Alleluia

Alleluia
 
One of the prayers I love this most comes from The The Commendation in the burial liturgy in The Book of Common Prayer, page 499. At the time of commendation, according to the rubrics (instructions), “This anthem, or some other suitable anthem, or a hymn, may be sung or said.”
 
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.
 
You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind;
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.
 
Even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia?
 
Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class to find out why.
 
Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible Project
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
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Saint Peter and Saint Paul

 Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

The Collect:

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Confession of Peter ("Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God") is commemorated on 18 January, and the Conversion of Paul (on the approach to Damascus) a week later on 25 January. On 29 June we commemorate the martyrdoms of both apostles. The date is the anniversary of a day around 258, under the Valerian persecution, when what were believed to be the remains of the two apostles were both moved temporarily to prevent them from falling into the hands of the persecutors. The Scriptures do not record the deaths of Peter or Paul, or indeed any of the Apostles except for James the son of Zebedee (Acts 12:2), but they are clearly anticipated (see the readings below), and from an early date it has been said that they were martyred at Rome at the command of the Emperor Nero, and buried there. As a Roman citizen, Paul would probably have been beheaded with a sword. It is said of Peter that he was crucified head downward. The present Church of St Peter in Rome replaces earlier churches built on the same site going back to the time of the Emperor Constantine, in whose reign a church was built there on what was believed to be the burial site of Peter. Excavations under the church suggest that the belief is older than Constantine. St. Augustine writes (in Sermon 295): “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”*

 *The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Peter&Paul.htm

Irenaeus of Lyon

 Irenaeus of Lyon, Bishop and Theologian, c.202

The Collect:

Almighty God, who strengthened servant Irenaeus to defend thy truth against every blast of vain doctrine: Keep us, we pray, steadfast in your true religion, that in constancy and peace we may walk in the way that leads 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.

Irenaeus (pronounced ear-a-NAY-us) was probably born around 125. As a young man in Smyrna (near Ephesus, in what is now western Turkey) he heard the preaching of Polycarp, who as a young man had heard the preaching of the Apostle John. Afterward, probably while still a young man, Irenaeus moved west to Lyons in southern France. In 177, Pothinus, the bishop of Lyons, sent him on a mission to Rome. During his absence a severe persecution broke out in Lyons, claiming the lives of the bishop and others. When Irenaeus returned to Lyons, he was made bishop. He died around 202. He is thus an important link between the apostolic church and later times, and also an important link between Eastern and Western Christianity. His principal work is the Refutation of Heresies, a defense of orthodox Christianity against its Gnostic rivals. A shorter work is his Proof of the Apostolic Preaching, a brief summary of Christian teaching, largely concerned with Christ as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. An interesting bit of trivia about this latter book is that it is, as far as I know, the first Christian writing to refer to the earth as a sphere.*

*The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Irenaeus.htm

Ordination of Rob Harkness & Paul White

Today at St. James' Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Rob Harkness and Paul White were ordained by Bishop Jake Owensby as priests in the One, Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church. What a grand celebration and wonderful sermon by The Rev'd Seth Donald! 

Isabel Florence Hapgood

 Isabel Florence Hapgood, Ecumenist, Translator, and Journalist 1928

The Collect:

Teach your divided church, O God, so to follow the example of your servant Isabel Florence Hapgood that we might look upon one another with a holy envy, to honor whatever is good and right in our separate traditions, and to continually seek the unity that you desire for all your people. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who prayed that his church might be one. Amen.

Isabel Hapgood in 1890Isabel Florence Hapgood (November 21, 1851 - June 26, 1928) was an U.S. writer and translator of Russian texts. Hapgood was born in Boston, the descendant of a long-established New England family. She studied Germanic and Slavic languages, specializing in Orthodox liturgical texts. She was one of the major figures in the dialogue between Western Christianity and Orthodoxy. She traveled through Russia between 1887 and 1889, meeting Leo Tolstoy. Hapgood died in New York.*

The world desperately needs saints like Hapgood today!

* Wikipedia – via The Lectionary, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/isabel_florence_hapgood.htm

Last Sunday in June

Join us for “at church” or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, June 27, 2021, The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
 
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home.
Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXd2741rLNy8y58T6qDMBFqhWvF5-Hrr/view?usp=sharing  
 
La Santa Eucaristía: Rito Dos
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas – Domingo - 5:00 p.m.
y vía transmisión en vivo en nuestra página de Facebook.
 
