Saturday, January 30, 2021

Patio Time

 Patio time with Mama June! 

Thanks for sharing this great photo Lynda.



SHE On The Tip Of Her Tongue

 

SHE On The Tip Of Her Tongue


May we raise children
who love the unloved
things - the dandelion, the
worms & spiderlings.
Children who sense
the rose needs the thorn
& run into rainswept days
the same way they
turn towards sun...
And when they're grown &
someone has to speak for those
who have no voice
may they draw upon that
wilder bond, those days of
tending tender things
and be the ones.
~ Nicolette Sowder

A Collect for Saturdays

 A Collect for Saturdays, The Book of Common Prayer, page 99.

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Colecta para los sábados, El Libro de Oración Común, página 62.

Dios todopoderoso, que después de la creación del mundo descansaste de todos tus trabajos, y santificaste un día de reposo para todas tus criaturas: Concede que nosotros, apartando toda ansiedad terrenal, nos dispongamos debidamente para el servicio de tu santuario, y que nuestro descanso aquí en la tierra sea una preparación para el reposo eterno en el cielo, que has prometido a tu pueblo; por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén.


Worship Tomorrow


Join us for Virtual Worship or in-person worship this Sunday, January 31, 2021, The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.

 
Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Alban’s –  8:30 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, January 24, 2021, The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, can be found and printed here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi4_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.
 
See you all on Sunday!
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Friday, January 29, 2021

A Collect for Guidance

A Collect for Guidance, The Book of Common Prayer, page 100.

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Thursday, January 28, 2021

Thomas Aquinas

 


Today, the Church remembers Thomas Aquinas, Friar and Theologian, 1274.

This is the Collect of the day.

Almighty God, who has enriched your church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I particularly like his haircut! Whit+

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Holocaust Memorial Day/Holocaust Remembrance Day

 

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day/Holocaust Remembrance Day.

In his 2012 book, The Power of Parable, pages 181 and 182, John Dominic Crossan reflects on the ways New Testament texts fueled antisemitism. Crossan asks, 

“Are there various types, dimensions, and modes of violence? […] I propose that human violence can move through three successive stages – from ideological through rhetorical to physical violence, as follows:

Ideological violence is thinking that persons, groups, or nations are inhuman, subhuman, or at least lacking in the humanity one grants oneself.

Rhetorical violence is speaking on that presumption by dehumanizing those others with rude names, crude caricatures, and derogatory stereotypes or by calling them say, political “traitors” or religious “heretics.”

Physical – and even lethal – violence is acting on those pre-suppositions either by illegal attack or, it one has attained social power, by official, legal political action. 

We say proverbially, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names (or words) will never hurt me.” That is not true even in itself, but more serious, it ignores our experience that names and words often escalate through sticks and stones to ovens and crematoria. Once ideology and rhetoric have dehumanized opponents, power will often consider it a duty – even a divine duty – to eliminate them. In other words, I propose to take ideologically based rhetorical violence very, very seriously.” 

I believe that we must remember the Holocaust and its painful lessons. It seems sadly true that each new generation must learn these hard truths or else repeat them.




Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Song of Simeon

 Song of Simeon, page 120 in The Book of Common Prayer.

 I think the Song of Simeon is the perfect nighttime prayer.

How We Shape a Better Future

 Please take a moment and read this from our Bishop. Click here.



Monday, January 25, 2021

The Conversion of Saint Paul

 

Today the Church remembers the Conversion of Saint Paul. Here is the day’s collect from page 238 of The Book of Common Prayer.

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday, January 24, 2021

2021 Virtual Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting thanks to our outgoing vestry members, Randy, Kristen, Wade, and Edwin! Our 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting as a big success. Thanks to all!

















And some Annual Meeting thanks to our CPA, financial watchdog, and Master Griller - John Robinson!



Saturday, January 23, 2021

Made New

I love this prayer! It is from The Book of Common Prayer’s ordination liturgies. You can find it on page 528 (and elsewhere).

Let us pray.

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


More about Worship Tomorrow


Join us for Virtual Worship or in-person worship this Sunday, January 24, 2021, The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.
 
Zoom Morning Prayer and 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting
St. Alban’s – 10:30 a.m.*
 
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88129005410?pwd=UmxLMFlIOS9POE5SL0tGWlZDMUYydz09
Meeting ID: 881 2900 5410
Passcode: 2021
or dial in +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
 
Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
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, January 24, 2021, The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, can be found and printed here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi3_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.
 
