Rector's Blog

Lent

2009-02-23T05:27:00.004-05:00

In the Book of Common Prayer, the liturgy for Ash Wednesday offers the following:

"Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer."

Listen to the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lenten Reflection

President's Day

2009-02-16T06:54:00.003-05:00

On President’s Day we honor two of our greatest leaders, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both who displayed godly characters in their service to our country.

From George Washington’s First Inaugural Address
Having thus imported to you my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the Benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication that since He has been pleased to favor the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and the advancement of their happiness; so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.
— George Washington, April 30, 1789

From Abraham Lincoln
"In the early days of the world, the Almighty said to the first of our race, 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread'; and since then, if we except the light and the air of heaven, no good thing has been, or can be enjoyed by us, without having first cost labor. And inasmuch [as] most good things are produced by labor, it follows that [all] such things of right belong to those whose labor has produced them. But it has so happened in all ages of the world, that some have labored, and others have, without labor, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits. This is wrong, and should not continue. To [secure] to each laborer the product of his labor...is a most worthy object of any good government."
— Abraham Lincoln, December 1, 1847

The 12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-26T06:56:00.005-05:00

News flash... the Christmas season has just begun! Although popular culture would have you believe that Christmas is over and it's time to have the after Christmas clearance, our Christmas really just started! In most of the Western Church Christmas is celebrated during the 12 days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany, January 6th.

One source writes"
"The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children with secular origins. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction, perhaps dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.

However, many have questioned the historical accuracy of this origin of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. While some have trying to debunk this as an "urban myth" out of personal agendas, others have tried to deal with this account of the song's origin in the name of historical accuracy (see Snopes on The 12 Days of Christmas). There is little "hard" evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical and logical discrepancies.

However, we need to acknowledge that the "evidence" on both sides is mostly in logical deduction and probabilities. Lack of positive evidence does not automatically provide negative evidence. One internet site devoted to debunking hoaxes and legends says that, "there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' was created or used as a secret means of preserving tenets of the Catholic faith, or that this claim is anything but a fanciful modern day speculation. . .." What is omitted is that there is no "substantive evidence" that will disprove it either.

...this should not prevent us from using the song in celebration of Christmas. Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship and proclamation. Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more important is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was only a secular "nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?" Dennis Bratcher

An explanation of the significance of the 12 days can be found with this original article at the link below:
http://www.cresourcei.org/cy12days.html

So don't pack you Christmas away too soon... the Wise Men have yet to arrive!

Why Rudolph?

2008-12-09T23:23:00.008-05:00

Rudolph is my most favorite of the Christmas shows. You really won't believe this one. I came across this article, the first part is printed below:

School board reinstates Rudolph, Santa

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was almost grounded at Murrayville Elementary School this week after a parent complained about the classic Christmas song’s inclusion in her daughter’s upcoming kindergarten concert.

The objecting parent was upset about the words “Christmas” and “Santa” in the song, feeling that they carried religious overtones.

That prompted the song to be pulled from the upcoming holiday concert, which in turn upset more parents.

But Rudolph will be shining bright next Tuesday after New Hanover County school administrators and lawyers determined the song was just, well, a secular song about a make-believe reindeer.

“They’ve determined that it signifies just a day in time, Dec. 25, not the promotion of a religious symbol,” said Ed Higgins, chairman of the county Board of Education. “So Rudolph is back in.”

School officials also found the use of “Santa” to be okay because he’s considered a nonreligious figure.

My question is, 'why poor Rudolph?' Didn't he get picked on enough for that red nose. Seriously, it is like saying that kids should not have those Peeps marshmellow chick candies at Easter, because they represent the resurrection. Can't we just leave the 'Christ' in Christmas and leave poor old Rudolph alone!

Read entire article at:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20081205/articles/812050251

Making a Switch

2008-11-26T08:31:00.002-05:00

Beginning on the Sunday of Advent 1, we will begin using the Revised Common Lectionary. The 2006 General Convention meeting in Columbus concurred this resolution.