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
 
We hope to “see” you all on Sunday as you are most comfortable!
 
Dawnell+, Whit+, Rob+ and Deacon Rita
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org 

Mama June Eby

Wesley Johnson posted on Facebook, "Happy 102nd Birthday Mama June! With Her great great grandson. Fun day and lots to be thankful for!" We say, AMEN!

Now

Theology in a Tea Commercial? Rarely does an advertisement, radio, or television commercial really catch my attention. This one did.

Introducing a new line, Lipton’s Herbal Iced Tea commercial uses the tagline, “Stop Chuggin’ – Start Sippin.’” I think there is some good theology there.

How often do I find myself running ahead from some unhappy past or rushing ahead to some fret-filled or uncertain future! Rarely do I savor each and every moment. Prayer helps me change that – especially the daily prayers of the church. It helps me be present.

So, my new moto - “Stop Chuggin’ – Start Sippin!’” How about some tea, with Evening Prayer or Compline this week?

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

The Collect:

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Today we remember the Nativity of John the Baptist - follow if you dare, but don't lose your head! 

Nothing

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Find out more about God’s love tonight. Join us for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class.
 
Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible Project
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
 
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Guess Whose Day It Is!

Alban, Martyr, c. 304

The Collect:

Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

There were probably Christians in the British Isles already in the first century. However, Alban is the first recorded Christian martyr. The traditional date of his death is 304, during the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian; but many scholars now date it as around 209, during the persecution under the Emperor Septimius Severus. Alban was a pagan, and a soldier in the Roman Army. He gave shelter to a Christian priest who was fleeing from arrest, and in the next few days the two talked at length, and Alban became a Christian. When officers came in search of the priest, Alban met them, dressed in the priest's cloak, and they mistook him for the priest and arrested him. He refused to renounce his new faith, and was beheaded. He thus became the first Christian martyr in Britain. The second was the executioner who was to kill him, but who heard his testimony and was so impressed that he became a Christian on the spot, and refused to kill Alban. The third was the priest, who when he learned that Alban had been arrested in his place, hurried to the court in the hope of saving Alban by turning himself in. The place of their deaths is near the site of St. Alban's Cathedral today.*

1 John 3:16 “We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.”

 *The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Alban.htm

Doxology

Doxology 133, from Daily Prayer for All Seasons*

May none of God’s wonderful works keep silence,
     night or morning.
Bright stars, high mountains, the depths of the seas,
     sources of rushing rivers:
May all these break into song as we sing
     to Creator, Savior and Holy Spirit.
May all the angels in the heavens reply:
     Amen! Amen! Amen!
Power, praise, honor and eternal glory to God,
     the only giver of grace.
     Amen! Amen! Amen! 

* © 2014 The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America – a pdf of the book is here https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/01/daily_prayer_all_seasons_eng_final_pages_0.pdf

The prayer is Anonymous (third century) and this version is slightly altered from Canticles of the Earth: Celebrating the Presence of God in Nature, F. Lynn Bachleda, ed. (Chicago: Loyola Press, 2004), p. 13.

Art - The Creation of Adam (is a fresco painting by Italian artist Michelangelo, which forms part of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, painted c. 1508–1512.

Adelaide Teague Case

Adelaide Teague Case, Educator, 1948

The Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, who raises up educators and teachers of the faith in every generation of your church: Grant that following the example of your servant Adelaide Teague Case, we might be bold to proclaim the reconciling power of Christ’s love in our own generation. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Adelaide Teague Case - January 10, 1887 - July 19, 1948 was the first woman appointed to teach at an Episcopal seminary – the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, MA. Her interests were Christian education and social reform, and she took part in many educational, social and ecumenical movements including “The Episcopal Pacifist Fellowship.”*

With prayers of thanks for every teacher I’ve ever had and for all the teachers in my own family.

 *The Lectionary, via Holy Women, Holy Men, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/adelaide_case.htm

This Sunday!

 
Join us for “at church” or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, June 20, 2021, The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost and Father’s Day, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
 
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home.
Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1apVNpYceoB2FHwsZBpE7gGi1fPINYgPF/view?usp=sharing
 
La Santa Eucaristía: Rito Dos
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas – Domingo - 5:00 p.m.
y vía transmisión en vivo en nuestra página de Facebook.
 
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
 
We hope to “see” you all on Sunday as you are most comfortable!
 
Dawnell+, Whit+, Deacon Rita, and Deacon Rob
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Bernard Mizeki

Bernard Mizeki, Martyr, 1896

The Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Bernard Mizeki: Grant unto us your servants a like faith and power of love, that we, who rejoice in his triumph, may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Bernard Mizeki was born in Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique) in about 1861. When he was twelve or a little older, he left his home and went to Capetown, South Africa, where for the next ten years he worked as a laborer, living in the slums of Capetown, but (perceiving the disastrous effects of drunkenness on many workers in the slums) firmly refusing to drink alcohol, and remaining largely uncorrupted by his surroundings. After his day's work, he attended night classes at an Anglican school. Under the influence of his teachers, from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE, an Anglican religious order for men, popularly called the Cowley Fathers), he became a Christian and was baptized on 9 March 1886. Besides the fundamentals of European schooling, he mastered English, French, high Dutch, and at least eight local African languages. In time he would be an invaluable assistant when the Anglican church began translating its sacred texts into African languages.

Many black African nationalists regarded all missionaries as working for the European colonial governments. During an uprising in 1896, Bernard was warned to flee. He refused, since he did not regard himself as working for anyone but Christ, and he would not desert his converts or his post. On 18 June 1896, he was fatally speared outside his hut. His wife and a helper went to get food and blankets for him. They later reported that, from a distance, they saw a blinding light on the hillside where he had been lying, and heard a rushing sound, as though of many wings. When they returned to the spot his body had disappeared. The place of his death has become a focus of great devotion for Anglicans and other Christians, and one of the greatest of all Christian festivals in Africa takes place there every year around the feast day that marks the anniversary of his martyrdom, June 18.*

*The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Bernard_Mizeki.htm

Marina the Monk

Marina the Monk, Monastic, 5th century

The Collect:

Give us grace, Lord God, to refrain from judgments about the sins of others; that, like your servant Marina the Monk, we may hold fast to the path of discipleship in the midst of unjust judgments; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Marina, distinguished as Marina the Monk and also known as Pelagia and Mary of Alexandria, was a Christian saint of Byzantine, the area was variously know as Syria & Lebanon. Marina, born Mariam, was the offspring of wealthy Christian parents and is often considered to be a transgender man. Marina's mother died when the saint was very young, and thus Marina was raised in devout Christian life by his father Eugenius. As Marina’s age of marriage drew near, Marina’s father wished to retire to a monastery after he had found his child a husband. When Marina learned of his father's plan, he asked why her father intended to save his own soul "and destroy mine." When asked by her father, "What shall I do with you? You are a woman", Marina answered that he would renounce women's clothing and live as a monk. He then immediately shaved the hair from his own head and changed his clothes to male ones. His father, seeing his child’s strong determination, gave all his possessions to the poor and traveled with Marina to the Kadisha Valley to live in monastic community life, sharing a cell with him under the name Marinos. After ten years Marina’s father died, leaving her alone. Marina continued to conceal the fact that he was born a woman. Later, a pregnant woman told her father that Marinos (Marina) was to blame. On hearing the story, the abbot called for Marina and reprimanded him severely. When Marina realized what was happening he fell to his knees and wept, confessing his sinfulness (without explicitly stating how he had sinned) and asking forgiveness. The fact that there was no attempt to deny the fault made the abbot so furious that he told Marina to leave the monastery. He left at once and remained outside the gates as a beggar. When the pregnant woman gave birth, Marina raised the child. After ten years the monks convinced the abbot to allow Marina to return to the monastery. At the age of forty, Marina became ill and died. While cleaning the body, the monks discovered that he was in fact, born a woman. This made them very distressed. During the funeral prayers, one of the monks, who was blind in one eye, received full sight again after he touched the body.*

 *Wikipedia (via The Lectionary), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_the_Monk

Joseph Butler

Joseph Butler, Bishop and Theologian, 1752

The Collect:

O God, who raises up scholars for your church in every generation; we praise you for the wisdom and insight granted to your bishop and theologian Joseph Butler, and pray that your church may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Joseph Butler was born in 1692 and ordained in 1718. In 1726 he published Fifteen Sermons, preached at the Rolls Chapel in London, which chiefly dealt with human nature and its implications for ethics and practical Christian life. He maintained that it is normal for a man to have an instinct of self-interest, which leads him to seek his own good, and equally normal for him to have an instinct of benevolence, which leads him to seek the good of others individually and generally, and that the two aims do not in fact conflict. Butler served as parish priest in several parishes, and in 1736 was appointed chaplain to Queen Caroline, wife of King George II. In the same year he published his masterpiece, The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature (often cited simply as "Butler's Analogy"), a work chiefly directed against Deism. Appended to the main work was a treatise, Of the Nature of Virtue, which establishes him as one of the foremost British writers on ethics, or moral philosophy. When the Queen died in 1737, Butler was made Bishop of Bristol. (In England at that time, bishoprics and parish churches were supported each by a separate source of income that had been established for it perhaps centuries earlier, and in consequence the funding was very unequal. Bristol, being the lowest paid of all bishoprics, was where a new bishop usually started. Later, he might be promoted to another diocese. The Reform movement of the 1830's and its aftermath have remedied this situation.) However, George II had been impressed with him earlier, and in 1746 he was called back to court and the next year offered the post of Archbishop of Canterbury. He refused the post, but in 1750 he became Bishop of Durham (in the north of England, near the Scottish border, and well known even then as having a tradition of bishops whose speeches and writings attract public attention). He died there on 16 June 1752.*

Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class to find out more about Joseph Butler, and to learn something new about the Bible.

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

*The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Joseph_Butler.htm

Evelyn Underhill

Evelyn Underhill, Mystic and Writer, 1947

The Collect:

O God, Origin, Sustainer, and End of all creatures: Grant that your church, taught by your servant Evelyn Underhill, may continually offer to you all glory and thanksgiving, and attain with your saints to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have promised us by our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Evelyn Underhill taught that the life of contemplative prayer is not just for monks and nuns, but can be the life of any Christian who is willing to undertake it. She also taught that modern psychological theory, far from being a threat to contemplation, can fruitfully be used to enhance it. In her later years, she spent a great deal of time as a lecturer and retreat director. She died on June 15, 1941.*

*The Lectionary, James Keifer, http://satucket.com/lectionary/Evelyn_Underhill.htm 

 

Basil of Caesarea

Basil of Caesarea, Bishop and Theologian, 379

The Collect:

Almighty God, who has revealed to your church your eternal Being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in Trinity of Persons: Give us grace that, like your bishop Basil of Caesarea, we may continue steadfastly in the confession of this faith and remain constant in our worship of you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; ever one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Basil died on 1 January 379. He is accordingly commemorated on that day in the East. The traditional Western date is 14 June, the anniversary of his consecration. The Roman usage has adopted 2 January. Basil was born in Caesarea of Cappadocia, a province in what is now central Turkey. He was born in 329, after the persecution of Christians had ceased, but with parents who could remember the persecutions and had lived through them. The influence and example of his sister, Macrina, led him to seek the monastic life. Basil served as Bishop and Theologian, and defended of the faith in the time between the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea, 325, and the Second at Constantinople, 381 - years in which it was uncertain whether the Church would stand by the declaration made at Nicea that the Logos (the "Word" -- see John 1:1) was fully God, equally with the Father, or seek a more flexible formula in the hope of reconciliation with the Arians.  Basil is counted with his brother, Gregory of Nyssa, and his friend, Gregory of Nazianzus, as one of the three Cappadocians or early Greek Church leaders.*

*The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Basil_Great.htm

Worship Tomorrow!

 

Join us for “at church” or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, June 13, 2021, The Third Sunday after Pentecost, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
 
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home.
Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eu7GzK4tW6GROZBCZwTW6UblT4ytPAye/view?usp=sharing
 
La Santa Eucaristía: Rito Dos
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas – Domingo - 5:00 p.m.
y vía transmisión en vivo en nuestra página de Facebook.
 
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
 
We hope to “see” you all on Sunday as you are most comfortable!
 