See you all on Sunday!
 
Whit+, and Dawnell+
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org 

Tomorrow!

On Sunday, January 24, 2021, The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, St. Alban's will have only one morning liturgy - Zoom Morning Prayer - at 10:30 a.m. followed by our 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting.


Please make plans to join us!

Zoom Morning Prayer and 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 24, 10:30 a.m.

Meeting ID: 881 2900 5410
Passcode: 2021
or dial in +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We will all miss John's delicious B.B.Q., but we will have some fun!

Friday, January 22, 2021

Vincent of Saragossa

The Church remembers today Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon and Martyr, 304. Vincent’s prayer seems fitting in the midst of a global pandemic.

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, your deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was not terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Negative

 Mother Dawnell and Father Whit are both negative for COVID-19. 


Thursday, January 21, 2021

For those we Love

This prayer is from The Book of Common Prayer, and it is for "those we love." Saying it is a great way to be more mindful of others.

 

For those we Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

May we all remember to tell those we love, how we feel. Nothing goes without saying.

 

With my love and prayers.

 

Whit+

 

P.S. If you are interested, The Book of Common Prayer is available online here - https://www.bcponline.org/ - the prayer above is in the Prayers and Thanksgivings section, and is number 54.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

A Prayer for Today

On this inauguration day, let us say a prayer for our former President and his First Lady as they transition to private life, and a prayer for our new President and his First Lady, and all in civil authority.

19. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority, from The Book of Common Prayer, page 820.

 O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Tonight

Today is January 20, 2021. Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class via Zoom.

Zoom Evening Prayer
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Evening Prayer

Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name. Amos 5:8



For Quiet Confidence

For Quiet Confidence, from the Book of Common Prayer, as read by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.


O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, January 18, 2021

Important Update

 Dear All,
 
Mother Dawnell, Deacon Rob, and I were exposed to someone who has tested positive with COVID-19 last Sunday, January 17, at St. Patrick’s. Per State of Louisiana and Bishop Owensby’s guidelines, we are quarantining for 5 days, monitoring our symptoms, and will then be tested.
 
Until that time, all worship at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas will be virtual. Information about worship will be on our blogs and Facebook pages.
 
For those at St. Alban’s, our worship, and 2021 Annual Meeting scheduled for this Sunday, January 24, were already planned to be virtual.
 
We will be in touch about when we are cleared to resume our normal activities. Until then, please keep us in your prayers.
 
Dawnell+, Deacon Rob, and Whit+
 
P.S. – Others who were present at St. Patrick’s this past Sunday will be contacted directly with further instructions by Deacon Rob and Debbie Harkness.

Cards & Letters of Love

Cards or letters for Father Lee Jefferson, who is undergoing treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, may be sent to the following address (for the next 10 days - or January 28):

Lee & Rita Jefferson 
C/O James R. Garner
2811 Rusk
Houston, Texas 77003

Our prayers continue always!

MLK

Loving is the most difficult command Jesus gives us, and the one that really changes the world.

Today is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The Church remembers King as a pastor and martyr on his birthday, January 15 or on the day of his assassination,  April 4.

One of the readings for his remembrance is from the Gospel of Luke.

Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27–36

The Collect

 Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may strive to secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Light of Life


 

Worship with Us Tomorrow

 

Join us for worship this Sunday, January 17, 2021, The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, 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, January 17, 2021, The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi2_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.
 
See you all on Sunday!
 
Whit+, and Dawnell+
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Zoom Morning Prayer and 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting

 

On Sunday, January 24, 2021, The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, St. Alban's will have only one morning liturgy - Zoom Morning Prayer - at 10:30 a.m. followed by our 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting.

Please make plans to join us!

Zoom Morning Prayer and 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 24, 10:30 a.m.
Join here - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88129005410?pwd=UmxLMFlIOS9POE5SL0tGWlZDMUYydz09
Meeting ID: 881 2900 5410
Passcode: 2021
or dial in +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

We will all miss John's delicious B.B.Q.! 