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention direct that the Revised Common Lectionary shall be the Lectionary of this Church, amending the Lectionary on pp. 889-921 of The Book of Common Prayer, effective the First Sunday of Advent, 2007; with the provision for continued use of the previous Lectionary for purposes of orderly transition, with the permission of the Ecclesiastical Authority, until the First Sunday of Advent 2010.

Why change the assigned readings for worship?
(From the Episcopal Church website)

The Revised Common Lectionary provides these new features:
The option of semi-continuous reading of the great Old Testament narratives on the Sundays after Pentecost, to provide exciting new preaching opportunities, vacation Bible School ideas or informal summer story-telling for adults as well as children.
[Genesis through Judges in year A; the Davidic Covenant and Wisdom literature in Year B; the prophets – Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel and Habbakuk – in Year C.]

The option of lections in thematic harmony with the Gospel of the day for the Sundays after Pentecost. This follows the pattern of the present lectionary in which the readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament are chosen in relation to the Gospel.

The Inclusion of women and their role in salvation history, offering texts about women never heard on Sunday before.

The most notable example is the account of the woman anointing Jesus at Bethany [Mark 14:3-9]. Jesus responded by saying “wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” This text, omitted in the present lectionary, is included in the Revised Common Lectionary as part of the Passion narrative read on Palm Sunday in Year B.

*The Revised Common Lectionary preserves around 90% of the Gospel readings in the Lectionary of The Book of Common Prayer 1979.

Why is the Revised Common Lectionary of value to the Episcopal Church?

It is a truly ecumenical lectionary shared by most Protestant denominations and widely used throughout the Anglican Communion.
It provides new opportunities for ecumenical Bible study and shared resources for teaching and preaching.
It has improved the choice of appropriate texts for Sundays and Festivals.
It incorporates most of the readings with which the church is familiar.
Most new resources for preaching, teaching and the planning of worship are already being developed to support the Revised Common Lectionary.

Who is already using the Revised Common Lectionary?
American Baptist Churches in the USA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Anglican Church of Australia
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Anglican Church of Canada
Presbyterian Church in Canada
Christian Church [Disciples of Christ]
Presbyterian Church in the USA
Christian Reformed Church in North America
United Church of Canada
Church of England
United Church of Christ
Anglican Church in South Africa
United Methodist Church

*The Roman Catholic Church has not adopted the RCL. However, there are already many differences between the Episcopal and Roman Lectionaries, even though the Episcopal Lectionary was patterned after the Roman Lectionary.

The Lectionary texts can can be found at: http://www.io.com/~kellywp/index.html using the RCL selection for the appropriate Sunday.

Archbishop of Canterbury on Advent

2008-11-26T07:01:00.002-05:00

">

We begin Advent of Sunday. Archbishop Rowan Williams reflects on Advent.

Pray for our leaders

2008-11-06T14:53:00.005-05:00

It doesn't matter what party you belong to, what your affiliations are, or how you voted, it is our responsibility as Christians to pray for the leadership of our country.
I came across a website on the Internet called the Presidential Prayer Team, www.presidentialprayerteam.org. On its homepage it listed prayer requests for President Bush, words from Billy Graham, prayers for our troops, and prayers for various other leaders, plus other resources. I was interested, so I did a little bit more digging and found out, according to the website, that it was born out of the national tragedy of September 11th. Millions have joined together since then to pray for the President, his cabinet, the nation and our armed forces. It states that it is not a political organization and it says, "we pray for our national leaders in accordance with biblical principles, regardless of political persuasion. PPT exists in perpetuity to stimulate prayer for whoever occupies the Oval Office."

I Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Our country and its leaders need our prayers now more than ever. Pray that they may make wise decisions, have a discerning spirit, and that God may guide them to be faithful leaders. God bless America.

Links

2008-10-31T08:52:00.002-04:00

I have added a "Link" section on the right hand side. Right now it has a link to the Lectionary Page and to the Dily Office on-line. Watch for more :)

Halloween...

