of John; “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” More confirming, and more comforting were the Father’s words from Heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son.” God is saying, You are who you think you are. You are the fulfillment of the prophecies that speak so clearly to you in the Scriptures and in the synagogue prayers and liturgies. You are the One for whom John came to prepare the way. You are the One “in whom I am well pleased.”

The Holy Spirit confirmed Jesus when He descended on Jesus like a dove. “He that sent me to baptize with water,” said John, “the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bear record that this is the Son of God.” So the descent of the Holy Spirit was a sign to John, but it was also sign to Jesus. As surely and clearly as the voice from Heaven, the descent of the Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, said unto Jesus the carpenter of Nazareth, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The baptism of Jesus, then can be seen partly as His dedication of Himself to His calling to be the Saviour. The voice from Heaven, then, is the Father confirming to Jesus that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Lamb of God. The descent of the Holy Spirit confirms the Father’s words. It is also the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in Jesus in a way He has not dwelt in anyone before or since. The baptizer made a point of saying he saw the Spirit descend and remain, or abide and dwell and live on and in, Jesus. This filling of the Spirit is Christ’s anointing with power for the three years of spiritual warfare ahead, ending in the great battle in which He will give His life for our sins in the cross.

There is a sense in which our own baptism and confirmation help us understand the baptism of Jesus. In baptism we were dedicated to the service of God in a life of faith and holiness in which we love God with all that we are, and love our neighbours as we love ourselves. If we were baptized as children, our parents, or sponsors, dedicated us, vowing to raise us in the Church and in faith in Christ. The key word here is dedication. We were dedicated to God.

Confirmation certifies to us that we belong to God. God receives and welcomes us, and promises to give us all things, according the “promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He confirms that we are His people, the called according to His purpose, part of His Body the Church, part of His holy and peculiar people, a people for God’s own and special possession. Especially if baptized as children, our confirmation says, “this is what I believe. This faith is my faith. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Mary, Elizabeth, Martha, John, Paul, and Peter, is my God. Serving Him is my vocation. Living for Him is my joy and happiness in life.”

Thus, at baptism, our Lord stands at the beginning of His public ministry. His years of teaching, of manifesting the glory of God in His miracles, and His offering Himself as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world” on the cross, are ahead of Him. He knows this, accepts it, and dedicates Himself to it. He accepts the cross.

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

Laurie, daughter of Jim and Mary Lou Flanagan has post-Covid lung damage, dizziness, falling, blacking out and loss of time relation. Please pray that they find a cure for these problems for Laurie.

Bill Hall is still having difficulty breathing and with his ability to move about.

Travel

No known travel this week.

Birthdays

Roy Morales-Kuhn celebrated his 70^th birthday on 23 December 2023.

Debbie Ogles celebrated her 81^st birthday on 15 November 2023.

Departed

Betsy Bretz, wife of Bobby, passed away 11 December 2023. Please give thanks for her time here on earth and for God to give comfort to Bobby and their family at the temporary separation.

Immediate Prayer Please

Christine Savarese had a seizure just after Christmas 2023. Testing found a brain tumor which upon removal was found to be malignant. She and her husband Gennaro are truly terrified of the near future. Please pray for peace of mind and soul for them and their two daughters, and for the medical team treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray also for what we desire as a good result.

Rev. Dr. Robert Weldy is a retired priest, long time friend of AOC Minister Jim Cavanaugh, has several health issues. On 19 December 2023, he was admitted to the hospital for a very serious infection in his lower left leg and foot. He is diabetic and is greatly concerned about this infection. He is afraid if the antibiotic treatments do not overcome the infection, he may be facing the loss of part of his leg. Please pray our Heavenly Father will give knowledge, wisdom, and skill to the doctors and medical staff that attend him. May they be instruments of healing. May the LORD our God restore Robert to health and recovery from all sickness.

Harper Cavanah, granddaughter of Rev. James and Dawn Cavanah, is 9 years old, autistic, non-verbal, and has a long history of digestive issues and problems. Harper is back in the hospital with another apparent intestinal blockage. Please pray for Harper, her parents Dustin & Vicki and the medical team. Please pray for peace and comfort to the family and wisdom, knowledge, and skill to the doctors and medical team.

22 December 2023 – Great news! Thanks be to God who answers the prayers of His people in accordance with His sovereign and perfect will. In this case, He heard your pleas for Harper and her family and has done more than we could ask or imagine. She made it beautifully through the surgical procedure on the intestinal blockage and is doing so well that she was discharged last evening. She is recovering at home and doing very well. We are all very thankful to you our prayer warriors for your prayers and your encouraging words. In addition, the medical team has issued some new protocols for home care in the hope that these will keep Harper from having further issues. Again, thank you for your prayers and for your continued prayers! Most of all, THANKS BE TO GOD!

Jim+ & Dawn

Dustin, Vicki, Harper, and Kaylee

Ditte remains in the ICU with pneumonia and AFIB, she has been suffering from cancer; she decided to forego surgery and attempt to slow the spread by chemotherapy; on top of all that, her eldest son died. Please pray for this family.

Sunghyun Mun, accidentally broke bones in his hand while operating a piece of equipment at his father’s business. He will undergo surgery 18 December 2023.

Debi Romano Gunther had a mammary biopsy on 27 November 2023. The results were mixed, there was a mass, it has to come out, but it was not cancerous. She is understandably concerned. Please pray for peace of mind for her as she waits the procedure and results, for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her to pay attention and do their very best and for a good result.

Suzie Nogales has been treating for breast cancer, she recently underwent surgery, she is a strong and active Christian, she really has no fear, but does have concern for her children and husband. Please keep Suzie, her family and treating medical team in your prayer.

Myanmar (Burma) We solicit your prayers for the Church and people of Myanmar (Burma). The Rev. Titus has sent this note:

We face a big flood in Bago where I am living now. It has been 2 days and many people in my area moved to another area where the water cannot reach. We are safe by grace` but some houses of my members are going to sink very soon if the rain is not stopped. In the pictures` the houses are in the midst of water damage and there is a house of my member in this place. They cannot go to anywhere to purchase their foods. So dear Bishop and friends` you all are kindly requested to pray for me and my Church members in Myanmar. Thank you all

Billie Broome a stroke survivor who has had femur, knee and hip surgery, spent a month in the hospital, now she has blood clots and severe swelling in her foot which became infected. She is improving slightly and asks that you give thanks for the improvement and pray for complete recovery. Please pray for peace of mind for Billie, her husband Richard and family. They are all strong Christians, but somewhat prone to worry.

Myeongsu Kim, father of Minki, one of Bishop Jerry’s congregation members, has been diagnosed with Colorectal cancer. He is i beginning radiation/chemo treatment prior to surgery. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family and for guidance for the medical team treating him.

Viera Djurcik, mother of Bishop Igor Djurcik from Serbia, had her left leg amputated above the knee as the result of gangrene. The surgery was successful, but she has a long road ahead for recovery. Please give thank for successful surgery and pray for complete and rapid recovery for Viera and for peace of mind for her and her family.

Tricia Marie underwent abdominal surgery on 28 June 2023; she gives thanks it was apparently successful and asks you to pray with here for a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family. She gives thanks for an apparently successful coil surgery to seal off an aneurysm at the base of her skull on 12 January 2023. She has seemingly recovered from the stroke of December 2021. She still headaches which had been bothering her for months since she got the Moderna vaccine. She has had almost no real sleep or rest for months. She fell on stairs and while apparently broke nothing, is very sore and scared herself. She has gotten some relief from the headache from a Botox injection series, may that continue. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for relief from the headache, nausea and pain and rest for her, for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

Bryan Dabney, AOC Minister, had quadruple bypass surgery on 6 July 2023. He is home and seems to be doing well. He is continuing to strengthen, he completed Phase 2 cardiac rehab last and begins Phase 3 now. Phase 3 will be more a maintenance program he will do for the next few months. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for a full and complete recovery. Continue to comfort Brian, his wife Lisa, and son Thomas as they deal with his recovery.

Natalie Oslin Lohrenz is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, she is about 1/3 of the way through the regimen. She is tolerating the poison pretty well, but asks your prayers for it to work and the toleration to continue.