Dawnell+, Whit+, Deacon Rita, and Deacon Rob
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Enmegahbowh

Enmegahbowh, Priest and Missionary, 1902

The Collect:

Almighty God, who led your pilgrim people of old by fire and cloud: Grant that the ministers of your church, following the example of your servant Enmegahbowh, may lead your people with fiery zeal and gentle humility; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Enmegahbowh (c. 1820 – June 12, 1902; from Enami'egaabaw, meaning "He that prays [for his people while] standing"; also known as John Johnson) was the first Native American to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. Born around 1820, Enmegahbowh (pronounced En-meh-GAH-boe), was the only child of the chief of an Ojibwe Band on Rice Lake near Peterborough, Canada. He was raised in a Christian village near Petersburg which was affiliated with the Methodists. On July 4, 1841 Enmegahbowh married Biwabikogeshigequay (a/k/a Iron Sky Woman and baptized Charlotte), niece of Hole-in-the-Day. He met the Rev. Ezekiel Gilbert Gear, chaplain at Fort Snelling at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and became an Episcopalian. Gear eventually introduced Enmegahbowh to the Rev. James Lloyd Breck, a missionary who had arrived in Minnesota in 1851, and who baptised Enmegahbowh. Bishop Jackson Kemper ordained the youth a deacon in 1859, and Enmegahbowh went to Crow Wing, Minnesota to assist in founding St. Columba Mission. During the Dakota War of 1862, which began as treaty payments were due for distribution to the starving Sioux at Fort Ridgely, the Gull Lake Band of Mississippi Chippewa rose to attack near-by Fort Ripley. Enmegahbowh prevented other Ojibwa bands from joining the Gull Lake Band, for which the rebels imprisoned him. Enmegahbowh escaped and traveled thirty miles at night to warn Fort Ripley. This discouraged the Gull Lake Band from attacking the fort. In 1867 Bishop Whipple ordained Enmegahbowh a priest. In 1869 he encouraged Chief White Cloud's mission to establish peace between the Ojibwe and the Sioux in 1869. Enmegahbowh died at the White Earth Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota on June 12, 1902 at the age of 95, and is buried in St. Columba's churchyard.*

 What a great story!

*The Lectionary, James Kiefer and Wikipedia, http://satucket.com/lectionary/Enmegahbowh.htm,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enmegahbowh

Saint Barnabas

Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Today the Church remembers Saint Barnabas.

“Joseph,” a Levite, born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (son of encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and turned it over to the apostles." (Acts 4:36f). This is the first mention we have of Barnabas. His new name fits what we know of his actions. When Saul (or Paul) came to Jerusalem after his conversion, most of the Christians there wanted nothing to do with him. They had known him as a persecutor and an enemy of the Church. But Barnabas was willing to give him a second chance. He looked him up, spoke with him, and brought him to see the other Christians, vouching for him. Later, Paul and Barnabas went on a missionary journey together, taking Mark with them. Part way, Mark turned back and went home. When Paul and Barnabas were about to set out on another such journey, Barnabas proposed to take Mark along, and Paul was against it, saying that Mark had shown himself undependable. Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance, and so he and Mark went off on one journey, while Paul took Silas and went on another. Apparently Mark responded well to the trust given him by the "son of encouragement," since we find that Paul later speaks of him as a valuable assistant (2 Tim 4:11; see also Col 4:10 and Phil 24).*

We add our prayers for the clergy and people of St. Barnabas in Lafayette.

The Collect:

Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well­being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*The Lectionary, James Kiefer, http://satucket.com/lectionary/Barnabas.htm

Ephrem of Nisibis

Ephrem of Nisibis, Deacon and Poet, 373

The Collect:

Pour out upon us, O Lord, that same Spirit by which your deacon Ephrem declared the mysteries of faith in sacred song; that, with gladdened hearts, we too might proclaim the riches of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ephrem was a teacher, poet, orator, and defender of the Faith.*

*The Lectionary, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Ephrem_Edessa.htm

A Note of Thanks!

To the Ladies of St. Alban’s from Deacon Rita Jefferson. 

Tonight!

Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class to find out more about Columba of Iona, and to learn something new about the Bible.

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

Columba of Iona

Columba of Iona, Monastic, 597

The Collect:

O God, who by the preaching of your servant Columba caused the light of the Gospel to shine in Scotland: Grant, we pray, that, remembering his life and labors, we may show our thankfulness to you by following the example of his zeal and patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

In the troubled and violent Dark Ages in Northern Europe, monasteries served as inns, orphanages, centers of learning, and even as fortresses. The light of civilization flickered dimly and might have gone out altogether if it had not been for these convent-shelters. Columba, a stern and strong monk from Ireland, founded three such establishments. He founded the monasteries of Derry and Durrow in his native Ireland, and the island monastery of Iona on the coast of Scotland. Iona was the center of operations for the conversion of the Scots and Picts, and became the most famous religious house in Scotland. There Columba baptized Brude, King of the Picts, and later a King of the Scots came to this Abbot of the "Holy Isle" for baptism. The historian Bede tells us that Columba led many to Christianity by his "preaching and example."*

 *The Lectionary, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Columba.htm

Melania the Elder

Melania the Elder, Monastic, 410

Most High and Merciful God, who called your servant Melania to forsake earthly comforts in order to devote herself to studying the scriptures and to welcoming the poor: Instruct us in the ways of poverty and the grace of hospitality, that we might comfort those who have no place to rest and teach the way of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Melania the Elder, (born in Spain, ca. 350–died in Jerusalem before 410 or in c. 417) was a Desert Mother who was an influential figure in the Christian ascetic movement (the Desert Fathers and Mothers) that sprang up in the generation after the Emperor Constantine made Christianity a legal religion of the Roman Empire.*

 *The Lectionary, http://satucket.com/lectionary/Melania_elder.html

The Bible Project

In our Wednesday and Thursday Night (in Spanish) Christian Education Classes following our evening prayers, we’ve been making our way through some of the videos of the Bible Project See https://bibleproject.com/. For those of you who’ve never joined us, we would like to introduce you to this amazing resource. It is completely free and is paid for by crowd sourcing.  

The videos include info on How to Read the Bible, Themes, Word Studies, Book Overviews, and Book Collections. You can also enroll by email for Podcasts (for iTunes , Google Podcasts , or Spotify) , Reading Plans and Reflections. Check out the Bible Project website, videos, blog, and info graphics. Much of the content is shared via YouTube, or is available to download for free. Lastly, check out the ever expanding versions in other languages – currently 41, with around 3.5 million worldwide subscribers.

 Here’s an example.

You can download the infographic here - https://bibleproject.com/view-resource/311

The Long Green Season Begins

Join us for “at church” or “virtually” for worship this Sunday, June 6, 2021, The Second Sunday after Pentecost, at St. Alban’s, St. Thomas’, St. Patrick’s, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.
 
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two
St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. or at 10:30 a.m.*
St. Thomas' - 10:00 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
 
* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home.
Download a pdf of the leaflet to print or to use on your phone or tablet at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5VUQ4XnuKEaEYQwkELSeY6mU1dYKqMW/view?usp=sharing
 
La Santa Eucaristía: Rito Dos
Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas – Domingo - 5:00 p.m.
y vía transmisión en vivo en nuestra página de Facebook.
 
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
 
We hope to “see” you all on Sunday as you are most comfortable!
 
Dawnell+, Whit+, Deacon Rita, and Deacon Rob
 
Art from Clip Art, Steve Erspamer, Liturgy Training Publications – ltp.org

Boniface

Boniface, Bishop and Missionary, 754

The Collect:

Pour out your Holy Spirit, O God, upon your church in every land, that like your servant Boniface we might proclaim the Gospel to all nations, that your kingdom might be enlarged and that your holy Name might be glorified in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Wynfrith, nicknamed Boniface ("good deeds"), was born around 680 near Crediton in Devonshire, England. When he was five, he listened to some monks who were staying at his father's house. They had returned from a mission to the pagans on the continent, and Boniface was so impressed by them that he resolved to follow their example. Although his father had intended him for a secular career, he gave way to his son's entreaties and sent him at the age of seven to a monastery school. He eventually became director of the school at Nursling, in Winchester, where he wrote the first Latin grammar in England, and gave lectures that were widely copied and circulated. The historian Christopher Dawson estimates that he has had a greater influence on the history of Europe than any other Englishman.” ¹

¹ The Lectionary, by James Kiefer, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Boniface.htm 

John XXIII

John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli), Bishop, 1963

The Collect:

God of all truth and peace, who raised up your bishop John to be servant of the servants of God and bestowed on him wisdom to call for the work of renewing your church: Grant that, following his example, we may reach out to other Christians in the love of your Son, and labor throughout the nations of the world to kindle a desire for justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Today, the Church remembers Pope John XXIII. Why does the Episcopal Church remember a Roman Catholic Pope?

