Christmas Day

The puritan colonists did not acknowledge Christmas. In their belief structure it was prohibited from being celebrated. They also had very peculiar names that they would give to their children. If someone had the surname Smith their name may be Jesus Is Coming Soon Smith. One might think some of these names are made up, however they are documented in legal papers so they are accurate names that were chosen. There is a lot that can be said in a name or title. Jesus the Christ child was called many different things according to scholars. A lot of the names given to him were the same as those of the King. There are many reasons this may have been, but there is one thing we can be sure of. Christ was not created in a manager. Scripture tells us that Jesus has been around infinitely. He was in heaven with the Father before the earth was created. No one in heaven wanted to come to the earth to give up glory and peace for this world of torment, persecution, hate, disappointment, violence, and death. None except one. This is Emmanuel. In the city of David was born God with us. God loved us so much (as imperfect as we are) that he wanted to be present among us. He lived as we live. After he was crucified he gave up the spirit that we too one day will give up. It is amazing to know such love could exist. The Second Reading today provides us with hope through this birth that came to pass. "...through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." We accept your gift of love and peace that only you can provide in our souls, Lord Jesus. Thank you for coming to a cruel world and being born and living and walking among us. You shared in our struggles and you love us through it all. Through Emmanuel. Amen.

Collect:
O GOD, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Midnight Mass

A full transcript of Fr. Swann's Homily:

It is easy to think Christmas, and it may be easy to believe Christmas, but it is hard to act Christmas,”
This year ---where is the intersection of the truth of our “frenzied lives” and the truth of the Christmas story? How will we “incarnate it” anew—in each other, in the power of the Holy Spirit—at this “crucial time” in the world’s struggle for true “peace on earth—and good will toward ALL persons” For most of us-- Christmas is the birthday of Jesus—and it is that! For the New Testament, and for the Church…. it is rather the “birthday” of The Good News, of The Great Revelation. The “Good News”- being that God was in Jesus the Christ—revealing himself and---reconciling (re-connecting) all humanity to Himself in love.Christ, himself, did not “begin to exist” on the first Christmas Day. He was with God the Father from all eternity. The world was made through him, and without Him nothing came into being. He was and is “the brightness of the Father’s glory.” He was “in the world” as John tells us in his gospel, long before the Incarnation through Blessed Mary. The “Great Revelation”—the Incarnation-- was made in the “fullness of time”—that is to say “at the earliest possible moment” in the “evolution” of humankind. The “seed was sown” as soon as it could possibly take root. The Anglican Church /the Episcopal Church- with its great emphasis on the Incarnation—the Eternal Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us—could easily be labeled The Church of Christmas. This church festival occupies the pinnacle in our worship and celebration. How do you “explain” the Incarnation? How do you “explain” God’s ultimate self-expression? Theologians through the years have “stammered” and “stuttered” at explanations—but never quite succeeding. Perhaps the best we do is this:
The Ultimate has become limited.
The Undifferentiated has become differentiated.
The Undefined has become defined.

The Infinite has become finite.
The invulnerable has become vulnerable, all through the birth of a baby over two thousand years ago.

Maybe, if we can’t “explain” it we can enter in to it marveling along with the shepherds of old. In Jesus, we declare the ultimate availability of God. For in the little child lying in the straw, with only livestock, a few shepherds and young parents looking on-- the Great Mystery of the Incarnation unfolds. Father David Adam, longtime Vicar of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, in Lindisfarne- that ancient Christian center in the extreme north east of England—told of the time when he was a teenager going on a camping trip in the “wilds” of the moorlands in North Yorkshire. He says it was very late in the afternoon—when he decided that he might go off on his own for a “hike”- leaving the other campers behind.He “wound” his way - quite a distance from the other campers. Suddenly he noticed that it was dark, “pitch dark”- as he began to walk this way and that- he became very frightened, and was on the verge of tears, he felt very inferior, alone—he was lost.