A Liturgy for Seasons of Uncertainty

A Liturgy for Seasons of Uncertainty*
Copyright © 2020 – See www.everymomentholy.com/hope
Douglas McKelvey
 
 
In the midst of whatever follows, O Lord,
let me meet your mercies anew,
    and anew, and anew.
In the midst of my dismay, fix my eyes again
and again upon your eternal promises.
 
How this ends—that is up to you.
If the next news is favorable, I will
praise you for the ongoing gift of life.
If tomorrow’s tidings are worse, still
will I proclaim your goodness, my
heart anchored ever more firmly in the
eternal joys you have set before me.
 
And when, whether days or decades from
now, you finally bid me rise and follow you
across the last valley, I will rejoice
in your faithfulness even there.
Especially there—
 
praying Thy will be done,
and trusting by faith that it will be done.
That it is being done. Even now.
Even in this disquiet.
 
I am utterly yours, O Christ.
In the midst of this uncertainty,
I abandon myself again to you, the author
and the object of all my truest hopes.
 
Amen.

* Note: This liturgy is available as a pdf at www.everymomentholy.com/hope It is from EVERY MOMENT HOLY, Vol. 2: Death, Grief, and Hope. The new book can be pre-ordered at this time. I LOVE these books!

Tonight!


Today is January 13, 2021. Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class via Zoom. Find out more about who this saint is, and what God's Love is like.

Zoom Evening Prayer
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Tuesday Night Prayer

 

Peanut Butter Drive

This year, St. Alban's, St. Patrick's, St. Thomas', and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas' Advent - Epiphany Peanut Butter Drive collected 518 pounds of Peanut Butter for the Foodbank of NELA. Our previous record was 235 pounds. Great job all!


Edit: We were assisted by the students and teachers at Linwil Elementary School who collected over 200 jars themselves - We would be remiss not to give them credit!


Monday, January 11, 2021

Teacher's Prayer for Snow

Oh Lord, let it snow.
Let it drift and let it blow.
In the morning, no real fuss,
Just enough to stop the bus.
Enough to make the county say:
"There will be no school today."
Let the radio report:  "Snow's deep!"
And I'll roll over for more sleep.
Then later on, say maybe ten,
I'll turn the radio on again.
Just in time to hear them say:
"It's strange, the snow has gone away."
And then I'll know, You made it stop.
So I can go to the mall and shop.
Please Lord, just hear my teacher's plea,
And make it snow for the kids and me.

From beliefnet.com

Snow Day

In the bleak mid-winter.
Thanks to Elena for the photo.




Saturday, January 9, 2021

Worship Tomorrow

 

Join us for worship this Sunday, January 10, 2021, The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 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, January 10, 2021, The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi1_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.
 
See you all on Sunday!

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

Convocational Meeting

A message from The Very Rev'd Dawnell Stodghill, Dean of the Monroe Convocation...

We are rapidly approaching the date of our 2021 Diocesan Convention. Our convention will be held on February 20, 2021. 

In preparation for that day, we need to have our Annual Convocational Meeting, Elections, and make nominations for Diocesan Offices and submit resolutions (if desired). Our Convocation will meet via Zoom on Sunday, January 10, 2021, The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon to conduct our business. 

I remind you that per Canon 16, Sec. 2(d): “At every meeting of a Convocation, each congregation therein, whether parish, mission, or college center having its own communicant register, shall be entitled to six voting delegates to be chosen in such manner as their congregation may desire. A college center not having a communicant register but being attached to a local congregation, shall be entitled to two representatives. Each Clergyperson, canonically and actually resident in the Convocation, shall be entitled to vote.”

Monroe Convocation Pre-Convention Zoom Meeting
Jan 10, 2021 03:00 PM
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86093495015?pwd=SkVZa2dvZGVQQ3ZOUWkwenhXYW1SUT09
 
Meeting ID: 860 9349 5015
Passcode: 709848
 
Or Dial by your location - +1 312 626 6799 or  +1 346 248 7799
        
Our business for the meeting is as follows: For Diocesan Council, we need to elect a lay man to replace Edwin Adams (3 year term), For Disciplinary Board, we need two clerics from any convocation (term lengths depend on the number of votes received at convention), For Standing Committee, we need an At Large, lay person, from any convocation to replace the Rev’d R. Christopher Heying, and For University of the South, we need a lay man to replace Philip C. Earhart (3 year term).

