Memorial Day

The Prayer for Heroic Service from The Book of Common Prayer, page 839, No. 6:

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend and remember to give thanks for those who serve and served.

Please note that the church office will be closed on Memorial Day. 

Trinity Sunday

There is an icon that hangs in the church's office that Father Walker left at St. Alban's. I've often looked at it and studied it - wondering what it represented. It shows three winged figures gathered at table around a chalice. I imagined it was an icon representing the Eucharist - until I did some research.

It turns out that the icon represents the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity is the Church's ancient, wonderful and mysterious belief that we worship one God who is made known to us as Father (creator), Son (redeemer) and Holy Spirit (sanctifier). One God - not three. Three persons - or ways made manifest, yet one God. God is like a community!

This belief - like our icon - is mysterious and strains our imagination. Come celebrate this mystery with us this Sunday, May 26, 2013, The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Holy Eucharist. Join us for Christian Education classes at 9:15 a.m. and stay for coffee and fellowship - we too are a community and there is nothing mysterious about that! Or is there?

Oklahoma

Dear Friends,

News of the devastation in Oklahoma is still coming in. The loss of life, the suffering, the mourning, and the destruction of property break my heart and grieve my soul. My prayers continue to ascend for all those affected, and I ask you to join me in those prayers.

I contacted Bruce and Susan MacPherson, and they assured me that they are safe and well.

At times like this some understandably wonder how a loving God could allow such misery. Others--misguided in their thinking--point a finger at those suffering loss and insist that God has visited just punishment upon them. What slander against God! Just look at the Cross. There we see God immersed in our darkest moments by his own choosing and for the sake of our redemption and healing.

Our universe is infinitely complex. Chaos theory teaches us that hurricanes (and tornadoes) arise in America from the fluttering of a butterfly's wings in China. We sort through this infinite sea of data with finite, fallible minds. We cannot fully grasp why such tragic things happen. However, we can know that God has promised to redeem all things. Even the bleakest, most shattered of things. And there lies our hope and from there we draw our strength to do whatever good we can do.

Among the goods we can do is prayer. Here is a prayer from Evening Prayer and Compline that I share with you for the people of Oklahoma tonight:

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Please pass along these words to your flocks as you see fit. Thank you for the loving leadership you provide in such difficult times.

In Christ's Love,







The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, PhD, DD

The Diocese of Western Louisiana
P. O. Box 2031
Alexandria, Louisiana 71309-2031
318-442-1304
bishopjake@diocesewla.org
http://pelicananglican.blogspot.com/

Further words from the Bishop...

Our neighbors in Oklahoma are reeling from the devastation wrought by yesterday's tornado. First responders are only just beginning the hard work of helping them recover. For now, those on site ask that we stay away so that those first responders can do what they do so well.

In the meantime, there is still much that we can do. As I mentioned in this morning's email, continue to pray. If you would like to send a financial donation, write a check to The Diocese of Oklahoma and add "Tornado Relief" to the memo line. Here is an address:

Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, 924 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

I am in discussion with Mtr. Mitzi George (Coordinator for Disaster Relief) and Archdeacon Bette Kaufmann about a diocesan mission trip in July or later. This will allow time for the first responders to do what they need to do and time for us to coordinate with the Diocese of Oklahoma. Look for more information soon.

In addition to our own mission trip, volunteer opportunities are made available for disaster work by Episcopal Relief and Development. While it is too early to expect coordinated efforts today, here is the link you can use to find volunteer opportunities: ERD Volunteer Opportunities.

Bishop Ed Konieczny of Oklahoma reports that they have what they need in the present. But we also know that this will be a long recovery project. I know that I speak for all of us when I say to him that they are not alone.

A Conversation with Bishop Jake

Be on the look for this new series from Bishop Jake. I will post these each time they become available.

The Day of Pentecost

Sunday, May 19, is The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday. It is the day that we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. St. Aban's will celebrate Pentecost with Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join us also for Adult Education Class or Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Be sure to wear red to show your Pentecost Spirit!

The collect for the day sums it up nicely...

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Note: Photo is of a frontal at Wells Cathedral. Their website is here.

Mother's Day

This Sunday, May 12, 2013 is Mother's Day. May we all give thanks for our mothers with this prayer... Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

ULM Graduation

The University of Louisiana at Monroe held its commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. Somewhere in this crowd are St. Alban's Stephanie and Andrew! Congratulations!

Our Archdeacon, Bette Jo Kauffman was the event's announcer.