240317 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide Communion

Fifth Sunday in Lent Commonly called Passion Sunday Sunday Report

Today was the Fifth Sunday in Lent[1], commonly called Passion Sunday, see the end of the Sunday Report for a explanation.

From the Administrative Region of Southwest Asia

This is the graduating class from 3 March 2024, in Gujranwala, Pakistan, baccalaureate program.

We had a Seminary Sunday at Faith Seminary of Pakistan. All faculty member and students attended this service, Bishop Ernest Jacob preached at this special service.

On 16 March 2024, Faith Theological Seminary are having their annual graduation ceremony for those to become ministers of the Lord. I also request to please keep these events in your prayers.

Ernest Jacob

Bishop of Pakistan

From the Administrative Region of Western Europe

The weekend 7 – 11 March 2024, Worldwide Presiding Bishop Jerry Ogles and Director of Education and Training Bishop Jack Arnold traveled to Madrid, Spain, where they were met by Bishop Igor Djurcik, Coordinator for Administrative Region of Eastern Europe and Africa, who is also the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of Serbia. The three came together to consecrate Rev Yves Méra and Rev Claudio Renato de la Jara as bishops in the Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide Communion and welcome their national churches into the Communion.

Bishop Yves is now the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of France and Administrative Coordinator for Western Europe.

Bishop Renato is now the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of Spain.

This was a very quick and grueling trip for each of them as they traveled to meet in Madrid on Friday and left on Monday. But, it was extremely productive. Both new bishops are outstanding men of great faith, talent, judgment and energy, with incredible support from their families. We could not ask for better men for this very critical and difficult job.

The traveling bishops just showed up and participated. Bishop Renato and his flock were incredibly good hosts and hostesses. They made everyone feel at home and welcome beyond all expectations.

More Details

I left San Diego, California, early on Thursday to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, where I met up with Bishop Jerry. We traveled together to Madrid on Thursday and arrived on Friday morning. Bishop Renato and his wife Violetta greeted us at the airport and picked us up. They brought us to the hotel where we checked in and chatted with Bishop Renato and Violetta. After an hour, we went to the local air museum and got to look at a lot of amazing aircraft. Bishop Jerry and I being aviators enjoyed the museum and even more appreciated the thoughtfulness and consideration.

Then we returned to the hotel and had lunch at a local restaurant which had some good food. In the early evening Bishop Renato picked us up (+Jerry, myself and +Igor) and a second group (Yves and his wife Laurence) and took us to the church in Getafe[2] to get an overview of the place, meet the people and plan for the consecration on Saturday.

Their church is very nice and it is set up well. The local Presbyterian Church led by Pastor Walter allows them to use the building. We met Walter and he is a very good man.

We then made plans to arrive at the church early Saturday morning to practice the consecration. We then returned back to the hotel and got some sleep for the next day.

Saturday morning we got up and Bishop Renato took us to the church in two groups. We arrived and greeted Violetta and other members of the congregation who were arriving. Jonathan was to be our translator, Joseph and Robert were the musicians who were playing keyboard and guitar during the service respectively.

Once all of our members arrived, we went into the vesting room and discussed how we would conduct the service and we would have Jonathan read the questions in Spanish to the consecrants and the consecrants would answer in Spanish.

Soon it was 11:00 and time for the service to begin. The service and the consecration went smoothly. It was a wonderful time and we could feel the love for the Lord very strongly in Bishop Renato’s congregation. We also met Silvia, Luhana and Luhana’s grandmother Candelaria (Candy) who were very sweet and kind.

After the service, it was photograph time and then we met with the congregation over snacks. After a couple of hours of mingling, we headed out to the city center of Madrid for a tour of the city. Violetta and Bishop Renato were excellent tour guides and it was a lot of fun to see the beautiful city of Madrid.

In the later afternoon we stopped for coffee and snacks at a Chocolate place. The drinking chocolate was fantastic as well as the churro and porra (stick like pastry). We then returned back to our hotel to retire for the evening.

Sunday morning we got up and had breakfast in the hotel lobby. Bishop Renato then picked us up in two groups for Morning Prayer at the sister’s house in Getafe. Bishop Igor preached the sermon which was nice. Once we were all arrived, we had Morning Prayer, which was very nice. After morning prayer, we went and took the train into the country side and toured one of the old Royal Palaces. The Palace was beautiful and it was fun to tour it with our new friends.

After the tour, we had lunch which was very good. We returned back into town and went to the church for Holy Communion. It was a very wonderful service led by Bishop Renato, who preached a lovely sermon. Afterwards we had snacks and fellowship with the congregation. It was the last meal we would have with them in Madrid and we had a grand old time.

The next day we got up early and left Madrid having consecrated Bishop Yves Méra, the Bishop of France, and Bishop Claudio Renato de la Jara, the Bishop of Spain and having made a lot of good friends. It was a grueling trip but it was very enjoyable and we made some new friends in Christ.

Bishop Jerry and I flew together to Atlanta where he left to drive home. After a short layover, I flew back to San Diego where I arrive mid-evening. We both had about a 23 hour day by the time we got home. Bishop Jerry had the worst of it as he had a four hour drive home and I got picked up at the airport for a one hour ride. All in all, it was a long few days but so very worth the time. I cannot tell you how much the AOC people I met touched my heart.

Executive Summary

We have two excellent men as bishops in France and Spain. We are blessed to have them and their families on board as well as their national churches; AOC France and AOC Spain.

Jack Arnold, Bishop

Director of Education and Training Worldwide

Bishops and Wives

Jerry – Violetta – Renato – Yves – Laurence – Jack – Igor

Jack Jack Igor and Jack

Jerry and Igor Renato – Candelaria – Jerry

On Point

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

On Lent

If a man will but fast from his sins, he may eat what he pleases.