Then just as he was about to “give up”--he saw it—a tent lit up in the darkness of night. It glowed. Inside he could see the “shadows” of familiar forms. He says-- I knew that I was among friends, I was not alone. Father Adams said--- that years later—that experience helped him to understand the concept that “God pitched his tent among us.” God “tabernacled” among us- and we are not alone. God was made flesh and dwelt among us--- we beheld his glory. For those of us with ‘eyes to see’—Jesus is the “clearest” glimpse we have of the Divine. Not only is this a “glimpse”- but—He is the light of the world, and His presence “shines” through his creation. WE are called to “share” that light. Old Zacharias rejoiced at the coming of Jesus saying; “Through the tender mercy of our God….the dayspring from on high has visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

[Remember my summary sentence]-- How do we ACT CHRISTMAS- after we have “thought” Christmas and “believed” Christmas. To help us – let me share a story from Fred Craddock. Dr. Craddock is a New Testament scholar and homilitician- retired from Emory University- who has East Tennessee connections—over the hill- just a way to Johnson University.
His story involves a Missionary who was sent to India toward the end of World War II… After many months, the time came for the missionary to have a “furlough” and return home for a time. His church had wired him money to book passage on a steamer; but when he got to the port city, he discovered that a “boatload” of Jews had been allowed to land temporarily. These were the days when Jews were actually sailing all around the world-- literally looking for a place to live. These particular Jews were staying in attics and warehouses and basements all over the city. It happened to be Christmas, this missionary walked in and with a loud voice said “Merry Christmas.” The Jews, in a mean, loud tone of voice said “we are Jews” and looked at the missionary as if he were crazy. “I know that” said the missionary. “What would you like for Christmas?” In utter amazement- the Jews said “Why, we would like some good pastries like the ones we used to have in Germany.”

So the missionary went out and used the “money for his ticket home”—to buy pastries for all the Jews he could find staying in the port. Of course, he had to wire home “asking for more money”- to book passage. As you might expect—his superiors wired back asking what happened to the money that they had already sent. The missionary wired – and said that he used it to buy pastries for the Jews. His superiors wired back-- “Why did you do that—THEY DON’T EVEN BELIEVE IN JESUS.” He wired in return—“Yes, but I do." That is “acting” like Christmas.
The truth of Christmas is that God has done something new and unique in history---and in our individual lives. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given…and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father."

AS you receive Him—truly present --in Bread and Wine-- in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar- may He kindle in you and me the ability to THINK, BELIEVE AND ACT CHRISTMAS. Amen.

Midnight Mass Celebration (with Carols)

It is time again to celebrate Emmanuel. We await again the birth of our Lord. St. Paul has a historic building and it is fabulous when it's decorated for this celebration. Come hear the chancel choir sing great Christmas selections. Come hear the organ, piano, and guitar. Come and hear a beautiful Homily. We share this time together. Most importantly the congregants at St. Paul share laughs and make memories together. You could not be around a better group of people than those at St. Paul. We would love to have you in our number. We seek to serve Christ in all persons as part of our Baptismal Covenant. Come and help us adore Him. Merry Christmas. Midnight Mass will start at 10:30PM. Christmas Day Mass will start at 10:30AM. There will be fellowship after the Midnight Mass. We want to get to know you so stick around and share some laughs and some pretty good snacks too. Tell your friends you'll be at St. Paul on the corner and invite them to attend as well. All baptized persons are welcome to partake in the Holy Eucharist. No matter who you are or where you are on your life's journey you're welcome here. See you at St. Paul.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Thank you Deacon Steve Thompson for your beautiful Homily!

The Holy Gospel today reflects on Gabriel coming to Mary and telling her of a child she would conceive through the Holy Spirit. Gabriel said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." Mary is perplexed and she asks Gabriel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." It is no secret in East Tennessee that Mary is often ignored, or talked about very little. We (no matter the Protestant denomination) will talk about Saint Paul, St. Mark, or some other person from history, but not about the mother of our Lord. Mary found such a high favor with God that she was trusted to give birth to Emmanuel. That is not a small accomplishment. Often speaking of Mary leads some to misinterpret that you are a Roman Catholic, or to possibly believe you partake in worshiping Mary. However, this is simply a misconception and does not have any truth. There is a difference between veneration (deep respect or regard) and worship (only for the Holy Trinity). At any rate what would Mary say if she were here to provide a lesson today? Mary would make the point that life is hard, God is good, and love is stronger than hate and wins out over darkness. Mary suffered a great deal in her life. From the Gospel accounts it seems Joseph (Jesus' stepfather) died when Jesus was around age 12. In those days it was terribly hard for a widow to survive. Now, can you imagine how gripping a thought to have your baby grow up and be ran out of town? What about the thought of watching him die in front of you. If you have ever lost a child you know the worst low a parent could ever have. This is the most grief stricken you could ever be. She not only watched her son die, he whom she knew he was the Savior of mankind. She watched in horror and agony as they nailed each nail into his precious body. She watched as he was put to the death of a common criminal. She watched helplessly as he was beaten. Through it all she remained faithful to God and never doubted His word. She did not show any ill thought, nor did she make any wish of destruction on those that beat and killed her beloved Son. To Mary Jesus was Messiah, but first of all he was her precious boy. While Mary stood on the promises of God she knew he always kept his word and would always be there for her. Mary's love for Jesus is beautiful. God's love for Jesus and for Mary speaks about what he thinks of you and I. God doesn't have to care about us. However, the same God that sent his only Son to die for us loved us enough to purchase us. He bankrupt heaven for us. We have the free will to accept that grace of which we obtain through faith, not by money or merit. When you begin growing older you will will start to realize that HIS love has won out over all the troubles of life. Let us listen to the Holy Mother as she shares with us three points to always remember: 1.) Life is hard 2.) God is good and keeps his promises 3.) Love always wins out over darkness and hate. Lord, let us ever be mindful of Holy Mother Mary as we fully embrace the love of Christ which would not have came forth without this favor which you found in her. 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.

Collect of the day:

PURIFY OUR CONSCIENCE, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, 2nd Reading Romans 16:25-27, Gospel Luke 1:26-38)

Third Sunday of Advent

COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT OF FATHER SWANN'S HOMILY:

"Sometimes the folks who put together the lectionary—the list of Sunday readings—do a great job of making them “fit together” and carry the same theme. They certainly did so for our readings on this 3rd Sunday of Advent—sometimes called--- Gaudete Sunday- for the Latin words of the ancient opening introit. Some call this : “Rejoicing Sunday.” Isaiah, in our first lesson strikes the “Rejoicing tone” “rejoices” over the “day of the Lord”--- the seventh year sabbatical when work stopped, debts were cancelled, slaves were set free, crimes were pardoned, sins forgiven and property was returned to its owner. It was a “fantastic” unreal time—a time to let God break into human affairs. Things were “turned upside down” and looked at from God’s point of view: “The lowly were lifted up—the proud were put down. Time stood still. Many Anglicans call this Sunday “Stir up Sunday”- because of the Collect that is always said on this day. We are just ten days away from the “longest” – darkest day in the year. Our brothers and sisters-- in the high northerly latitudes-- must have it “tough” since it is dark- most of the day. The “darkness” is all around them—they eagerly await the “return of the light.” This is the time of the year when the natural world “slows down”- ponds freeze over, mountains get snowy tops, animals and plants hibernate, our bodies slow down, we want to sleep more. But in all our modern lives--- we pay little heed to rhythms of nature—besides—it’s the holiday season – there is so much to do. On this third week into Advent—our “companion” is again John the Baptist. He too—is waiting. In contrast to last weeks Gospel reading – where John was really engaged in “revivalist preaching”—this week – he isn’t saying much. Those around John—were waiting too. They were waiting for the Messiah—the one who would come and redeem the people of Israel. They were a bit anxious and irritated—and confused—they wanted to know just WHO this person was—that was baptizing—if he was NOT the Messiah. John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” They were more interested in the “ONE” --who John speaks of as the hope of the world. The ONE who will fulfill his promises—to bind up the brokenhearted, to set the captives free, and bring liberty to the oppressed. Beyond simple “optimism” there is Christian HOPE. Christian hope does not “bury its head” in “yuletide cheer and artificial lights”—but like a traditional Advent Wreath—the light grows stronger week by week. This “hope” pushes its way into the “darkness” of the world. Christian hope is the courage to work for Isaiah’s vision of justice, healing and liberation. John the Baptist saw everything in his world—the good and the bad- as God’s action. He sought to “make straight the path of the Lord”-- in times no more or less troubling, confusing, and demanding than our own. King Oehmig- writing in Synthesis-- suggests that there are 3-R’s of inward preparation for Advent: RETURNING, REVERENCE, AND RELATIONSHIPS. FIRST--Returning: “Be still and know that I am God” the Psalmist says. We should carve out a time in which we desist from outward activity, from trying to control or change things—and learn once again how to be with our God. Emily Dickenson writes: “Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.” SECOND- Reverence: Albert Einstein, who many incorrectly assumed was not religious at all- said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One as though everything is a miracle. The other as though nothing is a miracle.” He chose to see it all as a miracle. To cultivate a sense of reverence for God’s working in and through all things--- is to come alive spiritually, to become more closely aligned with God’s purposes—even when we experience the “worst” that life can bring. To experience the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to- what is truly around us means to become aware of the interconnectedness of all things. Anthony de Mello has written : “Spirituality means waking up. Most people, even though they don’t know it. – ARE ASLEEP. They go through life “asleep.” They never understand the loveliness and beauty of this thing we call human existence.” To be “spiritual” means--to “see” ---to truly see others in our lives as God sees them—priceless, unrepeatable gifts given only for a time. THIRD- Relationships: Frank Bianco has written, “If you begin to live life looking for the God that is all around you---every moment becomes a prayer.” At no time in our history is it more important to see barriers broken down—so that our “thoughts” and “actions” become one. The way to “show that” is through acts of stewardship and relief. WE began our Liturgy this morning with the Collect: “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with Great Might come among us.” Will we, on this Third Sunday of Advent,- be like John of old—and be men and women that will bear witness to the “Light” that was sent from God—to those who are desperate to see and know the “Light.”
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.

