Praying Each Day...for those who suffer chronic illness & disability

cf.  Praying Each Day http://www.prayingeachday.org/Sept25.pdf
SEPTEMBER 25 
1  There was a standing ovation at the ‘Oscar’ ceremonies in 1996 for the wheelchair-bound actor Christopher Reeve, who was born on this day in 1952.
2  The touching tribute was made to Christopher Reeve for his courage, having been paralysed from the neck down since a fall from a horse the year before, when he was aged 43. He is well-known for playing the part of ‘Superman’ in various films, and he was a role-model of an active and healthy man.
3  Some months after his disabling accident, Christopher Reeve stated that “laughter has the power to restore life”. A newspaper commented that he has been determined to set his disability aside and still aim to live life to the full. The newspaper wrote these words:
4  “Christopher Reeve - Superman - will never resume his old role but, when he shares of himself as he now is, on a million TV screens, then he will be facing the greatest challenge we can imagine - and then he really will be a ‘super-man’.”

image cf. http://cinemaniac2008.blogspot.ca

5  Let us pray: God our Father, we bring before you today those who suffer from chronic illness or disability - those for whom sickness or disability profoundly affects their lives.
6  When they feel diminished, remind them that you call them by name and hold them in the palm of your hand. Is 431
7  When they feel fragile and broken, mould them and heal them, that they may more closely resemble the image of Jesus, your Son and our Brother.
8  When they are reminded of different times in the past, lead them to grow in the faith that you love them today, as they are, in the reality of their lives this day.
9  When they feel uncertain about the future, lead them to that perfect love which casts out all fear. 1 John 418
10  When situations remind them - not of what they can do, but of what they cannot do - remind them that “love never fails”, 1 Cor 138 and that, living in your love, they will bear your fruit in plenty. Jn 155,9
11  May all of us - whatever our circumstances - never be so taken up with our own concerns
that we do not see or respond to the needs of others. May we live with courage the different challenges that each of us faces.
Amen

The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

Luke 15: 1-10:  The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
     Through the parable of The Lost Sheep scripture tells us that, "God's love for the individual is so great that he seeks out each one and rejoices when one is found."  The parable of The Lost Coin further expresses God's love for each of his children.  In Jesus' culture "women received 10 silver coins as a wedding gift.  Besides their monetary value these coins held a sentimental value like that of a wedding ring and to lose one would be extremely distressing.  Just as a woman would rejoice at find her lost coin, so the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.  Each individual is previous to God.  He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the Kingdom." (cf. Chronological Life Application Study Bible NLT p. 1410)  Parish Bulletin Sept. 15, 2013.

Above cf. http://meekatuano.blogspot.ca/2012/09/luke-15.html

     If you would read Luke 15, you will notice that it has 3 parables with the same message.  Ø  Parable of the Lost Sheep tells us of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one sheep that was lost.

Above: St. Peter's Alberton stained glass window at altar.

CBC Radio host Stan Carew coming to St. Luke's Hall

     Stan Carew, host of CBC's Radio's Weekend Morning show from Halifax will be doing a concert at St. Luke's Hall on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 7:30pm.  
     Tickets are $15 each.

Image cf. http://www.buzzon.com/articles/music/4218-stan-carew-concert

End of Summer Service, Christ Church Kildare Capes

     The last service of the summer season was held at Christ Church Kildare Capes on Sunday, August 27th.  It was a nicely attended service with an evening of special music provided by David Barbour and Friends (Joy Barbour, Judy Cotton, Linda Leard, Linda MacDonald, Wanda Matthew and Shirley Phillips - missing was Ann Champion) along with Rev. Andrew who also performed.
     Christ Church is open annually during July and August for evening services.

     Below is the window over the altar - installed a few years ago In Loving Memory of Cy Pringle - given by his family.

Combined Parish Service at Holy Trinity

     The Parish held its annual summer Combined Parish Service at Holy Trinity Church, Alma on Sunday past.

Thanks to Perry Batten and Rev. Andrew for providing music.

      Below:  A Christ Candle donated in honour of Edna Trainor on celebrating her 90th birthday in June 2013 was dedicated during the service.  Edna was born in the area and came to Holy Trinity in her youth and through the years.

     There was a nice congregation of parishioners from around the Parish - we also welcomed former Parish Rector, Fran Boutilier (1997-2002) and folks visiting from Ottawa.

     Following the service a potluck lunch was held at the Jeffery Homestead.

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/