December Dates to Remember.........

Sunday, December 4: Bishop Young's first annual Parish Visitation with the Confirmation and Reception of new members, followed by a covered dish luncheon. Those being Confirmed or Received need to meet at 9:30 AM in Father Swann's office in the Undercoft.

Sunday, December 11: Annual Parish Meeting immediately following coffee hour

Monday, December 12: Vestry Meeting with reception of new Vestry members, 6:30 PM in the annex.

Wednesday, December 14 and 21: Chancel Choir practice for Midnight Mass, 6:30 PM in the Undercroft.

Sunday, December 18: "Hanging of the Greens"  following coffee hour.

Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve: Chancel Choir's final practice session 9:30 PM in the Undercroft, Midnight Mass begins with the singing of Christmas Carols at 10:30 PM in the Nave.
                                            
Sunday, December 25: The Nativity of our Lord, Mass for Christmas Day at 10:30 AM.

All Sunday events begin with Choir Practice at 9:30, Christian Education at 9:30, and Holy Eucharist and Sermon at 10:30 AM.  Everyone welcome!

Thanksgiving Day Mass

Don't forget Holy Mass will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day at 10:00AM. Please come out and show God how thankful you are for your house of worship and for your continued blessings. Invite your friends and family to join you so that they may share in your joy. Can you imagine being more thankful for anything than the Holy Eucharist? See you there. Happy Thanksgiving.

Christ the King Sunday (Last Sunday after Pentecost)

The Gospel today reflected on when Jesus comes back. It tells us, "All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." To the sheep Jesus says, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." The righteous will inquire, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? Jesus replies, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." So, when you stand before God what do you believe he will say? Jesus entire life was a love lesson about God and God's children (both you and I). He loves us so much that he wanted to make certain to show that love by not just ruling from the throne, but by being active in our lives. He sent Jesus to show his great love. Jesus never once sat on a "high horse" so to speak when talking to anyone. Yes, he did step on some toes, but not to reprove anyone. When he called someone a hypocrite he was bringing before them the reality that their actions didn't match the words that so easily rolled off their tongues. As members of God's Holy Catholic Church (of the Anglican persuasion) we understand the Sacraments as outward visible signs of inward grace. For instance the Holy Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and we physically partake. In the same light we have our Baptism in which we physically have water applied and acknowledge Christ publicly as Lord of our lives (and receive the Holy Spirit). The Holy Eucharist and Baptism are examples of how we are to live out this call to be the body of Christ. We may disagree on few, or many things. We may not always be the friendliest we can be. We may even make someone downright angry, but we are to put our faith in action. We all have attributes that can be similar to those in the Gospel regarding sheep versus goats. However, Christ is being profoundly bold and serious that we should be doing all the things he mentioned. We should not do these expecting a reward, but that so others may know the comfort of God. What if you touched a thousand lives in 10 years? This would be roughly 2 people per week that you encouraged by visiting them, or took them some soup when they were ill. What if you took this call as literally as Christ calls on us to do? It would be fairly easy to reach out to 2 people per week to shows Christ at work. What if out of that 1,000 you touched they wanted to have a relationship with Christ and with Christ's church because they knew you were being genuine? As Mother Teresa said (when speaking of the lepers and other outcasts), "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." So, I ask you, are you a sheep? Or, are you happy being a goat? I know I'll let people down from time to time (unintentionally), but Jesus help me to be the kind of sheep you'd have me to be! Amen!!

***Pray especially for healing for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

-------Pray for the souls of the departed, remembering especially: Norm Bolling--------------

Collect:

ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GOD, whose will it is to restore all things in your well beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 95:1-7a, 2nd Reading Ephesians 1:15-23, Gospel Matthew 25:31-46)

Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost

Complete Homily Transcript:

This parable as reported by Matthew has some powerful images that have influenced our thinking and our language profoundly. The word talanto or (talanta) in the Greek of the New Testament writers, represented, according to some scholars, fifteen years' wages of one person's labor. Somewhere else it says that it was worth $1,000. In any case—it’s a lot!

So, for his time, Jesus uses an exorbitant amount to denote the gift of the master to his servants. Throughout the centuries the meaning of the word “talent” has taken on attributes of ability and giftedness, concepts fully justified by this story. The servants had done “nothing special” to deserve this much money; it was given to them freely. Talent is given to people without any prior activity that shows they deserve it.

We describe wonderful singers, writers, actors, or painters as "people of talent." "Oh," we say when we hear a lovely voice, "she is very talented!" Or, when someone doesn't measure up, we say with regret, "He never lived up to his talent."
Talent has come to mean “a special gift”, something one was born with.
We praise them--if they live up to their talents. They had the “gift,” but hard work and perseverance on their part caused the “gift” to become a giver. These people are the delight the rest of us. Their gift ---when shared- becomes a gift to us also.