Collect:
STIR UP YOUR POWER, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 2nd Reading I Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28)

Welcome New Members

Bishop Young Confirmed four new members last Sunday. This is the second group of new member Confirmations we had in 2011.  

Our monthly covered dish luncheon followed the service, where we celebrated Bishop Young's first visit to St. Paul, our December birthdays, and the Confirmation of new members.

Second Sunday in Advent (Dec. 4, 2011)

"John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan confessing their sins." Would you like to be in the wilderness where John was? Perhaps this is a distinct occurrence in your life. It is possible it could be in practicing what you preach (literally and wholly). Your struggles could also be your wilderness. The loss of a partner or spouse, friends, family, or a loved one can be the greatest wilderness you face. Think of an illness that could be a wilderness maybe cancer or Parkinson's disease. Now if you replace those thoughts with the love and care God provides for us that wilderness becomes the city. Saint John was so humble that he shared how little he could do for others and how unworthy he is to "untie the thong of His (Jesus) sandal." Saint John didn't want to baptize our Lord, but Jesus required him to. "The Lord was baptized, not to be cleansed himself but to cleanse the waters, so that those waters, cleansed by the flesh of Christ which knew no sin, might have the power of baptism. Whoever comes, therefore, to the washing of Christ lays aside his sins (Saint Ambrose)." Likewise those who seek Christ will find him. There are wildernesses and valleys just as there are mountain tops during this odyssey called life. However, we should be convinced that God has everything under control. Look at some of the wildernesses you have came out of. Consider all the rivers you have crossed. Don't forget to praise Him in the wilderness and just as strongly as you do on the mountaintop. Saint John reminds us to repent (to completely change course). Repentance should be done regularly. When you truly love God you will examine yourself so that you can repent. Don't take this task lightly. Boldly live out your Baptismal Covenant. Let your life be an expression of God's love and compassion. Let your light so shine that others may see God in you. 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.


Collect:
MERCIFUL GOD, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy in the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

We thank Bishop George D. Young III for his beautiful Homily. We cordially welcome Kris, Ron, Christie, and Greg as our newest members. We are thankful for each of you.

(1st Reading Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2nd Reading 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Gospel Mark 1:1-8)

First Sunday of Advent (Sun Nov 27, 2011)

Jesus said, "In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. Therefore, keep awake -- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake." The words Jesus uses in this Gospel scare up thoughts of demons and of great madness. They are significant reminders that we don't know how quickly things can end. It is possible you take these words to literally be a sign of events to come. Or, you may think this is a hyperbole describing the end of your own life. "And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:27-28)." In the Nicene Creed we often loose sight of the true meaning behind each word or phrase we use. Consider this part of our creed, "...He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come." If we say this creed we should look forward to the return of our Lord. The words we say are historic, but they are fresh every time we recite them. God's mercy is great and endures forever. Whether we accept the infinite love of God, or whether we don't want any part of it, God loves us unconditionally. We have heard over the ages how Christ will return, but even Christ doesn't know the hour. Only God knows when this return will occur. As we all strive as Christians of the Episcopal flavor may we always strive to be awake. May we always strive to be alert to injustice. May we as individual followers of the risen Lord be found awake when we take on immortality. 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 GOD, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18, 2nd Reading I Corinthians 1:3-9, Gospel Mark 13:24-37)