Trinity 9 - Summary of Sermon

The Epistle:  Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual food; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

 “I would not that ye should be ignorant”
+
Context of Epistle: Corinthians who said eating food at feasts organised by pagan acquaintances was OK even if the food was known to have been sacrificed to idols, false gods. They said that because the idol was not a real god, this meant nothing. (Of course, while the stone sculptures were nothing, demons are happy to take advantage of this fraudulent worship.)

Hence we have Paul’s comparison with the old covenant people of God, the Jews, and how they had tried to stick with paganism at the same time as worshipping Yahweh. Penalty: death, death, death. (Bit missing from Epistle:“ We must not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.  We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents; nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come.”) This is an example to them. They too must keep away from false gods or spiritually die.

Baptism compared to salvation through water of Exodus. (Note: getting physically immersed is not necessary here.) Manna and miraculous provision of water from rock compared to Eucharist. Note the fundamental importance of these two sacraments.

“And that rock was Christ” means Jesus as God the Son was the provider, the giver even then. The water is not called Christ as the wine is called his blood, the source is instead described. Here is evidence of both the similarity and dissimilarity between the Old and New Covenants. In the Old, Jesus bestows upon his people their needs, in the New he gives his very self. (That is why in Hebrews it is said that “Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises” )

But as wonderful as the Sacraments are, St Paul makes clear that, just like those of old, they will do us no good if we partake of them while mocking God. Hebrews makes the same kind of comparison (chapters 3 and 4) and considers the ones who rebelled to have the core sin of unbelief. (Ironically, the Corinthians who were willing to compromise with other religions implied they had superior faith, since they had superior understanding. That is why Paul also says in this letter that “knowledge puffs up but love edifies”. Their faith was in their intellect, not God.)

So, we must have the living faith that actively avoids sin, otherwise the sacraments will not benefit us. However, while some people say passages like this show Paul did not think the sacraments were that important, this is nonsense. In fact, he thinks they are so important that disrespecting them by other actions is self-destructive, a point which he emphasises later in the letter when he notes the dangerous consequences of unworthy communion! Also, note that the sacraments do not become insignificant in themselves or cease to be holy because of our lack of faith, even the much-abused OT “sacraments” of manna and water are called supernatural by St Paul. The point is that despite the awesome reality of the Sacraments, our attitude determines how much of that reality can become part of us.

But there is also a beautiful promise here. When we are tempted to compromise our faith, God will not allow the trial to be beyond our strength, he will not allow us to be spiritually trapped. He will provide both the courage and any escape route we need. And this promise is for us. We may not be asked to parties where the main meal has been offered to Zeus, but this world will provide many temptations to compromise and then cover it up with clever rationalisations and excuses. So, we must have loyal faith, choosing to obey, trusting that God will give us the power to do so; and confessing and repenting when we fall.

Thus we will be able to be united to Christ in the Sacrament in our hearts and not just our mouths. +

A precious gift from God

"....When you go through storms that shake your faith you need people who know what the Word of God says, people who believe that God will 'do exactly' what He said no matter how bad the circumstances look. Such friends are few and far between, and they're precious. If you have one or two of them in your life today you're blessed, so thank God for them....". (Partial quote from "The Word For Today". 27 July 2013)

It is important whether going through storms or not, that we not only thank God for these valuable friends but that we remember to express to the person themselves how important and appreciated they are.  It is also important that we, ourselves, remember to be sensitive and supportive to those we love who are encountering their own storms, and aim to be that same blessing in their lives.

I am currently blessed to experience this type of friendship and 

I thank God for His precious gift of placing this person in my life.

Fleeting Masterpiece From God

The Collect

The Collect.

Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pg 231 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada

This Sunday 28th July 2012, our St Hilda's Anglican Catholic Church worship will be held in Taree NSW. Join us for Christian prayer and Holy Communion / Mass. 
 Email Fr Matthew Kirby for address and time.