Robert E. Lee

American General and Patriot

On Lent

The best way for most of us is to fast from our sins and to eat what is good for us.

Robert E. Lee

American General and Patriot

The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.

George Orwell

20^th century British author

What does censorship reveal? It reveals fear.

Julian Assange

21^st century Australian computer programmer and editor- in-chief of Wikileaks

It’s always easier to steal than create. Right up until you go to steal the next loaf of bread and….. the shelf is bare. Then what? The thief burns the store to the ground, that’s what.

Karl Denninger

20^th and 21^st century American commentator

Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.

Benjamin Franklin

18^th entury American founding father and printer

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

John 13:20

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him glory.

Colossians 3:3-4

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 for today are found on Page 132-133, with the Collect first:

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called

Passion Sunday.

The Collect.

E beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

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

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

The Epistle for today came from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, starting at the Eleventh Verse of the Ninth Chapter. Paul summarizes both the symbolism and the substance of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf. Paul opens the secret of the One Perfect Sacrifice, One Time, for All Time and All Mankind. Paul is clearly appealing to the sense of the Jews when he asks them if the blood of goats will set aside or atone for sin, how much more can be done by the Perfect Sacrifice made on our behalf?

HRIST being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint John, starting at the Forty-Sixth Verse of the Eighth Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in the temple. Like much of John it is filled with deep explanation of Jesus and His purpose here.

Knowing them looking to find the worst in Him, Jesus asked, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” In a point central to Christianity, he went on, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” When we hear the term Jews here, we should hear the world in general, for He spoke to all who would not hear. When they would not hear, He pointed out He sought not glory or praise from them, but only from the Father whom in reality they knew not. Here He offers the singular benefit of Christianity, “If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” This concept being foreign to them, they asked if He thought He was greater than Abraham. That brought the crowning touch, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day.” Knowing He was only in his early 30s, they could not grasp how he could have seen Abraham.

In a demonstration of the non-linearity of God’s time, He said, “Before Abraham was, I am.[3]” As might be expected, this offended the Keepers of The Law.

ESUS said, Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

Jerry Ogles

Presiding Bishop

Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide

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.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Passion Sunday

The Cross

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide

17 March 2024, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

The Fifth Sunday in Lent,

commonly called Passion Sunday.

The Collect.

E beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

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

The Collect

The COLLECT for Passion Sunday relates to the just and orderly government of the people of God in His trust and preservation. This COLLECT, too, is taken from the Gregorian Sacramentary. The original (in the Latin) for ‘thy people’ was familia. I prefer the older term for it means the ‘Household, or family, of God’ and that is what those who trust in God should be called.

The government of God is just and equitable, and all governments incorporate to some extent the Laws of God for governance, but those that corrupt aspects of these laws in contempt of the Maker are those tyrants and despots that are so common in our day around the world. I need not remind the Christian that ALL just laws derive from the Law of God and are subordinate thereto. The French economist and Parliamentarian, Frederick Bastiat recognized this principle and very well articulated it in his short commentary entitled, The Law of 1848. But even sooner than this, the Holy Bible also held forth the same principle lest any forget: It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalm 118:8) We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) I hope no minister of God ever doubts his allegiance to God over the traditions or deceits of man-made government. If the government forbids the admonition of sins such as homosexuality, abortion, or adultery, I hope every Christian and minister reading this devotion will be faithful to his Christian vows and follow God rather than man. If the laws and purposes of government become contrary to Scriptural truth, then they are not legally binding on the Christian. God did not give us a conscience to be squandered away at the bar of government.

Our Founding Fathers well knew the legitimate limits of governmental power and included a clear definition in the Declaration of Independence – an oft disregarded formulary of our freedoms: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” Declaration of Independence, unanimously ratified by the Thirteen United States of America, 4^th July 1776, Anno Domini. Governments that are righteous will also enforce laws that are righteous. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work (Titus 3:1) Every good work is not possible under the tyranny of oppression and religious persecution. It is noteworthy that the Founding Fathers of the most flourishing Republic in history acknowledged the Source of legitimate governmental powers to descend from God.

We petition, in today’s COLLECT, for God’s government and preservation of His own people. WE beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people. Our prayers have no effect on the government of the ungodly, but they indeed do have application to the national character and morals of the nation in which His people dwell. You will recall from 2 Chronicles 7:14, that well-worn petition and counsel for national healing: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chron 7:14) Though modern-day America has become overpopulated by heathen and luke-warm Christians, only those who are called by HIS name, with serious intent, will suffice in prayer. All the false professor and legal idiots do not need to offer prayer at all for no one would hear them.

“………that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul.” What result may we expect if we are a nation well-favored by God for our faith and obedience? The amazing testimony of America in her first 175 years has been characterized by faith and righteousness before the Lord. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. (Prov 3:7-10) The blessings of God on a nation obedient to His laws are inexhaustible and extend not only the health of the soul, but the health and preservation of the body as well. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12) What a tragic downfall that is destined for the favored-nation who has known well the blessings of God but, yet, has fallen for the filth and slop of the world – a nation that once honored God in all her public institutions and expressions, but has now abandoned every reference to God and embraced the sins of abortion and homosexuality along with every other abominable thing.

It has long been the yearning of my heart that I could write in truth and good conscience of my beloved nation’s turn back to the God that gave her standing from her ancient founding; but I cannot do so. I have prayed that God would place a hook in our hearts, if we awaken not to our peril, and draw is by force back to His favored ground. He may do so yet, but I fear we are approaching that impasse of which Jeremiah prophesied. He at first preached repentance for national salvation, yet, the apostasy became so great and tragic that he changed his prophesying to a preaching of going into bondage as a chastisement, and then a national salvation based on repentance from the land of bondage at Babylon. How earnestly I pray that such bondage will not overtake our beloved America, but if it cause a national repentance, I plead that the Lord will bring it on sooner rather than later. It will be a sad day when the American Song is sung in bondage to strangers as in Babylon: 1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. (Psalm 137:1-3) Will it not be far more edifying to sing our national song by the Mississippi or Missouri Rivers than on the riverbanks of some strange and hateful enemy of our people? Unfortunately, the enemy is encamped among us today and will have a song in mirth of Christ and our God.

Again, beware the fateful words of that ancient Roman proponent of Republican forms of government, Marcus Tullius Cicero: Power and law are not synonymous. In truth they are frequently in opposition and irreconcilable. There is God’s Law from which all Equitable laws of man emerge and by which men must live if they are not to die in oppression, chaos and despair. Divorced from God’s eternal and immutable Law, established before the founding of the suns, man’s power is evil no matter the noble words with which it is employed or the motives urged when enforcing it. Men of good will, mindful therefore of the Law laid down by God, will oppose governments whose rule is by men, and if they wish to survive as a nation they will destroy the government which attempts to adjudicate by the whim of venal judges. 42 BC

Scripture to be discussed:

AVING therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

The Sermon

This Sunday bears out the Doctrine of Atonement – a term I heard another minister describe as ‘at-one-ment’with God. The cross reconciled us to God from the curse of Adam’s Fall and the subsequent Law which was our teacher to point out our infirmity and inability to be obedient to God in our own strength and merit.

Christ is the realization of that true Tabernacle of which that the Church in the Wilderness *(see Acts 7:38) was a type and picture. Christ is our Tabernacle “not made with hands.” “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 5:1) The later Temple was an improved picture of that Wilderness Tabernacle.

The Wilderness Tabernacle was lavishly furnished with silk and wool curtains, gold covered furniture, and other ornaments of gold. It was a thing of beauty INSIDE, but was rough and shabby appearance without being covered with goat’s hair. In that respect, it foreshadowed the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:2-3) But the Heart of our Lord was pure beauty of finest gems.

Both the Tabernacle and the Temple of Solomon were oriented toward the east. This symbolizes the welcoming gate of the Son of God at His second coming. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:27) He is our Sun of Righteousness and His brightness is beyond comparison. (Malachi 4:2)

The doctrines of salvation, atonement, redemption & justification are all fully consummated in the Doctrine of the Cross. These are physically represented in both the Wilderness Tabernacle and the Temple. Inside the outer gate of the both stands the Altar of burnt offerings. No one enters without confronting this demand for a sacrifice as the covering of sin. On the Hebrew Day of Atonement, each family brought their lamb, or other acceptable animal. Without blemish to be sacrificed as an atonement of sin. The sacrifice of Christ is the Christians offering for sin – a continual offering which was sacrificed once-and-for-all. It is thereby an eternal sacrifice.

Christ is an High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek (King of Righteousness). He is the eternal High Priest and therefore the only High Priest for all time and eternity.

At the moment of His death on the cross, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. (Luke 23:46) At that very moment, the Passover Lambs were being sacrificed. Moreover, During the Day of Atonement, the High Priest of Israel entered into the Holy of Holies beyond the veil to sprinkle the blood sacrifice of the people. On entry to the Holy of Holies, the High Priest must pass between the seven candles on the north side of the Holy Place and the Shewbread Table on the south. The Candles represented Christ as the Light of the World as well; and the Shewbread represented Christ as the Bread of Heaven. The High Priest stopped at the Altar of Incense to offer up the prayers of the people – the rising smoke of the incense representing the prayers of the people being wafted up to Heaven.

The High Priest could only go into the Holy of Holies once per year, but as our High Priest, Christ intercedes for our sins continually and forever. Behind the Veil was the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron, and Manna. Above the Ark of the Covenant was the Mercy Seat symbolizing grace as trumping the Law. The Mercy Seat, to me, is a clear representation of Christ and His grace.

HEN said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:52-59)

Christ most often referred to His divine role as the Great I AM. He was the I Am of the Burning Bush before Moses, and He is our great I am having neither beginning nor end.

OR he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. (Hebrews 7:17-27)

By the means of the Law, we have realized our weakness and inability to be accounted righteous. But by the atoning sacrifice of Christ, we are made clean by His blood and are accounted righteous by the imputed righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have an Advocate with the Father who is our continual Intercessor. We need not other – neither saint, nor pope, nor priest.

In the Absolution pronounced by the minister in Anglican worship, the minister has no authority to forgive sins but, instead, pronounces the will of God to forgive every sin of which the penitent has confessed and repented of.

LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you[4]; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer of Absolution, 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

The minister simply pronounces the Lord’s will to grant based on the General Confession of sins that precede the Absolution.

Christ is our Redeemer, Atonement, Savior, King and Lord of all. As the old minister described the Atonement, so I concur – Christ came to put us At-One-Ment with God. We are all One in Christ as He is One with the Father. He has reconciled His elect from Abraham to you and me by His cross. If we have put on the Mind that was in Christ, we are One with Him and with the Father. And if we are One with Him, we will not suffer quarrels and dissension in the Church. Such divisions is evidence of a lack of grace in the church and her members.

Let us all embrace that Oneness with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father, and our Father.

Jack Arnold

Bishop of the Diocese of the West – AOC USA

Education and Training

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide

Bp Jack brings 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/AcNrGm8DkHA

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 of action as we near the end of Lent, a season of preparation. Let us start by reading today’s Collect:

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called

Passion Sunday.

The Collect.

E beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Consider these words from the Collect:

… thy people; … by thy great goodness … may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul …

In the Collect, we acknowledge without God’s great goodness and divine intervention, we cannot be preserved in either body or soul. This is a constant truth through ought the Bible, the New Testament in particular. Without God’s great goodness we simply cannot be preserved. What does asking for God’s great goodness mean for us? It means when we ask we might be governed and thus preserved by His great goodness, we are in effect asking for His Guidance for us, so we can be preserved in both body and soul. We acknowledge God is the ultimate good and is the source of all truth, and we need His Help if we are to succeed. This concept is constant throughout all the collects. It is constant because it is the truth. We can only follow the narrow uphill path towards heaven with His Goodness and His Guidance. As always, if we are left to our own devices and desires, we are lost. Guided means we need to ask, then listen to what He Tells us, then actually follow those instructions.

For those who are not perfect[5], following instructions can be hard at times but it must be done nevertheless. And I have found this holds true in all aspects of live not just our spiritual aspect. However, in all areas without His Guidance we are truly doomed. We must look to Him for the guidance we need to get through the spiritual and physical turmoils of this life. We must trust in Him and not in our own fallible guidance. We on our own volition cannot drive the narrow up hill path towards heaven safely, we must rely on the Holy Ghost as the perfect infallible lead car that we follow for that guidance. The Holy Ghost will always give us perfect directions, however it is on us to act on and follow those directions.

Further to this thought, if we are looking to Him for guidance, we then need look to Him for safety. Safety meaning only the safety of our soul, our eternal life. It does not mean safety from dangers to the body here on Earth. Our bodies are still able to be physically harmed, but our souls are safe from eternal damnation, that is what safety truly means. It also does not mean we are to put ourselves at risk recklessly, but it means we are to have confidence that if we die while doing actions for Him, we are ensured that our souls will be safe and headed towards heaven.

However in order to get into heaven one must be perfect. But as we all know as Saint Paul says, all fall short. So how do we get in then? This is quite the accounting dilemma. How do you account us, who are very imperfect creatures as purified and perfect creatures? There is an easy solution for this and that is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our only means of being accounted as perfect when we come before God is to rely on the sacrifice and intermediary priesthood of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ to account us as perfect before God on that final day. Christ has replaced the intermediary priesthood of the Jews with himself, our one and only High Intermediary Priest. Your AOC ministers, while officially titled as priests, are not intermediary priests! The day of the intermediary priests have come and gone for us with the Old Testament in the past. We need only Christ, there are no middle men between us and Jesus. He is our Savior, our Leader, our Teacher, our Master, our Example!

Christ came to succeed the Old Covenant marked by sacrifices of innocent animals; killing off animals in an effort to atone for our sins really did not do the job. However as we have stated before, the Old Covenant was a needed step before the New Covenant could occur. It was a way to prepare people for Christ’s coming. They would not have understood His Message otherwise without it. Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection highlighted that His Ministry was all about action. If we truly are believers of Him, we will ACT upon His Word and not just say it. There is truth to the saying that action speak louder than words.

In the Gospel, Jesus explained to the Pharisees before Abraham had even been conceived, He was. In fact, Jesus was the one who created this Earth, so He has been around since before the beginning of the planet. The Pharisees could or would not grasp in their heads Jesus was who He claimed to be, the Son of God. They chose to try to destroy His ministry rather than follow Him. He was interfering with their comfortable way of living and deceiving the Jewish people. He was a threat to their system. They would not understand His Message, so they opted to try to destroy Him instead. Note the word try. Try as hard as they might, the Pharisees could not interfere with Jesus’s ultimate action for us, his Death and Resurrection upon the cross. Even with the truth of who He was laid bare in front of them, they still chose not to believe. Time and time again we see them confronted with the truth Jesus offers and they always choose to reject it rather than embrace the truth.

This is a very common pattern with God’s enemies. Their names and appearances my change, but their inner hearts and souls have not changed over the eons. Their hearts have been blinded by their love of their selves, pride and greed. They cannot see the simple truths we see as followers of God. They look down upon us and think we are the ignorant ones, when reality is the other way around.

They cannot, or will not, see that the priceless gift Jesus came to offer us. Jesus came to save our souls and give us eternal life, eternal life starting right then. Not just for the Jews and Israel, but the whole wide world, Jew, Gentile, Greek and all others. Jesus brought salvation and life to the entire world. That was not what the Pharisees were looking so hard for with their magnifying glasses as they examined Torah and The Law. They were looking for what would be only a temporary power, power on this physical plane. This pales in comparison to safety and happiness forever, for all eternity. Pharisees were not big picture people, and as Calvin told Hobbes, We big picture people rarely become historians or Pharisees, I might add. The Pharisees were very obviously not big picture people; they misinterpreted the prophecies of the Messiah. Regardless, even though some people chose to misunderstand the prophecies, He came and He made that one sacrifice, at one time, for all mankind, for all time. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life[6].

Who is Jesus? Our Savior? Indeed. But, more He has been since before the beginning of the world, for He is One with I Am.

Through His Actions, we are saved.

Do ye likewise:

ACT

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

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

It is by our actions we are known.

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

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

Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi. 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.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Passion Sunday

Saint Patrick

17 March 2024, AD

Psalm 51 • Isaiah 1:10-20 • 1 Peter 4:12-19

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called

Passion Sunday.

The Collect.

E beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

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

Today is the traditional day when we commemorate the life of an early saint. Patrick, born in the waning days of the Roman Empire in what would later be known as England, lived at the very edge of known civilization and faithful Christianity. His father and grandfather were clergy in the English (Anglican) Christian world. He was not a particularly strong Christian in his youth, but that would change, with a change of venue for Patrick. When he was about 16 he was captured by Irish rovers (pirates) who took him back to Hibernia (the island that would later be known as Ireland) and was sold into slavery. Patrick became a… shepherd. Over time, reflecting upon nature and his flocks, Patrick would come to faith and begin to share his faith with his captors.

Eventually Patrick would escape, make it back England where he resumed his life. According to his own writings (known as confessions), he would keep hearing a voice calling him back to Ireland to finish his mission. Patrick would go back to Ireland and spend the rest of his life preaching and teaching to the Irish, eventually being instrumental with bringing the island to faith in God through Jesus Christ.

ELOVED, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

Notice what parallels we find with the original stories of Joseph and that of Patrick. Both were sold into slavery, both put in a place of great depravation, originally, and yet God would use that place of despair for His purpose. Wow.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

As we survey the landscape of life, sometimes we cannot see what is happening either in the short term or long. In our lesson today, we see how the Lord prepared the way for the whole family of Jacob, to preserve them for a greater purpose. By making sure the twelve tribes survived, God sealed the covenant He made with Abraham about the ongoing family that Abraham was father to. This would be another opportunity for Satan to stop the redemption process through Christ, by stopping the family line early on. If you look at the long genealogy of Christ, you see several times there is a thin line that almost is broken. This is one of those times. The family of Jacob is on the edge of starvation, but they will be redeemed, not because they did good, but because they meant evil. It was God, of course, who turned it around so Joseph could save his brothers and father. And in the long term be that bridge that would bring the Redeemer to the world to offer redemption to the same.

do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…. 7. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. (Genesis 45:5-7)

Always remember when we look at the lives of those who died in Christ, let us remember that we are to learn from their experiences, both hard and difficult, to understand the costs of following Christ our Savior. He took up a cross unto death in order to cover us in our sin and save us from everlasting damnation.

As we conclude this study of God’s Word let us look at the last verses of Psalms 51 and read where so many of our penitential prayers come from in the Book of Common Prayer.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Here David asks for a clean heart and a renewed right spirit.

As we do in the following ascription from the Prayer Book:

Minister. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us.

Answer. And grant us thy salvation.

Minister. O God, make clean our hearts within us.

Answer. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Minister: O Lord, open thou our lips.

Answer. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

This psalm is from David’s deepest guilt from having someone killed so he could claim his wife as his own. He also had committed adultery and was involved in both a sinful relationship and a covetousness one too. So as we utter the same words David did we should feel the same need to confess and turn from our sins and live. We should daily confess our sins to the Lord and ask Him to forgive us of the same. And He will!

ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

EACE 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)

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.

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

✟

Yves M. Méra

Presiding Bishop – AOC France

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide

We are fortunate to have a sermon from the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of France. As you will read, he is an excellent writer. The sermon is easy to read and provides much insight.

Who is Jesus?

Fifth Sunday in Lent

17 March 2024

The great question of all human life is that of life after death. From the answer to this question follows the sense and meaning that we will give to our lives, being enlightened by the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and according to the circumstances governed by His divine Providence. As a hymn says, “He leads us.” This song is based on Psalm 23 (verses 1-4a):

HE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Jesus Christ is in our midst, he is Emmanuel. He is the revelation of the Father. He says to Philip (John 14:9): … he that hath seen me hath seen the Father As for the content of His revelation, it is contained in this one verse (John 6:40): And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Isn’t that good news?

One question leading to another, my second question is: How does Jesus save us? The answer is found in today’s Epistle (Hebrews 9:11-12): But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come … by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. We will never grasp the depth, height, width, nor length of that eternity that God communicates to us through Christ’s work on the cross. Here are a few things for us to understand:

For there to be redemption, that is, for us to be redeemed from Satan and for our sin to be blotted out, an atonement is necessary; according to the Law of Moses (Exodus 21:23): And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life. So, we all had to die because of our sin, added to Adam’s sin (Genesis 2:15-17): And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is wanting to decide for God – our Creator – what is good or bad for us; it is taking the place of God. It is the worst of all sins, the supreme blasphemy; And if it deserves death, it’s only fair. And a life must be sacrificed in our place so that we can survive the penalty we deserve. It is in this sense that Jesus gave Himself up to death by sacrificing Himself for us who believe in Him and in His Blood which cleanses us from all sin (Revelation 1:5): And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen!.

For our redemption to be perfect, a perfect sacrificial victim is necessary. God alone is perfect. He is absolute perfection Himself. Jesus says (John 8:46): Which of you convinceth me of sin?… Jesus never sinned: He is impeccable. Otherwise, He wouldn’t be God. However, we are perfectly… imperfect because we are sinners! From the moment we are conceived until we die, we are tempted and fall into trials (Psalm 51:5): Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. It is certainly not our fault we were conceived in sin, but it is a reality from which we cannot escape without returning to God in repentance (Psalm 51:3-6a): Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight. And who, then, is this perfect sacrificial victim who cleanses us of all sin – willful sins or not? Jesus Christ the Righteous, the Father’s messenger (1 John 4:9-10): In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. And Christ’s blood is also the perfect washing liquid that cleanses us from all sin (Hebrews 9:14): How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And since we are perfectly washed, we are perfectly saved. No one but Christ, God Himself incarnate in human flesh, could save us. No human work could do this. On the contrary, this same verse from Hebrews tells us that our good works are “dead works” and that we are saved “to serve the living God.”, not quite to please ourselves. Our good works do not come from us: they are the works that God works through us, which is the most powerful testimony of Christ’s presence in us, through His Holy Spirit. This is a concrete evidence of God’s existence (James 1:17-18): 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. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures; and James adds in verses 21-22: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. And the Word of God is almighty: Through it the whole universe was created (John 1:1-3): In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. And it is this same almighty Word that has made us new creatures (Luke 7:7): Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. We are all servants of God, and we have all been healed by His Word.

