First Sunday in Lent

God tells Noah a flood is coming to destroy the earth. "I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth," God says. He continues, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." "Baptism, which is prefigured, now saves you- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him." After Jesus was baptized a voice from heaven proclaimed, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Jesus was tempted 40 days in the wilderness by Satan. John was arrested so Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God. The 1st Reading, 2nd Reading, and Holy Gospel today speak a lot of water. Water is a force to be reckoned with. It can be calm and gently flowing, but by the same token can be extremely swift and deadly. Lent is a time when we remember our baptismal vows as we have been sealed by the Holy Ghost. God calls on us all to spread the good news of the kingdom. Sadly, today in America Christianity is no longer the social norm. Often times in the days in which Saint John lived you were not only persecuted, but completely abandoned by your family for believing in this "good news." They saw this as a threat to their cultural heritage as well as their religious heritage. Today God does not seem to be on the minds of the people anymore. Fifty years ago the churches were double, or more what they are today, but God is still God. We may be much fewer faithful and we may need to pray for there to be workers in the fields, but God has always had a people. We need to be the light of the world. We need to so let our lights shine before others that they can see who is in control. Think of where so many people are this day (instead of in a house of worship). Religion isn't cool and is often ridiculed. People seem to forget about God, or his one Catholic and Apostolic Church unless it is a special day of celebration. Church is often times put on the back burner in too many peoples lives. We have a great challenge this day. America today looks at us in many ways as outcasts, or outsiders since we are the faithful few. May we be bold in our attempt to show others the good news of God in Christ. We should not lose heart, or focus that God still steers the ship. May we all be one. May we all share the good news of the kingdom. May our Lent be one more of taking on being a better person than restricting ourselves so harshly. Listen to the words of our Lord Jesus, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." Amen.

Collect:
ALMIGHTY GOD, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted of Satan: Make speed to help thy servants who are assaulted by manifold temptations; and, as thou knowest their several infirmities, let each one find thee mighty to save; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pray especially for healing for:
John Cunningham, Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber, Pete Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Pete Stanish, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Donald Kaltenback, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-9, 2nd Reading I Peter 3:18-22, Gospel Mark 1:9-15)

***Do not forget Lenten work days are here. Every Saturday morning during the Lenten season at 9:00AM the work will begin.***

!!!***Father Swann will be available to hear Confessions (by appointment) during Lent***!!!

Last Sunday after the Epiphany

What does Jesus mean to you? There are a lot of answers to this question posed on the internet and some are really good. Just about every person that is asked this question has some type of answer. Jesus means hope. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the Son of the living God. The answers vary greatly, but all point to different attributes of Christ. As Christians we believe Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain. His clothes became a dazzling white and Elijah and Moses appeared. The three men were terrified. Then God told them from the clouds, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" Jesus ordered the men to tell no one what they had seen until after his resurrection. They then left the mountain where this had occurred and they could no longer see Elijah or Moses with them. What would happen if you saw something like this occur? Would it change your perspective in life? Would Jesus seem more real to you? The difference between the time of the transfiguration and today is that we cannot physically see and speak with Jesus. We can pray, but we have to live out our walk with Christ by faith. This miracle of the transfiguration is unique in that this miracle happens to Jesus himself. May we be ever mindful of the one that is the reason for our faith. May we transform the lives of those around us and our own for the sake of Jesus Christ. God doesn't need us. Greater still, he wants us. No matter who you are or where you are on your journey of faith God loves you. God understands how hard it is to live in this life and even understands doubts. We are supposed to constantly grow. May you grow in love and faith in Jesus. Amen.

Collect:
O GOD, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pray especially for healing for:
John Cunningham, Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber, Pete Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Pete Stanish, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Donald Kaltenback, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2nd Reading 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Gospel St. Mark 9:2-9)

Reminders for this week:

Tuesday, February 21st -- social time begins at 6:00PM and dinner starts at 6:30PM. There will be Italian dishes and sangria punch. We will be taking donations to buy a new chasuble for Henry. The good news is we have the money for the chasuble. The bad news it is still in your pockets.

Ash Wednesday liturgy and imposition of ashes: February 22 at 6:30PM.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

We learn of Jewish law regarding lepers in Leviticus. Some of the things lepers had to do were to not cut their hair and to wear clothes that were tattered and torn. Likewise, lepers had to live outside of the city boundaries. You also had to yell out unclean when people would pass you by. If you touched someone with leprosy you were considered unclean and became as a leper yourself. In order to be again considered clean you had to be dipped in water many times and had to undergo many customs that were often expensive and lengthy. You must consider how lepers were regarded when studying the Gospel this morning. Jesus knew the law. However, he came upon a leper that begged to be touched and healed. Jesus pitied the man and cured him of the disease. Jesus sternly advised him not to tell anyone. He was told he should go to the priest and show him as a testimony that he had been cured so that he could be considered clean like the law of Moses commanded. However, as soon as he left Jesus he went and started speaking freely about what had happened and did not follow the advice he had been given. Jesus had to go into hiding for a while so that he would not be brought to trial for touching this man and then not following what the law required. Jesus had just got his ministry started when he had healed this leper. This is directly in line with the hymn found on page 95 of the Lift Every Voice and Sing Hymnal we use called "O How I love Jesus." The song starts "O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus because he first loved me." Jesus did first love us. The story of the leper proves of his love for humanity. If Jesus had been immediately brought to trial for healing the leper (which could have happened) he could have been stoned to death for being unclean and going against the law. Society did not look kindly on lepers. However, Jesus loved humanity (all of us) so much he risked everything to take pity on an unworthy sinner. In the Episcopal church we have been equipped for evangelism. Now, we have to get up and do something about it. We have the best balance of history, tradition, liturgy, science, reason, and spirituality to be a well balanced and unique place to accept all of God's children. Now, let's get to work. We have to go out into the world even though we may not be well received and run the race for Christ. We have to let others know that God loves them even though some churches don't spread his love, we have to stand firm in our belief. God is love. God loves you and God loves me. May we be bold in our approach and quick in our response to God's call to seek and serve Christ in all persons.