Trinity 8 2013

"You have not received a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear". +

The Epistle: My brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh: to live after the manner of the flesh;  for if you live after the manner of the flesh, you will die; but if through the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of servitude again into fear: you have received a spirit of sonship, in which we cry aloud, Abba, Father; the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit, that we are children of God;and if children then heirs; heirs of God, and fellow-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with hum, that we may also be glorified with him,

St Paul tells us in today's Epistle that we need to kill off (mortify) the old, sinful nature "through the Spirit". If we aren't doing this, we are risking spiritual death. And we know from the end of this passage that one way we mortify the "flesh" is suffering with Christ, which Christ said was taking up our cross to follow him. This taking up our cross includes voluntary fasting and acts of self-denial, but it also includes patiently accepting persecution and insults for our faith. And, of course, it includes resisting temptation.

Now that doesn't sound like much fun, does it. It certainly sounds like hard work and pain will be involved. Very true. But the interesting thing is that the Apostle also says that we can do this because as Christians we are not slaves and are not bound by fear, as I quoted at the beginning. Instead we are children of the King, and thus his heirs. And, as princes and princesses, we have received knowledge of our renewed identity by the Holy Spirit revealing itself to our spirits.

How can self-mortification be freedom from slavery? How can taking up our cross be fearless? How can self-denial be equated to the joy of a royal life as an heir of the King of Kings?

Yet God does not lie. And, in fact, it is nowhere near as paradoxical as it might look. The truth is that those who give themselves over to excess and to sin, find themselves enslaved and ensnared and unhappy. How many of the rich and famous end up with broken marriages, breakdowns and feelings of emptiness. Indeed, how many do we hear about spending time in "rehab"! (Personally, I wonder whether they would be better off publicly repenting rather than publicly rehab-ing, and maybe spending some time in a quiet monastery helping in the kitchen or garden as penance. And as therapy. OK, you're right, probably not going to happen!) So many celebrities, smiling on the outside, but miserable on the inside, as they often tell us later.

Not only that, but all those who throw themselves into the world and the flesh find that one of two things happen. That which promised so much, and began as fun, becomes boring and disappointing, so they either carry on regardless, or search for the bigger thrill, the "true" fulfillment. Needless to say, those who carry on regardless are unhappy, and feel powerless to do anything about it. But what about those who go on to try the harder drug, the wilder parties, the more perverse sexual activity, or just the more all-consuming higher-paying job that keeps them from their families and everything else that matters in life? Well, they can keep the illusion of happiness going a bit longer, cause a lot more collateral damage around them, deaden their own soul to a greater degree, and still end up a complete mess. "Awesome."

So, if freedom is not found in sin, just the contrary, then mortifying the sinful nature can go along with freedom. More to the point, such freedom requires such mortification. But what about happiness? Were is it to be found? Well, clearly, true, fearless joy is found in Christ, in knowing and experiencing God, in loving God and neighbour.

And here is the really interesting thing. The more we seek the Lord and find our satisfaction, our fulfillment in Him, the less the flesh and the world can draw our desire or keep our attention. The more we pray, meditate upon God and his word, and participate in Church, fellowship and sacrament, the less we are excited or enticed by other things. Christians can even have the strange experience of thinking that we want or will enjoy some extra, quite innocent, "treat"or "luxury", then finding we lose interest when we try to partake of it. The more we walk in the Spirit, the easier it becomes to mortify the flesh, because the flesh becomes increasingly mundane. It suffers by comparison with higher appetites, so to speak. And our appetites themselves are ennobled.

We do not become angels, nor are we meant to be. The body has its place, and innocent pleasure is still innocent. However, the path to freedom, peace and joy really is making God numero uno and practicing self-discipline. And all of this is to be done through the Spirit of Christ. +

Photo shows 0ne of the "Stations Of The Cross" art reliefs on the walls in the chapel which we use for St Hlida's Anglican Catholic Sunday Mass, it is located at  St Mary's School (its entrance is in Victoria St) Maitland NSW Australia.
Click on image to enlarge

They will soar on wings like eagles

Click on image to enlarge (Photographed in Cessnock NSW)

Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; 
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; 
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

DON'T FORGET: Sunday 28th July - Anglican Catholic Communion/Mass will be in Taree. 

Email Fr Matthew to confirm venue and times.

