One could never associate failure with this strong woman...
In 1914 Louise Augusta Merritt was born. When she was quite young she married Whitley Brathwaite, a man 10 years her senior. From that marriage came ten children, all well schooled in the virtues of life and a knowledge of God, self, and family. Before she could enjoy the fruits of a good retirement with her husband he died and for forty-one years after that time she served her God with an unflinching passion. Today, this eighth child of this devout Christian woman honors her, and he has invited six other Christians to join in the honor.
Since my ordination to the priesthood, I have dedicated this day to 'Mother B". My siblings, though scattered across the globe, join with me in thanking God for the mother we had. She was strong-willed, prayerful, and had the courage to accomplish anything she set her hand and heart at doing. One could never associate failure with this strong woman. She knew how to set goals; achievable goals: and though some of the goals might have been difficult, her sense of purpose, her strength, and her spiritual resources, stretched her imagination in positive directions. I cannot think of a time when something she set out to do was not achieved.
I pray for the day when we both will sit for one of her 'wisdom chats' but then again, we will be so busy worshipping the Lamb at the center of the throne, we will hardly have time for chatting. As I think about each person who will be honored today, I see in each person lots of the traits and values my own mother embraced and displayed. I pray that each of the honorees will be filled with the joy of knowing that it is by the grace of God that I had a mother of whom I am humbly proud and it is with that same pride I humbly honor each of them.
By his grace we all have come this far, and it is by that same grace He will lead us on. Amen.
Yours, for the building up of God's kingdom.
Fr. Chris
He is coming back.
It is hard not to be excited about the time between the resurrection of our Lord and his ascension into heaven. Between this Sunday and next we will celebrate Ascension Day—a very important day in the life of the followers of Jesus and especially the early church. And one of the most amazing pronouncements of that day is the angels who verified that “[T]his same Jesus which has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” This had to be a bitter sweet occasion for the disciples. They knew Jesus was leaving but they were still not sure about many things. They asked him if this is the time when he would restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus was thinking more of his heavenly journey than anything else, but he still had enough earthly wits about him to tell the disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they were properly empowered to witness to the far places of the known world. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and the ends of the earth. Think for a moment, your best friend is going away from you. This mysterious person who called you into friendship with himself and has taught you a whole lot in a very short time: died, buried, came back to life offering you peace, and cooking fish for you at the same place you met him years earlier, is now being taken away. But the hope of this journey is that he is coming back. That was the hope for them, and that is the hope for us. Our Lord is coming back. May we live lives worthy of his welcome when he returns.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2013-05-05
Throughout the Gospel of John, the Evangelist shows that there is faith based on signs and faith that need more fortification of signs. There is weak faith, deep faith, shallow faith. There is strong faith, and there is faltering faith. In the gospels, faith is a decision made once, and then there is faith that must be renewed, time after time. In our portion assigned for today, the Apostle Thomas wrestles with his faith when the disciples told him "we have seen the Lord" Thomas was one of the Disciples, he knew Jesus, one would think that Thomas would respond with the same joy as the other ten who saw him, but no! Thomas faith took a dive and would not allow his heart to beat to that drum; Thomas wanted proof. When Thomas got the proof his response made for a profound theological statement. He said, "My Lord and my God." This situation with doubting Thomas should help us as we too wrestle with our bouts of doubt. We should be encouraged, not to be doubtful, but to understand that faith waxes and wanes, and that is not all bad. Our emotions delude us into thinking that we have every situation under control, but sometimes we are confronted with some stunning news that wreaks havoc on all that we know and all that we believe. There have been times when I reached out to God for some help and when the help arrived or the situation worked out in a positive way, I still had bouts of doubt, my faith waned and would not allow the joy that should have been associated with the success to flow through.
Thomas ran away and stayed away because he could not come to grips with the fact that his Lord was crucified, and when he regrouped with his friends they told him "we have seen the Lord" he still doubted. Faith, it is not a once I have it I am good to go. Faith needs the constant empowering of the Holy Spirit. Faith, needs needs to be stretched in every direction. Faith, must always be a work in progress. The scripture reminds us that faith comes through hearing the word of God. Faith also comes though prayer. Our thoughts inform us to seek God in prayer. Prayer informs us to launch out our faith in God. Faith surprises us with some treasured moments worthy of sharing with friends and foes. I hope for all of us will develop a healthy prayer life steeped in an abiding faith in Jesus our Savior.
Yours, for the building up of God 's kingdom
Fr. Chris
2013-04-07
St. Mark’s is on the move at home and abroad
Our mission to Cuba is a unique opportunity to visit our neighbors and see their life and worship to God in their own part of God’s vineyard. We go in God’s peace seeking to share our love, camaraderie, worldly goods and money with our brothers and sisters. We will also look for ways where we can reach out to them even after we return to
a foreign country—a country that has been closed to American travelers for many years. Through the connections with the Diocese of Florida and the Bishop of our Diocese, (The Diocese of Central Florida) this opportunity is presented to us.
We the USA.
Keep in mind, we are going to will be the guest of Bishop Griselda Delgado Del Carpio and the people at the Episcopal Cathedral in Havana Cuba. Let us treat this as a special opportunity which is available through the kindness of these three dioceses, and we pray that this will be an experience of a life-time for each of us.
As I have read and watched U-tube videos and other publications, I have noted that Cuba is unlike most places in the world. As visitors, let us be respectful of the people and their culture. Let us try hard not to measure the standards we find in Cuba by the standards we have at home in America.
It is better to make notes or keep a daily journal of things you want to discuss and discuss those things when you return to the USA. As we prepare to depart in early March, let us be in prayer for our hosts, let us be in prayer for our church here in Haines City, and let us be in prayer for our Diocese as Bishop Brewer will be hosting, for the first time to Central Florida, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Let us pray for God’s church in Cuba and in every land.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris [2013-02-07]
Thank God we have access
All of us like access. We like access to our family and friends. We like access to information and our money. We like to have access to people in power, but for the Christian, we like to have access to God. Emailing, texting, tweeting, social media and all the modern modes of communication give us access. There is something about us that makes us feel good when we know we have unencumbered access to people, places, and things. There is something special knowing that bridges are built to get us from here to there: Aircrafts are made to fly us from here to there; Boats and trains and cars and busses all of these wonderful earthly instruments or implements are made to give us access. But access is made for a two-way response—we do something and we get something. Some people who have access to people in power are referred to as insiders; therefore, if there are insiders, there are definitely outsiders. The residual effect that is left with us when we gain access can be both invigorating and devastating. In the Old Testament, Moses had access to God and that access left him with a residual effect which cast brightness over the people who looked at him. When Moses came down from the mountain, his face shined brightly and so, he veiled his face. The veiled face prevented the people from viewing the end glory which was being set aside. But one day the end glory was revealed and all who appeared on the mountain of transfiguration had a good look. This was more that a glimpse for those who went to the mountain to pray. It was an opening for all who believe in the transfigured Jesus. The transfiguration opens for us the vivid view which gives access and assurance that Jesus is the son of God. It assures all who believed in Him full access to the end of glory. Long ago, Moses went to the mountain in the presence of God, but this time Moses was with God. John’s gospel tells us, “No one has ever seen God, it is God the only son who is close to the Father’s heart who has made him known” (J.1:18) and in the book of Hebrews we read that Jesus is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being” (H.1:3). Therefore, let us follow Paul’s writing. Let us listen to the voice of God as we hear it in Paul’s writings. Paul said, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. My friends let us this year turn to the Lord. Let us put our trust in him. Let us do as the song writer says. “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.”
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chr
Message from Father Chris
Every Sunday the gospel leaves us with more questions than we can comfortably answer in one sitting or in one sermon, but today Jesus laid it on the line. Jesus, filled with the power of the spirit, returned to Galilee…But when he got to Jerusalem—a place he knew very well; he repeated the most incredible words his listeners would hear in their lifetime. He said, the Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has
anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And as simple as those words may seem, they are words of perfection. Jesus said, today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. I wonder if we sometimes in our speaking fulfill the expectations of our listeners. I wonder if we leave our listeners with kind words, or hopeful words, or comforting words. Last week I went to the Heart of Florida Hospital to visit one of our once active members. She was pleased for the visit and as we reflected on God’s word, my very sick friend was comforted with the words from the book I took with me, but her true contentment came when I offered to write her a reflection on the readings for the next day. I wrote from Ephesians 6:1-9 and as I returned the next day and read the reflection, I noticed a faint smile coupled with a streaking tear from her eyes. Needless to say, she was touched by what I was able to glean from the statements Saint Paul mentioned to the people at Ephesus so many years ago. Knowing what to say can be of great help to those who are hurting, lonely, or even confused. Words of comfort sometimes turn to words of hope, joy, and peace, but words of love supersede almost anything we can do or say. During 2013, as we seek to find the best in others, let us ask our heavenly Father to fill us with His Holy Spirit that our words may be as soft and as kind as possible.
Yours for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2013-01-27
We prayed, God selected, Work begins
During the month of December, we provided you with a short resume of each new person who was likely to be called to the vestry. After much prayer and discernment, each person was duly elected and we are pleased that they are all willing to serve. This year, I have taken some very specific steps in Leaning Forward, because like no other, this year is going to be a great year for St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The persons voted to the vestry were God selected, God appointed, and God directed. After the election on January 6, 2013, we held a prayer meeting seeking God's guidance for the person he would appoint as Junior Warden. That person is Mr. Eugene Ralph. Along with our treasurer, Mr. Christopher Cherau, I feel confident that God is going to use the gifts that each person brings to the body with cheerful optimism and for his good purpose. In the Epistle for today, Paul reminds us that each person has gifts, and there are variety of gifts, but one spirit. The manifestation of the spirit given to each person is for the common good. These vestry members will use his or her gifts for the glory of God, to help build God's kingdom here in this part of His vineyard.
I ask you to continue your prayers for these people who said yes to God's call. Let us encourage them in remembering that they are not alone; God is with them.
Let us pray:
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy Holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2013-01-20
Embracing the Word we seem to forget—SIN
He went into all the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin”
Advent II is known as the Sunday of love, and at the heart of the gospel is a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. So how does one tie the two together? People still need forgiveness, and the God of love still forgives. Sometimes we are tempted to gloss over the reality of sin and to emphasize only forgiveness. To mention sin seems somehow unenlightened or judgmental. That, however, is faithful neither to the scriptures nor to our spiritual needs. We know that we are sinners. Life looks different when we deal seriously with our sins, because it is only then that we can believe that there is a serious possibility of forgiveness. Furthermore, it is illogical to speak of forgiveness without speaking first of sin. If there is no sin, there is no need of forgiveness. One of the questions on my canonical examination called for a response which I clearly pinpointed as sin to be dealt with. Somehow, by hitting the proverbial “nail on the head” using the word sin, was not a welcomed choice to the examiners, they would have preferred me to use the words ‘missing the mark’. Well missing the mark is true, because we know all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. So, to me, it is a dichotomy if we are comfortable using the words missing the mark without saying how we missed the mark. Now that I am a priest, the only examination I have to perform is the life I live—thanks be to God. And since that is the case, I am comfortable saying that the God of John the Baptist is the God who forgives sin, and none of us should be so politically correct that we are afraid to say, Father I have sinned. These are the words the prodigal son used when he returned home. He said, Father I have sinned against heaven and against you…) But as we acknowledge and deal with sin, we find the heart of the gospel this day as the pivotal point of life. It is love. It is the love of a merciful God that we come and cast all our sins before and plead forgiveness. So as we proceed through the season of Advent, and on this Sunday of love, let us be mindful of our sin, God’s love, and God’s forgiveness.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-12-09
Embracing thoughtful Preparation for this New Year
“When you see these things you know the kingdom of God has come near.” Today begins the season of Advent, the Christian New Year, and people all over are in a state of preparation. Some are preparing for the joyful season of Christmas, because it is a tradition to be in a festive mood. As a matter of fact, the mood began right after Thanksgiving Day, but for the Christian, the season is not so festive. Actually, the season of advent is more reflective as we hear the reading and ponder the meaning of the very first season of the church’s year. In the gospel Luke brings to us the words of Jesus and helps us to lean forward as we reflect on the signs up, raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” The kingdom of God is near. So what is Jesus speaking about? Jesus is bringing the hearts of people to a view of what it means to live with expectancy—what it means to live with hope—what it means to be alert. But if the kingdom of God was near over two-thousand years ago, how come it is not here/ Is it closer than it was some two-thousand years ago? And if it is here, did we miss it? These are questions that are best answered if we take the time to follow the teachings of Jesus. One of the early teachings of Jesus as we find in Matthew 4:17, Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In the gospel of Mark, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is at hand” This is the message Jesus brought as he began his ministry, but he did not just make the statement. He showed in the beatitudes what life in the kingdom looks like. He showed us how a life lived with mindful-attention to the tenets of the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11) is the start of kingdom life, but today he tells us the rest of the story. He tells us that though the kingdom was established at his first coming, the rest of the kingdom will be revealed very soon and it is for that we must prepare. Advent is the season of preparation of the times. He said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among the nations by the roaring of the seas and the waves” (Lk.21:25). Then Jesus goes on to describe what will befall many people but it will be the time of the “Son of man coming in the cloud…stand. Let us not be caught unexpected or unprepared. Let us pray for the strength to escape all the things that will take place, and stand before the Son of Man.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-12-02
Thanksgiving 2012
I don't believe that many of us will be able to comfortably sit at the dining table and partake of the thanksgiving meal without some deep thoughts of our displaced brothers and sisters in the north. The devastation caused by hurricane Sandy will make for quite a different Thanksgiving Day for many persons who have been displaced by the raves of the hurricane that swept through the north eastern states earlier this month. Thanksgiving Day is when most Americans and people living in this country sit with family and friends over a large meal and give thanks for God's goodness and love. It is also a day to share time and talent with the less fortunate, but for many, this year that will not be the case. What may be something to note is that in years past some of these displaced people were the ones who joined with neighbors to help out others on Thanksgiving Day with baskets of food, help with the cooking and distribution of food at a homeless shelter, or merely calling friends and relatives with a word of cheer. This brings to center how fragile our life existence is here on earth as we treasure our earthly possessions and cling to what we so casually call traditions. But the question that we must answer is: what is it that will arouse the discomfort within us? What is it that causes us to feel a strong bond of kinship when life's unfortunate uncontrollable unusual circumstances place fellow human beings in hard and dark places? What is it that will give us a different lump in our throats as we sit to eat this Thanksgiving Day? It is what Jesus said so many years ago and it is what he is saying to us today—love one another. As a summation of the commandments he said that we should love God, love self, and love neighbor as we love self (a paraphrase). He also said we ought to store our treasure in heaven. The true storehouse of our treasure is in heaven. Nothing on this side of paradise is as important as living out the love God has placed in our heart. It is that love that will not only cause us to think about our brothers and sisters on Thanksgiving Day, but will cause us to include them in our prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving
Fr. Chris
2012-11-18
Embracing our Veterans
Today is the official Veteran's Day. A day we remember those who fought wars to protect the freedoms we enjoy. The freedoms we sometimes take for granted. Many of these men and women gave up special moments with family, including graduations, attending their children receiving their first Holy Communion, watching them dressed for the Prom or the Debutant Ball, or setting off for college; all for the protection of the freedom of this great country. We live in a country where we can be who we want to be without fear of reprisals as long as we live within the law of the land: A land of untold opportunities. A land described as an idea—an idea with limitless room for personal growth, expansive horizons, mountain top experiences and for innovative experiments. Each of us who live in this God given land is offered a place—a place to be. The only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves by fear, ignorance, malcontent, hatred, worries, or misguidance. These noble men and women who protected us were in the Armed Forces, such as the Marines, the Army, the National Guard, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Navy, and are in the Army Reserve. These men and women year-round protected us so that we can be who we want to be and enjoy the freedoms of this country. But there is another war, there is a spiritual war. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus and admonished them and us to put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil. He also said that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Paul is very clear that there is evil in the world, but long before Paul, Jesus said as he taught his disciples to pray, “Deliver us from evil.” So what is evil? What is it that we are to be so mindful of and guard against? Evil is that which distorts the plan of God. And we must have a deliberate plan to stand up against evil. That plan calls for us to put on the armor of God. But as we understand the vesting of the spiritual armor we will know that the only offensive armor mentioned is the sword, and for the Christian, the sword is the Bible—the WORD of God. So as we celebrate Veterans Day, and hold up our human warriors in prayer, let us also pray for ourselves as we continue to serve in the Lord’s Army; let us read and study God’s word and continue our fight in the wars of truth and righteousness.
Yours, for the building up of God's kingdom
Fr. Chris
2012-11-11
Embracing Transparency.
The way you give:
Please help us to be better stewards of your treasure. When you make your regular contribution to St. Mark’s, please indicate on the memo line your intentions; whether your check is for building fund or your tithe or offering. At the end of the financial year you will receive two statements for your tax purposes.
The way we count:
Counters, please make sure you separate the money given to the building fund, from the money given to the general fund. This is important and will help the two managers of the accounts to be able to readily respond to the vestry when information is needed. Very soon, we will provide night deposit bags for the money to be dropped in the bank the same day the money is counted.
The way God Blesses: (2 Cor. 9:6-11)
Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it: He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. (The Message Bible).