2008-10-31T08:28:00.004-04:00

"Hallow-een (= All-hallow-even) is the Eve of All Hallows (Saints), the last night of October. On the old Celtic Calendar the last night of October was "old year's night", the night of all witches, and the Church sought to purify it by making it into the Eve of All Saints." (The Prayer Book Society)

For our kids Halloween should be celebrated for for what it is... an evening of fun and sugar. A time when our childish side is allowed to come out. Why can't Halloween be an innocent evening of fun. The answer is because there is evil in the world. If we allow evil to be present...it will. I think that we should each recognize the power of Jesus in our lives this day and celebrate the joy that he brings to the world.

In case you were wondering, Mary Elizabeth is going to be Elvis (Las Vegas style) and James is going to be Yoda from Star Wars (Tracy has been busy on costumes). Me... I just enjoy the candy...especially Candy Corn!

All Saints' and All Souls'

2008-10-31T08:09:00.005-04:00

The three days from Halloween through All Soul's Day have become blurred together. We find ourselves celebrating and remembering the saints past and present without giving them the attention that the days deserve.

A little about the days from The Prayer Book Society:

"Both All Saints & All Souls were fixed Days in the Western Calendar by AD 1000 and the fact that they were put together reveals that they were seen as being closely related.

All Saints with its Gospel as Matthew 5, the Beatitudes, emphasizes the presence of holy men and women in the Church of God on earth and presents them as Christians to emulate, and follow as pilgrims, in this world on their way to heaven. Also the multitude of departed faithful, holy Christians who have gone before us is presented as a source of inspiration & example. Therefore it is a day of rejoicing, hope and consecration.

All Souls begins with the Introit, "Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them." In the three Collects of the Day in the Western Church there is prayer for the remission of the sins of the departed and that they may enjoy eternal life with Christ in glory. The Gospel is from John 5:25ff which speaks of the hope of resurrection unto everlasting life. Therefore it os a day of intercession and hope.

One sobering and challenging fact about the use of the word "saint" in the New Testament is that all baptized believers are here on earth called to be saints -- they are sanctified in and by Christ now through His Cross and they are called to be holy through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit." (by Peter Toon)

Blessing the Animals

2008-09-29T14:19:00.002-04:00

As the story goes, St. Francis approached a flock of birds. Walking into their midst, the birds did not fly off but rather gathered around him. Filled with awe and surprise, St. Francis was inspired to preach to them and give them his blessing, after which they flew off.

On another occasion a rabbit that had been caught in a trap was brought to St. Francis. The friar advised the rabbit to be more alert in the future and set it down to go its way. But the rabbit hopped up onto his lap, desiring to be close to him. So the friar took the rabbit a few steps into the woods and set it down. But it followed St. Francis back to his seat and hopped up on his lap again!

Stories of St. Francis like these help us to see why we celebrate St. Francis' feast day, Oct. 4, with hte Blessing of the Animals. The Collect for this day reads,
"Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace gladly to renounce the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfect joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

We celebrete all of God's creation in St Francis. We will be celebrating the Blessing of the Animals at St. Matthias on Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 p.m. Bring your pets and join us on the lawn!

New Experiences!

2008-09-23T07:32:00.003-04:00

I experienced something new yesterday! At one of the small group visioning session we are conducting, our lovely hostess was kind enough to serve some refreshments. Our hosts for this meeting are originally from Barbados and so she shared some of her island cuisine. 'What is it,' I asked. 'It is Souse,' she replied. Something in the back of my head told me that this was going to be an adventure. Souse I found out is made from pig's ears and feet... yes, I said pig's ears and feet. Let me tell you if you haven't eaten a pig's ear it is the texture that gets you.
So I tried some ear and foot. They were really spicy, which I think was a blessing! In any case, I tried them and they weren't horrible (although they won't make my top ten list!)
This made me realize that there are so many opportunities that God puts before that we just don't try. I think that a pig's ear is going to remind me that life in the kingdom of God is so much bigger than what I can imagine. I didn't start out the day thinking I was going to eat a pig's ear, but it was right there in front of me. By trying souse I experienced a part of some one's world that is different from mine.
Look for the pig's ear in your life today. Look for the opportunity that God is placing in front of you. Yes, the Kingdom of God may be like a pig's ear...