8th Sunday after Trinity

LINK: The eighth Sunday after trinity by Fr Ed

Healing our memories

Penetrate these murky corners
where we hide our memories
and tendencies on which we do not care to look,
but which we will not yield freely up to you,
that you may purify and transmute them.
The persistent buried grudge,
the half-acknowledged enmity
which is still smouldering,
the bitterness of that loss
we have not turned into sacrifice,
the private comfort we cling to,
the secret fear of failure
which saps our initiative
and is really inverted pride,
the pessimism which is an insult to your joy.
Lord, we bring all these to you,
and we review them
with shame and penitence
in your steadfast light.

(Prayer by Evelyn Underhill)

Holy Communion Times.

Sunday 14th July 2013. Maitland NSW Australia. 11am.
Sunday 21st July 2013. Maitland NSW Australia. 11am.
Sunday 28th July 2013. Taree NSW Australia. 11am
email Fr Matthew Kirby for further details

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10(KJV)

Thought for the day

"Nobody cares how much you know, 
until they know how much you care."

Remember a time in your life when God showed you how much He cares.

There are people all around you that need to know they are not alone, that someone cares about them, about their struggles, their fears and their pain. Showing you care doesn't have to be hard. A simple smile and a genuine "How are you?" that waits and shows interest in their reply can sometimes make a huge difference to someones day. When people struggle they often feel useless and undervalued, that nobody sees or cares. Are you guilty of pretending not to see? Have you reached out to at least one person today? The person you need to reach out to could be a total stranger, or it could be someone right under your nose... open your eyes and your heart, you will soon find them.

The image used is Mary Magdalene from the "Entombment of Christ", 1672,  
from Saint-Martin Church in Arc-en-Barrois (Haute-Marne, France).

You are invited to join us at the Anglican Catholic Church this Sunday for prayer and Holy Communion.

At 11am in St Marys School Chapel in Victoria Street Maitland NSW Australia.

For those who mourn

O HEAVENLY Father, whose Blessed Son Jesus Christ wept at the grave of Lazarus, his friend; Look, we beseech thee, with compassion upon those who are now in sorrow and affliction; comfort them, O Lord, with thy gracious consolations; make them to know that all things work together for good to them that love thee; and grant them forever sure trust and confidence in thy fatherly care; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen

( For the family of Edna Jackson who passed away this morning 6-7-13, and for everyone else in mourning and missing their loved ones. May God comfort you)

Give, and it will be given to you

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” [Luke 6:38] +

A generous person will find that the measure of what they receive in return is not only from God, but also from "men". Compare earlier Luke 6 verses 32b and 33b: “Even sinners love those who love them… Even sinners do good to those who are good to them.”

At the beginning of each mass we are reminded “…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself…”  Generosity is a natural response to love. People, believers or not, respond to generosity of spirit. And it’s not just about giving money, either.

The work of Sister Bernice Elphick of the Sisters of Charity is an example to how such giving gets given back by both God and man. An extraordinary love of people inspired 60 years of service by Sister Bernice, a pioneer of Australian health care services. LINK: Read More about her work....

According to her former colleague, Sr Laureen Dixon. "Her love of people is extraordinary, so as a great networker she is able to connect the people and get them enthused and that is one thing that is obvious in the way that she has led." When Australia's richest man Kerry Packer died, the media referred to Sr Bernice as "the only woman Kerry Packer can't say no to". When she needed money for a new project at St Vincent's, she would often turn to Mr Packer. Clearly and compellingly, she would outline her case and, within minutes, the media magnate would be signing a cheque. She had a way of stimulating the unbelieving Kerry Packer’s generosity. His humorous protest to her visits was that he “couldn't say no”. Why? She's a nun. He knew she had given her life to God in celibacy, personal poverty and obedience, and given her time to prayer and service to the needy. Mrs Packer is quoted as saying "She would just say, 'Darling, I know you'll fix it,’ But because of the respect in which we all held her, we knew she was not asking for any money that was not needed." And what did Mr Packer have to say? "He says it has been a great joy to know her - but that it has not been inexpensive." LINK: "Sydney Morning Herald" article....

