Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Sunday, October 2, 2011)

Jesus said, "There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower." "Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.' So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him." Jesus was actually giving account of the present and the future. The landowner (God the Father) sent slaves (prophets like Moses, Paul, etc.) to spread hope and love and the tenants (the world) did not want any part of what they had to offer. The landowner then sent his Son (Jesus Christ) and people likewise rejected him. The tenants would soon crucify (kill) the Son. Isn't it amazing how even when you and I rejected the good news Christ came to offer God still gave us the opportunity for redemption? What if God had stopped at sending the prophets? What would we have as hope of redemption? What if the crucifixion and resurrection had never occurred because of our disobedience to God's will? What if God stopped caring? Aren't you thankful to have the opportunity even at your worse to see the love of God. No matter who you are. No matter where life's journey God loves YOU. Amen.

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

Collect:

ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GOD, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:7-14, 2nd Reading Philippians 3:4b-14, Gospel Matthew 21:33-46)

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but EMPTIED himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness." We have all heard the scripture "For God so loved the world that he gave..." the scripture continues "his only Son so that anyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." The verse shows us the obvious, God did not give only 10% of his love, but all of his love. For his Son was worth much more than money can measure. He in essence EMPTIED, or bankrupted, heaven to provide a means to end suffering and damnation for us. Jesus is in the temple among the people when he poses a scenario and a question. Jesus describes a man that has two sons that he asks to work in the vineyard for him. One son says no and he later changed his mind and decided to work for his father. The other son says yes he will do the work and did not end up doing any of it. Jesus asks the crowd, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus goes on to tell them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him." Unfortunately, we all do things we don't mean to do. We even do things that are mean spirited as we are human. Thankfully the same God that knows our thoughts and hearts decided he would still love us. The same God that did not have to give us a way to redeem ourselves, or give us life eternal for that matter, decided to bankrupt heaven for us. We are all like children. Sometimes we are asked to do something and we will agree to it, and fall short. Likewise sometimes we will say no, and intentionally let others down. Our focus should clearly be geared toward being a place of welcome. We should do this at St. Paul, but also in our daily lives. We ought to work diligently to let the love of Christ lead us. We want to accept the blessings and challenges of working together for the greater good of the Father. In the words of Mother Teresa we should love and serve others as "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." We should be true to our baptismal covenant in which we are called to, "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves." Amen.

***Pray especially for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Exekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 25:1-8, 2nd Reading Philippians 2:1-13, Gospel Matthew 21:23-32)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sometimes things just don't seem fair. There was a company that was hiring for a Morse code translator with a handsome salary that was conducting interviews. Due to the nature of the work and the compensation there were several applicants that arrived early to fill out their applications and wait for an interview. One gentleman walked in and didn't even complete the application and stood up and shouted at the secretary I must see the hiring manager immediately. The gentleman was taken to the hiring manager and the receptionist came back and said, "the interviews are over the position has been filled." There were many that didn't even get a chance to do go through the interview process. There was an applicant that stayed behind and told the receptionist, "this hardly seems fair." The receptionist proceeded to tell him how there was a telegraph machine behind her that gave the same message over and over. She advised the applicant in Morse code the machine said, "if you are hearing this message ask for the hiring manager and the job is yours for the taking." This is how the guy that came in after everyone obtained the position. The Holy Gospel today reflects on a similar scenario. In today's Gospel account there were laborers that worked in the field all day and were paid their fair wage. There were likewise a group of individuals that came in to work for an hour or so that received the same wage for almost no labor. One of the laborers that had arrived early in the day became quite upset. He told the landowner how unfair he felt it was that he paid everyone the same wage regardless of how much work was actually performed. The landowner told the laborer it was none of his business and that he should take what he is given and go on since that is what was negotiated as a fair wage for the work. We hear a theme also known in Luke's Gospel that says, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Father Swann reminds us that in this scenario it is about us trying to make what we feel should be the "pecking order" of God's love. The truth is that God is not fair. Instead God is merciful. If God was fair we would all be in trouble since we couldn't make a sacrifice worthy of his love. However, he loved us so much that he showed mercy on all that would believe in Him. Thank you God for being merciful instead of being fair. Praise God. Amen.

***Pray especially for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler

Collect:

GRANT US, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, 2nd Reading Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16)

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Sun. Sept 11, 2011)

A father had several restaurants that he owned and decided he would retire. He gave a restaurant to each of his sons. One of his children decided he didn't want to be in this type of industry so he decided to sale his restaurant and move to the big city. The son told the father what he had decided to do. In anger the father uttered, "if you do this I am done with you; you may as well forget you are my child." The son did as he set out to do by selling off the business and buying an apartment and a nice vehicle. One year passed and over time the son had to sell his vehicle. Later that year the son had to sell his home and soon the money ran out completely. The son was lonely and homeless with nowhere to turn. He decided the best thing he can do would be to beg for his father's mercy. The son went to his father and begged and pleaded for his help and for his forgiveness. The father lovingly welcomed his son back home and all discord was forgiven. This is the basic storyline of the prodigal son. Jesus came so that we might have this same relationship with our heavenly Father having been reconciled through Him. God is all knowing and all wise, but still loves us unconditionally. What would we do if we did not have our sin debt paid for? God calls us to do our best and he will sort out the rest. You that are broken trust in Christ. You that are weary trust in Christ. The Holy Gospel reflects a captive that was shown mercy, but when he was placed in the position to show mercy he had none. We should strive to show mercy and compassion. Our Lord commands us to continually forgive. Jesus came to show God's love and compassion toward us. Take time to reflect and think to yourself how awesome it is that you are a child of the very same God that hung the moon and stars. May we love one another the way Christ would choose. May we help our brothers and sisters that struggle to find the light of Christ in our love and in our midst. Amen.

***Remember in prayer especially: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:

O GOD, because without you we are not able to please you mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Genesis 50-15-21, Psalm 103: 8-13, 2nd Reading Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35)

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

"If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone." Jesus tells us the most simple way to avoid conflict is to resolve it between you and the other individual. Christ goes on to tell us that if the individual doesn't listen to the church that person is to you like a "Gentile and a tax collector." Anytime there are people that gather there will be conflict. Someone will feel left out or mistreated and every attempt should be made to make them feel welcome. It is extremely easy to go along with the crowd, or to only associate with the individuals that are most like ourselves. However, Christ would have us do just the opposite. Jesus says, "where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Is church not a place that we gather together to seek to worship in Spirit and in truth? St. Paul has embarked on an odyssey to really help the greater community with the resources we are able to provide. Perhaps this mission allows us to gather together in our bond of community to have Christ among us. After all, is Christ not the reason we celebrate every Sunday? Ask yourself what you can do to have others feel welcome. Christ says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Our Lord advised us "for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law; love your neighbor as yourself; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." May St. Paul be a place where we love our neighbor as ourselves. I hope we all find comfort and community with one another. God help us to always be ready to receive others with open arms. Amen.

**Remember prayer for healing especially concerning: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Darren Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.**

Collect:
GRANT US, O LORD, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Ezekiel 33:7-11, Psalm 119:33-40, 2nd Reading Romans 13:8-14, Holy Gospel Matthew 18:15-20)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

**Thank you Deacon Thompson for a wonderful Homily. We are all thankful to have you back at home.**

We are all creatures of habit. Whether our habits be good, or bad, we all fall victim to not wanting change. What would happen if a priest that was the visiting celebrant came in and changed the entire order of service? