A Day of Prayer for Israel

From the Anglican Diocese of Calgary:

Archbishop Hosam Naoum [Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem] has requested that tomorrow* be a day of fasting and prayer. Please read his letter for more details.

*This letter was written on October 14th and posted by the Diocese to its FB page on October 16th. It reached your blog editor's feed on October 17th. "Tomorrow" is thus yesterday, today and onward, as we are called to pray for peace. Thank you.

 Note: click on the photo to enlarge.

 

Thanksgiving and Generosity Go Together

No matter that it's a few days past the original observance; thanksgiving and generosity are for everyday use! Rev. Robert's sermon from Sunday, October 8, 2023, is presented on behalf of the Anglican Parish of St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. May it bless your day. 😊

Readings for Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023

Deuteronomy 8:7-18

Psalm 65

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

The Gospel of Luke 17: 11-19

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

A blessing for all in our parish who serve to keep the services, the fund-raising and our parish outreach going. For all who pray for and/or visit others. For those whose making is served in times of fellowship or goes out into the community in the form of prayer shawls, comfort quilts, cookies and more. For those who pick up and take home parishioners no longer able to drive. For those who tend the lawn and shrubbery in season. For those who clean the sanctuary, the hall and the washrooms. For those who ensure we have flowers and candles on the alter, and set up the vestments and appropriate items for Eucharist (Communion). For those who read the readings or play the music or prepare the Prayers of the People. For those in leadership who meet to discuss parish concerns, or who ensure our bank account is balanced and our bills are paid.

Blessings to you all this Thanksgiving -- and every day.

A Blessing for You Who Serve Others

So bless you all in these

beautiful, terrible contradictions.

You who serve others,

knowing it comes at a steep cost.

That time you’ll never get back.

Those people who won’t ever

be as grateful as you hope.

The paycheck or PTO or benefits

that will never add up to enough.

May you be reminded

that maybe you were called

for such a time as this.

To pour out your great,

great gifts for the sake of the other.

To work toward this beautiful,

terrible interdependence.

(Even if community is much easier

in theory than in practice.)

And on the days where you feel

like your work is just a drop in the ocean.

Or you want to throw in the towel

Because you are far beyond burnout.

May joy and delight be yours, my dears,

and may it fuel the hard, beautiful work you do.

And hey, if you are just beginning

a move toward service,

may you have the eyes to see

the needs in front of you,

the places where your gifts

and passions and resources

meet your community’s deep needs.

Or if you’re just starting to

ask for help yourself, bless you.

May your courage be met with kindness.

You are all my favorite kinds of people

and I love you.

Bless you.

                       -- Kate Bowler 

Sermon for Sunday, October 1, 2023

Today's video sermon from Sunday, October 1, 2023 is provided by Rev. Robert Sears on behalf of the Anglican Parish of St. John's, Olds, Alberta, Canada.

May it bless your day. 😊

Readings for Sunday, October 1, 2023

Exodus 17: 1-7

Psalm 78: 1-4, 12-16

Philippians 2: 1-13

The Gospel of Matthew 21: 23-32

Robert writes this about his sermon:

"Failings and mistakes in Canadian politics this week should sensitize us to the position of the chief priests and elders of the temple. They didn't want their views of John the Baptist to become known to their people. Things could go very wrong. So they couldn't answer Jesus' question about the origin of John's baptism.

"Sadly their cunning answer indicated their inability to know the difference between heavenly and humanly origins. Jesus brings home the point with the parable of the two sons. And we can ask ourselves which son are we: one that wrestles with appropriate follow through, but who hears and does; or one who makes empty declarations and worthless promises."