Another example similar to Sister Bernice Elphick is the Salvos we often see in the shopping centers and local clubs selling their magazine and collecting donations. You will find there is little or no complaint about their panhandling. Instead, out come the wallets! People who are not part of the church and who otherwise wouldn’t even consider making a donation become generous. Why? Because they will know that what the Salvos do within the community is for the poor and dysfunctional.

Emil Joseph Kapaun (April 20, 1916 – May 23, 1951) was a Roman Catholic priest and United States Army chaplain who died as a prisoner of war in the Korean War.

Father Emil Kapaun was posthumously given the Congressional Medal of Honour recently for sacrificial courage in Korea. What made him extraordinary? Bicycling to wherever the shooting was to support. Showing incredible faith during the chaos, dodging bullets and explosions, Father Kapaun raced between foxholes, out past the front lines and into no-man’s land -- dragging the wounded to safety.  LINK: Article on Fr Emil and his award...

Father Emil Kapaun was known for dragging wounded out under fire. When his commanders ordered an evacuation, he chose to stay -- gathering the injured, tending to their wounds. When the enemy broke through and the combat was hand-to-hand, he carried on -- comforting the injured and the dying, offering some measure of peace as they left this Earth. Exhorting others by word and example to carry wounded after capture when he realised they were simply being shot.

Roy Wenzl, a reporter and the co-author of an upcoming biography of Kapaun said of him: “Combat veterans are pretty reluctant to talk about (their experiences)," "But this was a pretty dramatic exception. They all wanted to talk about him. They regarded him as a heroic figure, the greatest person they ever knew."

In this image Father Emil Kapaun shows his pipe, which was shot out of his mouth by a sniper during the Korean War. 

Fr Emil physically stopped a North Korean soldier shooting a wounded American: “Then, as Father Kapaun was being led away, he saw another American -- wounded, unable to walk, laying in a ditch, defenseless. An enemy soldier was standing over him, rifle aimed at his head, ready to shoot. And Father Kapaun marched over and pushed the enemy soldier aside. And then as the soldier watched, stunned, Father Kapaun carried that wounded American away”. 

What sort of response did Fr Emil receive for his selfless giving? Catholics, protestants and Jews prayed the rosary together with him! Followed him more than their officers. Tried to protect him when enemy decided he had to go to the hospital, which was tantamount to a death sentence.

Again, notice that the original generosity and the generous response can both involve things other than money. Christian love touches hearts. No clever argument, no powerful preaching, will have the same effect over hard hearts, even though the words will still be necessary to communicate the faith at some point. 

So, let us light up our world with generosity of spirit. +

Join us at the Anglican Catholic Church for prayer and Holy Communion Next Sunday.

Prayer for the Indwelling of the Spirit

Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of your Love so that I may be wholly subject to you. We believe that when you dwell in us, you also prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me, Consoler of abandoned souls, and Protector of the needy. Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering. Come and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me. You love the humble and resist the proud. Come to me, glory of the living, and hope of the dying. Lead me by your grace that I may always be pleasing to you. Amen.

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Thanks with every breath

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?”  William A.Ward

"Sacred is the prayer that asks for nothing... and gives thanks for every breath you take". Prince

Gracious Lord, during my hectic day,
Forgive me for not thanking you enough,
For selfishly taking for granted my abundant blessings.

I thank you Lord for who I am.
For my experiences within your glorious creation.
For the strength of your love,
For the opportunity to love others.

I thank you Lord for the gift of life,
For the warmth and sustenance you provide my flesh.
For the wisdom and creativity you offer my mind.
For the protection and hope you offer my soul.

I thank you Lord for encouraging my growth.
For protecting me through turbulence.
For holding my hand through tears and heartache.
For teaching me through illness and loss.

I thank you Lord for your patience.
For allowing me to share your gifts with others,
For forgiveness and mercy you have shown me,
For your unconditional and eternal love.

Amen

Join us for Anglican Catholic prayer and holy communion in Taree this week 30th June.

Holy Communion Times

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Sunday 30th June - Mass at Taree (contact for details)
Sunday 7th July - Mass at Maitland 11am
Sunday   14th July - Mass at Maitland 11am
Sunday 21st July - Mass at Maitland 11am

Join us for prayer and Mass at St. Hilda's Parish, Anglican Catholic Church.