For our redemption to be eternal, an eternal victim is necessary. But God alone is eternal: the LORD is His Name (Exodus 3:14): And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM… God is. He is constantly, eternally, since He is out of the time. Time is indeed a dimension of our created universe (Genesis 1:14): And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years. Jesus Christ, because He is God, above time, is eternal. And so, the value of His sacrifice on the cross is eternal. Realize this: We are saved in eternity, eternally redeemed, and Christ’s one sacrifice is eternal. It does not need to be repeated on the altars of churches, as it has been in use for 2,000 years (Hebrews 10:10): … we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” that divine Body was sacrificed and risen and ascended into heaven where He prepares a place for us (John 14:1-3): Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.“Pagan men, ignorant of the true God, have imagined they could appease the wrath of their false gods by means of human sacrifices. They had guessed that without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). But not having the Body of Christ, they were reduced to slaughtering prisoners, if not their own children. But God sacrificed His only-begotten Son to show us that we don’t have to. Moreover, He forbids us to. Our human sacrifices, our works, are useless and vain, for they are so many sins in them. You know by now: Only Christ’s sacrifice can save us, if we believe Jesus at Word—His Word.

And what does this His Word say? Christ answers the unbelievers in the Gospel of John (John 8:46-47): … And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?… He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. To hear and understand God’s words, you must be chosen by God. It is this Word, then, that distinguishes between believers and unbelievers, elect and reprobate, saved and damned (Hebrews 4:12): For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Therefore, it is by this Word that we shall be judged. But we are already judged if we believe (John 5:24-30): Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

And Christ is even more emphatic (please remember this): (John 8:51): Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Please do understand that the second death is not for us. We already have our ticket to Heaven, a one-way ticket. A bit like in the Monopoly game, we will go directly to Heaven, without going through the “Last Judgment” box.

But the Jews disputed with Jesus, denying that He was the Christ, the expected Messiah, because actually they were no longer waiting for Him to come. They had organized a narrow little life based on human commands, in order to reassure themselves cheaply. In John 8:33 they peremptorily declare, “We be Abraham’s seed” and they are satisfied with it. Now … Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God (James 2:23). But Jesus’ interlocutors do not know with whom they are dealing… They pose as enemies of Christ, a God who is too human and too close to men, and they refuse to believe Him. In fact, they no longer expect anything from God, because they think they own it for good, being heirs of Abraham. But what is Abraham’s inheritance, if not faith in a Messiah-Savior and God? In John 8:56, Jesus tells them: Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. But Jesus’ hearers do not rejoice. By denying that faith and hope that possessed Abraham, they renounced his succession. And if they are indeed the descendants of Abraham according to the flesh, they did not inherit from him according to the Spirit, quite the contrary: Well; because of unbelief they were broken off (Romans 11:20), for the true descendant of Abraham is Jesus Christ! And if we are united to Christ, Him in us and we in Him by faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, then we are both heirs of Abraham according to faith, and joint-heirs of the Father with Christ, according to the Spirit.

It is then Jesus reveals His true identity (John 8:58): Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. This statement is to be compared with the one we saw in Exodus 3:14 where “… God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM.” Jesus says He’s eternal, for HE IS, full stop. He is the Eternal-God made a man. Such abasement is folly to the Orientals, the Israelites and the Muslims. (1 Corinthians 1:18 & 25): For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God … Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. (John 8:59) Christ does not overdo his efforts to forcibly save those who do not want to be saved. That’s where the danger lies!

Let us, therefore, be fools in the sight of the world, and wise in the sight of God. And for the grace He has given us by revealing Himself to us who believe in Him and are saved and inhabited by Him, let us thank the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, one Holy God. 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.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Commonly called Passion Sunday

OW to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. ¹⁷And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. ¹⁸For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. ¹⁹Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. ²⁰Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. ²¹Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. ²²But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Galatians 3:16-22)

Paul told the Galatians the law was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator and truly Christ is our mediator who came to serve as our link to God the Father. He also spoke of our need for a mediator when he wrote the following in our epistle lesson for today: For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:13-15).

Thus from the moment we accepted our Lord’s atoning sacrifice, our names were inscribed in his Book of Life. Our Lord came into this world to serve as our mediator— our intercessor— standing at our side much as any attorney might do for us in court. While he is our advocate, he also serves us in ways different from an earthly attorney. He is able to answer every charge brought against us by saying, “No Charge.” And this he has the power to do because from the moment we accepted his gift of grace, we received an immediate and binding pardon which renders every accusation against us void as he cancelled them at the cross.

There are churches which have accepted the false doctrine of inclusion without faith in Jesus Christ. They may profess a “belief” in our Lord without an acceptance of his divine nature, and that he truly rose from the dead that first Easter morning. Folks, there is a big difference between a mere belief in the existence of Jesus Christ as a man, and an acceptance of him as the Saviour.

No doubt you have heard people express a belief in Jesus Christ, but what do they really mean? That all depends on what they believe concerning our Lord. For example, I can hold a belief that Zeus was one of the gods of the ancient world without accepting his actual divinity. In other words, I am simply acknowledging the historical record that the Greeks worshipped a being whom they believed to be the “king of the gods of Olympus” known as Zeus and nothing more. In a similar vein, many people today believe that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual person while rejecting him as being God’s only begotten Son. So the lesson here is that we must not only believe in the reality of our Lord as a man who walked this earth some two millennia ago; we must also accept his atoning work on the cross, his death, resurrection and ascension, as well as his promise to come again in glory as our Judge and King.