Fr. Chris
2012-10-28
Embracing the Celebration
Last Sunday was an incredible moment in the life of this church. Our bishop, clergy, well-wishers, and friends came from all parts of Central Florida to celebrate the first 120 years of the life of St. Mark’s to a community that is rich in culture and love. The entire atmosphere was festive and Episcopal Church, and witness the breaking of the ground for the erection of a new sanctuary here in Haines City. The bishop celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached a sermon that is right for our time in history. It was spirit filled, it was purposeful, and it called each of us to understand that God is up to something good for his people in Haines City. Children and families will know that there is a church here which offers spiritual care and guidance joyful, but it was also tempered with the reality that building God's house for God's people takes focused vision and continuous prayers. The Bishop called on each of us to do our share and support God’s vision for this city. As your rector, let me once again thank you for what has become our brand—the most hospitable church in the diocese” You have warmed my heart with your support. Now that we have broken ground, indicating our seriousness about building, let me remind you that there are two more events planned which I believe will be just as festive. One will be the actual start of construction and the other will be the dedication and consecration of the new sanctuary. It is my prayer that both of these events will take place in the year two thousand thirteen (2013). God is on the move. And he is calling on us to move forward and make real what he had planned for this place so many years ago.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-10-21
Embracing opportunities
The Bible is filled with intrigue about opportunities, how people have used time and purpose to take advantage of opportunities. All the prophets have listened, followed dreams, or simply use whatever urges they obeyed to take advantage of an opportunity for God’s purpose. Here in modern times, we are well aware of the advantage or the resistance to opportunities. In these seemingly difficult economic times, still lie great opportunities. But seizing opportunities takes courage. Opportunities take the will of the inner passionate conflict between security of the moment and the risk of the future. Opportunity is more often than not very crude and untimely. It comes in either bite sizes or giant sizes, but regardless of size, we can never be too prepared for opportunity. Opportunity requires a response—a response in faith or a response in inquisitive blundering and confusion. One of the great avenues to opportunity is the fact that we need not be correct in our approach, but we need to act. Too often opportunities are lost because someone believes that rocket science type analysis or microscopic scrutiny must be conducted before an opportunity can be seized. Opportunity does not admit to too much debate, because we can never be too prepared for opportunity, but prepared or not, opportunity requires a response. Moses hesitated when God called him to go to Egypt to deliver his people, but he did go. Jonah dodged the first call to go to Nineveh, but he did go. Isaiah, on the other hand, responded in blind faith—faith in a Smokey temple and said, “Here am I, send me.” If we are to be honest with ourselves, we would understand that we are here based on the Grace of God, and the good sense he has given us to seize an opportunity. We are here both for place and purpose. This is a time to make good on an opportunity created by the downturn in our economy. A time to showcase—to demonstrate, if you will, our faith in God and in this community, if not the entire Diocese. As we assemble together week after week for a time like this; a time to make the love of God known to as many people as possible, we ought to take advantage of this opportunity to signal to the wider community that we worship, not just to please ourselves, but to please God. We worship to give thanks and praise for ourselves, our family and friends, and for those whom we love but see no more. We seize the opportunity to pray for those whom we believe will soon come to the knowledge of God’s grace and mercy. That is why this opportunity to serve God is so meaningful to us. May we all continue to be faithful stewards of His grace and mercy.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-09-23
Embracing the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
In most churches in the Anglican Communion, four days are set aside for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. This sacrament is offered at the Easter Vigil, The Sunday of Pentecost, All Saints Sunday, and the first Sunday after Epiphany. Here at St. Mark’s, your Rector has added one more Sunday; that is the first Sunday in September. The offering of this particular sacrament is a command by our Lord as we initiate new people into the family of God. “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” (The Message Bible: Matthew 28:20). This is the mission of the church and it all begins with baptism. As a matter of fact, after one is baptized the celebrant and the congregation says, “We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.” But these days are not just for the newly baptized, they are for those of us who get a chance to reaffirm our own baptismal covenant. The covenant is the Apostle’s Creed and more. All of us are familiar with the Apostle’s Creed: we repeat it at Morning and Evening Prayer, but here is the rest of the covenant we affirm. Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the Dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God's help.
So as we baptize a newly born baby into the family of God, let us be mindful that our mission as a church is to make disciples, teach, baptize, and strengthen ourselves and others in the faith with God’s help.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-09-02
Embracing Our Thoughts and Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you has become a very regular expression of sympathy on television from our government officials and people from all walks of life. This statement is always associated with a tragedy of some kind. The senseless killings of late seem to take center-stage as we try to understand what is happening with guns in the hands of people. Since I am not one who is familiar with the gun culture, I am amazed at the age people place a gun in the hands of children and teach them to shoot. I have long heard that the only reason for a gun is to kill, whether that gun is used for hunting or taking a human life, the intent of the gun is to kill. Killings cause pain and pain causes our hearts to break for the people who are left to endure the horrific tragedy of a senseless murder. But our thoughts and prayers are words intended to comfort one who has suffered mental, physical, or emotional pain as a result of a tragedy. These are good words and when use in sincerity, they comfort those who find it impossible to cope with an untoward event. As Christians our thoughts should always be well intentioned and our prayers should always be extended to God who is more willing to hear than we to pray. Jesus said, “Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give your rest.” These are soothing words which help in times of need and is a good way for one to resonate the words, “thoughts and prayers.” When St. Paul wrote to the people at Corinth he said to them, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor. 1:2-4). This week our children go back to school, and I am sure teachers, parents, and all concerned are very aware that they could be using the words ‘thoughts and prayers’ to comfort someone who is in pain because of a senseless tragedy. When people are hurting it is good to come along side them with words of comfort. Thoughts of empathy and our prayers do not mean the pain goes away, but knowing that God is ever present eases the pain. God is not just the God of creation, but the Father of mercy as well. Thoughts and prayers resonate with people in pain, but my prayer for a gun happy society is that we hear more about prayer for this bountiful land that God has given us to reside in, and fewer thoughts about carnage, misfortune, and death.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-08-19
Embracing the notion of the guilt trip
“You did not lie to us but to God” (Acts 5:4b). Recently someone approached me on the topic of guilt. The person stated that some people become guilty when they believe they are asked to do something that they physically or financially cannot do. This is not the first time I was confronted with such a statement, but invariably, the person speaking purports that they are not speaking for themselves but on behalf of someone else. The surrogate seems not to be too offended by the guilt-trip that people seem to be on, the person is usually regurgitating something that was said in a group or to him/her personally. The persons are basically speaking out of some concern for the guilty person. So what is guilt? Why do people feel guilty when they are asked to do something? Is the guilt associated with resistance to change or resistance to agreeing to do something that they themselves are not in favor of supporting? Oftentimes that is the case. Guilt is a state of having done something wrong. But in this case, guilt comes only when one wants to be perceived as having done something they are supposed to do. This guilt is not measured by man, this guilt is measured by God. One can only feel guilty if he/she knows they have done something wrong. Therefore, if someone is asked to support, contribute, or assist towards a cause, it is incumbent upon the person to use their best and most honest judgment to make the appropriate response. On the other hand, it is inconceivable to expect everyone to be of the same mind-set or to be able to respond to the same causes, but thinking rationally, one should be able to make a wise or honest decision that precludes them from the guilt trip.
Guilt comes about as a response to resistance. Joy comes about as a result of making an honest decision based on the information presented. Each one of us can live with a good honest decision, but guilt eats away at our joy and happiness. Every Sunday we acknowledge, “All things come of thee O Lord and of thine own have we given thee” This, more than any other statement is what creates the guilt. So, if someone is resistant to doing that something, more often than not, that resistance pushes them to the point of guilt—causes them to evaluate their state of rightness and wrongness. When we are tempted to be disobedient and resistant to God’s calling, let us all remember the story of Ananias and Sapphira in the Book of Acts. (5:1-11)
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris 2012-08-12
Embracing the seasons
Every summer, I write a piece about travel, the family, or some event that reminds me about how God structured life for all of his people to enjoy. When he called Abraham and sent him to a foreign land, this was an event that would set a pattern for the movement of humankind from one place to the other. This is summer and until Labor Day, families will take trips to recreational parks, visit relatives, and even venture to places they had not thought about even 3 years ago. The family outing is still one of America’s great pastimes. The relaxed atmosphere creates a platform for casual and not so casual conversation. Things that are not said or are downright neglected during the busyness of everyday work and school schedules, can be talked about as mom and dad watches the kids at play in the water or in the park. For me, some of my better ideas have come while I am thirty-thousand feet in the air, and to keep Genevieve from focusing on the one thing that she truly fears (flying), a conversation has always seemed to be the right remedy. Flying from Bali to Los Angeles might have been our longest trip and on that trip I decided I would write from memory, my life’s journey to that point. We had some engaging conversation: we talked, and I wrote, and the more I wrote the more we talked. At the end of the 14-hour trip, neither one of us was tired. On that trip, we found things out about each other that we might never have spoken had we not been relaxed and engaged with each other. Fortunately, many Americans will have an opportunity to enjoy what we enjoyed a while back. But what about those families that cannot afford to travel or are too bogged down in work and other activities that preclude them from travelling? Well, there is still a safe place for them to talk and get to know each other a bit better. It is at the dinner table. The dinner table is still a great place to meet for family, spiritual, physical, and social nourishment. It is a place to gather and listen to the successes and the failures of the day. It is a place to thank God for the day almost spent and for the bounty from which he gives his food. It is a place to seek strength from each other as we journey through life. Whether our meals are haute of meager, thanks to God and thanks to the one who prepared the meal are always great ways to begin the dinner conversation. So whether you travel or not this summer, draw near to the table and chat, you may find out more than you know and more than you deserve to know.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2012–08--05
A heartwarming story from one of my daily inspirations
Excuse me, Are you Jesus?'
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding. ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did. The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?" He stopped in mid-stride ... and he wondered. He gently went back and said, "No, I am nothing like Jesus - He is good, kind, caring, loving, and would never have bumped into your display in the first place." The girl gently nodded: "I only asked because I prayed for Jesus to help me gather the apples. He sent you to help me, so you are like Him - only He knows who will do His will. Thank you for hearing His call, Mister." Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
Embracing the Dynamics of the Building Project
In our Bible Study, we are moving through the Book of Ezra and we are learning a few things about life. Actually, not everything we are observing is new, so we are reacquainting ourselves with how God responds to a people when they put their trust in Him. God instructed Cyrus to allow the Jews to go back to their homeland and rebuild the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. When the returnees started to build, there was celebration. Some of the neighbors in the north offered help, but their intentions were not all altruistic. Actually, they wanted to torpedo the project and when they did not get their way, they prevailed upon the king to look into the history of the builders to see what a despicable people they were. The would-be supporters who offered the help bribed the king to stop the project. And yes, they temporarily succeeded in halting the project. But finally, the house of the Lord was built and there was a great celebration. One of the things we as Christians need to be mindful of is “the learning in the Book—the Bible.” God has given us the Bible for our learning. If we are to read the Book interactively we would be the most brilliant people in the world. If we are to learn anything from the Book of Ezra it is this: with any endeavor ordained by God, there will always be three factions. Those who are in favor of the project: Those who are against the project: Those who persuade others not to support the project. As we look at these three choices, the first two are fair and reasonable. God has given us free-will and whether one is in favor or against a project his/her decision should be respected. However, in the third instance—those who deliberately and actively persuade others from supporting a project are in need of our prayers. We must affirm in our minds that our God is able to deal with evil, we may be seasoned Christians, but evil is still our number one challenge. Here at St. Mark’s we believe in prayer. As a matter of fact, on our direction outside it says “A house of prayer for all People” So as we continue to approach our new building project, please know that we are not exempt, all groups are present. Let us pray for unity: let us pray for all groups, but especially, let us pray that God will deliver us from evil. Amen.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
Every Clergy Needs an Escape.
Writing this back page each week puts on paper what is on my mind or something I am struggling with. Sometimes all of the writings are not my original thoughts, but they fit so well with what is happening in my mind or circle of influence that being original would be an unnecessary exercise. Last week I reprinted a letter written to me by a parishioner. It was a letter too precious to keep to myself so I got her permission and shared the thoughts with the entire congregation, and yes, to the world. I added a title to the letter. I said, “This is why we love Jesus” This heart-warming story should have reminded us about the reason we trust in Jesus and work each day to increase our faith in Him. But what exactly is faith? Each of us has an innate longing for truth, goodness, and kindness. We have the capacity to love and to be loved. We live with the expectation that our journey here on earth is but a passing glance or a life beyond our wildest dreams, but that anticipation is undergirded with a word called faith—faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. Faith is the ability to apprehend the truth about reality. Faith is the working of the mind and touches issues which are often intangible to the senses. Faith can be limited to what we see with the eye of the flesh: faith can be adequately based on God’s revelation. The Holy Bible is filled with examples which are helpful in our resolve to have faith in Jesus our Lord, but those stories can only be truly apprehended by belief. I must be at the stage in life where what I read, I truly believe. What I think I truly believe, what God has revealed I truly believe. So, here is the key, we can only have faith if we believe. I pray that as we look at what God has done in Jesus his son, we will believe with trusting faith that yes, our God is real: our God is true: our God is forever. With those affirmations and assurances, the real escape for the clergy is to steep oneself in prayer and hold on to the belief that “GOD IS.”
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
Read and see why we love Jesus
Born on the 4th of July to Michael and Alissa Dunn,
our family was blessed with the birth of beautiful
identical twin girls. Isabella and Madeline Dunn
were two wonderful additions to the family.
Both girls were diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer
called Neuroblastoma. When the twins were barely
2 months old, an MRI revealed a tumor the size of a
softball in Madie and cancer in her liver and bone
marrow. The survival rate for an infant diagnosed
with stage 4 cancer is 20%. Isabella also had it in her
liver and bone marrow. With their lives in peril, the
infants faced major surgery and might not live through
the procedure. As they prepared themselves for the
surgery, Michael and Alissa were praying for a miracle
and they received it. Someone at the hospital told
them not to have the surgery done here, but to take
them to an all children’s hospital in Detroit MI. The
doctor there believed the girls would do better on
cancer fighting drugs alone, sparing them surgery.
The twins went through chemotherapy and spent
44 consecutive days in intensive care. They were so
weak they often needed a ventilator to
breathe. Madie and Bella hung on to a slender thread
of life. Against the odds, they survived the ordeal. The
twins are now healthy and thriving and will be 5 years
old on 4th July 2012
.
Great grandma: Helen
Helen (Helen was mother of the Year 2011)
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
Message from Fr. Chris
Every week I write on this page and express thoughts and ideas I hope are helpful for all of us who are on this Christian journey. The ideas presented are designed to do a couple of things: first, my writing is to show the faithfulness of God in the lives of the people He created—how that faithfulness is demonstrated. And second: I try to share ways where we can embrace the tenets of the Christian Faith through a loving relationship with each other. A few weeks ago, I presented a writing from Bishop John Howe as he showed the Lord’s Prayer as a significant relation to the Old Testament; it was very good and your comments indicated it was well received. Today, I write about the Lord’s Prayer as Morton T. Kelsey uses it in his book, “How can We Love One Another?” Kelsey is using the prayer in the paragraph dealing with GOSSIP. He instructs his congregation to deal with discord and disappointment in the biblical way. He said, “Gossip proceeds out of sheer maliciousness, arrogance, cowardice, lack of self-esteem, and pride.” He continued by saying that there can be no real growth in love towards a specific person, or growth in love in general until we cease talking about other people.” If there is a problem that is worth discussing, you go to your priest, not any priest, you go and share with him/her your concerns and if he/she understands the role of the shepherd, the Lord’s Prayer may be a good way to pray together.
Here is how he begins: NAME the person and use the apostrophe when necessary.
________ Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name in__________.
Thy kingdom come in_________. Thy will be done in_______. Give ______ daily bread.
Forgive______and help ________ to forgive others.
Do not put _________to the test because ______(he/she) is weak like the rest of us.
And please deliver ________from the evil one. Let __________joy be in your kingdom and power and
glory forever and ever. Amen.
This is what we do with those who offend us, those who come to the priest for help in resolving a hurt, and for our own self.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-07-01
Message from Fr. Chris
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was abuzz on Father’s Day with a scrumptious luncheon for the men of the congregation and a very special guest from the Episcopal Church Center in New York City. The Reverend Angela Ifill celebrated the Holy Eucharist and later presented the Rector, The Reverend Christopher Brathwaite (Father Chris) with a check to help with the formation of the Haines City Christian Youth Steel Band. The presentation of the check came about as a result of the partnership formed between St. Mark’s Church in Haines City, Florida and the and the Black Ministries Office. Father Chris said, “We are forming a Steel Band Orchestra that will bring together children from Haines City and the surrounding area to teach them the joy of playing Christian music while making new friends and to provide a holistic environment for the children.” The Reverend Ifill is the Missioner to the Office of Black Ministries in the Episcopal Church and under her leadership the office has developed the Rising Stars Initiative which is a Rites of Passage Program for young people. The Office does its ministry within the context of the “The Five Marks of Mission.” 1) Proclaim the good news of the kingdom, 2) Teach, baptize and nurture new believers. 3) Respond to human needs by loving service, 4) Transform unjust structures of society, and 5) Safeguard the environment and prolong the life of the earth. Fr. Chris and Reverend Ifill believe that purposeful engagement of our young people is a great way to help them focus on the right side of life and ensure that they will be productive citizens of their communities. These initiatives of the Black Ministries tie in well with what we are endeavoring to do here in Haines City. The newly consecrated bishop, of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, The Right Reverend Gregory Brewer, is very encouraged by the outreach St. Mark’s Church is making in the Haines City community. He said that many years ago he was asked to address a Christian group in the Caribbean country of Trinidad, and it was there that he got his first introduction to the tropical sound of the steel pans. And he looks forward to hearing similar sounds form this area in due course. Father Chris invites the children and parents of the community for a Pizza Party on July 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Hall at the church located at 102N 9th Street, to learn more about the band and how we plan to support the children of this community.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2012-06-24
Message from Fr. Chris
The Gospel story is summarized in the readings in John 3:16 and we Christians have been studying this verse for decades. Yet we find it hard to participate in one of the activities we find in this scripture. So what is that teaching that we fail to properly execute? It is not to love, it is not to give, but it is to receive. I have concluded that people struggle more from possessing the ability to receive than anything else. I was reading an interesting story about a little boy who was born blind. This little California boy had to be led everywhere. His only real companion was a little rag-doll he kept close to his side at all times. With some research his mother found a Doctor—an eye surgeon who lived on the east-side of the country. This woman was told that this surgeon had a history of success in helping the blind see, or helping others regain their sight. She begged, borrowed, and earned the necessary money and travelled from west to east to meet this Doctor. After her first meeting, she was successful in getting an appointment for the operation. After the operation the little boy, for the first time, saw the rag-doll. It was ear bitten and ragged, but he loved it nevertheless. After several days in the hospital, the doctor released the little boy. Upon his release he offered the doll to the doctor. The doctor’s reluctance to take the doll saddened the boy. He looked at the doctor and said, every night my mother prayed for God to give me my sight. To me that meant a lot to God and he gave me my sight. I want you to have this doll because it means a lot to me. The doctor wept in humiliation, took the doll and placed it in a glass case in the waiting room in his office, with the words—the best gift I have ever received. When God gave his only Son, he gave the one who meant the most to him. He gave his only Son. I wonder how he feels when we refuse him. My friends, it is not enough to believe him, it is not enough to worship him, it is not enough to live morally straight, it is that we receive him and enjoy him.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-06-03
Message from Fr. Chris
I was reading and reflecting on a certain part of the book of Daniel the other day and noted how God’s amazing love works. Daniel was placed in a den of lions for serving God, but he was unharmed. Just a few weeks ago I was watching television and saw a lion and a young child within less than an inch apart. The Lion snarled at the child and licked his mouth as he thought for sure this is lunch, but the thick protective glass would give him nothing more than a good view of what could have been a choice meal. Looking at that clipping on television sent me straight to the Book of Daniel, and as I re-read the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, the sobering thought surged in my mind about how faithfulness plays out in God’s economy. Daniel was placed in a den of Lions because of his faithfulness to the Living God. This was his punishment because he refused to serve no other than the Living God. His ongoing devotion to the One True God was his crime. He fearlessly acted on that devotion in full view of the community. Daniel worshipped God even though the King signed a decree outlawing such worship. Daniel was not harmed because the loving God who sees the heart of all his people comes to our rescue out of his infinite love and faithfulness to those who are faithfull to his will. In the reading for this Pentecost Sunday, the Prophet Ezekiel is taken to a valley and is shown a set of dry bones. And the question to Ezekiel was: can these dry bones live. This is another story of faithfulness. God’s infinite love for his people: his faithfulness in restoring a drifted flock and Ezekiel’s faithfulness to be instructed and led by the Living God. The metaphor of dry bones indicated how bereft of truth and spiritual nourishment the wandering Jews found themselves, but God’s promises are so sure that he never leaves his own alone. God will continue to use people who are faithful to his will. He will continue to use you and me if we are willing to stand on his promises. And even when the task at hand is riddled with problems, we need to prayerfully seek His will, and remain faithful in His loving embrace.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
Message from Fr. Chris
Today all across the Western World we pause to honor mothers—those sacred humans who have populated the world and filled the quivers of many households with the joyful chatter of children are the keepers of the morals of society and bastions for solid foundation of the home. Sacred because the inviolable nature of a mother is to be admired, respected, and protected. One of our earliest teachings as children in a Christian home is the Ten Commandments, but specifically, the one which offer a promise. It is the one which calls on each person to honor his/her mother. But what does it mean to honor? What should we do? What examples we should follow as we honor?
As Christians, we take our examples from the teachings of Jesus. We know from scripture how Jesus honor and upheld children, and he made it a special point to inform all of us that if we want to be part of the eternal joy, we need to become like children. But from the physical standpoint, Jesus spoke of his love and caring for the broken people of Jerusalem and he used the metaphor as a hen mothering his chickens. And as he hung in agony on the cross, he looked down and saw his mother—the woman who taught him the Jewish nighttime prayer: “Into your hands I commend my spirit” Yes, there is something special about honoring mothers.
Today, I honor my own mother posthumously. She died at the good old age of ninety-one but she has nurtured me to love, to care, and to give respect to all human creation. At the core of her teachings was wisdom—that gift which comes only from God. Part of that wisdom says, no man is an island, no one lives alone, that is why I have chosen to make this day special for other mothers also—more that my own Louise. Therefore, in honor of all that she has done for me, I honor her, and with the help of the selection team, I singled out four women for special honor today.
The women selected are being honored for their unselfishness and for raising children who have contributed to the betterment of humankind.
May we continue to nourish our mothers with the love Jesus showed his own mother.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-05-13
Embracing the Resurrection
Last week, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hounded by the crowds who welcomed him by laying their clothes on the ground and waving palm branches. This welcome fit for a king was indeed for the Messiah—the Anointed One, but by Friday, they crucified him and placed him in a grave. This morning, he confounds the wisdom of the Jews and nullified the ambitions of the Romans and He rose from the dead and is alive forevermore. Many writers have penned the story which is found in the gospels: Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John, all took part of the world changing event and told the story through the eyes of the writer. But the story has never changed the fact that Jesus died and rose from the grave and is alive forevermore. The story at the gravesite of Jesus is an amazing collection of information that brings some exegetical teachings which may impart a different practical lesson for those who read. Matthew says that the guards fell asleep and then took money to perpetuate a story that has no value. But Jesus Himself greeted the women who sought him and then sent them to tell his brothers what to do. (Matt. 28:10). Luke says that the two Mary’s who visited the empty tomb received the message that he was alive and they told the eleven what had taken place. In John’s version of the empty tomb, Mary stood outside weeping. She saw a man whom she thought was a gardener. Meeting the gardener—Jesus—may tell us a story, give us some insight, or cause us to rethink the first story of God’s human creation in the Garden of Eden and remind us of the true gardener—the one who plants, waters, and grows the seeds of life. That story may tell us about Jesus and how he treasures friendship and the ones whom he love. Mary responding to the voice more readily than the sight of Jesus may remind us that it was the voice coming from heaven at Jesus’ baptism and on the mount of transfiguration which confirmed Jesus as God’s son. But as we look at Mark’s version, we see how Jesus never leaves us to wonder where he is nor does he send us searching in vain to find Him. The specific message from the angel at the tomb, says, “He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." (Mark 16:6b-7). The salient point of this message for us Christians is this: we never have to wonder where to find Jesus. The Risen Christ can be found. The Risen Christ rose from the dead to live for you and for me and he is alive forevermore. We need only to go to our own Galilee and seek him. Our Galilee is closer than we think. Our Galilee may be as close as our knees to our floor. May this Eastertide be a new awakening for each of us to go to Galilee where he awaits you and me.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
Embracing Holy Week
According to our secular calendar, today begins a new week which will end on Saturday, but for the Christian, for those who believe in His name, today begins the week that never ended. This is the week that changed the world. This is the week that Jesus rode into Jerusalem, while sending two disciples ahead of him for the donkey on which he rode.
This is the week that the people of Jerusalem laid palm branches on the roadway and lined the streets to see the man of whom they heard lots of things. They heard of his healing power, the miracles he performed, and the words of wisdom. This is the week when a man who loved all people received unconditional love from two friends who did the right thing for his final journey to his grave.
This is the moment in time the world will come to know that the events of this week changed human history. This is the week Paul was thinking about when he said, “While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly” (R.5:6) This is the week John wrote about when he said, God so loved the world that he sent his only Son, that those who believe in him will not perish, but have eternal life” (J.3:16). This is the week Paul spoke about when he said, “God showed his love for us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (R.5:7). This is the week we took note of the greatest example of humility—Jesus washing his disciples feet. (J.15:5).
But this is also the week we bring into focus when we celebrate the Great Thanksgiving. We acknowledge—Christ has died: Christ is risen: Christ will come again. And that is what is so amazing about this week. The week that God looked with all pain and anguish and saw his only son, confiscated and brutally murdered on a cross for you and for me.
When it was ending, he said it was finished, but it was the redeeming work for our sins that was finished. But as it were, it is finished does not mean the end. It does not mean it is all over: It is finished was that moment when Jesus paid our debt, but it was also the beginning of our hope—our eternal hope—our hope to be with him who lives and reigns and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Good Friday will come this week, but so will Easter with the new Fire on Saturday night which is the beginning of Easter Day. So as we journey through this week, let us be prayerful, be hopeful and be joyful, because Easter is coming and Easter is forever.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-04-01
Message from Fr. Chris
As I continue to share with you the ins and outs of the workings of the Vestry, let me remind you that the Vestry works with the Rector and both are accountable to you for the actions taken on your behalf. The Rector is the chairman of the Vestry and sets the meeting agenda for all meetings. When you elect members to the Vestry, you pray for God’ s guidance that each member will yield to God’s will and allow themselves to be so led. But like any other position of leadership or power, people become enamored with the position of power, and forget that the real power belongs to God. One of the ideas we often hear from our elected officials is term limits. Term limits is that period of time leaders can serve consecutively without a break of some inactive time. For example: congressional leaders have term limits of 2 years in office while senators have a six-year term limit. Term limit is one way of making sure that people who are elected or appointed to positions, do not become so entrenched with their ideas and positions, that they forget the role they are elected to perform. Here at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and churches elsewhere, the elected officials of the Vestry have term limits. Our By-Laws indicate that anyone serving on the Vestry is limited to a three-year term and is not electable again until one year has elapsed. This is good for the proper functioning of the Vestry and any organization for that matter. If a vestry person who is duly in charge of the governance of the church can have term limits, then other persons holding a position of trust should be subjected to term limits as well. One of the problems associated with people holding positions of trust in perpetuity, is the rise in coercive behavior, tunnel vision, and arrogance. More often than not, this ends up hurting the very people who rely on their judgment and their trustworthiness. Another way of saying it is: some people believe because he/she has done things a particular way that that is the only way it can be or should be done. That is outmoded thinking and churches should look for ways to avoid such. I am currently working on a hand-book of procedures for St. Mark’s Church, and one of the areas of consideration is term limits. Treasurer, Vestry Clerk, and any such persons will be subjected to term limits not to exceed the limit of a vestry member.
More on the vestry next week…
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
A Message from Fr. Chris
Recently, the Vestry here at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church went on retreat to hear from a man who has been a presbyter in God’s church for 38 years. The Rev. Dr. William Guthrie has led Vestry retreats all across the nation, and did a superb job as he led us in worship, teaching, and constructive analysis of who we are as a church, and where we are heading as a covenant community of God’s people. This was a real God moment and a time of introspection which helped us to focus on what the work of the Vestry entails. In the Episcopal Church the rules that govern the church are embodied in documents called “Canons.” Congregations are governed both by Diocesan and National Canons. In addition to the Canons, congregations may have their own set of by-laws, but these by-laws may not by statement or by intention supersede anything stated in the Diocesan or National Canons. Each person who is called to serve on the Vestry should be familiar with the Canons of the Episcopal Church and those Canons which govern clergy in the local diocese. The Canons can be amended and ratified by convention which is held every three years. Every time we huddle as the Vestry, we are mindful of the awesome responsibility we accepted when the Holy Spirit guided us to be leaders in God’s Church. There is no doubt in my mind that we are only able to accomplish the many tasks that are set before us because we prayed and asked God to lead and direct our paths. The Vestry Retreat was no exception. At the Retreat we developed three statements which we will share with the entire congregation beginning April 1, 2012 in our worship booklet. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we created a new Mission Statement, a new Vision Statement, and a new Statement of Values. We discussed the strengths and the weaknesses of St. Mark; paying careful attention to the way we embrace our diversity and how we celebrate the strengths of our oneness in Christ Jesus our Lord. We spent much of the afternoon speaking about the new paradigm that comes into play as we focus on the vision God has set before us, and the youth that we must raise up to take hold of what God is building for them. In the weeks and months to come, we know that with prayer God will crystallize all of what we attempted, and our community of faith will be stronger as a result of what took place at St. Mark’s 2012 Vestry Retreat. As we continue our journey throughout the Lenten season, let us continue to pray for each other and for God’s Church everywhere.
I am, yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2012-03-18
Embracing the Fruits of the Spirit
Joy
When the Apostle Paul shared his thought of Christian living, he expressed his thoughts in a life, lived through the Holy Spirit. While these gifts are outlined in Galatians chapter five, we find another symbol of Paul’s thought as he wrote to the Romans. Here is a linkage to what he earlier expressed as he wrote to the Church at Galatia. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). This is Paul writing much later in life, as he is about to visit the Christians at Rome. So as I am continuing my writings on the Fruits of the Spirit, and about joy in particular, I see a linkage in this verse to the holistic thinking of Paul about these gifts which we get from the Holy Spirit. So what is Joy, what is it we understand by Joy? What is it we experience when we say we are joyful? Joy is an everlasting spirit, placed within to help us weather the storms of life. According to the Apostle Paul, Joy emanates from the peace we find in trusting God. We who have decided to follow the teachings of Jesus, live with the hope that we will be with him forever. That is the hope for the Christian, and when we live with that hope in mind we are able to let the joy that God has placed in our hearts become the sole motivator for enduring the challenges of life. Joy is that hiding place we draw to as we gaze upon a Holy God and a God who never fails us. Joy is that telling part of life which says to us, despite my circumstances, life will be better than this. Joy is that spiritual gift that say, you will surmount this or that challenge, because of the hope you have in Jesus Christ our Savior. The joy is placed within our hearts to help us find peace within the challenges of life. Joy is not temporary, like happiness; it is placed within us by a God whose good pleasure for us is to be joyful. In the book of James he said to his readers, “Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of any kind” (1:1a) Sounds preposterous to me, but if we understand the journey we are on as we seek to follow Jesus, we would soon find out that we cannot, and will not have an easier time than Jesus. Therefore, our hiding place is that place within us with the sustaining element that helps us to endure the temporary situations we face. The peace of God which passes all human understanding, is what we experience when we are joyful. Please note, I did not say happy—but joyful. So, to be joyful is for us to pray to God and put our entire trust in Him. Allow Him to shield us and shepherd us through the storms of life and launch us triumphantly into the realm where we live with the hope of a faithful and loving God. David said, “Let all those that put their trust in you rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them: let them also that love Your Name be joyful in You. (Ps 5:11).
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2012-02-17
Embracing the fruit of the Spirit
One of the most intriguing ways to understand the fruit of the spirit is to demonstrate how you understand a particular fruit and how you live it out in daily life. What does it mean to me when Paul indicates that one of the fruit of the spirit is love? What does it mean to truly love? I do not believe Paul was speaking about love for oneself alone, he was speaking about the sharing of love, but what does it mean to share love. I was raised in a Christian home, but in this home the word love was never mentioned; love was actually demonstrated. Father, mother, sisters, and brothers lived in harmony and respected each other. Certain behaviors were practiced simply because we loved one another. To this day, and no matter in which country of the world we live, I can say we have a loving family. My understanding of love was fostered by parents who trusted in God, prayed with fervor, respected the human race, and all of God’s creation. They taught us how to respect every person with whom we came in contact. They taught us how to forgive and be our brother’s and sister’s keeper. I had a father who was unashamed to kiss his children on the cheek and a mother who so often denied herself some of the pleasures or necessities of life for the sake of her children. Yet we never heard the word I love you, but in actuality—they taught us how love works. Every day of my life I demonstrate to Genevieve and people I meet, to the best of my ability, what my parents taught me. These attributes may be viewed by many as morals or values, but I view them as love: I understood them as love, and so, as I live my life now and demonstrate those attributes in my home and out of my home, I view all of it together as love. Being a priest, I can write the theological differences of; Eros: Sensual love; Phillia: brotherly love; Agape: the way Jesus loved; or Hesed: loving kindness. But what will that do if I cannot tell you about the love I have for the people God sent me to serve, and if I tell you and do not demonstrate it by my actions, how valuable will be my words. And if the passion I have for the wellbeing of this city is not propelled by love what then would be my purpose for being here? During my early months here at St. Mark’s I made it clear that my being here was to love the people, listen to the people, encourage the people, and proclaim the word of God. Well to my dismay, one person told a group that what I said is what a priest should say. Don’t know what she was implying, but I am here to do exactly what I said, and if the day comes that I cannot fulfill those roles: If I could not love you, and if I did not feel your love in return, and if I felt I could no longer encourage you, then I will sit at home and write for the glory of God. So let me state here, that I have a sincere home trained understanding of love—I call it love in the raw. And my best example is what I found in scripture: there is no greater love than this “A man laying down his life for his friends” May God help us all to learn all we can about love and then share it with others.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-02-12
Embracing the fruit of the Spirit
One of the prayers in the Book of Common Prayer is attributed to St. Francis (BCP. P. 833) In one of the lines, he wrote, “[I]t is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis was speaking about generosity which is one of the fruits of the spirit. Whether we know it or not every breathing moment of our life we are giving and receiving. We receive oxygen and we breathe out gases (carbon dioxide) that are used up in the atmosphere for many different reasons. In and out we continue this cycle to our very last moment in life, and if one wants to defy that, he/she will get a surprise (or their friends and family will) if that cycle stops. It is a marvelous thing to sit and think through the workings of God and how he created this incredible machine called the human body. I believe that all of life’s inventions are geared around the existence of the human being, but with all the medical and technological advances, the give and take of the air we breathe is still the beginning and the end of it all. The equalizing act of breathing—giving and receiving should enlighten us to the reality that God intends for us to give and receive as long as we live. So how do we understand what St. Francis meant, when he said, it is in giving that we receive—what should we be doing as we understand that life itself hinges on giving and receiving? Giving and receiving beg for us to understand that it is a generous God who impels us to share—to give and be unashamed to receive. The scripture tells us that to whom much is given much is expected. That, however; does not only mean our earthly wealth or resources, it also means sharing generously the gift of love, our faithful witness to the cause of Christ who has generously inspired us with the wisdom and the ability to speak, or even to witness non-verbally. God wants us to be generous with our relationships. Rather than exclusion, there should be inclusion. When we choose forgiveness over grudge, peace over justice, and loving unconditionally over bullying and stereotyping, we extend the act of giving and receiving as God intended it. Those of us who follow Jesus and live the Christian life must keep in constant prayer for God’s guidance and favor as we learn from the many lessons in the Gospel. One of the great stories in the gospel of Matthew 14:13-21 is the feeding of the five thousand. When the Disciples questioned the ability to feed all the people, Jesus demonstrated how the sharing—the division, if you will, became the multiplication. When we give generously, even our every wants and needs are abundantly supplied. It is my prayer that we pay attention to the scripture or even to the prayer of St. Francis, because it is in giving that we receive.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-02-05
Embracing the fruit of the Spirit
One of the prayers in the Book of Common Prayer is attributed to St. Francis (BCP. P. 833) In one of the lines, he wrote, “[I]t is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis was speaking about generosity which is one of the fruits of the spirit. Whether we know it or not every breathing moment of our life we are giving and receiving. We receive oxygen and we breathe out gases (carbon dioxide) that are used up in the atmosphere for many different reasons. In and out we continue this cycle to our very last moment in life, and if one wants to defy that, he/she will get a surprise (or their friends and family will) if that cycle stops. It is a marvelous thing to sit and think through the workings of God and how he created this incredible machine called the human body. I believe that all of life’s inventions are geared around the existence of the human being, but with all the medical and technological advances, the give and take of the air we breathe is still the beginning and the end of it all. The equalizing act of breathing—giving and receiving should enlighten us to the reality that God intends for us to give and receive as long as we live. So how do we understand what St. Francis meant, when he said, it is in giving that we receive—what should we be doing as we understand that life itself hinges on giving and receiving? Giving and receiving beg for us to understand that it is a generous God who impels us to share—to give and be unashamed to receive. The scripture tells us that to whom much is given much is expected. That, however; does not only mean our earthly wealth or resources, it also means sharing generously the gift of love, our faithful witness to the cause of Christ who has generously inspired us with the wisdom and the ability to speak, or even to witness non-verbally. God wants us to be generous with our relationships. Rather than exclusion, there should be inclusion. When we choose forgiveness over grudge, peace over justice, and loving unconditionally over bullying and stereotyping, we extend the act of giving and receiving as God intended it. Those of us who follow Jesus and live the Christian life must keep in constant prayer for God’s guidance and favor as we learn from the many lessons in the Gospel. One of the great stories in the gospel of Matthew 14:13-21 is the feeding of the five thousand. When the Disciples questioned the ability to feed all the people, Jesus demonstrated how the sharing—the division, if you will, became the multiplication. When we give generously, even our every wants and needs are abundantly supplied. It is my prayer that we pay attention to the scripture or even to the prayer of St. Francis, because it is in giving that we receive.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-02-05
Embracing the fruit of the Spirit
I was speaking with one of my Christian friends the other day and I told her that I write the second to last page for the bulletin each week. For Epiphany, I have decided to write on one of the fruit of the spirit each week until I have written on them all. She asked me if I had written on forgiveness. I told her no, but I will in short order. She expressed to me that her study/prayer group had just finished discussing forgiveness and although it is not one of the fruits mentioned by the Apostle Paul, it is one of the practices of the Christian life. We all have found much new insight as we discussed the act of forgiveness. Naturally, she asked that I share my page with her when I get around to writing about forgiveness. One of the staples of the Christian life is the act of forgiveness. But I believe forgiveness emanates from a gentle spirit—gentleness. One cannot claim to be a Christian with an unforgiving spirit—what I mean by that is, out of God’s love and forgiveness we can be called Christians. It is that act of blotting out our sins that we even dare to follow Jesus. It is the pardoning of our sins through the forgiveness of a merciful God that we can even attempt to live a Christian life. In the gospels, Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness, and the response Jesus gave indicates that the act of forgiveness is a never ending appointment. The redeeming quality of forgiveness is what continues to ground us in the spiritual depth of what the Christian life is all about. Peter was talking about the Jewish understanding of forgiveness when he asked Jesus, how many times should a man forgive—seven times? Jesus gave him the never ending journey on the road to true forgiveness. When we forgive someone for a wrong perpetrated against us, we ought to empty ourselves of any traces of the sin and in the best way possible, try to forget what was done. We drop the anger, we drop the hostility, we become gentle. Often times, forgiving ourselves is the hardest part. Sometimes I sit quietly and reflect over my life and I think of some things I had done in the past, and the question surfaces: how could I have done that? Very often it might be something for which I sought forgiveness and had been repentant for what I did, but the act of forgiving myself was relegated to just words—the fact that in the recesses of my mind the situation still lingers, tells me I have not truly forgiven myself. I recalled many years ago one of my actions hurt someone and I went to the person to seek forgiveness. He said, I forgave you long ago because I don’t think it was entirely your fault. It was the gentleness about his demeanor that was most striking. But ever so often that incident replays in my mind and it always makes me sad. I have tried over and over to forgive myself, but I know I have not fully done so. Maybe it is time to take my own advice, because In my sermon on the Virgin Mary a few weeks ago, I mentioned how Mary pondered so many things in her heart, but when the right time came—she let it go. I pray that all of us Christians may continue the practice of forgiveness, both the offender and ourselves and then let it go.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit
Several years ago, a group of people decided to sponsor a birthday party for an 80 year old friend of mine. The head organizer of the party asked all the friends invited to pick the one fruit of the spirit that best depicts how he/she feels about this elderly gentleman and write a one-page article describing how he lives out that fruit. Well when the numbers were counted Kindness was the one fruit of the spirit that best described this man’s way of life. This was amazing, because, in some way, each spirit was mentioned by at least one person, but overwhelmingly numerous was the spirit kindness. When the Apostle Paul identified the gifts of the spirit, he had in mind the richness of God which he bestows on the human being who has a heart for the things of God. Kindness is like a never ending story. It pulls from the uttermost parts of the human being that profound goodness of God which is manifested in creation. We cannot get to know God apart from his loving kindness. We cannot get to know God without an intimate connection to the Triune God who blesses us with every good gift. Kindness has the ability to change our attitudes and responses to others. Kindness is largely heralded and developed through acts of unselfishness to others. But in some cases, people understand kindness as weakness and through their actions or their responses to acts of kindness; they grieve the spirit of God. So as we develop our spiritual gifts through our Christian journey, let us remember that God works through the spirit and as a result of the working of the spirit, we warm the heart of God. Acts of kindness are seldom displayed for public view, but very often we refer to people who show acts of kindness as someone with a big heart. I wholeheartedly agree, the offering of assistance that helps to expand the human heart will ultimately expand the kingdom of God.
May your kindness exceed the expectations of others, as you use the gift from God to bless the people of God.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2012-01-22
Message from Fr. Chris
A few years ago, I was in a class where the subject was critical thinking. The first day of class the instructor asked if anyone had any idea about what it means to be a critical thinker. To my surprise there were few hands who expressed that they knew, and the majority of the men said, they did not quite know a good definition for critical thinking. Well to allay their fears, the instructor then asked for a show of hands of the people who drove a vehicle to get to class. Almost each person’s hand went up. He said to the class, if you drove a car here then you are a critical thinker. You obviously made decisions to stop, to go, to speed, to slowdown and whether to blow your horn or not. The instructor’s eye opening example seemed to bring to center some of the fears of the students and engendered a measure of hope. This, I believe, is the case with some people when they are confronted with a statement or a word that does not fully inform them about a subject at hand. One of those words is self-control. It is one of the gifts of the spirit and in the secular world, it seem to come at the bottom of—or is the least understood gifts of the spirit. In the Book of Titus, Paul instructs Titus to teach the people to have self-control. Several times he made sure to inform Titus that one of the joys of good living is to exhibit self-control in dealing with the challenges of life. He said, “Encourage young children…to be self-controlled (2:5). Paul continued by saying, “Urge the young men to be self-controlled” (2:6). And again, “Live lives that are self-controlled” (2:12). So what does it mean to be self-controlled? Webster’s Dictionary says, “[T]he ability to exercise the will so as to prevent oneself from expressing strong emotions or acting impulsively.” For me, self-control means having the will to be on top of things that would negatively impact me if I allow myself to be tempted or be guided by the impulses that accommodate negative thoughts. Self–control means developing the willpower to respond to things in the exact way you wish after making a careful evaluation that it is the truth, it is necessary, it is kind, and it will do more good than harm. When I was a member of Rotary International, at our weekly meeting we said what we called the Four Way Test. We committed it to memory, and if we wanted to pay a fine imposed by the sergeant at arm—let us try forgetting the words: The test was a model for living and valuing others, but more than that, it was a way to value the one thing that speaks long after we have spoken—it is called self-control.
May the wisdom Paul shared so many centuries ago about living a self-controlled life, be the wisdom for our own day.
May you have a Happy New Year.
Fr. Chris
2012-01-15
Message from Fr. Chris
Dear Friends in Christ, today we embark on an ambitious project to raise 1.4 Million Dollars to build a new complex—a sanctuary and ancillary spaces for youth, infants, families and all God’s people. This is the vision that God has placed before us and we are proceeding with the unflinching desire that God will bring to fruition what he has placed before us at this time in our development.
Some one hundred and twenty years ago, some ambitious believers embarked on a similar project and until this day, their effort surrounded by God’s guidance has endured as it provides a beautiful building for our current worship. But while the building provides for our current worship, it does not meet our current needs.
Fortunately, the covenant community called St. Mark’s is growing. People are coming and as they come we want to make sure they will stay and be a part of this family that has made this place a house of prayer. Before the next century, someone will sit and write another letter like this encouraging people to see God’s goodness and faithfulness in how he has sustained a people for his good pleasure in a community called St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
The Capital Campaign calls all of us to rally around “A bigger that.” A bigger that is the theme or the idea collected from all those who said we just want a bigger version of what we already have. That is what we are setting out to do: build a bigger church in the likeness and image of the one we worship in today. With that in mind, I call all of you to get onboard as we launch out in faith and let the Holy Spirit guide our efforts to the money we need for this purpose.
We ask you to begin now—today, make a commitment to the God who has helped you for these many years. In some cases, you may need to ask friends and family to rally to this cause
Today I call on the family of God to do what God has asked of each of us—He asks us to share. Everyone needs to help. Whether you have a dollar or ten thousand dollars, I ask you to please help us, and let us work together for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-01-08
Message from Father Chris
Looking Back with Grace and Thankfulness
We are thankful to the Vestry, Worship team—Deacons, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Youth-Lectors, Acolytes, Choir, and Music Minister. Thankful for the team who creates, edits, and timely generates a bulletin and a worship booklet each week. Thankful to the worshippers, pledgers, givers, supporters, prayers, and friends of St. Mark’s for what each person offers to God.
Thankful to kitchen team who go shopping and makes it possible for a wonderful Pancake Breakfast each month; Thankful to those who do such an incredible job of serving: Thankful to the Ushers who work throughout the year to make our members and visitors enjoy their worship experience: and to those who do double duty putting out the snacks and cleaning up afterwards.
Thankful to the Altar Guild and the workers who helped to make the church beautiful each week; especially on special occasions like Palm Sunday, Easter, and Christmas…WOW! And for making sure the Priest has clean and sparkling vestments for all occasions. Thankful to the family who provided the freezer for the kitchen and the food pantry. Thankful to those who go beyond the reaches of the walls and visit friends and members who are not coming, the man who keeps us in the cyber world—giving the world access to St. Mark’s, those who pray for others. Thankful to the man who is here at 7;00a every Sunday, making sure these doors are open for worship. Thankful to those who drop whatever they are doing to help Lorraine and Terry get Gordon out of the car each week.
Thankful to those who bring food and those who take it out to strangers and friends: Thankful to who helped out with our kids program and Vacation Bible School during 2011: Thankful to the ECW who responds kindly to all reasonable requests, and for keeping the County Fair alive. Thankful to the Thrift Shop for being tenacious in selling other people’s discards.
A BIG THANK YOU to Gene and Cheryl who do anything and everything to make this place sparkle and shine every Sunday morning. Thankful for the new team of counters who make sure the people’s money is counted. Thankful to the Treasurer and the Finance Team who make sure our bills are paid on-time. We are thankful to those who are recognizing the vision God has place before us, and are praying for clarity and correctness as we approach the vision.
May the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control remain with you throughout the year.
Let us continue to work for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2012-01-01
CHRISTMAS MEANS JOY AMONG CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS
LOVE PEACE & JOY CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS–HIS IS EMMANUEL
Joy is grounded in the knowledge that God the Father created us for Himself.
Joy is to be found in the knowledge that God made us in His own image.
Joy is to understand scripture which tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His own Son to die for us sinners.
Joy is to be found within man who acknowledges the deity of Jesus and that He and Father are one.
Joy is found in the person who knows that Jesus’ love for us is inestimable and immeasurable.
Joy is to be found in the persons who answer God’s call to minister to His people.
Joy is to be found when the lost sheep and returns home.
Joy is to understand that God the Father took on flesh so that He could identify with us and do such acts as are righteous.
Joy is available for those who confess that Jesus is the alpha and omega.
Joy is to feel safe and secure in the arms of Our Gracious Father God.
Joy is in the knowledge that God called Blessed Virgin Mary to bear a Child whose name shall be Jesus.
Joyful, Joyful we adore thee, O Christ.
Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and blessed be His Kingdom now and forevermore. Amen.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
Embracing the New Year
Today is the Church’s New Year. This is a time of expectation—the expectation of the greatest event in human history. If one was to read the classics of ancient historians or even the fathers of the church one would gain some insight into this world in which we live. One of the great writers of history was Augustine: He wrote sometime between AD. 354 and 430. He was one of the thinkers of the Western World. Augustine’s classic work, “The City of God” is the staple of western thought. The twenty-two books that make up “The City of God” were written over a thirteen-year period. In books 11-22, Augustine sets forth his philosophy of history. In summary, this complicated and thorough work reveals the stories of two “cities”: (1) of those who follow God, and (2) of those who live in rebellion against the purposes of God in history. The stories originate in the Garden of Eden and in the subsequent foundations of civilization between the fall of humans into sin and Noah. The two cities are already seen in Cain and Abel. Cain serves self; Abel serves God. History unfolds these two cities: the city of God and the city of man. The city of God is grounded in the history of Noah, Abraham, Moses, the children of Israel, the kingdom of David, the prophets and the church. In all this history, types are found of Jesus Christ and the church. In Jesus Christ, the story of the world is fulfilled. The church is, on the other hand, a witness to God’s city where his intent for humanity will be ultimately fulfilled. However, the church is not perfect. Augustine argues that it is not so pure that it does not have within it, those who rebel against God’s purposes for humanity and the world. The wheat and the tares grow together. But the church, as God’s witness to the eternal city, will endure to the end. The history of the city of man is the history of those who seek to build civilization on self, indifferent toward God’s purposes for the world. These civilizations, like the Greeks and the Romans, rise and fall. They do not endure. But, like the early church that has within it, those who are not of God, the city of man also has within it those who serve God’s purposes in the world. This is not complicated, because it is what humankind observes on a daily basis. This relationship between the two cities is an enduring problem that is with us even now. A philosophy of history that acknowledges two cities, one in the service of God (the church) and the other in the service of humanity (the state), raises the question, what is the relationship between the two? It is this. The Church and the State are made up of people—all God made people—Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, or Buddhists. The Church, however, is called to let the light of the One who entered human history shine in the hearts of all who come to hear and know about Him. May our efforts and witnesses be just so.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom. Amen.
Fr. Chris +
2011-11-27
Embracing Thoughts on Thanksgiving
This week the turkey will take center stage on the tables of most American homes, but for some, it will be another day eating a cold meal from a tin can, or others scrounging through the garbage hoping to find a used chicken bone that was not too stripped of its meat. This may sound graphic, but this is real America—a country of abundance, but a country where the hungry, the poor, the marginalized, the helpless and the homeless reside. Thanksgiving existed long before it was declared a special day by President Lincoln in 1863. We call this a special day, because although President Lincoln meant it to be a public holiday, some of his successors did not always insist that the day be a public holiday. However, by the turn of the century, most US Presidents declared the day a holiday. At the first thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth, there is no evidence that the Pilgrims ate Turkey, but over the years turkey and all the trimmings have become an American tradition. But should turkey and trimmings be the focus for us Christians? Thankfully, the focus for us on this special day is family gatherings. Yes, we will eat turkey, but more than that, we will gather at tables with family and thank God for a variety of things. The Book of Common Prayer makes it easy with a general thanksgiving prayer for us to reverence ourselves and be thankful. “Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of His Word and the example of His life; for His steadfast obedience, by which He overcame temptation; for His dying, through which He overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen” (BCP. p 836).So when you sit at your table, please remember the hungry, the poor, the marginalized, the helpless, and the homeless.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-11-20
Embracing the Power of Prayer
For several months we have been praying for candidates who have offered themselves to be considered as Bishop for the Diocese of Central Florida. There were many steps offered and taken to make this process as fair as possible, to help those of us who will cast a vote yea or nay. From the beginning, our present Bishop asked us to leave the jockeying alone and let the process take its course. Our job as people in a covenant community is to pray that God will have His way and the one whom He desires to be our leader will emerge victorious. Across the Diocese, several congregations have placed in their weekly bulletin, the prayer for the selection of a bishop from the Book of Common Prayer. On November 19th, 2011 we will know the name of the person whom God has chosen to lead us. There are seven candidates who have offered themselves to serve. 1) The Reverend Gregory Orrin Brewer, Rector, Calvary-St. Georges Church, New York. 2) The Very Reverend Anthony “Tony” Clark, Dean, The Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orland, FL. 3) The Reverend Jon Davis, Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo, FL. 4) The Very Reverend Charles L. Holt, Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and School, Lake Mary, FL. 5) The Reverend Timothy C. Nunez, Rector, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Belleview, FL. 6) The Reverend Mary A. Rosenthal, Rector, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Melbourne, FL. and 7) The Reverend James A. Sorvillo Sr. Rector, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Orlando, FL. Here is the prayer used as we asked God to guide us: “Almighty God, giver of every good gift: look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP. p . 818). This is what we believe and this is what will happen. Collectively and individually we have prayed, and our God who knows our needs even before we ask, will so fulfill that need. But after we receive that faithful pastor, we need to continually pray for him or her that the Holy Spirit will direct his/her heart to deal positively and fairly with the needs of the various parishes. This is a very interesting time in the life of this Diocese, and our way forward will rest solely on the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through the leadership and people. The assurances we have is that God is forever faithful and His Will, will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2011-11-13
Continuously
Embracing Thoughts on Tithing
Today is Stewardship Sunday. This is the day the Stewardship Team calls on each person to step up and make a bold contribution for the work of the covenant community called the church. Throughout Scripture, there is a call on the lives of God’s people to make contributions for the continuous functioning of his church. God gives us gifts so we can build up his church. To use them wisely, we must first acknowledge all things come from God. We must understand that not everyone has the same gift. We need to personally know our strengths and our gifts and use them for the glory of God. Tithing is probably the most overlooked spiritual discipline. It is comparatively easy to incorporate meditation, prayer, and volunteering into our life. But tithing? The thought of giving $50.00 a month make some people cringe. Imagine then giving 10% of your income back to God through a covenant relationship. If you make $45,000 a year $4,500 belongs to God. Think for a moment that you dined out to the tune of $45,000 per year, chances are you would tip over $9,000. That is 20%. God ask us for 10%. This is not an option or a choice, it is a demand by God for the work of God’s church. In today’s economic reality, people complain that they are stretched to the max—living paycheck to paycheck—but the reality is this, people stretch themselves to the edges of their income, leaving nothing or very little for God. According to the Reverend Kevin Phillips of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Mountain View, California, “tithing has three primary purposes.” First, it contributes to our spiritual formation. “Every time we make a contribution we remember God created us, blesses us, and cares for us. Returning 10% of God’s abundance, reminds us of the Divine covenant expressed in a variety of ways throughout the Bible, but expressed most intimately are the words of Jesus when he said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Second, tithing provides the financial resources to support the covenant community. The covenant community supports the priests and the staff of the church, maintain buildings, and help provide for the needy. Third, instead of painfully parting with what we treasure most, tithing should be a bold proclamation that we have already been given more than we could ask or imagine. It could be a shout for joy that our eternity will be spent in unimaginable splendor. As you think through this day and what it means to be a steward of God’s kingdom, I pray that your all will be laid on the altar of sacrifice.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-11-06
Embrace the blessings of Stewardship
When we hear the word stewardship we immediately think that all it has to do with money or financial matters. However, the word stewardship means much more than money. We are all stewards of God’s vineyard and we are called to labor in it for God’s good pleasure. In the church, Stewardship Sunday can also be known as Reassessment Sunday. This is the day all members are asked to take a look at how they support the work of God in the place where God has placed them. As God’s stewards, we are called to support the work of God’s church by giving willingly our time, our talent, and our resources. This means, we can work physically for the church, by manual labor, spiritual enrichment of others, support the ministries that are in need of manpower, and any other work for which we are capable. We can donate our time by visiting those who are not physically able to come to the building every Sunday. These are persons who are sick, or are incapacitated for one reason or the other. One does not have to be particularly trained to be a visitor, but one must understand the Ministry of presence. Just to be with a person who is sick or shut-in is important. Here at St. Mark’s church we have several groups who address this area of service. We approach our ministry with a cadre of Lay Eucharistic Visitors, the Commission on Ministry, the Home Group, and Small Group Ministry who sometimes hold prayer sessions in the homes of those who cannot come to church. Finally, there is the stewardship of our money, how we use it for God’s work and how we pledge to this work with our tithes and offerings. This year the Stewardship Team is making an all out attempt to have each family sign a pledge card instructing the Finance Team how much you pledge to give to the financial demands of St. Mark. This is significant because we cannot adequately plan unless we have the resources to put certain things in place. Your money goes to several different areas of distribution: A portion of your tithes and offerings is used for keeping the doors open to keeping the rooms cool.
Let us pray for each other that we will be faithful to God and his work here in Haines City and beyond, as we give and give willingly.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris 2011-10-16
Embracing the Leadership
The Rector
The Episcopal Church makes for very clear directions about the governance of the church congregations. It is important for congregations to know how a vestry and clergy work together for the good of all concerned. This is a partial communiqué on the work of the leadership.
The work of the Vestry is done in partnership with the Rector and therefore it is important for the vestry members to understand the rector’s role and responsibilities. Title III. Canon 9, Section 5, states that the rector is responsible for:
· Selection and oversight of all assisting clergy.
· Worship and spiritual life.
· Use and control of all buildings and furnishings.
· Education of all ages in the scriptures: the doctrine, discipline and worship of the church; and in the exercise of their ministry as baptized persons.
· Stewardship education for all ages.
· Preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation.
· Announcing the bishop’s visit with the warden and the vestry, and provide the bishop with information about the congregation’s spiritual and temporal state.
· Applying “open plate” offerings from one Eucharist a month to charitable uses.
· Reading communications from the House of Bishops at worship.
· Recording all Baptisms, Marriages, Confirmations and Burials in the congregation register.
As your rector I encourage you to prayerfully consider serving as a prayerful member of the Vestry, and let the guidance of the Holy Spirit work through you to help move this congregation forward to the place where God calls all his obedient servants.
Yours: Fr. Chris
Embracing the Mystery of God
At the Sunday Eucharist, we often bless couples on their anniversary. The prayer we use is found on page 431 in the Book of Common Prayer. This is a powerful prayer and one that we should not take lightly. Let us read it one more time and see what it is we seek from God in the prayer.
“O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen”
First we acknowledge that God has consecrated the covenant of marriage and has likened it to the spiritual union between Christ and the Church. O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: This metaphor is scripturally based: John in the revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem coming down as a bride adorned for her husband. Ephesians 5:23 states this truth in simple words, “Christ is the head of the church.” The word in the Greek language is “kefaln.” Christ’s headship of the Church means His place of superiority or preeminence. That is how the family (husband and wife) is upheld as an example of one of God’s greatest gifts to the world. The prayer asks God to send his blessing upon the couple that they may do those things that are empowered by the love and grace of God. Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants The prayer acknowledges the couple as servants of God and asks for God’s blessing upon them. Servants of God are people who serve him and do his will. This is significant because the marriage sanctioned by God is therefore understood that people who come to God and seek his blessing are people who serve him. “Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants.” We ask, “that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness.”God is love and so his will for us is under-girded by love. The attributes and blessing we seek in this prayer are all significant features of the God whom we love and serve. And the only sound assurance and guarantee we have is that God will offer that which we ask. We ask that he will endow his servants with what it takes,“That their home may be a haven of blessing and peace.”This is asking a lot, but it is not too much for a loving and merciful God. So as we hear this prayer when someone comes to the altar for an anniversary blessing, please, let us join in saying the prayer together. So let us, “love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness”. This is a purposeful prayer with an anticipated request. As we ask that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
This is the prayer we must all join in affirming because the home is a cornerstone of society and should be a living example of Christ and his church in the world.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris.
2011-10-02
Embracing God’s forgiving Mercy
Did you know how we approach God is as important as approaching Him? The Book of Common Prayer is a rich source of liturgy for community and family worship, but at the core of our worship is seeking forgiveness for our daily conduct of life. Throughout the book these prayers of general or personal confession are included in each form of service or rite. The ones most familiar are found on pages 360 and 331. Please read and re-read these prayers that our founding fathers knew would sustain us in good times and in trying times.
“Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen” (BCP p. 41, 62)
"Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, Forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honor and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen" (BCP p. 331).
"Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen" (BCP p. 79, 116, 320, 352, 360, 397, 454).
May God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ, grant us all Grace, Mercy Peace and Love as we so often acknowledge our sins, and ask for forgiveness.
Yours: for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris 2011-09-25
Message from Fr. Chris
Today is September 11, the 10th anniversary of what we popularly call 9-11; the day when America stopped and acknowledged how vulnerable we are as a country to the people who envy the lifestyles we are able to create and afford. It is a day to look back in thanksgiving to God for all He is to us as a people, and His arm of protection and care that extends way beyond our thinking or imagination. As Episcopalians, we have at our disposal several tools to which we can turn and prayerfully enter the presence of God and be thankful. From the Holy Bible we can copy the prayer of David or the prayer of Solomon. We can also copy the way Jesus prayed when he was about to leave the earth and return to heaven. Then there is the Book of Common Prayer, which has prayer for all sorts of human circumstances, p.814 prayer #2; on page 816 prayer #5; page 820 prayer #18. These prayers bring us courage and strength which will reaffirm in our minds that despite that tragic day in our history, God is on our side. The 1982 Hymnal has one hymn that we should all turn to today and sing from the depths of our heart.
# 680 O God our Help in Ages Past [Words: Issac Watts (1674-1748),]
1. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home:
2. Under the shadow of thy throne, thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.
3. Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God, to endless years the same.
4. A thousand ages in thy sight, are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun.
5. Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all our years away;
they fly, forgotten as a dream, dies at the opening day.
6. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.
May your day be reflective in prayer:
Fr. Chris 2011-09-11
Message from Fr. Chris
The other day I was having a conversation with a dear friend and she turned to me and asked if I am stressed. I said yes, actually I am always stressed, but not the type of stress that is unmanageable. Managing stress is an art, and it is helped by our faith in God and how we believe what we believe. Stress comes about as a result of the many circumstances in life which we face: Rain, heat, aches, pains, mis-function, and mis-fortunes of life or any momentary sort of setbacks create stress, but most of all our inability to have things our way is the engine that drives stress. However, when we make our minds up that we can only orchestrate or be on top of but so much at any one time, we must strategize how to manage those emotions which create stress. One of the tools to managing stress is to have an abiding faith and hope in Jesus Christ and His Word. One hymn writer says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness”. What does he mean by that? He obviously understands the helplessness of humankind when he strays from the teachings of Jesus. In the Episcopal Church, Sunday after Sunday we come before God to worship and give thanks for His goodness. In our opening acclamation we say, “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are opened all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of thy holy spirit that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your Holy name through Christ our Lord. Amen.” This prayer sets in motion everything we come before God to offer and receive. We come offering our-selves and we say to God all the things he already knows. We come to give God our stress. This is a significant moment in the liturgy, because we stand before a Holy God acknowledging his holiness and declaring our sinfulness. So when we stand and say, “All hearts are open” if we take a glance at ourselves as we say those words, we may metaphorically see a big whole in our chest, that can only be filled by God. When we truly open our hearts to God he fills them with good things. “All desires known” Our desires are not always in keeping with God’s will for our lives, but we declare that God knows our motives and our hidden secrets, and our warped agendas: He also knows our duplicity and our double-mindedness. But as we pray we do so with the hope that God will shield us from those things which are not good. “Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts.” Lodging in our hearts are negativity and destructiveness, and out of that comes evil thoughts. But we cannot worship God with the impurities of the heart, a cleansing must occur, and then our hearts can be receptive to receive pureness. That cleansing and pureness take place only by the transforming power and “inspiration of the Holy Spirit.” Holy Spirit makes us worthy for God’s goodness. The Holy Spirit purges out thoughts in a way that we can worthily magnify God’s Holy Name. When the Angel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary, she exclaimed, “My Soul does magnify the Lord and my heart rejoice in God my Savior.” This is what the worship service should do, drive us to the point where we are not only distressed, but come to a place where we can truly magnify God. So if you are ever stressed—if you believe that your stress cannot be managed, come to the Episcopal Church and pray with us in earnest, and see what God can do. One old hymn writer said, “There is no secret what God can do, what he has done for others he will do for you, with arms wide open, he will pardon you. There is no secret what God can do.”
Yours for the building up of God’s Kingdom
Fr. Chris 2011-09-18
Embracing the Challenge
“Finding community within the community”
“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light, live as children of light: (Ep.5:8)
Embracing the Challenge is the theme for our mission cruise scheduled for February 4-9, 2012. Carol and Carolyn are working closely with everyone who signed up to make sure this will be an experience which will have a long-lasting effect on those who travel and the people we meet. The theme speaks to God’s people who have chosen to worship in a tradition called Anglicanism, but may be challenged by the differences we find in the Orthodox Anglican Churches and the Protestant Episcopal Church. But whatever those changes might be, the quest for all of us is to live as authentic Christians. Very often when we speak of MISSION, we get the idea that we ought to be doing physical things for others, but that is not always the case. The mission to learn, to fellowship one with the other, to get a deeper understanding about our chosen faith is just as important, because by us getting a deeper understanding of each other, we can better serve in the area where God has placed us. By the time we set-sail on this trip, we would have elected a new bishop to lead this Diocese. He or she will, of course, be the person whom God will have lead us into the future, but we can help ourselves if we get a better understanding of the differences and/or the similarities that seem to drive a wedge between one faction over the other. Some of us still struggle with the Anglican Church and the Episcopal Church—what sets them apart and what unites them as one. These are some of the topics which will be discussed on our mission. The challenge for us who have decided to worship in Community at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is to bring together the three distinct prongs that must come together as one. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, (a) We must find community within the community; (b) The authenticity of our faith must be uncorrupted by unorthodox practices, and (c) we must understand what is meant when we say ‘we believe in the holy catholic Church (BCP p.96) or we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. (BCP P. 359). All of our planned talks and teachings will be structured in ways that all of us can embrace the challenge to live as authentic Christians. We are still holding hope that some of you who initially signed up will join us. Next Sunday will be the final day to get on-board with this mission cruise. A deposit of $200.00 is required at that time with final payment on December 4, 2011. I pray that by next week more of you will find some space in your heart to seize the opportunity.
Yours for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-09-04
Forum of Youth
There is an ongoing debate about the role of youth in our society and concern has been expressed about the negative aspects of the behavior of youth today. I believe the majority of our youth are “ positive symbols of excellence” and that the minority who demonstrate any form of antisocial or deviant behavior require our help. The youth of today are, in my opinion, no worse than the youth of yesterday. But the youth today face greater challenges as the 21st Century unfolds with increasing sources of information and misinformation. We need to have more support systems and more guidance in our homes, in our schools and in our communities for our youth to be solidly grounded in the ways that will lead to a fruitful life. In the Forum on Youth conducted earlier this month, I asked parents and adults to discuss a few questions which we believed the answers would help us to grasp a new way forward for our young people.
We asked the following:
What structures are needed for the youth to gain an experience with Jesus?
How relevant is the church to the youth in society?
What Community Structures are needed to create a bridge between the church and the youth?
What structures are needed in the home to help the church raise a teenager?
Which approach seems effective for our youth in society: Adult to Youth mentoring or peer to peer mentoring?
