Saturday, February 27, 2021

Join Us!

 

 
Join us for Virtual Worship or in-person worship this Sunday, February 28, 2021, The Second Sunday in Lent, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.
 
Holy Eucharist, Rite One (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
 
* Worship Notes for the Season of Lent
 
During Lent, we will celebrate Holy Eucharist: Rite One on Sundays. We will resume Rite Two on Easter. In Lent, our liturgies will begin with the Penitential Order, and continue with the Kyrie (the Gloria will be omitted). At the fraction, the Agnus Dei will be said and the prayer of humble access will be said prior to receiving communion. Silence will be observed at appropriate times during the liturgy as well. All of this is in keeping with the penitential nature of the season. In Lent, in place of a seasonal blessing, a Solemn Prayer over the People will be used. The prayers come from the Book of Occasional Services.
 
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, February 28, 2021, The Second Sunday in Lent, can be found and printed here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Lent/BLent2_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.
 
Blessed Lent. See you all on Sunday!
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

And with thy spirit!


 

Friday, February 26, 2021

A Prayer for the Church

Tomorrow is the Diocesan Convention here in Western Louisiana. Join me in prayer for the Church. This one is number 7. on page 816 of The Book of Common Prayer.

For the Church

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

Diocesan Convention

 A VIRTUAL ONE-DAY DIOCESAN GATHERING

The pandemic has brought many changes to how we gather. To continue the best practice of protecting our neighbors, the 2021 Diocesan Convention will be held completely online. As in years past, many of our convention materials will be uploaded to this convention hub prior to the meeting--check back often for updates! 


LATEST UPDATES 

CLERGY: 

  • Participate virtually in the Convention Eucharist on Friday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Review the materials voted upon at Convention (elections, budget, etc.). Continue scrolling down to find them, or visit the Materials tab. 
  • Review the convention agenda and note the time you are to check-in on Feb. 27

    CLERGY TIME TABLE FOR CONVENTION CHECK-IN
    8:00-8:20 AM CLERGY LAST NAME A-E
    8:25-8:40 AM CLERGY LAST NAME F-J
    8:45-9:05 AM  CLERGY LAST NAME K-O
    9:10-9:30 AM  CLERGY LAST NAME P-T
    9:35-9:55 AM CLERGY LAST NAME U-Z

DELEGATES:  

  • Participate virtually in the Convention Eucharist on Friday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Review the materials voted upon at Convention (elections, budget, etc.). Continue scrolling down to find them, or visit the Materials tab.
  • Review the convention agenda and note the time you are to check-in on Feb. 27

    DELEGATE TIME TABLE FOR CONVENTION CHECK-IN
    8:00-8:20 AM ACADIANA CONVOCATION  ​
    8:25-8:40 AM ALEXANDRIA CONVOCATION ​
    8:45-9:05 AM LAKE CHARLES CONVOCATION​
    9:10-9:30 AM  MONROE CONVOCATION​
    9:35-9:55 AM SHREVEPORT CONVOCATION 

VISITORS: 

Diocesan Convention Eucharist

 

Diocesan Convention Eucharist

February 26, 2021

6:00 p.m. 



Convention Eucharist will be live-streamed from St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Lafayette to the Diocesan Facebook on Friday, February 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. 


To watch the service on Facebook, click here. Anyone is able to view the livestream on FB, even if you are not an account holder. 


For the order of service, click here.

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Ember Days

 

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of this week are Ember Days. So, we are in an Ember season. The Book of Common Prayer describes these quarterly remembrances on the Church’s calendar. The Ember Days, traditionally observed on the Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after the First Sunday in Lent, the Day of Pentecost, Holy Cross Day, and December 13.
 
Further, the prayerbook contains the following prayers for Ember Days, which are set aside especially to pray for people in any sort of ministry:
 
For the Ministry (Ember Days) - For use on the traditional days or at other times.
BCP, pages 256, 257
 
I. For those to be ordained
 
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are [now] called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; 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.
 
II. For the choice of fit persons for the ministry
 
O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word
and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 
III. For all Christians in their vocation
 
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before
you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
As you can see, there is a prayer here for ALL of us. Please take a moment to prayer one or all of these!