Many churches today are peddling what is termed as an “easy believism.” To them, one need only express a belief in Jesus Christ without teaching them the fundamentals of what it truly means to accept him as Saviour and Lord. Without a solid grounding in God’s word written, what sort of beliefs will they entertain about him? Do they believe that he was just a “good” man, or a gifted public speaker, or a sage offering philosophical advice? It might surprise you to learn that the unregenerate of our Lord’s day regarded him as merely a good teacher and a healer which is little different from what today’s mass man believes. And just like those of the unregenerate who joined the early church, they may fall under the influence of the many cults of Christ. For if one does not have a proper Bible understanding of our Lord, such persons will be, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. (Ephesians 4:14)

Ergo, without a Spirit-inspired belief in our Lord, the unregenerated will not recognize him as their “Mediator and Advocate” which will render them unfit to receive God’s love and blessings. It matters not they were baptized, or even made a public profession of faith by saying a “sinner’s prayer.” If their belief in Christ does not change them effectually, they will live as if Christ had never lived, and they will die without his grace to lift them heavenward because they did not truly accept him into their hearts, but merely uttered with their lips his holy name. And that sort of behavior— falsely claiming to be in Christ while denying him as the Saviour— is a violation of the commandment, Thou shall not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. As Bishop Ryle once observed, “The mere belief of the facts and doctrines of Christianity will never save our souls. Such belief is no better than the belief of devils. They all believe and know that Jesus is the Christ. They believe that he will one day judge the world and cast them down into endless torment. It is a solemn and sorrowful thought that on these points some professing Christians have even less faith than the devil. There are some who doubt the reality of hell and the eternity of punishment. Such doubts as these find no place except in the hearts of self-willed men and women. There is no infidelity among devils.”

I have often wondered why so many who have been exposed to the gospel reject it. The gospel of our Lord provides true peace in these evil days. It contains that greater love which no mortal can express or imagine. It speaks of God’s forgiveness for our faults and failings as well as their expungement when we confess them to the Father in Christ’s name. Through our faith we are thus redeemed from death, hell and the grave. The gospel of our Lord comforts us with the blessed assurance of God’s everlasting promise. And as we believe him to be the Messiah, we believe also that he has gone into heaven to prepare a place for us so that in due time he will come again to bring us home. And we further believe that as saved persons, our Lord will empower our spiritual gifts so that we might witness to others.

There is so much good the Godhead is willing to make manifest to all people, and yet many persist in discounting the gospel message either at its initial presentation, or after having briefly experienced its effects. They tend to keep God at arm’s length because of their lack of faith, and are thus lured away by temptations of this life.

Thankfully, we who have been born again possess God’s gift of grace. Every time we recite the words of either the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed, we are affirming our belief that Jesus Christ is our only Mediator and Advocate and that through our confession to the Father in his name, we are forgiven, cleansed and made whole in his sight. Only afterward, are we able to approach God’s throne of grace where we may lay before him our cares and concerns, our praises and thanksgivings knowing that they will be heard by the Father.

If you have not done so, I encourage you to come and receive Jesus Christ. Seek his will for you. Read and inwardly digest his word and commandment. Honor him as your Saviour, Redeemer and Friend, your great high priest, and the author and finisher of your faith. Do not reject his teachings because you do not fully understand them, or reduce God’s word written to human terms and thus allegorize away the miraculous and the prophetic. God’s word is true. It is inspired and inerrant. It contains much which can help you in this life, and it will also prepare you for the life to come. It clearly sets forth for all to see that a loving God stepped into his creation to redeem that which was lost. Make it your prayer today that God will touch your heart, and that you would embrace his only begotten Son as your only Mediator and Advocate.

Let us pray,

EAVENLY Father, help us daily to become more effective witnesses in thy love and service so that others might come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord; and this we ask in his most holy name. Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Bryan+

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

Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.

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

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

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

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

What is the commitment from the prayer team?

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

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

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

What should I ask for?

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

Updating the Team

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

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

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

Corona Virus

Alan Ridenour’s father was hospitalized on a ventilator with Covid. After almost two months in the hospital, he has recovered to the point he has been released to home. Please join the family in a prayer of thanksgiving and for a full recovery.

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

Bishops Jerry, Jack, Igor are on travel to Madrid to consecrate Yves and Claudio and to bring Yves, joining them from France with his wife, and Claudio, of Madrid, fully into the AOC Worldwide Communion this Thursday, returning on Monday. Please pray for safe travel and for God to guide all decisions to be made there. We will have a full report on their return.

Birthdays

Paul Martin celebrated his 73^rd birthday on 24 February 2024.

Greg Harper celebrated his 68^th birthday on 24 February 2024.

Dru Arnold celebrated her 69^th birthday on 2 February 2024, she did not see her shadow, so there will be six more weeks of winter. That is not so bad in Descanso, California.

Anniversary

Dru and Hap Arnold celebrated their 37^th anniversary on 21 February 2024.

Departed

Marko Peršić. stepfather of Bishop Igor Djurcik, passed away on 11 February 2024, at the age of 66. He was an example of a true father, who accepted Igor as his own child. Marko was baptized as a child and Bishop Jerry confirmed him in 2014. He was a strong pillar of the congregation in Stara Pazova. Pray Igor, his family, friends and church members believe in their hearts even while they mourn now, they will meet again when time and pain will be as nothing.

Evelyn passed away on 5 February 2024, in home hospice care surrounded by her loving family. Please pray for the comfort for her daughters and granddaughters, Linda, Marie, Patty and Joanne, as well as her granddaughters, Samantha and Jennifer as they adjust to her loss.

Johnie Ratcliff, (CPO USN Retired, passed away the morning of 23 January 2024. Bishop Jerry said it best: Johnie is, by no means, dead, but smoother sailing than we can ever imagine. He is quiet, unassuming, and constant in devotion as a friend as well as a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Paulette. Over the coming ages, Johnie may be forgotten by all on earth, but he shall never be forgotten by the Friend above every other friend, our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for the comforting influences of the Holy Spirit to be with Paulette and his family in a powerful way as they grieve this temporary separation.