The story Jesus told here has some “mystifying aspects”, probably because we don't know how much Matthew altered the original story, nor do we know exactly whom Jesus meant with the example of the unused talent - probably the Jews of the day who were Matthew's chief concern. But the heart of the story is as vital today and as true as it was when Jesus first told it. The ‘gift of talent’ is a great trust. Some people are more talented than others just as some people are more pleasing to the eye than others. Throughout the ages, much has been expected of talented people. Those who are given the “talents,” the trust, have a great responsibility - to use them for growth and for good. Others, because of laziness and indifference, do nothing with the gifts they were born with. They squander them or hide them just as the third servant did in the Gospel story.

Another “message of the parable” is that we should not ignore the gifts of the Spirit; that we should not treat the gifts of faith, of liturgy and worship, of service and compassion with sloth or indifference. Notice the words of Zephaniah when he says of God, "I will punish the people who rest complacently on their dregs…" God expects us to take the “talents” given to us and use them to their fullest worth. All of us have “gifts” of TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE- which we can offer to God and the service of his Church.

We cannot “hide” our gifts from God. Faith that is hidden, that does not result in “acts of devotion” and service, and the joyful giving of our money and abilities--is like the “buried talent.” Jesus knew that the price of “complete devotion” to God could result in death. Yet, he did not waste a minute of his years of service on this earth. In his love for us, he tells us in the parable that he expects the same from us. He is willing to wait a long time. Notice how it says that the master stayed away "a long time." That means that we are given repeated opportunities not to squander our talents.

When St. Paul calls the Thessalonians "children of light and children of the day," he is not talking to lazy, uncommitted Christians. He is talking to people who were honoring the talents entrusted to them by loving God and serving one another. He reminds them lovingly, "… therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing…"
We all long for praise and approval. But no words from strangers or friends compare to the words of the “master” when he says to us: "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."

In today’s parable, the question is NOT whether using our resources for God’s Kingdom gives US fulfillment or makes us PROSPER – spiritually or materially. The emphasis is on obedience toward the Master—believing that Jesus’ enterprise—is the one to put our money on—and acting accordingly. This parable is not ALL about the “stewardship of money” – it’s about our stewardship of “the Good News of Jesus Christ.” It asks: “What are you going to do with your faith? Are you just going to “sit on it”? Bury it in a hole in the ground? What are you afraid of?

The parable reminds us that there will be a “day of reckoning.” Remember the words of Scripture: “From everyone to whom much is given, much will be expected.”
Here is another way to ‘step out in faith’: go to some of your friends and invite them to come to church with you some Sunday. That is “really risky”—because you might get labeled as “religious” ------- But that’s OK. You’re doing this in faith---investing what God has given you. And the potential reward is great!! AMEN.

The Feast of All Saints (Sun. Nov 6, 2011)

All Saints Day is so important it is acceptable to have the Feast of All Saints in place of the proper week on the Liturgical Calendar if All Saints does not fall on a Sunday (in this case it is the Sunday following). It is important to remember those who have gone before us. What would the world be if no one remembered the dead? Even though our Lord Jesus Christ rose what if no one remembered his crucifixion? What way would we have to enter the eternal habitations when we die? Further, if death did not exist would life have meaning? Or, would we simply go around always taking everyone and everything for granted? There is a great deal of rhetoric that is implemented in regards to who is a sinner versus who is a saint. So, I'll clear it up now. Look at someone sitting next to you. Are they a baptised Christian? Since they are forgiven they are a Saint. The only thing different in a sinner and Saint is one is forgiven and the other is not. We should still be mindful God is love and His mercy endures forever. God's Peace. Amen.

Remember our beloved departed: Bryan Thomas, Benny Ray Thomas, Andrea Odom, Gerald Heaton, Jordon Layman, Hobert Helton, Allie Helton, Jean DeLozier, Richard Frost, Carolyn Frost, Arthur Frost, Dorothea Frost, William Frost, Leonard Frost, Helene Frost, John Clarke, Ben Martinez, Buck Turner, Peggy Turner, Norman Bolling, Rose Roach, Al Stadeck, Rebecca Valentine, Birdie Smith, Lee Smith, Garland Vaught, Marge McCombie, Louise Hodge, Ron Samples, Freeman Samples, Betty Samples, Larry Allison, Milton Whited, Bertie Whited, Bill Lakin, Lula Lakin, Bill Cunningham, Tina Cunningham, Neeta Cunningham, Louie Musselman, Barbara Musselman, Inez Byrd, Lonnie Byrd, Ronny Fagiana, Doug Fagiana, Fran Fagiana, Emelia Fagiana, Mildred Gilliam, Red Gilliam, Mack Williams, James Thomas, Vira Thomas, Coker Williams, Myrtle Collins, Lottie Williams, Judy Hardwick, James Maples, George Champion, Harry Walburg, Lilian Walburg, Marie Morris, Steven Caputo, John Stanberry, Edith Thompson, Floyd Heldt, George Horkenbach, Henry Swann, Floyd Heldt, Irene Swann, Burl Guinn, Helma Guinn, Gabriel Midyette, Albert Swann, Sarah Swann, Gabriel Midyette, Jean Mitchell, Basil Storrs, Shirley Rose, Jean Mitchell, Joey Kowaleski, Adolf Kowalewski, Edward Kowaleski.