This photograph was taken during the blessing of the sacraments in St.Marys Chapel at Maitland NSW Australia.  
Click on image to enlarge. 

Patience of my Lord

He shone light where my shadows dwelt,
Warming my lifeless heart into beating.

As silence descends my soul breaths again,
In stillness my senses awaken.

His soothing presence envelopes 
as my loyalty and trust replenish.

Thank you for your patience with me Lord,
Thank you for fresh vision and hope.

Trinity III: Summary of Sermon

[1Pe 5:10,11] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. +

[Note: In reading the following, one needs to know that my parish observed the Octaves of Corpus Christi and Sacred Heart, with the liturgical colour being white for the last two Sundays. I realise many or most other parishes in the ACC have been green already for one or two Sundays.] 

We have green again for the first time again in a long time. I want to talk to you about the church's colours today, and what they signify for us. The verse I quoted from the Epistle connects to all 4 of the common liturgical colours, as it happens.

Grace: Red. Symbolises blood and fire. Christ's blood poured out is grace, "undeserved favour or blessing". Blood washes us from sin, so represents mercy. Fire represents the Holy Spirit, who is called in Scripture and the Prayer Book, the Spirit of grace. Red reminds us of both sacrifice, including in the Martyrs, and our need to be living sacrifices to God. Red also speaks of God's overwhelming power for us and in us.

Glory: White or gold. The joy of Christmas and Easter, the powerful virtue of Christ and his Saints, and the related Feasts. The colour of celebration and of swimming happily in the Light of God's presence. The glorious colour indeed, as we enjoy God.

Suffering: Violet or purple. The sombre colour of bruised flesh. The colour of self-discipline and penitence. Advent and Lent. We prepare for glory by taking stock of our lives, minimising distraction and luxury, and turning from sin.

Establish and settle: Green. The colour of nature, the colour of steady growth. The normal colour. It takes up the majority of the year. What does this tell us? The Christian walk has times of intensity, of joy, power and enthusiasm, of suffering, penitence and sacrifice. (The red, white and violet.) But for most of us, most of the time, the reality is steady, even slow growth. Much of the battle is patience, as I have said before. We cannot always live either in the sweetness or the sorrow. We learn a lot just by long experience and persistent effort.

The Church, wisely, reflects this balance, and teaches us of it through the colours. But many people want to live their lives only in excitement or radical change, forever in a state of flux, always looking solely for immediate solutions or immediate satisfactions. They immerse themselves in thrilling pleasures if one sort of person, or programmes supposed to quickly change themselves if another sort of person. They become addicts of one sort or another, even if only addicted to forever finding something new. Whether its addiction to drugs, consumerism, entertainments, or to new age gurus selling self-help, such an approach to life leads to instability, unproductiveness and discontent.

Yet Christians can take this approach to the spiritual life too. There are Christians who look down on the traditional balance represented by the colours of the Church's year. They are always seeking the buzz, the rush of the miraculous, the confronting, the obviously powerful. They criticise predictability in Church services and desire the overtly supernatural and the radical transformation as often as possible. The problem is that this isn't reality. "God normally works normally" as I've heard even Pentecostals, wise Pentecostals, say. The result of this unbalanced approach is sometimes pretence or delusion. Let me quote parts of a song by a Christian hip-hop artist, John Rueben, who has clearly experienced just this foolishness in churches.

[“Freedom to Feel”]

...

I can't force a happy face or makeshift you a smile
I can't deny what I see, what I feel or what's in front of me
So take your world of precious moments of make-believe
They never made me believe in anything
But left me with nothing to hold on to
Your quick fix and magic tricks can only disguise what I was going through
And now I'm thinkin' it was when it wasn't
And now I'm tryin' to rationalize what just doesn't
Come together and somehow doesn't make sense
But God, how can I convince them when I'm not even convinced?

Everyone is thinkin' it, but nobody's sayin' it
Everyone's sayin' it, but nobody's feeling it
Everyone's feeling it, but nobody's seein' it
So how am I supposed to know what's real?

