Thursday, December 31, 2020

New Year's Eve

In Memoriam, CVI
, by Alfred Lord Tennyson
 
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
      The flying cloud, the frosty light:
      The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
 
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
      Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
      The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
 
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
      For those that here we see no more;
      Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
 
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
      And ancient forms of party strife;
      Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
 
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
      The faithless coldness of the times;
      Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
 
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
      The civic slander and the spite;
      Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
 
Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
      Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
      Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
 
Ring in the valiant man and free,
      The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
      Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

A Christmas Carol for the Sixth Day of Christmas


A Christmas Carol
By Christina Rossetti
 
Before the paling of the stars,
     Before the winter morn,
Before the earliest cock-crow,
     Jesus Christ was born:
Born in a stable,
     Cradled in a manger,
In the world His hands had made
     Born a stranger.
 
Priest and King lay fast asleep
     In Jerusalem,
Young and old lay fast asleep
     In crowded Bethlehem:
Saint and Angel, ox and ass,
     Kept a watch together,
Before the Christmas daybreak
     In the winter weather.
 
Jesus on His Mother’s breast
     In the stable cold,
Spotless Lamb of God was He,
     Shepherd of the fold:
Let us kneel with Mary Maid,
     With Joseph bent and hoary,
With Saint and Angel, ox and ass,
     To hail the King of Glory.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Becket

Today, the Church remembers, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr, 1170.

O God, our strength and our salvation, you called your servant Thomas Becket to be a shepherd of your people and a defender of your church; Keep your household from all evil and raise up faithful pastors and leaders who are wise in the ways of the gospel; through Jesus Christ, the shepherd of our souls, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday, December 28, 2020

Holy Innocents

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; 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.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Saint Stephen

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

God help me to be more like him. Amen.

The First Sunday after Christmas

Join us for worship this Sunday, December 27, 2020, The First Sunday after Christmas, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.
 
Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Please contact the clergy if you wish to receive a home communion visit.
 
Oración Vespertina Diaria
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas tendrá una Oración Vespertina Diaria a las 5:00 p.m. a través de Zoom.
 
Zoom Compline
Sunday, 8:00 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
Readings for this Sunday, December 27, 2020, The First Sunday after Christmas, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC/Christmas/Christmas1.html
We use the "Track 1" readings. You can always find the appropriate readings by going to The Lectionary Page at https://www.lectionarypage.net/ - and clicking on the link for each Sunday.
 
See you all on Sunday!

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Love is Christmas

 

Noel: Christmas Eve 1913

 

John Denver Lyrics - "Noel: Christmas Eve 1913" - (based on the poem by Robert Bridges)

A frosty Christmas Eve, when the stars were shining
I traveled forth alone, where westward falls the hill
And from many, many a village, in the darkness of the valley
Distant music reached me, peals of bells were ringing
Then sped my thoughts to olden times, to that first of Christmases
When shepherds who were watching, heard music in the fields
And they sat there and they marveled, and they knew they could not tell
Whether it were angels, or the bright stars a singing
But to me heard afar, it was starry music
The singing of the angels, the comfort of our Lord
Words of old that come a traveling, by the riches of the times
And I softly listened, as I stood upon the hill
And I softly listened, as I stood upon the hill

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Sunday, December 20, 2020

The Song of Mary

 From my friend, and artist, the Rev’d Enedina Vasquez.



Virtual Morning Prayer

Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two
The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Joy and Spirit

 

Saye - Bryant Wedding

Wedding number two this week for St. Alban's. Covid-19 has not dampened love, hope, or joy! Congratulations to Lilly and Jake Bryant.






Ordinations

Pray for today's ordinations in the Diocese of Western Louisiana at 11:00 a.m.



Thursday, December 17, 2020

Tears to Joy

 

Sue Bishop

St. Alban's held a private family burial service for Cora Sue Bishop, 80, of Monroe. Please join me in praying for Sue's family and dear friends. We will miss her cheerful face. 

Memorials and donations can be made to the Ouachita Council on Aging.