Josh Morley, son of Bishop Charles Morley, has had another grand mal seizure and is back in the hospital. Joshua and Bishop Morley are distraught, as they cannot determine the cause for his seizure. They are hoping to change doctors and find a cause and cure for Joshua. Bishop Morley says Joshua is healthy in every way but for having these seizures.

David McMillan recently suffered a stroke. Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and for peace of mind for David and his family.

Alicia, her husband, Andrew, and their two young daughters. Alicia has Susac’s Disease and narcolepsy. She has not been able to work and is having a difficult time even functioning. Please pray for her, her family, and those that attend her. May heavenly wisdom fill the doctors that they may treat Alicia and serve as God’s instruments to restore her to health.

Harry Brooks, Major USMC – GA ANG Retired – just finished a round of chemotherapy, which he barely survived and had his cancerous bladder in March 2023. Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and for peace of mind for Harry and his family and for a good result.

Bob Apple just found out he has cancer and is beginning treatment. Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance; pray also for peace of mind for Bob.

Deanna Sampson started to treat for cataracts and found she had an irregular heartbeat, then breast cancer with precluded the operation. She had apparently successful surgery for the cancer and has undergone radiation treatment, she is waiting to see what comes next. A strong Christian with an incredible attitude, she could nonetheless use your prayers.

Henry Johnson (age 3) suffers from a rare form of epilepsy. Please join his parents in praying a treatment regimen can be found to treat his condition.

Tricia Marie gives thanks for an apparently successful coil surgery to seal off an aneurysm at the base of her skull on 12 January 2023. She has seemingly recovered from the stroke of December 2021. She still headaches which had been bothering her for months since she got the Moderna vaccine. She has had almost no real sleep or rest for months. She fell on stairs and while apparently broke nothing, is very sore and scared herself. She has gotten some relief from the headache from a Botox injection series, may that continue. Please pray for relief from the headache, nausea and pain and rest for her, for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

Shamu is totally exhausted, but in relatively good spirits. Shamu has a terrible headache, is in a lot of pain; feels like she has been stabbed, totally exhausted and weak, but her faith is incredibly strong. They have found a mass in her upper abdomen which must be investigated. She asks you pray for guidance for the medical people helping her. After 38 surgeries, she is quite very weak, but strong in her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time. She needs your prayer. Please.

Tommy Cook is beset by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Congestive Heart failure. It seems there is little that can be done except fight a delaying action against the aggressive pair. At present it seems like the only avenue open is a heart lung transplant and little chance of that. He asks you pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and the miracle of a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for him and his family. He is a very strong Christian and has no concern for himself, but for his wife, children and mother.

Johnie Ratcliff is having breathing issues.

Brady on the way to enter the armed forces in Virginia Beach, got in a horrible tragic car accident that required surgery to restructure his foot, and back surgery to relieve pressure on his spine and repair the breaks. Please pray for his parents, and that he, unsure of what his future will hold, will understand the Lord Jesus Christ holds his future and He will not fail nor forsake him.

David Connis has Stage Four colon cancer, he can no longer do chemotherapy and has switched to immunotherapy in the hope of surviving to participate in an experimental program in December. Please pray for strength and guidance for him and his nine year old daughter, as well as what we consider a good outcome.

John Crawford, of Tennessee, is in ICU for treatment of pancreatitis. Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and for peace of mind for John and his family and for a good result.

George Johnson, MD, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma[2]. From Dr. George Hardin Johnson, I need all my friends and prayer warriors to pray for me, that the new chemo pill (meds) that the doctor ordered will be use mightily by the Lord Jesus to heal my body. Pray that there will be no side effects and my body can handle the meds. Thanks and God bless you all for your prayers in the mighty name of our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. We know God is in full control and we are trusting in Him to give George a complete healing!

Margie Johnson (wife of Dr. George Johnson) is very ill and need of healing. Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray also for comfort and strength for her and her husband George.

Greg was in an explosive work accident leading to burns over 65% of his body. He is in the hospital and will be for months. Also pray for his mother, who recently lost her husband and now is overseeing her son’s care; she is disabled and in a wheel chair.

Lauralee Meade has tested positive for Covid 19; she is only moderately concerned as she has no symptoms. She asks you pray she stay that way and test negative so she can visit her mother. Please pray also for a complete remission of her cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.

Inga, the wife of Tore, requests prayer for her husband in Norway. He is awaiting surgery for a heart valve and kidney transplants. He is nearing surgery. Please pray for trust in the Lord for her, her husband and family and friends who are so very worried about him. Pray also for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him that they might be open to God’s guidance for treatment, pay attention and do their very best to help him. Pray for a good outcome.

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

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.

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.

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

Major Tom Connell, a good friend of Hap Arnold, had surgery on 25 February 2022, for abdominal cancer to remove a tumor. The cancer did not dissipate, but metastasized. Tom is nearing the end of his time here on earth. Tom is a good guy and a faithful Christian; he is grateful for weathering this storm to date and the comfort God provided to him and his family. He asks you pray for a safe passing and for his family who of necessity remain behind.

Sandy has been diagnosed with malignant lung cancer. She has COPD and therefore not a candidate for surgery. Her only medical option is for Chemo and Radiation according to her Drs.: Sandy is a Christian who believes in the healing power of prayer. Sandy has been a friend of Mary Lou Flanagan since high school as well as going to college together.

John Thomas, of Malaysia, a long time friend of Bishop Jerry, a persevering servant of the Lord for many years. His health has begun to fade in his present age of 79. Please pray the Lord will extend a merciful hand to John, and his devoted wife Gina, in working out His perfect will for both.

Joey Angelica is a recovering addict with liver cancer and diabetes, he lost his job during the plandemic, then found out he has liver cancer. He is a very strong Christian, he and his friend Vicki ask that you pray for his recovery and continued trust in God.

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.

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.

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.

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 li Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and 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

Jim and Pam Lanno – After Jim was recovering from a heart attack, he noticed something was off. Soon came the diagnosis of ALS along with dementia. He is in his early 60s. Pam is learning the role of care taker and overwhelmed and fearful at times. Both are good Christians and love the Lord with all their hearts. Pray for God’s Comfort and Guidance for both and all caretakers who assist.

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

Bobby Bretz is having a kidney removed on 18 December 2023.

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

Melissa Morgan, a young woman in her thirties just found out she has ovarian cancer. Pray with Melissa, her family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Melissa, her family and friends in this worrisome time.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.

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

Rick has heart problems. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Rick and his wife Wanda to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

Stacy has Multiple Sclerosis and was hospitalized for what turned out to be food poisoning. Pray for trust in God for Stacy and Chris as they deal with Stacy’s illness.

Faye is in the hospital because she is weak has been receiving blood transfusions. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Faye and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Faye to heal completely.

Tom has heart and kidney problems. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Tom and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Tom to heal completely.

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

Sandra Zimmerman was diagnosed with triple positive Stage 2 breast cancer. She had a mammogram done last year at 40 years old and it was clear. This July they found two suspicious lumps, there was follow up with another mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, bloodwork, MRI, more bloodwork, and PET scan. Sandra’s most pressing concern is how she will take care of her baby Sophie as she goes through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation along with a cocktail of pills. It’s going to be a year long journey, she asks your prayer to stay strong and fight this battle!

Ronnie Bretz is recovering from brain surgery.

Madisun Hanks (21) 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.

Hilda Hanks has developed diabetes, which resulted in the need for eye surgery and has difficulty with the added stress in her life. Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very best. Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Hilda and Madisun.

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

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

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 Marathon 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.

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 has lost her site completely, broke her tibia and has returned home for family care following hospitalization and rehab. Please pray that the family learn how to care for her at home as with blindness she is too frightened being in a Long term care facility. Evelyn is 96 years old.

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.

Healing and Patience

Angie Colgrove has various problems and challenges, physical, mental, and spiritual. She asks you pray for guidance for her and those treating her, as well as for her family.

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.

Thanksgiving and Continued Healing

Dave Carroll, husband of Cinder, the AOC Office Manager, had what seems to be a very successful second knee replacement the morning of Tuesday, 21 November 2023. Please give thanks for the good result and pray for a full and rapid recovery.

Don Fultz fell in response to a house on fire across the street and broke his hip. He is had surgery and spent time in the Cardiac Care Unit in response to a heart arrythmia apparently due to the anesthesia. That was resolved and Don returned home to complete his recovery and is doing well. He and his family thank you for your prayers. Please continue praying for a complete recovery.