False sense of happiness
My security wrapped up in this

…

No time to be ugly
Don't trouble them with your doubt and fears
Shout for joy little boys and girls
You brokenness ain't welcome here
Well excuse me while I bleed through and my life becomes see-through
Don't ask for transparency but reject what you see into

…

Can somebody tell me how am I supposed to know what's real
When I was told and controlled how to feel?

So, let us be honest about our Christian walk, and never undervalue the ordinary, gentle ways of God, or the value of patience and perseverance in our spiritual growth. Yes, God will do extraordinary things at times, and we should expect this, being willing to climb the mountain heights and slog through the valleys when required. But the ordinary means of grace found in the liturgies and sacraments of the Church, as well as in personal prayer and reading of Scripture, are our staple diet, and there is nothing wrong with that. I will finish with a quotation from Tolkien's Silmarillion, which I feel symbolises this contentment very beautifully. It speaks of the reaction of immortal angelic beings to the first verdancy of the Earth, to the "mere" normalcy of natural beauty.

“And there upon the Isle of Almaren in the Great Lake was the first dwelling of the Valar when all things were young, and new-made green was yet a marvel in the eyes of the makers; and they were long content.”

Truly, the ordinary means of grace are also a marvel, an abiding place of great beauty. +

Good Morning Lord...

The morning sun envelops me
in the warmth of Gods Love.
The breeze caressing his whispers
across my bare face.

Each day He opens my eyes
and heart to something new.
Reminding me of His presence
through smiles placed before me,

Memories of sadness and pain
are my journeys lessons.
Strengthening my compassion,
leading me closer to Christ.

I am about to immerse myself
within his glorious creation.
May all that I add to this day
be of value and pleasing to God.

I ask that the Holy Ghost take my hand
and lead me through this day,
protecting, teaching and inspiring me
to grow in the Glory of God.
Amen

Click on image to enlarge.  Photo was taken from the river bank at Maitland NSW Australia.
You are invited to join us in the Anglican Catholic Church for prayer and Holy Communion on Sunday 23rd July 2013 at St Marys Campus in Victoria Street Maitland at 11am.

Brother John Charles' Prayer

Father of Light from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit, we pray, into our lives with the power of an irresistible wind, and by the flame of your wisdom, open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praise in words beyond the power of human speech, for without your spirit it is not given to us to raise our voice in words of peace or to announce the truth that JESUS is LORD. Amen

Prayer by Brother John Charles Vockler. (Anglican Catholic Arch-bishop)

 Join us in church for Prayer and Holy Communion in St Marys chapel 
 at All Saints College Victoria St entrance Maitland NSW Australia, 
this weekend on Sunday 23rd June at 11am.

Sharing a smile...

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.

Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, ‘Johnny, what is the matter?’

Little Johnny responded, ‘I have pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.’

A hearty desire to pray

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect - page 221 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada

 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.
Psalm 26 (KJV)

 Join us for Anglican Catholic Prayer and Holy Communion in St Marys chapel at All Saints College Victoria St entrance Maitland NSW Australia, this weekend on Sunday 16th June at 11am.

God's Masterpiece

  It is now a fast paced world where gratification is expected almost instantly. Much of our modern society has an "I want - I want" attitude where our success is measured in popularity and material possessions, and some of the more important aspects of a healthy life are neglected.

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. ” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

 We all have days when we feel as though we are not performing as well as others, that we are not as interesting, as energetic, as funny, as adventurous, as smart, as elegant, as giving, as useful or as loved. We are disappointed in ourselves at what we have to offer.  I came across a quote worth sharing: "You are God's handcrafted work of art. You are not an assembly-line product, mass produced without thought. You are a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece." You not only need the time to "be still and know God" but to slow down and know yourself, to realise your own value, the value that God has placed in you. Understand that you don't have to fit a specific mold or unrealistic expectation that you imagine society has placed on you. God has given us all gifts. We are his living works of art and he is shaping and forming us to serve him in ways that make our ministry unique. Both our joy and our pain help us to mature and to bring new understanding and experiences to the table. Even the small, unnoticed contributions you make to other peoples lives are important. Like it or not - you do make a diffference to those around you - so aim to make it a positive difference.

CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE - Image is used with the Artist permission.

More of this frog art series can be seen at http://life-of-frog.blogspot.com.au/

Long weekend

My soul is freely given to God; to guide, nurture and grow by the inspiration of Jesus Christ, with the comfort and assistance of the Holy Spirit. May they protect and inspire me until I'm mature enough to walk in my Fathers presence. Amen

O LORD, who never failest to keep and govern them whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love: Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 
The Collect - page 219 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada

You are invited to our church service for Anglican Catholic Prayer and Holy Communion in St Marys chapel at All Saints College Victoria St entrance Maitland NSW Australia, on Sunday 9th June at 11am.  

Don't forget this is a long weekend. If you are traveling on the roads stay safe.

The lessons we face

But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF CONTROL; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

"God teaches us to LOVE by putting some unloving people around us. It takes no character to love people who are lovely and loving to you. God teaches us real JOY in the midst of sorrow, when we turn to Him. Happiness depends on external circumstances, but joy is based on your relationship with God.
God develops real PEACE within us, not by making things go the way we planned, but allowing times of chaos and confusion. Anyone can be peaceful watching a beautiful sunset or relaxing on vacation. We learn real peace by choosing to trust God in circumstances in which we are tempted to worry or to be afraid. Likewise, PATIENCE is developed in circumstances in which we're forced to wait and are tempted to be angry or have a short fuse.
God uses the opposite situation of each fruit to allow us a choice. You can't claim to be GOOD if you've never been tempted to be bad. You can't claim to be FAITHFUL if you've never had the opportunity to be unfaithful. INTEGRITY is built by defeating the temptation to be dishonest: HUMILITY  grows when you refuse to be prideful: and ENDURANCE develops every time you reject the temptation to give up. Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus!"    Quote from Rick Warren - The purpose driven life.

So what lessons are you currently facing???
How well are you passing Gods test of character???

Whatever your day holds...

God bless us with the trust, courage and strength we need to get through each day, 

and if our sense of those blessings waver, 

may we have enough love around us that our vision is replenished quickly.
Amen

Have a wonderful day.

Trinity Sunday

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who has given us thy servants grace, by the confession of true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity: We beseech thee, that this holy faith may evermore be our defence against all adversities; who livest and reignest, one God, world without end.  Amen

The Collect - page 214 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada

Click on image to enlarge.
Our next Anglican Catholic Church Mass will be held at Maitland, NSW. Australia
You are invited to join us for Prayer and Holy Communion on Sunday 2nd June 2012.

A living sacrifice can crawl off the alter

"There is a moment of surrender, and there is the practice of surrender, which is moment-by-moment and lifelong. The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the alter, so you have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day. You must make it a daily habit." Quote from Rick Warren 2002

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:13(NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres

 

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. 
It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 

1 Corinthians 4:1-8 (NIV)

 You are invited to our Anglican Catholic Prayer and communion. Our next Christian church service is on Sunday 26th May at Taree NSW Australia. Please email for details of time and address.

Are you with me Lord?

Forgive me Lord for I am a sinner,
guard me against my own sinful nature.
Guide my thoughts, words and deeds
to reflect you in my world.
During my trials of life
give me strength and courage,
to face each new challenge
knowing you are with me.
Amen

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 (KJV)

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

On Sunday 26th May 2013 our Anglican Catholic Prayer and Communion will be held at Taree NSW Australia:  
email Fr Matthew Kirby for details of time and venue. (No services will be held at Maitland this week)

Thought of the day

God has placed before you His most magnificent creations. 
The glory of God's work can be seen in the tiniest of His creatures.
They are all around you, but do you take the time to see?
Today, remember to open your heart and your senses to God, 
feel God's presence and appreciate all that He is sharing with you.

Click on image to enlarge.  This is a photograph of Australian dwarf tree frog from our local area.

Sunday 26th May our Anglican Catholic Church Service will be held at Taree, Please contact Fr Mathew Kirby for times and address.