The questions evoked much insightful areas of concern as we look at the youth in our time. One thing we know is: we cannot continue using outmoded methods to reach and help our children with their new approaches to life; therefore, the next leg of our discourse will be hearing from the youth and listening to how they believe the church can be of assistance in these very fast moving times.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-08-28
Isaiah thirty-five
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.’ 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, *the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it,* but it shall be for God’s people; *no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-07-31
Special message from Father Chris
My fellow parishioners, the youth leaders and ministers are holding a Forum on Youth on August 6, 2011 for the sole purpose of strategizing programs, projects, and ideas that will help us teach our children how to do the following:
· Help guide our Christian young people to an experience with Jesus.
· Teach the history and ethos of the Episcopal Church.
· Inspire the youth to explore the possibilities of becoming Priest or Deacons and other leadership roles in the church.
· Encourage and offer guidance and support to the young people with their plans and projects.
· Encourage youth to serve society and reward them for service.
In order to do these things, we need your ideas, your input and your support. Please come to the forum on Saturday August 6, from 9:00am to 12 noon and join with our counterparts from the Lamb of God Lutheran Church and contribute your input for the good of our children. All of us from time to time tell warm-hearted stories about our childhood and the village that raised us. Very often we learn that the church was an integral part of each other’s youth experience. More often than not, we speak with fond memories and thankfulness to our parents who guided us to the church from which we have learned many life’s lessons. My call is for us to now turn around and help those who are the WE of 40 or 50 years ago. Please come to the forum and share your thoughts and ideas. Please come.
Please call Michele or me if you have questions.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-07-24
Message from Father Chris
One of the joys of Summer is the family going on vacation to places of our dreams or to visit relatives and friends. These can be times to explore regions of the country and get a first-hand look at places we only hear about or see on television. It is also a time of bonding—getting to know each other at deeper levels of understanding and spirituality. This can move the vacation from just a trip, to an experience—to a moment in time. In that moment in time, we may get a closer glimpse of Jesus and his love for humankind. We may appreciate the knowledge and wisdom God has given to humankind in new and different ways. When people move away from their day-to-day routine, they usually get new perspectives on life. Today we can go on vacation and still keep in touch with the happenings at home. These present-time abilities were not possible just 4 decades ago. In 1977 my boys and I were on a vacation in Montreal, Canada, Roger was 7, and Leslie 4. We drove from Montreal to the Niagara Falls, spent three nights there and returned to Montreal for the rest of our 3-week vacation. In Montreal we stayed on Victoria Avenue and right across the street was a KFC Restaurant. It seems as though it was a novelty to Canada to have KFC because it was crowded most of the time. One afternoon, while picking up some chicken for dinner, there came a news flash on the radio, [in those days we did not have breaking news; it was a news flash] that Elvis Presley died. A woman standing next to me began to cry and unfortunately her bag of chicken to fell from her hands. Most people seemed shocked at the news flash. I then notice my sister crying. I had a lump in my throat but that was all. Later that night, I said to my sister, I did not know you loved Elvis’ music that much. She said, “Not really! I was crying because of how sad the news made that woman, my heart was just breaking for her.” That to me was a moment I have not forgotten—simple as it seems, the moment touched me in a special way. As I now reflect on the time, I believe that is how Jesus’ heart breaks for us when the pain of life overwhelms us. When the helplessness of the situation in life brings us to tears especially when there is nothing we can do to help. And yes, whether we are on vacation or not remember Jesus never takes vacation from us. My joy this summer is for you to have a wonderful time of rest, good food, pleasurable reading, and being fully cognitive of the moments-in-time that will come your way. Remember Jesus will be with you all the way.
Enjoy:
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-07-17
A message from Fr. Chris
St. Mark’s Episcopal Mission Trip is in keeping with the Bishop’s vision of a cross-cultural event where a congregation visits and learns about another culture. Of special interest to St. Mark is the need to visit and see the roots of those of us who came to America from many different places in the Caribbean as we worship together in community every Sunday. As I look over the gathered community every Sunday morning, I see different people from all over the globe from all walks of life, but more than that, I see the diversity of God’s plan in creation.
Living together, eating together, and sharing love and levity together, bridge psychological, emotional, and sociological gaps which help us to enjoy the love and friendship which Jesus offers to each of us as a diverse people. Yours truly, led six mission trips to various places in the Caribbean, and the greatest accomplishments of those trips, were the widening of people’s horizons, thus helping all of us to better understand our Christian brothers and sisters who agreed to travel together.
Mission Trips are not necessarily designed for us to do, but for us to be—to be a loving community who has the tenacity to live in community together, as a people chosen by God to build up His kingdom in a place called Haines City. And as we endeavor to be that community, we come away to be together for refreshing times of prayer, eating, talking, reading, fun, interacting with each other, and relaxing. So let me encourage you, to come on board and let us learn about each other, as we sail the beautiful Caribbean seas. Please call Carolyn Anderson or your Rector with your questions.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2011-07-10
A message from Fr. Chris on “Thoughts on the Altar in the Anglican Communion”
Altars in the Anglican Communion vary widely. At the time of the Reformation, altars were fixed against the east end of the church, and the priests would celebrate the Mass standing at the front of the altar. Beginning with the rubrics of the Second Prayer Book of Edward VI published in 1552, and through the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, the priest is directed to stand "at the north side of the Table [altar]." This was variously interpreted over the years to mean the north side of the front of a fixed altar, the north end of a fixed altar. Often, where a celebrant chose to situate himself was meant to convey his churchmanship (that is, more Reformed or more Catholic). The use of candles or tabernacles were banned by canon law, with the only appointed adornment being a white linen cloth. Beginning with the Anglo-Catholic Revival in the 19th Century, the appearance of Anglican altars took a dramatic turn in many churches. Candles and, in some cases, tabernacles were reintroduced. In some churches two candles, on each end of the altar, were used; in other cases six - three on either side of a tabernacle, typically surmounted by a crucifix or some other image of Christ. In Anglican practice, conformity to a given standard depends on the practice of the Diocese and/or the liturgical sensibilities of a given parish. In the Parson's Handbook, an influential manual for priests popular in the early-to-mid-twentieth century, Percy Dearmer recommends the size of an altar be "as nearly as possible 3 ft. 3 in. high, and at least deep enough to take a corporal [the square of linen placed underneath the Communion vessels] 20 in. square with a foot or more to spare." He also recommends that the altar stand upon three steps for each of the three sacred ministers, and that it be decorated with a silk frontal in the seasonal color. In some cases, other manuals suggest that a stone be set in the top of wooden altars, in the belief that the custom be maintained of consecrating the bread and wine on a stone surface. In many other Anglican parishes, the custom is considerably less rigorous, especially in those parishes which use free-standing altars. Typically, these altars are made of wood, and may or may not have a solid front, which may or may not be ornamented. In many Anglican parishes, the use of frontals has persisted. When altars are placed away from the wall of the chancel allowing a westward orientation, only two candles are placed on either end of it, since six would obscure the liturgical action, undermining the intent of a westward orientation. In such an arrangement, a tabernacle may stand to one side of or behind the altar, or an ambry may be used. Sensibilities concerning the sanctity of the altar are widespread in Anglicanism. In some parishes, the notion that the surface of the altar should only be touched by those in holy orders is maintained. In others, there is considerably less strictness. Nonetheless, the continued popularity of altar rails in Anglican church construction suggests that a sense of the sanctity of the altar and its surrounding area persists. In most cases, moreover, the practice of allowing only those items that have been blessed to be placed on the altar is maintained (that is, the linen cloth, candles, missal, and the Eucharistic vessels).
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-07-03
A message From Father Chris
Dear Father David: I write with a full appreciative heart to express on behalf of the Vestry and the people here at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church our grateful thanks to you and your congregation, for the warm and friendly welcome you offered to those who were confirmed last Sunday. The comments I have received from those who attended ranged from spirit-filled to a great expression of love. By God’s grace and your cooperation, we in the Episcopal Church have accomplished much when we can come together as one in the Name of Christ to let the joy of knowing Jesus flow through the sacraments of the Church from one congregation to the other. One candidate said “Bishop Lopez was both funny and serious, and he preached a short sermon and then individually confirmed each candidate, and then blessed the people.” I did ask her what she meant by a short sermon, but she just smiled. Now that these people have made this step towards Jesus, both of us need to remind them that Confirmation is not “a completion of Baptism.” Confirmation is a mature commitment to God, through the Lord Jesus. It is expressed in several ways, depending on circumstances: a) a person baptized as an infant or child now making his/her own mature commitment; b) a person now wishing to be an Episcopalian who was baptized and confirmed in a different denomination or c) an Episcopalian who wishes to express a renewed commitment in his/her spiritual journey. Some people still believe that there is such a thing as “first communion” , but until some thirty or forty years ago, a child was not allowed to receive Holy Communion until his/her adult commitment in Confirmation. At that time, however, the Episcopal Church changed its spiritual discipline to allow Holy Communion to any person from the moment of baptism. This recognizes that baptism is the beginning of full membership with all its privileges, especially Holy Communion. It also recognizes a better instructional model of including children in what their church community is doing, even though they don’t completely understand its meaning (who does?). At St. Mark’s we do not have a “first communion” for children; they are included all along. When parents ask about first communion, I simply inform them about the decision the church made decades ago. So my dear brother, as we revel in the joy of last Sunday, let us never forget that each day Jesus meets out a measure of love, peace, and joy for all his people. I pray God will continue to bless your ministry and the people to whom you minister.
Yours, for the building up of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2011-06-12
Message from Fr. Chris
Just recently I thought about the powerful men and women who, fail to follow-through on their vision, dreams, or desire for power. I wonder if sometimes egos overrule common sense, or uncontrolled power sways their logical thinking from focusing on the things of their dreams. Whatever the case or whomever they are, all persons who aspire to positions of power, should study the teachings of our Lord and be taught by the One to whom all power on earth and in heaven is given. Learn about how he handled criticism. See how he never swayed from his mission and message. He never second guessed his status—he never doubted who he was. He and the Father are one. In the Gospel of John 14:1-14, Jesus did not mince words when he clearly said to his disciples, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” This is not an off-the-cuff remark. This is the Jesus who came into the world to save sinners and the one who gave sight to the blind. John, as he wrote about this Jesus in chapter one said, “the law was indeed given to Moses, but Grace and Truth came through our Lord Jesus” (v. 17). This is the one whom we can come to know, believe, and trust. This is the one to whom we go for teaching. This is the one to whom we look for all our needs—spiritual, educational, social. In a community of the faithful, we cannot rule and lead with any measure of success unless or until we focus on the one who is the Way the Truth and the Life. He is the door to the Father—the gateway to wisdom. Let us therefore focus our thoughts, energy, and intellect on him and his teachings, for it is from him that all good things come. Let us not give up on our dreams, but persevere to the end—let us hold fast to Jesus’ unchanging hands and be taught by him, because he leads us to all truth. I pray that St. Mark’s Church will continue to focus on the good things, and keep on the path of Joy, Love, and Peace, as we learn from the greatest teacher of all, Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2011-05-22
A message from Father Chris
The latest publication of the Central Florida Episcopalian featured a section from the Episcopal Counseling Center on “Making Changes.” Several members of that organization offered insightful pieces of written work on their take on change, how it comes about; the devastation associated with the lack of change, and how important it is to recognize the necessity for embracing change. These topics are always timely, because we live in a world that is always changing. Change is as inevitable as the sun-rises in the east and sets in the west. To borrow a phrase from a noted writer, “the only thing that remains constant is change.” Change in our personal lives, family life, work environment, change in the city and in the church. The Counseling Center deals primarily with family life, and is confronted with many situations that beg for understanding the dynamics of change, and why it is important to be open to the changes in life that appear right on our doorsteps. In the Central Florida Episcopalian, one Counselor noted that she witnesses with great sadness and tears—statements like, “I am who I am and if you don’t accept me as I am, then we had better split.” I would venture to say that the attitude of one unwilling to change emanates from an angry spirit. An angry spirit leaves very little, or no room for accepting or welcoming change. An angry spirit rejects even the most significant need for change and it drives one to all types of illnesses. Anger is a dangerous factor for the human body. It leads to distortion of the correct functioning of the liver, spleen, heart, kidneys, and discharges its contents of the central corpuscles, which affect the central nervous system. But before we get to anger, there is an element of fear and a lack of communication, and all leads to pain. Sarah B. Phillips said, “If there is poor communication in a marriage; if one spouse threatens divorce, the level of pain usually increases.” She, along with others, believes that prayer and scripture reading will lead to spiritual as well as psychological growth. I wholeheartedly agree that prayer is the ultimate healer of all our ills. Barbara Keene recommends books and articles that are available to help bring about a perspective that allows one to do the right things, and live happier when the fear of accepting change is properly and productively managed. Michael Story say, “Every man wants a Proverbs 31 woman, and every woman wants a Proverbs 1:31 man.” I am not too sure about Proverbs 1:31 for men, because unless one is willing to accept the best ways of life, one is doomed to his own wisdom; unless one is prepared to follow the Laws of God, one is doomed to a destructive path. There is personal change and situational change, but nevertheless, change is constant. There is a real question that we all must answer as it pertains to how we can bring about and apprehend the change which comes to us. In Ruan Humphrey’s article entitled, “Do You Want to get Well?” she recounts the biblical passage of the man at the pool who was ill for 38 years. That is a question each person who suffers with a status quo mentality must be willing to answer; do you want change? Can you accept change? Do you want to get well?
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-05-15
Message from Father Chris
The Resurrection story continues for the rest of our lives; As we peruse the scripture, some very pointed statements appear in very few words, and when we take the time to analyze them, some real insight into the story of salvation is revealed. Take for instance a small statement from the Gospel of John which points us to a statement which says, “[T]hrough believing you may have life in his Name.” John is referring to the Savior who came into the world to bring life and light. But what does it mean to believe in His name? What must be understood by believing in his Name? If there is a gospel that gives insight into why Jesus came into the world it is the Gospel of John. In chapter 1, verse 14 he tells us that Moses gave us the law, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. In the same chapter John tells us that no one has ever seen God, it is God the Son who is close to the Father’s heart who has made him known. (John 1:18). As we think of the phrase, “life in His Name” last week’s gospel might give us a clue as to what the name means, because even though Mary Magdaline had seen Jesus, even though she had spoken to him and He to her, it was only the mention of her name that caused her to know it was the Risen Lord. All humankind is known by name and nature, but the indication from John causes us to focus on both name and nature. One cannot think about the name of Jesus without thinking about His nature, thus life in His name is life eternal. Life in his Name draws us to a relationship which no other name can do. Life in his name is why we come week after week to feed from the fountain of life. At the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth. The name is holy. The Name is everything that is good. The Name is salvation for everyone who believes. May God continue to give us insight into the precious Name of Jesus.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
2011-05-01
Message from Fr. Chris
Last Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt and the people threw palm branches on the ground to welcome Him to the city. On Thursday night, He shared his final meal with his disciples and washed their feet. On Friday we killed him and hung him on a cross. His disciples ran and hid themselves, but a few women stood at a distance and watched the event. On Saturday, we wondered what we had done, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus knew where he was laid, but they kept quiet. Today we sing: “Jesus Christ is risen Today, Alleluia, Alleluia. There is no mistake on the mind of Charles Wesley…The writer did not say Jesus Christ was Risen today, or Jesus Christ rose today. He says, Jesus Christ is Risen to day. This is a great insight for us Christians. One could easily say that he rose but is not here, but when we read ‘is risen’ it places everything in a present context. The Risen Lord was not a different person from the one who had been crucified. The body was not a substitute, Jesus risen body had the marks of his crucifixion to assure believers that the one crucified was the same who was raised. He was mistaken for the gardener until he called Mary by name. (John 20:15) He was not recognized by the travelers on the road to Emmaus, until he was made known in the breaking of the bread, nonetheless, his risen body was also described as a changed body, a glorious body (Phil 3:21) a body for eternity; a body that could move through walls at anytime and disappear. Those who knew him well, did not always recognize him—his body was in a changed state of Glory. Victory has come, victory over death and the grave have come, victory to set the captives free has come. Victory for the new life with Christ has come, because up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph for us all.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
Message from Father Chris
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian movable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. The feast commemorates an event mentioned in all four gospels (Mark: 11:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19); the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion. The Episcopal Church marks the day by the distribution of palms, sometimes skillfully made into crosses or palm branches. These palms are kept until the Sunday before Lent when they are returned to the church to be burnt and the ashes used for the impositioning of ashes on Ash Wednesday. According to the Gospels, before entering Jerusalem, Jesus was staying in Bethpage and Bethany. He had dinner with Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. While there, Jesus sent two disciples to the village ahead of him to retrieve a donkey that had been tied up but never ridden, and to say, if questioned, that the Lord needs it to ride upon. Jesus then rode the donkey into Jerusalem as people laid down their cloaks and palm branches before him. The people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven” (Matthew 21:9). Matthew quotes this passage from Zechariah when narrating this story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey, He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zechariah 9:9-10). If there is one day to pay attention to what is said in the reading of scripture, it is today, because no sermon will out-do the power of hearing the Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-04-17
A Message from Father Chris
Can these dry bones live?