Barbara (Paulette Ratcliff’s) sister, has battled stomach cancer through removal of tumor and chemotherapy but the tumor returned at 7 centimeters. She had apparently successful surgery on Friday 24 June 2022. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and for a full and rapid recovery and for full remission of the cancer. Pray also for peace of mind for Barbara, her children, her sisters and brothers.

Deborah Drucilla, sister of Bishop Jerry, was hospitalized with a number of issues including blood clot in her liver. She is now home. Please give thanks for a good result so far and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

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

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.

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

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.

Guidance

Zachary is seems to be on his way away from the darkside; please pray he will continue towards our Lord and good citizenship.

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 heart 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 Christ. Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care. Please pray Mitten will see the light.

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

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

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.

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

Solomon Islands

Please pray for Bishop Zephaniah, the AOC and all the peoples of the Solomon Islands who are experiencing civil unrest as a result of the government switching their alliance from Taiwan to Communist China.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/solomon-islands-leader-blames-foreign-powers-unrest-australian-forces-arrive-n1284619

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.

Indonesia

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

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

We are generally doing good, except that all boundary checkpoint out were tightened again due to the DELTA VARIANT entered the city. On the other side, our members in Tulodan are now experiencing famine due to the effect of the recent continues heavy rains during the month of July to early August which completely destroyed their vegetable plantation.

Bishop Anthony Pangsiw

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.

Columbiq

I am writing to request your prayers for Colombia, my country. At this moment frightful things are happening, a great diabolical shadow is cast over this nation.

The Constitutional Court in a tyrannical way has decriminalized the crime of abortion in Colombia, even up to six months. This is an illegitimate process, the court is legislating, something that is not within the competence of the judges, on the other hand the issue of abortion was a cause judged in 2006, which is why it should not be judged again in 2022. But socialist groups, international elites, social engineers and feminist groups have not given up on the issue. They want to traffic in death.

The candidate of the extreme left Gustavo Petro is close to become the president of Colombia, this is a man who in his youth was a guerrilla criminal, a vile and despicable man who has always served the interests of drug trafficking, he was an advisor to Chavez who implanted Communism in Venezuela, his second home is Communist Cuba.

The same court approved the movement of Gustavo Petro called: la Colombia Humana, it gave him the status of a political party, with this, he has the possibility of getting to introduce at least 15 congressmen, basically he is close to kidnapping all the powers, he already has the judicial power in his pocket, he only lacks the executive and the legislative. We are close to the precipice, we trust in a miracle of God.

We hope you support us with your prayers, I will ask the brothers to pray unceasingly so that in his mercy we will be saved from these perverse men. God bless you and keep you in all things.

Your servant in Christ,

Bishop José Antonio Rios

Armed Forces & Contractors

Dustin (USAF – Stateside), SGT 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 – Headquarters, Virginia), Ethan (US Army Airborne – Southwest Asia), Lourie DeBoer (NTPS Patuxent River, Maryland) Nyah Thomas (USAF-Keesler AFB, Louisiana)

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

Kai Mandella gives thanks for his recovery from Covid.

Hap gives thanks for his recovery from Covid.

Tricia gives thanks for her recovery from Covid.

Shamu gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Rev Yves Mera and his wife give thanks for recovery from Covid.

Rev Eddie Pressey from St. George’s Anglican Church of Ventura gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Bishop David Pressey from St. George’s Anglican Church of Ventura gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Lynn and Katie Hall give thanks for recovery from Covid.

Amy Jamieson gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Hope and Ralph DeLong give thanks for recovery from Covid.

Coming Up – The near future, as well as Next Sunday

22 January 2024 – Third Sunday after the Epiphany– Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

[1] Incarnate, literally in the flesh. Carne being a Latin derivative meaning flesh.

[2] Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, the cancer can be managed successfully in many patients for years; the average life expectancy is 4 years. However, some people beat the odds and live 10 to 20 years or more. The most common cause of death related to multiple myeloma is infection, with pneumonia being the most common fatal infection. Other common causes of death are bleeding (from low platelet counts), complications of bone fractures, kidney failure, and blood clots in the lungs.

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