Sue's full obituary can be found here

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Worship on The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Dear All,
 
Join us for virtual worship this Sunday, December 20, 2020, The Fourth Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, and St. Thomas’. Father Whit+ and Mother Dawnell+ are away. Join us, as usual, at St. Patrick’s. We welcome the folks from St. Luke’s, Grambling too!
 
Virtual Morning Prayer (Facebook)
St. Alban’s and St. Thomas’ – Begins on Facebook and our blogs at 8:30 a.m. (and is available any time after that!)
Morning Prayer
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.* - with The Rev’d Deacon Rob Harkness officiating.
* This liturgy will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home.
 
Zoom Compline – Completas (Bilingual – Bilingüe)
Sunday - Domingo, 8:00 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
Readings for this Sunday, December 20, 2020, The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv4_RCL.html
We use the "Track 1" readings. You can always find the appropriate readings by going to The Lectionary Page at https://www.lectionarypage.net/ - and clicking on the link for each Sunday.
 
We continue in prayer for Lee+, and Rita! “See” you all on Sunday!
 
Whit+, Dawnell+, and Rob

Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org


Joy

For the Third Week of Advent, my intent was to post daily scripture readings, and prayers on the theme of Joy. When I received the news about Father Lee, this didn't seem appropriate. Instead I posted prayers for Lee+ and Rita on Monday and Tuesday. Now that we have some good news about Lee, I am filled with joy and decided to share this...

This Bible Project video on "Joy" explores the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called. It’s more than happy mood, but rather a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises. Like Hope, Peace, and Love - Joy is something we can choose. Do we have such faith?

Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible Project

Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible Project - Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09

Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or  +1 346 248 7799

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Thanks & More Prayers for Lee and Rita

Thank you all for your wonderful out pouring of love, prayers, and support for Lee+ and Rita. Your texts, prayers, outreach, love, and generosity are keenly felt. Rita and I are truly grateful.

Join me as we continue to pray for them. Rita is working with the doctors to navigate through the process of Lee's continued care - step by step. Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, watch with Rita, and us, over your child Lee, and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Monday, December 14, 2020

Prayers for Healing

The Rev'd Lee Jefferson has been hospitalized and is awaiting emergency surgery at this hour. Rita is with him. Please join me in prayer for Lee and his family.

For Recovery from Sickness, page 458, The Book of Common Prayer (modified)

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers for Lee and his family, and grant to your servant Lee the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

More info to come as it is available. 

Saturday, December 12, 2020

The Third Sunday of Advent

 

Join us for worship this Sunday, December 13, 2020, The Third Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.
 
Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Please contact the clergy if you wish to receive a home communion visit.
 
Oración Vespertina Diaria
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas tendrá una Oración Vespertina Diaria a las 5:00 p.m. a través de Zoom.
 
Zoom Compline
Sunday, 8:00 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
Readings for this Sunday, December 13, 2020, The Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv3_RCL.html
We use the "Track 1" readings. You can always find the appropriate readings by going to The Lectionary Page at https://www.lectionarypage.net/ - and clicking on the link for each Sunday.
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Singing with the Angels

 

Saturday, December 5, 2020

The Second Sunday of Advent


Tomorrow...

Join us for worship this Sunday, December 6, 2020, The Second Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.
 
Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Please contact the clergy if you wish to receive a home communion visit.
 
Oración Vespertina Diaria
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas tendrá una Oración Vespertina Diaria a las 5:00 p.m. a través de Zoom.
 
Zoom Compline
Sunday, 8:00 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
Readings for this Sunday, December 6, 2020, The Second Sunday of Advent, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv2_RCL.html
We use the "Track 1" readings. You can always find the appropriate readings by going to The Lectionary Page at https://www.lectionarypage.net/ - and clicking on the link for each Sunday.
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Hope

 A message of hope from my childhood. 

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible Project

Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible Project - Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09

Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or  +1 346 248 7799

Hold Fast to Hope

 

Saturday, November 28, 2020

The First Sunday of Advent


Join us for worship this Sunday, November 29, 2020, The First Sunday of Advent, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.
 
Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Please contact the clergy if you wish to receive a home communion visit.
 
Oración Vespertina Diaria
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas tendrá una Oración Vespertina Diaria a las 5:00 p.m. a través de Zoom.
 
Zoom Compline
Sunday, 8:00 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Passcode: 800
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
Readings for this Sunday, November 29, 2020, The First Sunday of Advent, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv1_RCL.html
We use the "Track 1" readings. You can always find the appropriate readings by going to The Lectionary Page at https://www.lectionarypage.net/ - and clicking on the link for each Sunday.
 
Art from Clip Art for Year B, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Spread the Love

 

Always and Everywhere

 

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Zoom (and Facebook Live) Thanksgiving Eve Evening Prayer

Join us tonight at 6:00 p.m. this Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, 2020, for Evening Prayer. Participate via Zoom or watch Live on Facebook. St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas’ and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas will celebrate and give thanks together with the proper readings for Thanksgiving Day , A Litany of Thanksgiving, and sing-a-long hymns. We hope to “see” you there. 


Zoom Thanksgiving Eve Evening Prayer (or watch Live on Facebook)
Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or  +1 346 248 7799


Our Psalms of Thanks Continue

 

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

From Bishop Jake

 

Revised COVID Measures

 

November 24, 2020

Dear Friends,

Due to the sharp rise in the COVID-19 infection rate across our state, and the Governor’s mandate to move back to modified Phase II, the following enhanced procedures will be in effect until further notice.

1. Masks must be worn properly at all times for any congregational gathering. Those unable to wear a mask are to be directed to online worship.

2. Physical distancing of at least six feet is required. Each congregation must ensure that physical distance be maintained by marking off spaces accordingly. Those living under the same roof are exempted.

3. Previous sanitation measures remain in place for the building. 

4. Sanitation practices for clergy leading services remain in place. Hand sanitizer should be made available in multiple, strategic locations for the attending congregation as well.

5. No singing is allowed by soloists, choirs, ensembles, or congregations. While wind instruments are not allowed, other instrumental music or recorded music is encouraged.

6. Communion is to be distributed in one kind only. The priest is to drop the host into the worshippers’ hand without making contact. Reverting to Morning Prayer is acceptable for the principal Sunday service.

7. Preachers will now continue to wear masks during the sermon. As has been the case all along, celebrants remain masked throughout. Deacons and lectors must also remain masked during reading of scripture or prayers.

8. Fellowship gatherings may not include food and drink. Masks and physical distancing are required.

9. Maximum attendance at any event is 50% of the building’s capacity or less if physical distancing requires it.

10. Church staffs should work from home whenever possible.

None of us enjoys following these restrictions and mitigation measures. We do so not because we fear infection or our own death. Instead, we employ them out of love for our neighbor. Acting together we can slow the spread of this virus and save lives especially of the most vulnerable in our midst.

Please note that the present surge matches our steepest climb in infections. This time, however, the other states are facing an analogous situation. We cannot look to them for additional medical help this time around. Additionally, we are now in the midst of flu season. Our hospitals are not at full capacity, but they are already seriously stressed.

My love and my prayers are with you. Even under such difficult circumstances I give thanks daily for the gift of serving as your bishop. Advent begins this Sunday. And the message of those readings is especially appropriate now. Stay alert. Look for God. For surely Christ is in our midst.

Stay safe and be well.

In Christ,





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

IV Bishop of Western Louisiana


Psalms of Thanks


 

Monday, November 23, 2020

Psalms of Thanks

 Psalms of Thanks - This week we offer songs and Psalms of thanks!



Saturday, November 21, 2020

Thanksgiving Eve

Join us at 6:00 p.m. this Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, 2020, for Evening Prayer. Participate via Zoom or watch Live on Facebook. St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’ will celebrate and give thanks together with the proper readings for Thanksgiving Day , A Litany of Thanksgiving, and sing-a-long hymns. We hope to “see” you there. 

Zoom Thanksgiving Eve Evening Prayer (or watch Live on Facebook)
Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 or  +1 346 248 7799