If we are to put this statement in the context of where we are as a church, we may shudder at the answer. The reason we will shudder at the answer is: too many of God‘s people believe that they know how to achieve life in its fullness without a grounded faith in Jesus and constant prayer to Almighty God. Too many believe that their wisdom and the historical factors of their life dictate or trumps what God can bring alive when we pray. Too many of us in decision making positions would rather lean to our own understanding than to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to that place where God is leading us. Too many of us believe that faith is something we measure or calculate and if we cannot measure it or calculate it, the propagated results are unachievable. When the Spirit of the Lord set Ezekiel in the valley of the dry bones, the Lord said, “Mortal, can these dry bones live” and Ezekiel answered, “O Lord you know.” Ezekiel did not start drawing from his own wisdom, nor did he mention how it used to be before the people died. He did not say, let us form a committee and see, he said, “O Lord you know.” That answer is what separates us from achieving or not achieving. That statement makes the difference in how we prosper as a church. That statement is grounded in something that is sorely lacking in the leadership of God’s church. It is called faith. God did ask Ezekiel to make the bones come alive, He did not ask for supernatural powers to be exemplified at the moment. God tugged at Ezekiel’s faith to see where his groundings were. God wanted to see how mortal would respond to an amazing and unthinkable challenge, and mortal said, “O Lord you know.” I pray that the leaders in God’s church everywhere would step back from their earthly wisdom and let faith in the wisdom of God direct his church.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris
2011-04-10
Message from Father Chris
A few weeks ago I spoke at the Daughters of the King’s Retreat in Sebring, Florida. The theme for my talk was “Unless we Pray”. Unless we pray, we may miss opportunities for some of the goodness of God, because it is in the praying that we do the asking, and in the asking that we receive. Praying is the cornerstone of the church, but praying is not just words. Our lives should be a life of prayer. We ought to be in constant communication with God, because God is constantly speaking, and if we are not attuned to his voice we miss vital signals for the advancement of the Word and the church. God continues to reveal his will to his church, but unless we pray we run the risk of not being in fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Unless we pray, we may side-step the signals God shows us about what he has revealed to us. The scripture tells us, “Where there is no vision the people perish” (KJV. Prov. 29:18). Some more modern translations read, “Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint” (NIV. Prov. 29:18). Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint” (NRSV. Prov. 29:18). “Where there is no authority the people break loose” (TNEB. Prov. 29:18). “Where there is ignorance of God, the people run wild” (TLB. Prov. 29:18). No matter the translation, it all leads to an understanding that says, Unless we pray, we are unsure of our connection with the power and wisdom which only comes from God. Unless we pray, our connection to ascertain the revelation from God may be out of sync with what he is showing us. In a recent article in the Living Church Magazine, Donald V. Romanik, wrote, “If a local congregation knows what God is calling it to do, and raises up lay leaders as full and equal partners with the clergy, the rest will fall into place” He continued by saying that the church need priests who in partnership with empowered lay leaders, have the passion, skills, and ability to transform local congregations, the wider church, and even the world. For me, he is right on, I believe that to be true. However, none of us can tap into the power of God’s revelation unless we pray—letting prayer be our communication with God. It is our prayers that will unlock the blessings and visions which come from God. The questions for us here at St. Marks at this point in time are: what is God calling us to? What and who we need to get there? How do we begin? Those answers and answers to other questions will be withheld from us, unless we pray.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris
2011-04-03
Message from Father Chris
The Lord be With You.
“There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." 3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." (John 3;1-3)
In the Episcopal Church when we call on the assembly to pray we say, “The Lord be with you” Because of the familiarity with the statement, it comes across as rote and insignificant, but if we read the Gospel for today in its entirety we would note how significant Nicodemus ascribed the statement. He said, “[n}o one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.
This is an acknowledgement on his part of the greatness and the power one receives from God and that not too much is accomplished without God. But how do we tap into that power? We tap into the power that comes from God through prayer. Prayer is getting off our knees knowing that we have tapped into the resources of a God of power and grace. Prayer is both a great mystery and a wonderful simplicity. We come to God as a child comes to a loving attentive parent, but when we get there we find ourselves in loving conversation with the God who rules over all creation with power and grace.
When Nicodemus approached Jesus, he was genuinely seeking answers and through seeking answers he made Jesus his friend, because at Jesus’ death he was one of two men who wrapped Jesus’ body in spices for burial. We too can become a friend of Jesus through our prayers and our praise because he is constantly with us.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom
Father Chris.
Message from Father Chris
Today we come to the end of the long season of Epiphany: This is the ninth Sunday after Epiphany and the last Sunday of Epiphany. If you understand the Book of Common Prayer, you will note that if Easter comes early in the year—like it will next year—some of the Sundays of Epiphany will be skipped, but on the Sunday before Lent, the church always use the readings for the last Sunday of Epiphany on that Sunday. This season is like the journey the Israelites took as they were victoriously led from Egypt enroute to the Promised Land.
As they reached Mt. Sinai the Lord was about to enter a covenant relationship with them in crafting the Ten Commandments. What I want to do today is to walk you through the scripture we just read and see if we can glean from scripture and capture how God has set in motion many things that we sometimes think just happen. In the Old Testament reading: The Lord calls Moses to the mountain, he goes with his assistant Joshua: But he left instructions with the elders. Now that we are gone, Aaron and Hur are in charge. If you have any disputes go to them: One of the fist things we see here in this scripture is that God really speaks to man and he instructs us with commandments to follow, but we must note how Moses had a system in place: First he had an assistant and he took the assistant with him; He had elders, but not every elder had responsibility in his absence, only Aaron and Hur; Moses went to the mountain, but before the actual engagement, Moses spent some time in the presence of God. We too must make time. Assign some of our duties to someone else and go to be with God. We must find quietness, we must find a peaceful place to be with God. Jesus went to a peaceful place to pray and there he was transfigured on the mountain as Peter James and John watched. Jesus did not go there to be transfigured; he went to pray. He went to meet God: Meeting God is what we attempt to do when we pray: Now that we are about to enter the Lenten Season, this is the time of year we set aside for prayer, silence, and solitude. We set this time to get closer to God, but we may need to find the right place, the right environment, the right mountain, if you will, to meet God. This year could be a life changing experience. It could be a transformation from the old self to the new self. It will be if you allow the light of Christ to shine in your way—the way that leads to the cross of Calvary. That will be my prayer for all this Lenten Season.
Yours for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris
2011-03-06
Message from Father Chris
Dear Friends:
God continues to show His goodness to the youth here at St. Mark’s as we embrace one blessing after the other. On the heels of a wonderful “Friday Night with Jesus” event at the Lamb Of God Lutheran Church, we now have another blessing.
A dear friend of mine and an old friend of St. Mark’s Church has offered three partial scholarships to our youth to attend Camp Wingmann this summer. All attendees have to pay the $75.00 registration fee. To some, this may seem small, but to me, all of God’s blessings are significant. God provides even when we believe we are undeserving of His blessings.
The gospel for the week says it better than I can. Jesus said “Do not worry about your life, what you should eat or what you should drink,” and then He points us to life by asking the question, “is not life more than food and the body more than clothing”
Worry is part of our daily activity. We worry about the things we can change and we worry about the things we cannot change. The word worry used in this context is Merimnan; which means, to worry anxiously. But, if we place our trust in Jesus; if we exercise our faith in His promises, all of our answers will be forthcoming and our needs met.
Let us then, hold fast to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.
Yours for the building of God’s kingdom
Fr. Chris
2011-02-27
Message from Father Chris
“Like a skilled master builder, I laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it…no one can lay the foundation other than the one that has been laid: that foundation is Jesus Christ.” In today’s epistle, Paul is affirming in the minds of the people at Corinth that the foundation on which the gospel is to be built has already been laid: He is the only true foundation. Paul’s foundation is the sound preaching and teaching he presented to the people at Corinth. Paul suspected that one or more of the teachers might have been teaching a false doctrine and he wanted to affirm in the minds of the church that the authenticity of the gospel is based on the words of Jesus; thus, any other doctrine that does not have the gospel of Jesus Christ as its source, is baseless. Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and corner stone. Those words come from one of my favorite hymns and they remind me and whoever sing them that our salvation is assured because of Jesus. Our premise and belief of the blessed hope is because of Jesus. Those of us who preach the Word of God must continue to plead with those who offer themselves for service in the army of God, that they must be equipped and be fully prepared with an authentic faith to share an authentic doctrine to teach or preach for the sake of building a strong kingdom of heaven here on earth.
Yours for the building of God’s kingdom
Father Chris
2011-02-20
A message from Father Chris
I was sitting the other day and thinking about this wonderful place that God has called me to do ministry. Having said that, I believe there are a few simple things that would make our presence felt in Haines City. When I came here there was a food basket in the Narthex collecting food for the poor. The first month I saw just a few cans, and I made an appeal through the bulletin and at the announcements for each person to make an intentional effort to bring food for the poor. You have responded and responded well. Today, we have food to feed several families. That tells me that you have recognized God’s goodness and His grace and you are willing to share what he has given you with others. But here is where God wants you to step out in faith that the full measure of his majesty and his grace may come to the home of some unsuspecting persons. Don Roy and his team have several bags of food all packaged and ready to go. Suppose today you took one of those bags and pull up to a home, knock on the door, and say to the house hold. “I am from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Holy Spirit sent me to bring you this food for you and your family.” My friends, suppose we did that to just five families a week: I believe we would make a huge difference in the lives of a few people. In the Epistle for today, (1 Cor. 3:1-9) Paul reminds us that one plants, another one waters, but God gives the growth. Here at St. Mark’s, one brings the food, another bags it, another delivers it, and God will give the growth.
What do you think?
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris
A Message from Father Chris
Over the past two weeks here at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, we have installed several members of the congregation who offered themselves to dedicated positions to serve God. Some persons were installed as new members, while others rededicated themselves to be continuing members of the Order of Daughters of the King. “Daughters of the King” is an Order which is called to Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. Members were also installed in the Lay Eucharistic Ministry and the Vestry. All of us are blessed for the way God has spoken to the heart of each person who came forward to learn about the Lay Eucharistic Ministry and to serve on the Vestry. The Lay Eucharistic Ministry is at the heart of the work of the Church. Jesus told Peter; “Feed my lambs, Tend my sheep, Feed my sheep.” What Jesus said to Peter back then, he now says to us: In our modern day language, Jesus is saying, see to it that no one is forgotten; therefore we have a responsibility to fulfill what Jesus has commanded. As your Rector, it is my desire that all persons who call this church home should be able to participate in the sacraments of the church. However, some people cannot come to the sanctuary to fellowship and worship because of physical ailments, impairments, or other health challenges; therefore, we have to go to them. The Lay Eucharistic Ministry which offers the sacrament to people in their homes or in institutions is very rewarding and empowering. When one shares in the Holy Eucharist, he/she is participating in one of the two sacraments which the Lord himself ordained and it is my intention that people are never denied of that Holy moment. Last week we also installed new members to the vestry, and thanked the continuing members who recommitted themselves to the arduous task of managing the work of the church. I am pleased for each person’s expression of faith and commitment to make sure that this church functions within the confines of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and of the Diocese of Central Florida. Let us all continue to pray for the work and ministry of God’s church in this part of his vineyard. I salute and thank all of you for your expression to God’s service in the ministry to which He has guided you. May God’s peace be with us all.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom
Father Chris
2011-02-06
Message from Father Chris
One of my first writings to you and those who read about us on the World Wide Web may remember I said, “The only thing that remains constant is change.” That is a statement I heard many years ago and it has endured the test of time. But although change has always been a part of our lives, young or old, we are never really prepared for the differences that come from change. In the church, like every other organization, group or institution where the lives of people are affected, change meets with a measure of resistance. Humankind like things to remain exactly as they are, yet we constantly hear that nothing is happening—nothing is being done; we are not growing.
But what is change: how are we as a church called to understand change?
The church, by its very nature is a reconciling body. The church is called to transform the lives of people and as the laboratory for transforming lives, accepting change is an integral, if not, the beginning point to transformation. Here at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, we will work though any minor changes that seem to be-set us, because we are not just to transform the lives of our members, but we must be that transformed example and the beacon of light for the people who still sit in darkness. So let us work together for the change that really matters, the change that leads to transformed life.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris
2011-01-30
Message from Father Chris
In the Episcopal Church we find different ways to serve God and our fellowman. Daughters of the King is an order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, Churches in communion with it, or Churches in the historic episcopate but not in communion with it. Today membership includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches. The Order was founded in 1885 by Margaret J. Franklin at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in New York City (now the Church of the Resurrection). The Anglican tradition includes Episcopal oversight, Holy Scripture containing all things necessary for salvation, recognition of the gift of the Holy Spirit in Baptism, the real presence of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and worship according to The Book of Common Prayer. Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish.
Duties and Responsibilities of Membership: Daughters will love God and have affection for their neighbors, by the grace of God. Daughters must always remember that their love for Jesus is only real and true when they do in fact love and practice forbearance to their most unlovely neighbors. Daughters will pray to Jesus who is their intimate friend. They should pray regularly and unceasingly, for prayer is a state of being, not just a physical or verbal position. A daughter’s life is a prayer born or acted out of love, not fear. Daughters will serve their King and their service to the King of kings is only accomplished when the serve in and through their family, the Holy Church.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom
Father Chris
2011-01-23
A Message from Father Chris
If you own one of these systems, you will readily identify with my message this week. One of the most advanced pieces of technology used by ordinary Americans is the Global Positioning System (GPS). Theses devices use a computer program that will mapped the earth, and indeed North America, to help people who travel the landscape find their way home or to anywhere in town. This modern friendly device is usually accurate, and the female voice recorded to respond to inaccurate turns can be quite persistent, if not annoying. The instruction that is most familiar to me is the one that says, “When possible, make a legal U-Turn” and she says that until one either complies or makes a different decision which she recognizes. One day I was giving some serious thought to the workings of the device and as I try to figure her out, I thought of the other voices that are just as persistent which we hear every day. One of the voices that we constantly hear whether we pay attention or not, is the voice of Jesus. That voice invariably says to us, “Icame that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” And like the recorded voice of the lady who constantly says to us, “When possible, make a legal U-Turn” Jesus says to us: Today, if you hear my voice do not harden your heart. That is the real message. That is the message that will make a difference in your life and in the lives of the people whom you love—Jesus said, “I came that you may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). The next time the lady on the GPS speaks, think about the voice of Jesus, that voice will never be silent.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris
2011-01-16
A Message from Father Chris
Baptism is one of the sacraments of the church that almost everyone has seen over and over. But baptism is not only a visual thing. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of a spiritual and invisible grace. In churches all over, we have heard the word, and we have seen the visible act. We know that it is an important part of the Christian experience. As a matter of fact, we become Christians through our baptism—we are united with the body of Christ—the church through our baptism. Our Bishop just released his new book, “Our Anglican Heritage, 2nd Edition” In that book the Bishop has an interesting teaching on the difference between the baptism of John the Baptist and the baptism Jesus offers his followers. To begin understanding Christian baptism, we first have to understand that Christianity was born out of Judaism. Jesus Christ, in his flesh, was a Jew - descended from the lineage of King David. But in obedience to Jesus, most Christian churches baptize the membership at different ages. Before Jesus went back to the Father, he told his apostles to go into all the world and baptize people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism, then, is not something we do—it is something Jesus commands.
I remain yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris/Your Priest and Pastor.
2011-01-09
A message from Father Chris
My Brothers and Sister in Christ:
The reading on this second Sunday after Christmas from Paul’s Epistle to the people at Ephesus has formed part of our thinking as we begin our weekly worship service. Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is significant in that we begin by blessing God for how he has blessed us. We are blessed with spiritual and social blessings and our response to those blessings should be our praise and worship to God. The blessings Paul speaks about are not rewards for something we have done, earned, or deserve, but these are bestowed on us—bestowed by a gracious God before the foundation of the world. We receive these blessings through Christ—the Christ whose birthday we celebrate during this Church season. The Christ who John‘s Gospel tells us was in the beginning with God. These blessing then, were predestined, because if we continue in the book of Ephesians we will note that it states, “God has blessed us, God has chosen us, God has pre-selected us, God has bestowed grace upon us, and God has revealed to us His son Jesus Christ our Lord”. So at the start of our worship and praise week after week, we rightly begin by saying: Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May the blessedness of God so shroud our every thought that Christmas will be the season to remember all year long.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris.
A message from Father Chris
Here is an excerpt from my book, on the Letter of Paul to Titus. (Titus 2:11)
What is Paul saying as he instructs Titus to tell the people, “The Grace of God has appeared bring salvation to all” (ESV. Titus2:11). John’s gospel tells us, “Grace and truth come to us through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17b). It is only Jesus who can make our inward heart and our outward life fit for God. The power to live as a Christian must come from the Holy Spirit. Titus is to spread the word in a way that each person in Crete knows and can embrace the message of the gospel. The one salient point which is for everyone is exerting self-control, and high moral and spiritual standards. Therefore, whether you are an old man, an old woman, a young woman, a young man, a slave or the free, the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all. The salvation of God shapes us into the uniquely beautiful people God created us to be. The very purpose of God in manifesting this grace is so that believers might be trained, or schooled, or instructed correctly—to the extent that they reject ungodliness and worldly lust; that we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world…” while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. The Christian lives with a hope—a blessed hope—that Jesus will come again to redeem his elect. This will be the manifestation of the Glory of God and savior Jesus Christ. We are constrained to such a life of penitence, of virtue, and hope, by the redeeming purpose of Christ who gave himself for us that he may redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.” May we all strive to practice the good life of living in holiness by the grace of God.