Remembrance of those who have gone before us

Kenneth Wayne Ogles was killed in action on 16 February 1967, in the Ia Drang Valley, in the Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, with the First Platoon of C Company, First Battalion 8^th Cavalry, First Cavalry Division at the age of 19. Kenneth joined the National Guard at age 17 and immediately transferred to the active Army’s First Cavalry Division. He wanted to make a difference, to do his duty to God and Country and protect the innocent people of South Vietnam. He gave all that we might be free. Please join us in remembering his service and sacrifice, as well as the hurt it cost the entire Ogles family, the sacrifice and pain is no less 57 years later. Remember Kenneth the next time someone wants you to give up a little freedom for the promise of safety or comfort.

Immediate Prayer Please

Candelaria (Candy) has problems with her legs. Her daughter Silvia and her granddaughter Luhana would appreciate you joining them in prayer for the problems to be resolved.

Zetta Carroll, recently had minor surgery to remove a malignant skin lesion and has had a second one identified. Please pray they will get it all and she will recover fully. Pray also for peace of mind for Zetta, her husband Rev Mark and their family.

Howard ‘BlueBodenhamer underwent tumor removal surgery on his nose which involved major facial cutting to make things right. It seems the surgery went well and he is recovering, he has a couple more surgeries to get things correct. Please give thanks for the apparent good result and pray things continue will. Give Blue and his lovely wife SueEllen peace of mind and patience during the recovery.

John, has multiple medical issues, diabetes, stomach problems, needs his gall bladder removed and now after two deep biopsies have found he has prostate cancer. They will be treating him with a new procedure not requiring radiation or chemotherapy. Pray that the doctor will be able to schedule this soon, to enable the Gall bladder removal.

Sonnie, 87, John’s mother with whom he lives, has been on oxygen for some time due to severe COPD and is experiencing breathing difficulties despite the oxygen 24/7.

Jim is experiencing two bacterial sinus infections so severe that it landed him in the ER and with an ENT doctor, who has prescribed a serious antibiotic regimen with severe side effects. He must take these antibiotics for two months. It is affecting his stomach, energy levels, concentration and vision. Please pray the Lord may use this time of healing medicine for Jim’s healing and the Lord’s glory. Pray Jim may stay the course with a complete recovery.

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

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 as they deal with her recovery and the loss of her husband Marko.

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 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 removed 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. 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.

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[7]. 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

Lee, late 60’s, has attended church all of his life, but has fallen afar from Jesus. He is in a nursing home with late stages ALS. Bishop Dennis is meeting with him weekly to help him back. Lee has run out of the ability to bear pain and would like to leave. Please pray Dennis will be able to help him home, not somewhere else.

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.

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

Tricia, Whitney, Landon, Jenna and Maddison give thanks for a safe, relaxing and wonderful cruise last week.

Passion Sunday

Passion Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent, and the first Sunday in Passiontide, the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on Passion Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter).

All crosses, pictures, images are covered with opaque purple veils and Gloria Patri is often omitted during this period. Passion Sunday is so-called because in the gospel for that day (John 8:46-59) Jesus begins his sufferings by being stoned out of the temple. Under the old calendar, Passion Sunday was also known as Judica Sunday, after that day’s Introit: Judica me, Deus (Judge me, O Lord) from Psalm 42 (43), and was called Black Sunday in Germany. This alternate name originates from the fact that after Passion Sunday, the Judica Psalm was not said again until Easter; the German title comes from the old practice of veiling the crosses and statues in the church on that day.

The Roman Catholic Church has completely suppressed Passiontide and eliminated Palm Sunday during the course of abandoning much of the Christian history and doctrine. They now refer to Palm Sunday as Passion Sunday. Traditional catholics[8] still observe Passiontide as well as its rites and ceremonies. Passiontide is observed in the Anglican Communion.

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

24 March 2023 – Palm Sunday– 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

25 March 2023 – Monday in Holy Week– Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (17:45 am); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

26 March 2023 – Tuesday in Holy Week– Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (17:45 am); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

27 March 2023 – Wednesday in Holy Week– Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (17:45 am); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

28 March 2023 – Maunday Thursday– Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (17:45 am); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

29 March 2023 – Good Friday– Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (17:45 am); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

30 March 2023 – Holy Saturday– Evening Prayer – Service start time 1800 (6:00 pm); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 1745 (17:45 am); Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

31 March 2023 – Easter Sunday in Lent– Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

[1] Lent – Forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing till Easter, observed by some Christian churches as commemorative of the fast of our Savior. [1913 Webster] a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday [syn: {Lententide}]

[2] Interestingly, my father Hap flew out of Getafe 50 years ago. The CASA facility there overhauled USAF Phantom II aircraft and he picked up many. He told me a lot of interesting stories about the place.

[3] This response was similar to God’s answer to Moses’ question, “Who do I tell them sent me?”

[4] In most of our parishes, the you is changed to us and the your to our, inasmuch as the minister has just confessed to his sins also and we want to make it very clear it is God who is forgiving and not the minster who has not that power.

[5] All of us, that is.

[6] If the text of this sentence seems familiar, it is John 3.16, probably the most widely quoted text of the Bible.

[7] 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.

[8] In this case the word catholic catholic (derived via Late Latin catholicus, from the Greek adjective (katholikos), means universal) comes from the Greek phrase (kath’holou), meaning on the whole, according to the whole or in general, and is a combination of the Greek words meaning about and meaning whole. The word in English means including a wide variety of things; all-embracing in particular as relating to the historic doctrine and practice of the Western Church. It was first used to describe the Christian Church in the early 2nd century to emphasize its universal scope. In the context of Christian ecclesiology, it has a rich history and several usages. The term has been incorporated into the name of the Roman Catholic Church, arguably not actually a Christian church, though with many Christian members, under the Bishop of Rome. Other Christians use the term catholic (normally with a lower-case letter c) to refer not to the Roman Catholic Church but the Christian Church and all believers in Jesus Christ across the world and across the ages, regardless of denominational affiliation.

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