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

 

St. Matthias


Today, Wednesday, February 24, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Matthias the Apostle.

The Collect of the Day

Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve: Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors; 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.
 
Join us tonight for Zoom Evening Prayer & Our Bible Project Class
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09
 
Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Polycarp

 

Polycarp

Today, the Church remembers Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr, who was martyred on February 23, 156.

The Collect

O God, the maker of heaven and earth, you gave your venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, the boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Savior and the steadfastness to die for his faith: Give us grace, following his example, to share the cup of Christ and to rise to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Monday, February 22, 2021

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Temptation

John the Baptist says to Jesus in the movie The Last Temptation of Christ, “The God of Israel is a god of the desert. If you want to speak to Him, then you'll have to go to the desert.” Then adds, but  “Be careful. God isn't alone out there.”*

Mark’s Gospel for tomorrow reports, “And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.”

Join us tomorrow and find out what these stories have to say about our Lenten journey.

*From the 1988 Film – The Last Temptation of Christ. Directed by Martin Scorsese based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. 

This YouTube animation captures the temptation well...

Friday, February 19, 2021

The First Sunday in Lent


Join us for Virtual Worship or in-person worship this Sunday, February 21, 2021, The First Sunday in Lent, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’.

Holy Eucharist, Rite One (Modified Phase II Guidelines)

St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.* 

* Worship Notes for the Season of Lent
During Lent, we will celebrate Holy Eucharist: Rite One on Sundays. We will resume Rite Two on Easter. In Lent, our liturgies will begin with the Penitential Order, and continue with the Kyrie (the Gloria will be omitted). At the fraction, the Agnus Dei will be said and the prayer of humble access will be said prior to receiving communion. Silence will be observed at appropriate times during the liturgy as well. All of this is in keeping with the penitential nature of the season. In Lent, in place of a seasonal blessing, a Solemn Prayer over the People will be used. The prayers come from the Book of Occasional Services. 

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, February 21, 2021, The First Sunday in Lent, can be found and printed here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpiLast_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.

Blessed Lent. See you all on Sunday!

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

Our Prayer for Friday

Nada Te Turbe - Let Nothing Disturb You
    Here is an English translation of this beautify song!

Let nothing disturb you,
let nothing frighten you,
he who has God
nothing lacks:
God alone suffices.
 
Everything passes,
but God stays,
patience
reaches it all.
 
(Everything passes,
but God stays,
patience
reaches it all.)
 
(Let nothing disturb you)
Let nothing disturb you
(Let nothing frighten you)
let nothing frighten you,
(He who has God)
he who has God
(Nothing lacks)
nothing lacks:
(God alone suffices)
God suffices.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Martin Luther, Theologian, 1546

 

Today the Church remembers, Martin Luther, who died on February 18, 1546.

Everyone needs to be called to repentance from time to time. Even the Church – Even each of us! That is what the season of Lent of is all about.

According to legend, Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses, a list of propositions for an academic debate, on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.  The first of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses is “Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said ‘Poenitentiam agite (Repent or Change)’, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.” I just hope no one nails a list of my failures on the door of the church! 😉

The Collect of the Day

O God, our refuge and our strength, who raised up your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew your church in the light of your word: Defend and purify the church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches of your grace, which you have made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Ash Wednesday










Thanks to all for joining us tonight for the Ash Wednesday Liturgy.

Lenten Daily Devotion

 
This morning Dawnell+ and I began our Lenten daily devotions by reading Living Well Through Lent 2021: Listening With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind in English and Vivir una buena Cuaresma en el 2021 in Spanish.
We invite you to join us. You can get a printed version at the church, or you can choose from the following options:
  
·       Enroll for free to receive each day’s reading via a daily email
 
·       Join their private Facebook discussion group moderated by Robbin 
            Brent, Jan Kwiatkowski, and Scott Stoner
 
·       Access all past daily readings through their archive online
 
·       Download the Lenten devotional as a FREE PDF file in English and
            Spanish
 
·       Purchase the Lenten devotional as an e-book from Amazon
 
Just click here https://www.livingcompass.org/lent, or contact us for more information.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Pancake Supper

 

When our ancestors in faith, the Jewish people, were in exile, and far away from their temple, they learned new ways to keep their faith alive by worshiping at home with their families. This year, we've been away from our regular places to gather, and worship. May we continue, with our families, to find new ways to keep our faith alive!