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris.
A message from father Chris
Two names to remember this Christmas Season:
Jesus—means “He will save the people from their sins.”
Emmanuel—means “God with us.”
Merry Christmas
Yours, for the building of God’s kingdom.
Fr. Chris
Christmas 2010
A Message from Father Chris:
During the season of Advent, all the assigned readings from the Old Testament in the Lectionary will be from the Book of Isaiah. These readings come to us because this Old Testament Book, more than any other, is the story of God’s restoring purpose for the people of Judah, and as a result—the children of God everywhere. Isaiah is a book of hope. Advent is the season of hope. To the people of Judah—a people who were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, it was the hope of the coming Messiah, but to the Christian it is the hope of the second coming of Christ our Savior. The central theme of the Book is God himself, who does all things for his own sake. Isaiah describes everything as it relates to God. Judah is the main people whom Isaiah saw in his vision and opined in vivid ways to captivate the mind of his readers as he carefully penned this large set of readings. As a matter of scholarly discussion, some theologians believe that the book was written in three stages and that Isaiah, son of Amoz mentioned in the first verse of chapter one, wrote only chapters one to thirty-nine (1-39), while two other persons wrote forty to fifty-five (40-55) and fifty-six to sixty-six. (56-66). But despite those scholarly debates, the book has a common thread that runs from chapter one to chapter sixty-six. That thread is God himself restoring, rebuilding, and sustaining for His glory.
A Message from Father Chris.
Continued from last week:
Christians must read the book of Isaiah with appreciation for what God has done for his human creation through his saving grace. The readings assigned for this period is a central view of Isaiah’s vision to show how God planned to redeem humankind. “A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins” (v.1-5). Isaiah is speaking or foretelling, if you will, about Jesus. This first coming has taken place, but now we await the second coming, as Isaiah portrays a time and a place of peace—a place where brutal animals and pets will lie and live together. Wolf shall live with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. Isaiah also said, “Return of the Remnant of Israel and Judah
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.” Advent gives us an opportunity to relive the anticipation and expectation experienced by the people of old, and it also moves us to be ready to receive him when he comes again.
Fr. Chris
2010-12-12
Message from the Priest:
Advent
Today we switch the Eucharistic Prayer in our second service to “B”. This is significant for us as we acknowledge the mystery of the season of Advent. The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. Hear the initial section of the prayer. “We give thanks to you , O God, for the goodness and love which you have made in creation, in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your word spoken through the prophets, and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son. For in these last days you sent Him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life” That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. So as we proceed through this wonderful season of expectation, let us remember Jesus’ death; let us proclaim his resurrection, as we await his coming in glory.
Father Chris:
2010-11-28
A Message from the Priest:
This is the last Sunday in the Christian year and it is a good time to reflect on the Lectionary readings we used during the year from the gospel of Luke. The theologians picked the passage from Luke 22:33-43 to share with us today as one we should ponder over and over. As the Jews were deriding Jesus, one said to him, “he saved others, let him save himself” (v 35). That statement alone shows the complete ignorance of the Jews to the true purpose of Jesus’ time on earth. Jesus needed no saving, Jesus was and still is the Savior—that is who he was and that is what he came to do. Luke’s gospel began earlier than Matthew, with the announcement of John in 7 B.C. and ends with his ascent to heaven in the spring of A.D.30. Luke is the one gospel that seemed to highlight women in the early years of Jesus’ life. Luke shows us how to live the life that Jesus taught us and he further went on in the Book of Acts to show us how to continue living a Christ-like life. As we close out this year with Luke, we will begin next week with the gospel of Matthew which similarly tells about the birth and life of Jesus. Luke focuses on humanity in two ways. First Jesus is the ideal or perfect human person. Luke shows what a spirit filled person wholly obedient to God, is like. Luke also shows what it looks like to value people. In many of the stories about Jesus, Luke shows how Jesus impacted the lives of people. In one case, Luke showed how a converted person responds to his new found faith in Jesus. The conversion of Zacchaeus is a perfect example which tells us what happened after conversion. Zacchaeus returned fourfold the possessions he had stolen from the poor. This reminds us that when we truly meet Jesus our lives do change. As we move on to Matthew, I am sure we will find his writings just as informative and uplifting.
Fr. Chris
Message from the Priest:
I recently had a conversation with two dear friends and one asked me how I felt about bad things happening to good people. One gave an example of a still-born baby or a child who loses his/her life at a very young age? Well, I assured her that these are not simple or easy questions to answer, but one of the things we hear in the Episcopal Church every Sunday is, “Holy and Gracious Father, in your infinite love you made us for yourself…” God made us for himself, and he calls us to himself. At times we may feel when one dies it is premature, untimely, or unpopular. But these two references do not settle the question of why bad things happen to good people. It is the beginning of a dialogue which began as far back as the Book of Job. (Scholars believe Job was the first biblical book written). Job was a righteous man who lived according to God’s laws, yet he received news that his cattle had been captured and killed, then his servants are captured and killed: Then his sons and daughters were captured and killed: Then his own body broke out in boils and sores. His friends insisted that he must have sinned and as a result, God is punishing him. But he did not sin, he was righteous—he was a good man. We Christians must understand that we all live in God’s perfect world with imperfect people, with challenges permeated by sin and evil. We are not under a special umbrella shielded from sin and evil. When the disciples asked Jesus to ‘teach us to pray’ one of the prayer lines says, “[d]eliver us from evil.” So yes, there is evil in the world, and evil manifests itself in every area of life. We cannot expect that good things will happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people, just like God sends his rain on the just, he also sends it on the unjust, so all of us as broken vessels are susceptible to the evil forces of life. But we stand under the umbrella of a loving God. One of our reliance as Christians is, God made us for himself, and as we understand our Christian privilege we may need to refer often to our Baptismal Covenant, because it there we find our beginnings with Christ and it is there we find the comfort of knowing that we are a chosen lot—made for God’s own purpose. Let us trust God and use our choices as close as possible to His will, because there will be a day when evil will be no more and His elect will be with Him forever.
2010-11-14
The Anamnesis of Baptism
Today we administer the sacrament of Holy Baptism in this church and we take a look back at how the rite of baptism was conducted back in the sixth century which set a standard for the office that was duplicated through the middle ages and beyond. [1] The clergy and people being assembled in the church at 2:00 p.m., the clergy went with the sacrarium, having on the customary vestments: and two tapers being lighted, and held at each corner of the altar by two notaries or readers. Another reader went up to the ambon and read eight lessons concerning the creation of man, the temptation of Abraham, and other appropriate subjects from Exodus, Isaiah, and Jonah—after each of which was said a Collect founded on the preceding lesson; and before the last Collect, “Like as the heart desireth the water brooks,” was sung. [2] A procession was formed from the altar “ad fonts.” The ‘school” or quire singing the “sevenfold Litany,” the taper-bearings, and a minister carrying the ampulla of consecrated oil, going before the Bishop, who was supported by a Deacon on either side. [3] The prayers for the benediction of the font were said by the Bishop, who, at a particular part of them, divided the water with his hand in the form of a cross; at a second, held the taper in the water; and, at a third, breathed on the chrism in the form of a cross and spreading it with his hands. [4] When the benediction of the water was ended, the “infants” were baptized, first the boys and then the girls; the Interrogatories being first made of those who brought them in the following form. Then when the newly baptized was taken from the font he was given to one of the priests, who made the sign of the cross upon the crown of his head with the chrism, saying, “Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath regenerated thee by water and the Holy Ghost, and hath also given to thee remission of all their sins, anoint thee with the chrism of salvation unto eternal life. Amen” After this the baptized infants and adults were confirmed by the Bishop, the names being given by him during the act of Confirmation: and the service was ended with the Holy Communion. So as we look back over the centuries and remember the rite of baptism, let us be joyful in remembering that we are a church on three main props—scripture, tradition, and reason..
Fr. Chris
2010-11-07
Message from Fr. Chris:
A popular praise song would resonate with the story of Zacchaeus.
“Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus. To reach out and touch Him. And say that we love Him. Open our ears, Lord. And help us to listen. Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus.”
The gospel (Luke 19:1-10) today is a familiar parable that Luke told about a man named Zacchaeus. He climbed a tree to see Jesus, he wanted to get a good view of this man who was doing wonders in his world, but he got a lot more than he anticipated—he got a new life. Salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house.
When I arrived here at St. Marks and attended the first Vestry Meeting, I said that my being here is to help people find the new Life in Christ Jesus—to see Jesus in a new way.
Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree to see Jesus and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Jesus saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, He also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, He says Zacchaeus “Come down quickly.” Zacchaeus searched to see Jesus, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merely in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he was raised up from the earth and so he climbed into the sycamore tree, by which Jesus was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Jesus and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore tree of his/her life, by making foolish his earthly sins of uncleanness and viewing the Wisdom of God.
Each of us has a tree and that tree must be indentified and climbed. When we do that, we will get a better glimpse of Jesus; we will see him more clearly, and love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly. So here is my prayer for each one of us. “Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus. To reach out and touch Him. And say that we love Him. Open our ears, Lord. And help us to listen. Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus.” Amen.
Message from Fr. Chris.
2010-31-10essage from Father Chris
More on the Message of Faith.
“By faith, Abraham, at the time of testing, offered Isaac back to God. Acting in faith, he was as ready to return the promised son, his only son, as he had been to receive him and this after he had already been told, ‘Your descendants shall come from Isaac’ Abraham figured that if God wanted to, he could raise the dead. In a sense, that's what happened when he received Isaac back, alive from off the altar. By an act of faith, Moses' parents hid him away for three months after his birth. They saw the child's beauty, and they braved the king's decree. By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God's people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah's camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff. By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king's blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going. By an act of faith, he kept the Passover Feast and sprinkled Passover blood on each house so that the destroyer of the firstborn wouldn't touch them. By an act of faith, Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. The Egyptians tried it and drowned. 30 By faith, the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days, and the walls fell flat. 31 By an act of faith, Rahab, the Jericho harlot, welcomed the spies and escaped the destruction that came on those who refused to trust God” (The Message Bible, Hebrews 11:17-19, 23-31). As we read this passage as translated by Eugene Petersen from the Message Bible, let us be careful to note that all of the men or woman here mentioned place their trust in God. The gospel for today is about a well known parable Jesus spoke as he described the disposition of the Pharisee as opposed to the Tax Collector, as they both went up into the Temple to pray. One placed his faith in his status and his ability to share his earthly goods, the other placed his faith in God. As we journey through the Christian life, let us ground our faith in the One who is the author and finisher of our faith.
Fr. Chris
2010-10-24 Faith is the only condition requisite to a reconciled relationship with the giver of life. Without faith, without faith no one can receive God’s savings gifts. Nothing will substitute. Faith is the primary condition for the receptivity of every subsequent stage of God’s saving activity, the inward pivot of the Christian teaching of salvation” (Luther).
Hebrews 11:1-12
(the Message Bible on Faith)
1 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. 2 The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. 3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see. 4 By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice. 5 By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him." We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God." 6 It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. 7 By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God. 8 By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. 9 By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. 10 Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations - the City designed and built by God. 11 By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. 12 That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions. (This chapter will continue next week).
In the gospel for today Jesus asks, “[W]hen the son of man comes will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8b).
Fr. Chris
Priest in Charge
2010-10-17
October 10, 2010
A Message from the Priest in Charge.
A few years ago, I asked an old theologian if there was a more specific way to say “thank You” to God other than the use of those two words; he said no. I recall as a child, one of the things that our parents always instill in each of my siblings and me is to say thanks for even the slightest kindness or service extended to us. However, in our instant and rushed society, people take, grab, receive, and move on without the slightest acknowledgment whatsoever and that is the same way we sometimes treat God.
For me, one of my pet peeves is people who fail to say “thank you” and for a long time I had some misgivings about the 10 lepers who called out to Jesus for His mercy, and only one returned to say thanks. As we hear Jesus asking about the other nine there is a message for us. Even Jesus cares about things we sometime think are mundane—things like saying ‘thank you.’
Without getting too theological in these writings, one must still recognize the spiritual significance of these two small words. In the Episcopal Church one of the prayers that are said as the gifts of the people are received is, “All things come of thee O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” This in itself reminds us that we have nothing, and anything we have does indeed come from God. Therefore, God should be thanked for what He has given us.
What Jesus gave to the 10 lepers was a spiritual and a physical healing. The Samaritan was the exception; most unlikely to be worthy of Jesus’ good favor, thus, he returned to say thanks. Scripture tells us, “To whom much is given much is expected” This Samaritan felt that he did in fact receive much. He was not a full blooded Jew, as he was of the house of those Jews who intermarried with foreign women—he was a Samaritan; thus his thankfulness for his healing might have been more appreciated than the Jews who might have had an expectation or an entitlement attitude. But Jew or Gentile we all should be thankful. Let us this day say to God—Thank You.
Fr. Chris
Priest in Charge
October 3, 2010
In the Episcopal Church, there are three central books to which we look for our spiritual guidance as we serve God. There are the Holy Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Hymnal. The Bible stands supreme among any other books that are used in the church, and is used for spiritual guidance and doctrine. The Bible is the story of God and God’s people. In the Episcopal Church when scripture is read, at the end the reader says, “The Word of the Lord.” It is important that it is said because we believe therein is the spoken words of God. In addition to the Bible, the next book is the Book of Common Prayer. This guide to Liturgy, Prayers and the Administration of the Sacraments of the church has endured the test of time since its existence in 1549. Many revisions have come about since 1549, but the basic book remains virtually the same. One of the changes occurred in 1786 as a proposed American BCP, but that was not officially received until 1789 with full and complete ratification for use in the church beginning October 1, 1790. The Book of Common Prayer is not a simple document by any stretch of the imagination. It is a complete library for Worship and its history will be edifying to anyone who takes the time to read and study its content. From the preface to the very last page there is guidance for ordered worship and prayerful reverence before God. One of the tenets of the belief of the church is that praying shapes what we believe—it is the way we pray and worship that sets us apart from many of the mainline churches. The Hymnal which contains hymns for all occasions could be very inspiring. If when the hymns are sung, we focus more on the words than the tune, our hearts could be touched as some of the hymns convey words of encouragement and hope, which could enrich our spiritual lives. One of the duties of a new priest in a parish is to help people find the new Life in Christ, and one way of finding that is through the proper use of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Hymnal. One of the better structures for observing and becoming more enlightened about the Book of Common Prayer is by attending a series of confirmation classes.
Father Chris
September 24, 2010
A Message from the Priest in Charge.
“The only thing that remains constant is change.” That is a statement I heard many years ago and it has endured the test of time. But although change has always been a part of our lives, young or old, we are never really prepared for the differences that come from change. In the Episcopal Church, when a priest is called to a parish, his/her presence represents a change. But the change is not just for the congregation, the call is change also for the person who comes. As creatures of habit, we all look forward to doing those things we have done in the past, and those things which bring us a measure of joy. One of the easiest ways to accept the unease caused by change is to make sure that roles are well defined. This is absolutely important because many persons who support the continuation and growth of a congregation work tirelessly for the survival and the sanctity of worship. In the general public square, tolerance is a word that helps us understand the differences created by change, but for the most part, people usually tie up their identity in their behavior, thus, they allow the public to view them in groups rather than as individuals. But there is no need for a different behavior, change is not what is different, change is what is normal. The Christian is not called to be tolerant, the Christian is called to love—love unconditionally. To tolerate each other is to limit our self to mere carnal Christians who are unenlightened and live by the standards of the world. Christians, however, are called to live by the standards of Christ. To merely tolerate those who are made in the image of God is to limit the fullness of the joy which God offers each of us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us remember Jesus ask us to do just one thing: Love God and love one another—he asks us to love.
I remain your brother in Christ and for the building of God’s kingdom.
Father Chris.
Priest in Charge
September 19, 2010
A Message from the Priest in Charge
My brothers and sisters in Christ, when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome, he explained his reason for coming to them. “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gifts to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (ESV, Romans 1:11-12). What Paul so eloquently stated is what I am about as I come to be with you as your Pastor and Spiritual leader. In the selection process, I said that if I was favored as your priest, I would be coming to do three things: ‘to Love you- to Listen to you- and to Encourage you’ and with the help of God, much will be accomplished if we partner together in that spirit of togetherness and sharing. The way forward must be built on trust and a genuine agreement to let God be God, and let the Holy Spirit be our guide. This will be accomplished by prayer, fasting, and loving each other with our warts, our human failings and our insecurities; acknowledging that each person is uniquely created by God. My wife Genevieve joins me in prayer and thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to serve Him and His people in this part of His vineyard. We look forward to many joyful moments, as we allow the Holy Spirit to direct and guide our steps. It is my desire that the Vestry, the Search Committee, and all the people at St. Mark’s will now unite in one Big, Holy, Audacious, Goal (B-HAG) of loving one another as Christ loves us.
I remain your brother in Christ and for the building of God’s kingdom.