Presiding Bishop Curry: Who Shall We Be?

 

Love

We’ve, unfortunately, all seen this week signs that perhaps human evil is more powerful than love. That is a lie. Followers of Jesus must deny and resist that lie. Nothing is stronger or more powerful than love. 

In the very midst of the chaos in our nations capitol this week, love also shined bright. This is what love lived looks and sounds like. Please read or listen to this obituary from NPR’s Weekend Edition. 


NOTHING is stronger than love. 

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34



Friday, January 8, 2021

Harriet Bedell


On January 8, the Church remembers Harriet Bedell, Deaconess and Missionary, 1969. This is her biographical sketch from A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Harriet Bedell was born in Buffalo, New York, on March 19, 1875.
Inspired by an Episcopal missionary, she enrolled as a student at the
New York Training School for Deaconesses, where she was instructed
in religion, missions, teaching, and hygiene. She then became a
missionary-teacher among the Cheyenne at the Whirlwind Mission in
Oklahoma. In 1916, Bedell was sent to Stevens Village, Alaska, where
she was finally set apart as a deaconess in 1922. She also served as a
teacher and nurse at St. John’s in the Wilderness at Allakaket, just 40
miles south of the Arctic Circle, from which she sometimes traveled
by dogsled to remote villages. During her last years in Alaska, Bedell
opened a boarding school.

In 1932, hearing about the plight of the Seminoles in Florida, Bedell
used her own salary to reopen a mission among the Mikasuki Indians.
There, she worked to revive some of their traditional crafts: dollmaking,
basket-weaving, and intricate patchwork designs. The arts
and crafts store that they established to sell their handicrafts improved
the economy of the Blades Cross Mission. Though officially forced
to retire at age 63, Bedell continued her ministry of health care,
education, and economic empowerment until 1960 when Hurricane
Donna wiped out her mission.

Active into her eighties, Deaconess Bedell drove an average of 20,000
miles per year during her ministry. She was one of the most popular
writers in the national Episcopal mission periodical, The Spirit of
Missions. Bedell won the respect of indigenous people through her
compassion and respect for their way of life and beliefs. While active
in ministry among the Cheyenne, she was eventually adopted into the
tribe and given the name “Bird Woman.” The Diocese of Southwest
Florida has long celebrated Harriet Bedell Day on January 8, the
anniversary of her death in 1969.

This is the collect for her day.

Holy God, you chose your faithful servant Harriett
Bedell to exercise the ministry of deaconess and to
be a missionary among indigenous peoples: Fill us
with compassion and respect for all people, and
empower us for the work of ministry throughout
the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Friday Art

A little art from Elizabeth for Friday.



Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Please Pray for Our Nation

Please join me in prayer for our nation. This prayer is from The Book of Common Prayer, page 824.

 28. In Times of Conflict

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epiphany

 

Today is January 6, 2021, The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class via Zoom.
 
Zoom Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09
 
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530
Or dial in +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Chalking the Door: An Epiphany Tradition

 

See this wonderful blog post at buildfaith.org - https://buildfaith.org/chalking-the-door/ about Chalking the Door: An Epiphany Tradition. 

“Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love.”

Photo credit: Bill Barber via flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Following the way of love through divisions, upheaval and uncertainty - watch the Presiding Bishop with Judy Woodruff on the PBS News Hour by clicking here

The Second Sunday after Christmas

 

Dear All,
 
Join us for worship this Sunday, January 3, 2021, The Second 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.
† No Live-Stream this week from St. Patrick’s – Please join St. Alban’s or St. Thomas’
 
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, January 3, 2021, The Second Sunday after Christmas, Year B, can be found and printed by clicking here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC/Christmas/Christmas2.html - Gospel of Luke.
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!
 
Whit+, and Dawnell+
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Mourning to Dancing

 The Ninth Day of Christmas

“You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”  Psalm 30:11

 May God turn our mourning into dancing as we join the nine ladies this day! Amen.



Friday, January 1, 2021

The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ - New Year's Day

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

Padre eterno, tú diste a tu Hijo encarnado el santo nombre de Jesús para ser el signo de nuestra salvación: Te suplicamos que siembres en cada corazón el amor de quien es el Salvador del mundo, nuestro Señor Jesucristo; que vive y reina contigo y el Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios, en gloria eterna. Amén.