 “Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (25 November 1881 – 3 June 1963),” [was one of thirteen children born to a family of sharecroppers, and] ² was elected as the 261st Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City on 28 October 1958. He called the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) but did not live to see it to completion, dying on 3 June 1963, two months after the completion of his final encyclical, Pacem in Terris. Following the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958, Roncalli, then Archbishop of Venice, was elected Pope, to his great surprise. After the long pontificate of Pope Pius XII, the cardinals chose a man who, it was presumed because of his advanced age, would be a short-term or "stop-gap" pope. Upon his election, Cardinal Roncalli chose John as his regnal name. This was the first time in over 500 years that this name had been chosen. John XXIII's personal warmth, good humor and kindness captured the world's affections in a way his predecessor, for all his learning, had failed to do. Far from being a mere "stop gap" Pope, to great excitement John called an ecumenical council fewer than ninety years after the Vatican Council. From the Second Vatican Council came changes that reshaped the face of Catholicism: a comprehensively revised liturgy, a stronger emphasis on ecumenism, and a new approach to the world.” ¹ “John XXIII today is affectionately known as the "Good Pope" and in Italian, "il Papa buono." ²

¹ From The Lectionary - http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/john_xxiii.htm

² Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII

Martyrs of Uganda

Martyrs of Uganda, 1886

The Collect:

O God, by whose providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church: Grant that we who remember before you the blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience even to death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

On 3 June 1886, thirty-two young men, pages of the court of King Mwanga of Buganda, were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. In the following months many other Christians throughout the country died by spear or fire for their faith. These martyrdoms totally changed the dynamic of Christian growth in Uganda.

Blandina and Her Companions

 Blandina and Her Companions, the Martyrs of Lyons, 177

The Collect:

Almighty God, who gave such courage and endurance to Blandina and her companions that by their deaths many hearts were turned to you; Grant that we, in accordance with their example, may also gladly endure all that is required of us as we witness to you in our own day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In the text of Apologeticus attributed to Tertullian - a work that defends Christianity, and that demands legal toleration and that Christians be treated as all other sects of the Roman Empire -  is this sentence "Plures efficimur, quitiens metimur a vobis: semen est sanguis Christianorum." which has been liberally and apocryphally translated as "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Alexander Souter translated this phrase as "We spring up in greater numbers the more we are mown down by you: the blood of the Christians is the seed of a new life," but even this takes liberties with the original text. "We multiply when you reap us. The blood of Christians is seed," is perhaps a more faithful, if less poetic, rendering.¹

At Lyons and Vienne, in Gaul, there were missionary centers which had drawn many Christians from Asia and Greece. Persecution began in 177. At first, Christians were excluded from the public baths, the market place, and from social and public life. They were subject to attack when they appeared in public, and many Christian homes were vandalized. At this point the government became involved, and began to take Christians into custody for questioning. Some slaves from Christian households were tortured to obtain confessions, and were induced to say that Christians practiced cannibalism and incest. These charges were used to arouse the whole city against the Christians, particularly against Pothinus, the aged bishop of Lyons; Sanctus, a deacon; Attalus; Maturus, a recent convert; and Blandina, a slave. Pothinus was beaten and then released, to die of his wounds a few days later. Sanctus was tormented with red-hot irons. Blandina, tortured all day long, would say nothing except, "I am a Christian, and nothing vile is done among us." Finally, the survivors were put to death in the public arena.²

Join us tonight for Evening Prayer and our Bible Project Class to find out more about Blandina and Her Companions, and to learn something new about the Bible.

 
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
 
¹ Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apologeticus
² The Lectionary, http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Lyons.htm, James Kiefer

Justin

Justin, Philosopher, Apologist, and Martyr, 167

The Collect:

O God, who has given your church wisdom and revealed to it deep and secret things: Grant that we, like your servant Justin and in union with his prayers, may find your Word an abiding refuge all the days of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

 

More about Justin can be found at “The Lectionary,” by James Kiefer, at http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Justin_Martyr.htm