The light of thy Holy Spirit

GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort: through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

The Collect - page 209 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada
O LORD Jesus Christ, who didst say unto thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; Regard not our sins, but the peace of thy Church, and grant unto it that peace and unity which is agreeable to thy will: who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen

The Collect - page 213 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada

I believe in one God

I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, who guides my life as I focus on His will and take comfort in his control. He carries me safely through life’s greatest tragedies. THE FATHER ALMIGHTY whom I trust in judgment to guide my thoughts and inspirations. As I see pain and fear fall away, replaced by peace, I gain faith in His love and mercy. He is the MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, AND He surrounds me with the beauty of His creation OF ALL THINGS VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. He is the breath of hope and love in my heart, he is the essence of creativity within my own being.

the Feast of Pentecost

O'GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon thy disciples in Jerusalem: Grant that we who celebrate before thee the Feast of Pentecost may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit, until we come to thine eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

The Collect - page 205 of The Book Of Common Prayer Canada

Join us for Anglican Catholic Prayer and Holy Communion in St Marys chapel at All Saints College Victoria St entrance Maitland NSW Australia, on Sunday 19th May at 11am.

Click on image to enlarge. 

This image is from public domain and shows the Apostles receiving the gift of tongues (Acts 2)

Ablaze with the Fire of Your Spirit

O Lord, 
You have mercy on all, 
take away from me my sins, 
and mercifully set me ablaze 
with the fire of Your Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone, 
and give me a human heart,
a heart to love and adore You, 
a heart to delight in You,
to follow and enjoy You. 
Amen.

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
Genesis 9:16 (KJV)

Click on image to enlarge. 
Photo was taken at Newcastle NSW Australia.
Join us for prayer at our Anglican Catholic Mass on Sunday 19th May 2013 at St Marys Campus in Victoria Street Maitland at 11am.

Journey back from Synod

Click on images to enlarge

This image was taken on the Father Matthew's return trip from this years Synod. 

It was taken along the Mt Lindsay Hwy just over the Queensland side of the Qld-NSW border in Australia.

Mothers Day this weekend

This Sunday May 12th 2013 is Mothers Day.

The first mothers day was celebrated in 1908 in America When Anna Jarvis held memorial for her mother, She then campaigned to have Mothers day recognised as a holiday. By 1929, to her disappointment, it had been commercialised.

Closer to home, Mothers day in Australia was started by Janet Heyden of Sydney in 1924. She organised school children and businessmen to donate and bring gifts to patients at the Newington State Home for Women. Unfortunately, since then, our Mothers day has also become commercialised.

Last week I was sitting in a friend kitchen. On the table was a lovely card that said "Mother" on the front. My friend grew up in an abusive family and since has worked with many children from sad or abusive backgrounds. Anyway, my friend had spent ages in the store going through all of the verses in the cards. Opening each one she'd read a sentimental and romantic verse about an idealised iconic woman. Closing the card and shaking her head she'd return it to the stand and open the next one. Beside her was a man doing almost exactly the same. Finally they both found something they were comfortable with. Although my friends upbringing was far from idea, she put herself through university and traveled the world. Her hard upbringing gave her a strength and purpose that allowed her to understand and help many young people with behavioral and learning difficulties. Her life became a blessing to many.

We are not "Hallmark" perfect. Each of us is a sinner. Including our parents. Most parents try hard to love and nurture their children, wanting only what is best for them. Parenting is THE hardest jobs in the world. If you want to do something special this Mothers Day, then pray for all of the mothers that need Gods assistance. Pray for all the mums who are scared, lonely, hurting, frustrated, exhausted and in need of love and guidance. Ask the blessed Mary to help them find courage and direction through Jesus. Pray that mothers who are struggling emotionally might use God's love as a model for nurturing and relating to their families.

If you have/had a wonderful mother, or you know of one, don't take her for granted. Instead take the opportunity to thank her, to tell her she is appreciated and loved.

God our Creator, we pray:
for new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility ;
for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;
for those who are tired, stressed or depressed;
for those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;
for those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;
for those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities;
for those who have children they do not want;
for those who raise children on their own;
for those who have lost a child;
for those who care for the children of others;
for those whose children have left home;
and for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled.
Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender,
and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good,
living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others. 
Amen.