John Henry Hobart - Sept 12

2008-09-05T07:24:00.007-04:00

Today, in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, it is the day dedicated to John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York 1830. This is the collect assigned for this day, "Revive your Church, Lord God of hosts, whenever it falls into complacency and sloth, by raising up devoted leaders, like your servant John Henry Hobart whom we remember this day; and grant that their faith and vigor of mind may awaken your people to your message and their mission; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

This is a prayer for not only appropriate this day, but it is has universal in its plea to God to keep us, the Church, from falling into complacency.

In Hobart's bio this paragraph caught my attention, "His instinct for politics never overrode his principles. Once convinced of the rightness of his position, no wave of unpopularity would budge him. His friends adored him and even his enemies credited him with frankness and fearlessness. He held no grudges and played no games, two qualities that endeared him to many. In a turbulent New York State election for governor, a common saying was that only Hobart would have been easily elected."

Let John Henry Hobart be an example for us this day and 'may God revive the Church..."

Join us for Lunch Bunch

2008-09-02T14:24:00.003-04:00

The first Lunch Bunch will meet on Thursday, Sept. 4th from 11:45 - 1:15. Just bring a lunch, we will provide drinks and an oppurtunity for fellowship. Don't miss this great mid-week oppurtunity.

Labor Day

2008-09-01T07:17:00.012-04:00

The Department of Labor website explains that "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

I woke up this morning with the hymn Come, labor on running through my head. Here are the words,

Come, labor on.
Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain,
while all around us waves the golden grain?
And to each servant does the Master say,
"Go work today."

Come, labor on.
The enemy is watching night and day,
to sow the tares, to snatch the seed away;
while we in sleep our duty have forgot,
he slumbered not.

Come, labor on.
Away with gloomy doubts and faithless fear!
No arm so weak but may do service here:
by feeblest agents may our God fulfill
his righteous will.

Come, labor on.
Claim the high calling angels cannot share--
to young and old the Gospel gladness bear;
redeem the time; its hours too swiftly fly.
The night draws nigh.

Come, labor on.
No time for rest, till glows the western sky,
till the long shadows o'er our pathway lie,
and a glad sound comes with the setting sun.
"Servants, well done."

Come, labor on.
The toil is pleasant, the reward is sure,
blessed are those who to the end endure;
how full their joy, how deep their rest shall be,
O Lord, with thee.

Words: Jane Borthwick, 1859, 1863
Music: Ora Labora, Qui orat laborat

You can listen to the hymn at the following link.

http://www.dpchurch.org/music/pages/music/come-labor-on.html

This hymn was inspired by the parables in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus speaks of the coming of God's kingdom like the sowing of seed and harvesting of grain. We are called to be diligent in our work for God's kingdom in in the face of evil. As the linked website states, "this hymn could well be labeled “every Christian’s theme song” with its stirring melody and timeless text."

We are reminded of our 'labors' today, but what about our life's 'labors?' Our calling to labor on for the Gospel of Christ. "The toil is pleasant, the reward is sure,blessed are those who to the end endure; how full their joy, how deep their rest shall be, O Lord, with thee."

Today, let us remember and celebrate our labor and work, but let us not lose site of our calling to labor on, our work as laborers for Christ. "Come, labor on!"

Highlights for Week of August 31

2008-08-28T15:03:00.007-04:00

Sunday, August 31 - Services at 8:00 and 10:00

Monday, September 1 - Labor Day - The Church Office will be closed

Thursday, September 4 - Lunch Bunch from 11:45-1:00
Join us for the first Lunch Bunch. Bring your own lunch and we will gather in the Parish Hall for fellowship and discussion.

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

2008-08-27T07:59:00.007-04:00

As I was sitting at the computer this morning checking my emails, the sunlight was streaming through the trees spilling out on the dew kissed grass. It is one of those everyday, common things that captured me. You know how sometimes you are awe struck by those things that you look past each day. The hymn There's a Wideness in God's Mercy came to me.

