Are you ready?

Today's Gospel Luke 12: 32-40

     Are you ready? Do you believe the statement in verse 32 which says not to be afraid because God wants to give you everything? Do you totally trust God to meet all your needs? How do feel about verse 34 which describes the relationship between your treasure and your heart? What is your treasure? How do you treat your treasure? Verse 35 asks you to be ready for action at all times – ready for doing God’s bidding. Verse 37 says  if you are ready to meet and serve your Lord whenever he comes that you will be blessed.  Verse 40 urges readiness because ...”the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”  God provides, God’s blesses, God expects his disciples to act wisely and love one another now! 

cf. Parish Bulletin, Aug. 11, 2013

Image cf. http://biblechallenge.salvationarmy.org.uk/

Luke 12: 13-21

This is the Gospel for Sunday, August 4th, 2013 - cf. Parish Bulletin

Reflecting on Today’s Gospel Luke 12: 13-21

Excerpts from a sermon by Pastor Elisabeth Johnson, Lutheran Institute of Theology, Meiganga Cameroon (The Text This Week on line)

     Why is the rich farmer called a fool? ...The rich farmer is a fool not because he is wealthy or because he saves for the future, but because he appears to live only for himself, and because he believes that he can secure his life with his abundant possessions.  ...Like the rich farmer, we are tempted to think that having large amounts of money and possessions stored up will make us secure. Sooner or later, however, we learn that no amount of wealth or property can secure our lives. No amount of wealth can protect us from a genetically inherited disease, for instance, or from a tragic accident. No amount of wealth can keep our relationships healthy and our families from falling apart. In fact, wealth and property can easily drive a wedge between family members, as in the case of the brothers fighting over their inheritance at the beginning of this text.  ...Most importantly, no amount of wealth can secure our lives with God. In fact, Jesus repeatedly warns that wealth can get in the way of our relationship with God. “Take care!” he says. “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (12:15). Our lives and possessions are not our own. They belong to God. We are merely stewards of them for the time God has given us on this earth. We rebel against this truth because we want to be in charge of our lives and our stuff. Yet this truth is actually good news. Because all that we are and all that we have belongs to God, our future is secure beyond all measure. So Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (12:32).

image cf. http://frbonnie.wordpress.com/

Memorial Service at Holy Trinity

    The well attended second annual Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Alma Anglican Church was held on Sunday, July 21st at 2:30pm - officiated by Rev. Andrew Mortimer, who also played his guitar for hymns.  
     The service began in the cemetery with the intention of moving in to the church half way through, however, the day was so lovely we decided to stay outside.

     Following the service we went in to the church to have refreshments and fellowship.

     Thanks Janet for doing the bulletins!

Be Mine, prayer by Janet Mortimer

Above: Heaven's Garden by Marino Petro, marinapetro.blogspot.com

There is a garden of rest, I call you to,

A place to come to be with me,

A place to leave the world behind,

A place of love and healing mind,

Look up, kneel down, let go, be mine.

- Janet Mortimer June 14, 2013

cf. Parish Bulletin, July 7, 2013

Prayer for All Leaders in the Church

( A Bedside Prayer Card )

     Lord, watch over the leaders in your Church. Keep them faithful to their vocation and to the proclamation of your Gospel. Teach them to recognize and interpret the signs of the times. Strengthen them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and help them to serve their subjects well, especially the poor and lowly. Give them a vivid sense of your presence and the knowledge of how to show it to others. 

Amen

cf. Parish Bulletin, July 7, 2013

Three EFM Graduates in our Parish

    On Sunday, June 30th Janet Mortimer, EFM Facilitator, presented Dr. David Crocker, Mrs. Adrienne MacDonald, and Rev. Andrew Mortimer with Certificates from the University of the South School of Theology ( http://theology.sewanee.edu/  ) in recognition of their completion of the four year, Education For Ministry Program.
     Congratulations to our EFM Graduates!

Prayer for The Tongue

1 Peter 3: 10: For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. (NIV)

Prayer for The Tongue (Prayers from the Word by Jane Jones)

Father, help me to put a guard on my lips so that I will only speak words of life (Prov. 18:21). I determine to guard my heart so that life flows forth from me. Let my lips speak only truth in love. (Prov. 34:13). My tongue will speak of Your righteous word (Ps. 119:72) and I will promote life. (Prov. 12:18). Let the law of kindness always be on my tongue (Prov. 31: 26) Amen.

Jeremiah 33: 3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”.

 .......and He will.

cf. Parish Bulletin, June 30, 2013