Here is a photo of us keeping the Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras tradition alive. Let us keep the feast. Tomorrow we begin the fast.

Join us virtually tomorrow for Ash Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom or on Facebook Live.

Convention Postponed

Dear Ones,

After consultation with the Convocational Deans and listening to the latest weather reports for CENLA, I have decided to postpone Diocesan Convention by one week to February 27. Given the probability of power outages and connectivity issues around the Diocese following the advancing storm as well as challenges some are facing with water shortages and frozen plumbing from the current storm, this is our most prudent course of action.

My staff will be contacting all delegates beginning mid-afternoon. I will post an announcement on FB in just a few minutes. However, Rectors, Vicars, and Clergy in Charge should follow up with their delegates to make certain that the information was received and understood.

I regret this inconvenience. My prayers continue for all of you and all our people.

In Christ’s Love,
+Jake

Choices!


Another choice for Ash Wednesday, from our Bishop! Stay safe, stay warm, and check on one another!

¡Otra opción para el Miércoles de Ceniza (en inglés), de nuestro Obispo! ¡Manténgase a salvo, manténgase abrigado y controle al otro!

Click here! - ¡Haga clic aquí!

Ash Wednesday


Again?


Due to the CRAZY-COLD weather, and hazardous driving conditions, we have decided to cancel our in-person Ash Wednesday liturgies (and our drive-thru imposition of ashes) at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas’, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. We will gather instead via Zoom, and broadcast the liturgy on Facebook Live. Please have a copy of your Book of Common Prayer (or see below) and some ashes or even some soil – if you wish to impose one another at home, and YES – this is permissible! 

Zoom Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 p.m.

Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Passcode: 530
Or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799
Or watch on Facebook Live!


So, enjoy your Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras feast today, we will “see” you tomorrow, and our season of fasting, and penitence will begin! 

Monday, February 15, 2021

Bad News from Our Friends at Grace Episcopal Church

 Too bad. Everyone stay safe. We love our friends at Grace Episcopal!



For Today


A Prayer for the Cold and Homeless and Those Who Care for Them

God of compassion, your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus, whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross: we hold before you those who are homeless and cold especially in this bitter weather. Draw near and comfort them in spirit and bless those who work to provide them with shelter, food and friendship. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

~ from the Church of England and shared by Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City, Iowa

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Bishop Jake's Latest Book

 

In his latest book, Looking for God in Messy Places, our Bishop, and the IV Bishop of the Diocese of Western Louisiana, Jake Owensby writes, “This is a book about hope, and I have written it especially for those who refuse to yield to discouragement and despair.” I have been lucky enough to read some of his words prior to their publication. I anxiously wait to hold a copy in my own hands, and savor every word.

Like the author of the Book of Hebrews, who says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11.1, NRSV, Bishop Jakes calls each of us, in this messy world, to have the sort of faith that hopes with conviction for the things beyond our sight.

I find that Bishop Jake’s writing, leadership, and teaching inspire me to take chances on the things I hope for, and the courage to take risks for love’s sake. I think this book will help you do the same. It really is a book about hope!

Like me, you can pre-order a copy from Amazon by clicking here.

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday


Tuesday, February 16, is Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday! Normally, we have our Parish Pancake Supper that evening. We have a feast of pancakes, sausage, bacon or ham, and other fatty foods, or eat our last bit of King Cake - before we begin our Lenten fast.

This year, all our parish wide pancake suppers together are just one more of the cancelled events in the time of pandemic. We urge you to keep the tradition in your homes, and with your family!

Make everything yourself – feast – and remember why! Don’t feel like cooking? Pick-up at Waffle House, or IHOP. Better yet, support our friends at Grace Episcopal by driving through for a box! Drive thru at Kilbourne Hall – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Donation is $5 a person, or $20 for the family.

Just keep the tradition!


Then on, Ash Wednesday, February 17, join us at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Thomas’ for the start of Lent, and our Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Holy Eucharist. Ashes will be imposed at all in-person worship.

Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist (Modified Phase II Guidelines)
St. Patrick’s – Noon*
St. Thomas' – 6:00 p.m.*
St. Alban’s – 6:00 p.m.*
 
and Drive-thru Imposition of Ashes (weather permitting) will follow at the Stodghill’s home - 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Just drive by in your car, we will be in our driveway!
 
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home.
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org









The Last Sunday after the Epiphany

 
Join us for Virtual Worship or in-person worship this Sunday, February 14, 2021, The Last 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. or at 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, February 14, 2021, The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, can be found and printed here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpiLast_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

Absalom Jones

Absalom Jones, The First African American Priest, 1818

It seems especially appropriate that in February – Black History Month – the Church remembers Absalom Jones In October 1794, St. Thomas African Episcopal Church, a church built begun by Jones and others was admitted into the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, by Bishop White. Jones was ordained deacon in 1795 and as priest on September 21, 1802. Jones died February 13, 1818 in Philadelphia. In 1996 his remains were reinterred in a chapel of his church, St. Thomas. Known as “the Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church,” Jones was an example of persistent faith in God and in the Church as God’s instrument. (taken in part from Holy Women, Holy Men)

The Collect of the Day

Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Friday, February 12, 2021

Canticle 9

Canticle 9, The First Song of Isaiah (Ecce, Deus) is a version of Biblical text found in The Book of the Prophet Isaiah 12:2-6. Canticle 9 can be found on page 86 of The Book of Common Prayer. When you read the Canticles regularly, they jump off the page when you read them in the Bible and vice versa!

Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *
and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say, *
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples; *
see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *
and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Holy Scripture

In our EfM (Education for Ministry) class this week, we read these words from the prophet, Micah:

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel… Micah 5:2

 It is easy for me to see how the first Christians, searching their Holy Scriptures, and trying understand what they experienced in Jesus – saw these words as having such power!

 May we search the scriptures to understand and explain our experiences of God in our time!

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

For the Human Family

For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

It may be found on page 815 of The Book of Common Prayer.

 

Monday, February 8, 2021

Tonight's Prayer

In our EfM (Education for Ministry) Class this week, we are discussing the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth. I created this video from a version I found online. I hope you enjoy it today for a time of prayer.

Note: The original was created by james carey and is shared on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fpncj4IIU0

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Good Night!

 

Worship Tomorrow with Bishop Jake at 10:30 a.m.


Join us for Virtual Worship or in-person worship this Sunday, February, 2021, The Fifth 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. or at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Jake Owensby visiting!*
(We are sorry, but our maximum attendance is 36 folks during Phase II)
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 -  ¡con la visita del Obispo Jake Owensby! *
 
Zoom Compline
Will not meet this week – Enjoy the Super Bowl, and join us next week!
 
Readings for this Sunday, February 7, 2021, The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, can be found and printed here - https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi5_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+
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Friday, February 5, 2021

The Martyrs of Japan

Today, the Church remembers The Martyrs of Japan, a group of six Franciscan friars, who with twenty of their converts were crucified at Nagasaki, February 5, 1597. Hopefully, for most of us, our call to follow their example will only be symbolic.

The Collect

O God our Father, who brought the holy martyrs of Japan through the suffering of the cross to the joys of eternal life: Grant that we, encouraged by their example, may hold fast to the faith we profess, even unto death itself; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  




New Priests

On Saturday, January 30, Bishop Owensby ordained John Campbell (left) and Madeleine Rebouche (right) to the priesthood at St. James Episcopal Church in Alexandria. Congratulations, John and Madeleine!




Thursday, February 4, 2021

Alleluia!

Alleluia! 

Tonight, in our Spanish Book Study, we were reminded of the beautiful, and wonderful theology of the Church’s Burial liturgy. It is a good reminder at any time. 

This is from The Commendation on page 499 of The Book of Common Prayer.

You only are immortal, the creator and maker of [human]kind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

May we all find hope in the resurrection! 


Wednesday, February 3, 2021

A Collect for Grace

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

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

The Presentation

The Presentation
 
Today the Church celebrates The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. The collect of the day is found on page 239 of The Book of Common Prayer.
 
The Presentation, February 2
 
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.