Here are the word's to Hymn 470 :

There's a wideness in God's mercy
like the wideness of the sea;
there's a kindness in his justice,
which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner,
and more graces for the good;
there is mercy with the Savior;
there is healing in his blood.

There is no place where earth's sorrows
are more felt than in heaven;
there is no place where earth's failings
have such kind judgment given.
There is plentiful redemption
in the blood that has been shed;
there is joy for all the members
in the sorrows of the Head.

For the love of God is broader
than the measure of man's mind;
and the heart of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful,
we should take him at his word;
and our life would be thanksgiving
for the goodness of the Lord.

Words: Frederick William Faber, 1862;
Music: Beecher, St. Helena, Zum Frieden

We often forget how wide God's mercy is. How often do we look past the awesomeness of God. Sometimes during the day, in the midst of troubles or confusion or just searching we can't see God's mercy there for us.

Why is it that we can completely walk around God's mercy when it is so wide? "For the love of God is broader than the measure of man's mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more faithful, we should take him at his word; and our life would be thanksgiving for the goodness of the Lord."
If you doubt question the wideness of God’s mercy just remember that He sent His own Son to be a sacrifice for our sins. Now that is love and mercy... wide love and mercy.

May you know the wideness of God's mercy today!

Oremus Hymnal: There's a wideness in God's mercy

Prayer Challenge

2008-08-25T08:40:00.001-04:00

Recently, I was reading an article written by Bishop N.T. Wright on prayer. In it he writes,

'“AS OUR SAVIOR CHRIST hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say: ‘Our Father. . . .’” So runs the old liturgical formula, stressing the Pater Noster (the Our Father or Lord's Prayer) as a command and its use as a daring, trembling, holy boldness. At one level, this is entirely appropriate. At another level, however, it fails to catch the most remarkable thing about the Lord’s Prayer — and so fails to grasp the truly distinctive feature in Christian prayer that this prayer points us to. For the Lord’s Prayer is not so much a command as an invitation: an invitation to share in the prayer-life of Jesus himself.'

You may need to read that quote a couple of times and let it sink in.

Having time away this summer gave me an opportunity to reflect on many things. What I continually came back to in my own prayer, reflection, listening, and reading was the need for us to be a community of prayer. When I say us, I am speaking of 'us' on several levels. Us as Christians, us as a parish family, and us as individuals.

We are called to be in relationship with God. To seek God's goodness and mercy. To know that our Father is not unattainable, yet he is not common or ordinary either. Wright says, "This God is both intimately present within the world and utterly beyond, other, and different from it. He is present to celebrate with his people and to grieve with them, to give them his rich blessings and to rescue them from all ills, because he is also sovereign over heaven and earth, sea and dry land, all the powers of this world, and even over the urgings of the human heart. The Lord’s Prayer is an invitation to know this God and to share his innermost life."

So I put forth a challenge for you to join me in 30 days of Prayer. Start by praying the Lord's Prayers and then use it as an invitation to enter into relationship with 'Our Father.' I encourage you to keep a journal, pad, or piece of paper handy to reflect on how God is present to you over this time.

"An now, as our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us, let us say..."

Quotes taken from: The Lord’s Prayer as a Paradigm of Christian Prayer
(Originally published in Into God’s Presence: Prayer in the New Testament, ed. R.L. Longenecker. 2001, Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 132-54.)

My Inaugural Post

2008-08-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

If you are new to blogs...welcome aboard. If you are a seasoned blogger...happy sailing.

Wikipedia defines a blog as this:
A blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual,with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

That's a pretty good description of what this in intended to be. In this day of rapid information sharing, a blog is an easy way to post announcements, happenings, and reminders of things going on at St. Matthias. I will also use it to comment, muse, or ramble on about various topics that I find important, relevant, interesting, funny, or just some those things that make you go 'huh'?

We will link this to the St. Matthias website www.stmatthiasfl.org for easy access. I can't promise that I will post daily, but I will make regular enteries. Each week I will post Highlights of upcoming events and announcements. So check back often, because I'm sure you don't want to miss anything.

Fasten your life vests because this ship is getting ready to set sail! Bon voyage!

Peace to you,
Jim+