Collect:
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pray especially for healing for:
John Cunningham, Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber, Pete Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Pete Stanish, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Donald Kaltenback, and Susan Beeler.

Pray for all the departed especially:
Mary Jane Walburg

(1st Lesson 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, 2nd Lesson 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Holy Gospel Mark 1:40-45)

Annual Mardis Gras party:
Tuesday, February 21st -- social time begins at 6:00PM and dinner starts at 6:30PM. There will be Italian dishes and sangria punch. We will be taking donations to buy a new chasuble for Henry. The good news is we have the money for the chasuble. The bad news it is still in your pockets.

St. Paul is now a Parish! This was approved at the Diocesan Convention yesterday.

Ash Wednesday liturgy and imposition of ashes: February 22 at 6:30PM.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

After Jesus left the synagogue he went to Simon Peter's house where he saw Andrew, James, John, and Simon Peter's mother - in - law. If you read on into the story previously you'll discover that his mother - in - law had high hopes for her daughter. She had wanted her daughter to marry a man that had money and had a large home so she would be taken care of. However, Simon Peter was the opposite of her wish. He was a fisherman that had a small house and had much less he could provide for his wife. When Jesus entered the house he saw that Simon Peter's mother - in -law was laying in bed with a fever. Jesus took her by the hand and lifter her up. She got straight out of the bed and started to serve them as she had been healed. She was breaking a Jewish law by serving them on Sabbath day. However, she did what needed to be done for what had been given to her. Likewise, all that were nearby had been brought to Jesus with various illnesses and even with demonic possession. He healed each of them and cast out their demons. Early the next morning after being up all night healing them physically and spiritually Jesus went to a deserted place where he prayed. Simon Peter and his companions hunted for Jesus. They told Jesus how everyone was looking for him. Jesus advised them that he came to proclaim the message of God. Jesus and his companions went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message of God. They also cast out various demons from the people they were ministering to. There was an archaeological dig in which what is believed to be the house of Simon Peter has been located. Archaeologists speculate that the house started out very small and over the years of Simon Peter's life it had additions to make it quite expansive. This historical site is where Simon Peter and his companions would spread the Holy Gospel. This is our roots. This is where Jesus told Peter how his church will stand the test of time. This is the same location where Peter and all his followers would come and partake in the Holy Eucharist. It is fascinating that what we know of Christianity today was started with such simple means. Jesus had been in this place and Peter knew the Lord. Peter even followed the Lord out of the boat and onto the water. Peter knew and trusted in Jesus. May you and I know Jesus the way Peter knew him. May we never forget to partake in the Holy Sacrament. We should take heart and always remember that the love God has for us will endure forever. Would you be willing to follow Jesus even into the waters of the sea if he called you to? May we have a child like faith. May we be made acceptable and pleasing in your sight Almighty Father. Amen.

Collect:
SET US FREE, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

We pray for the departed remembering especially: Mary Jane Walburg

Pray for healing especially for:
John Cunningham, Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber, Starla Grilley, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Pete Stanish, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Donald Kaltenback, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-12, 21, 2nd Reading I Corinthians 9:16-23, Gospel Mark 1:29-39)

Please also remember to mark your calendars for next Saturday (February 11th) as we will be going to Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown Knoxville as we will process behind the St. Paul Church banner to be recognized as the newest Parish Church within the Diocese of East TN. For all those interested in car pooling meet at the church from 7 - 7:20AM as the car pools will be leaving St. Paul at 7:30 AM. There will be another reminder this week on the Friends of St. Paul Facebook Page. If you have a facebook account and you are not a member I encourage you to join the group.

Death of Mary Jane Walburg

Mary Jane Walburg -- Pete Walburg's wife -- has shed her body so that her spirit could be freed.

Let us pray for Pete and his family that all may be comforted during this difficult time.

To everything there is a season, A time for everything under the sun, A time to be born and a time to die, A time to laugh and a time to cry, A time to dance and a time to mourn, A time to seek and a time to let go. This is the time we remember One who gave meaning to our lives. This is the time we remember the bonds that tied us together, The love that we shared, And the memories that remain with us still. Take comfort in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Having all things put into subjection under Christ, we pray for the soul of Mary Jane Walburg. I have posted the obituary below after reading it I hope you enjoy the hymn. God's Peace.

Obituary:
Mary Jane Walburg, age 78, of Seymour, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2012. She was a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. Walburg had previously worked at K-25 and Y-12 in Oak Ridge, TN. She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Caputo and parents, Roy B. and Marie Young Morris.Her survivors include her husband of 31 years, Harry Everett Walburg, Jr.; son, Andrew Peter Walburg; daughters, Ann Trotter and husband Mitch, Helen Deborah Walburg, Nancy Elizabeth Kearly, and Christine Engren Dobyns; grandchildren, Chris Trotter, Michelle Trotter, and Michael Trotter; brother, Roy H. Morris and wife Lillian; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Jay and Sue Craft and Kay Jorden. Funeral Mass 10 AM Saturday (February 11) at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Thomas O’Connell officiating. Interment will follow in Atchley’s Seymour Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday (February 10) 7-9 PM at Atchley Funeral Home Seymour 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN 37865 (577-2807). (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)