***Especially remember in prayer: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Henry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

(1st Reading Revelations 7:9-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22, 2nd Reading I John 3:1-3, Gospel Matthew 5:1-12)

Upcoming Events

***Thanksgiving Food box items are due by this Sunday, November 6th.

***Sunday, November 6th is a High Mass at 10:30AM, followed by our monthly covered dish luncheon. Please invite a guest to join you at Mass next Sunday so we are able to raise our voices into Heaven as we recognize our beloved departed.

***On Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 PM at the church the Ladies Night Out group will meet for an English Tea event. Bring your favorite tea pot and enjoy tea with the ladies; there will be a special guest presentation from the Knoxville Soap and Candle Company. Everyone is cordially invited to attend (even the gentleman are welcome to attend). This is a great chance to get some early Christmas shopping done all while enjoying yourself in a comfortable and casual environment.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (October 30, 11)

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." Jesus goes on to describe how the crowd of the "churched" in his day, just wanted to be seen. They loved their titles and wanted everyone to notice them. This is of course was the exact opposite of the style of Jesus. Jesus was good at not boasting of his position as Lord. Jesus would often turn questions of his position into other questions. The most known example is when Jesus is being judged and Pontius says, "Do you say you are King of the Jews?" Jesus replies, "You say that I am." Our Lord wasn't being rude, or argumentative he was simply showing restraint. If he wanted to he could have taken the life of any of his accusers. The Holy Gospel goes on to say not to call people by titles some of which are: rabbi, father, instructors, etc. So the most poignant question posed then is why do we call our priests father? It is because he is the father of the church (his parish) in teaching and exalting Abba God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus isn't really referring to the titles being used. If you place this story into context it is about what you mean when you use the words. This lesson seems to go along well with having no gods before God (the Blessed Trinity). If this were to be taken with exact literalism then the Holy Gospel would be incorrect in Acts 7:2 where Stephen refers to "our father Abraham." Jesus criticized Jewish leaders in his day that wanted "...a place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues." Thy hyperbole Christ used to get his point across is similar to "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell." Christ himself appointed certain people to be teachers in his Church: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19–20)" That text does a great job at showing you have to read between the lines so to speak to understand the message. The summary of what Christ was saying is to be humble and to not elevate anyone any higher than another person. He was also advising us to be sincere and meek. Remember "the meek shall inherit the earth." Amen.

***Pray especially for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:
ALMIGHTY AND MERCIFUL GOD, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Micah 3:5-12, Psalm 43, 2nd Reading I Thessalonians 2:9-13, Gospel Matthew 23:1-12)

The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (October 23, 2011)

Jesus was speaking in the midst of a crowd when a lawyer asked him, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He (Jesus) said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Though the previous Gospel reading is common it is also commonly misused. So, what is loving the Lord your God with all your heart? Is it judging your sister or brother? Is it taking up for others in the midst of unfriendly conversation or action(s)? The Holy Gospel seems to convey a simple message to love God and love your neighbor. I am convinced that if you love your neighbor like you love yourself the whole world would be better. Imagine yourself in rush hour and someone cuts you off just as traffic starts flowing. Does it make your blood boil to consider your reaction? Now imagine you are the one who cut someone else off accidentally. How does the feeling differ? Consider now the person that unintentionally cut you off the road was your loving mother. Would you be as upset? If you answered no then you may want to re examine how you view others. Consider a sales associate at the mall that doesn't look you in the eye when they are speaking to you. Do you consider under their makeup they may have bruises they are hiding to conceal a relationship that has elements of domestic violence? If not, try being more considerate and respectful even if it doesn't seem to be reciprocated. What is loving God? Some people have a tendency to get upset with God when things go wrong when God wants nothing more than to be Abba Father to you. When times are good you should praise God. When times are bad you should praise God. It is in thanks and praise that we express our love for God. God doesn't require us to be perfect. We are expected to have empathy and compassion. Jesus words are few in this Holy Gospel as he addresses the crowd. However, his words are so brilliant. He is summing up even his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. He is summing up his whole reason His existence. Jesus came to convey the love of God the Father. There cannot be love without peace. There can be no peace but through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

***Pray especially for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:

ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GOD, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1, I Thessalonians 2:1-8, Gospel Matthew 22:34-46)

18th Sunday after Pentecost (October 16, 2011)

Complete Homily Transcript:

IN the Gospel that you just heard—the “bad boys” were trying to “trap” Jesus. Actually, in the eyes of the society, they were presumed to be the brightest and the best. The Pharisees were people who observed all the traditional standards and rituals of Judaism. They tithed. They were compassionate at least to their “own.” They were moral. They were at the heart of “virtue” – in their own culture. They were the “best” church people – of their day. However, given--- that this Jesus associated with people who were obviously “evil doers”—tax collectors , prostitutes, adulterers and the like—and spoke of forgiveness to them greatly disturbed them. Jesus did other disturbing things- he healed people and allowed his disciples to pick corn on the Sabbath, and touched and blessed those who their faith said “not to touch.” A philosopher named Epictetus, two thousand years ago said: “Men are disturbed not by things that happen---but by their opinion of the things that happen.” However, the Pharisees turned to the despised the Herodians—who were politically powerful and who cooperated with the Roman occupation for assistance in dealing with this “rogue Jesus.” Both the Pharisees and the Herodians were intolerant and inflexible. They were both trying to “trap” Jesus. In both of these groups they were “nit pickers” of the first order. They argued over semantics, and rules of order.
It is precisely this “legalistic” mindset that these opponents of Jesus ministry and teaching used--- as they sought to “ruin” him in the eyes of all—and to entrap Jesus in what he said.
Like a good prosecuting attorney, they “butter up” their mark—Jesus saying: “Teacher we know that you are sincere and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth....” Then—they go for the jugular.The trap was simple and brilliant. If Jesus answers the question, “Is it right to pay taxes, to render tribute to Caesar?” with a YES, then the Pharisees had him for committing blasphemy. The ritual purity of “holiness laws” of the Pharisees forbade a Jew from touching Roman money. Roman coins had the image of Caesar on them. The Romans regarded Caesar as a god. So if Jesus paid tribute or taxes to Caesar, then he would be guilty of both idolatry AND blasphemy. If on the other hand, Jesus said NO, don’t render tribute of pay taxes to Caesar,” then the Herodians could turn him in to the Roman authorities as a “revolutionary.”
How did Jesus respond? Jesus “answered”—by NOT ANSWERING their question—instead asking for a coin and “turning the question around” and asking them, “whose image is on the coin?” They answer, “Caesar’s .” Jesus then says, “Render that which is Caesar’s to Caesar and to God that which is God’s.” There are many ways to “interpret” what Jesus said. However, we know how the Pharisees and Herodians reacted: we are told : “they were amazed, and left him and went away.”This suggests to us that there are some “ultimate citizenship issues.” IN the Scriptures Jesus makes many references to “The Kingdom of God.” WE all say that we believe it. IN the Creeds we use the phrase “whose kingdom will have no end.” Yet--- we have never “seen this kingdom.” Many contemporary theologians don’t even like the “image of kingdom.” They feel that it “doesn’t speiak to us” since most of us don’t live in monarchies. Some theologians like the “commonwealth of God;” others like “the realm of God.” But whatever term we prefer, there is a sense in us that somehow our “ultimate citizenship is not in this world.” While we get to vote, pay taxes, and enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of this nations, Jesus is calling us to our true, ultimate, and permanent citizenship. He makes that possible for us through his life, teaching, death, resurrections and continuing presence with us. He continues to speak to us--- through the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, and through the presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives---“nudging us” in this direction or that.Our “true citizenship” will be known at the “heavenly banquet.” The seating arrangements at the heavenly banquet are going to be “interesting.” It is quite possible that a French Huguenot Christian murdered in the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre will be seated next to a Roman Catholic Christian who may have been the murderer. It is quite possible that a Roman Catholic who was burned to death in England may be seated across the table from one of our Anglican Christian for bearers responsible for the burning. Or Bloody Mary – who briefly sat on the English throne may be seated next to the three English Bishops; Ridley, Latimer and Cranmer whom she had burned at the stake. Or perhaps Joseph Stalin, who was baptized and even went to theological seminary, may be at the banquet. Most of the soldiers who slaughtered each other in the Civil War were Christians. Most of the Russians, Germans, Austrian, Serbs, Italians, French, English, and North Americans were Christians—no doubt will be at the heavenly banquet. Those who were “not officially Christian”—we leave to the generous love of God’s grace and mercy--- expecting to see them as well. The “ticket” into the Heavenly Banquet is SALVATION, by grace, through faith. It is NOT connected to our “works,” either GOOD or BAD. It is a free gift from God. The “passport to heaven” is NOT something of this world. We receive it when accept the unmerited love from God through Jesus Christ. Everything belongs to God; but “the things of Caesar” are merely on loan. God is a GOD OF GRACE and not of LAW.
Amen

Isaiah 45: 1-7
Psalm 96 1-9
1 Thessalonians 1”1-10
Matthew 22:15-22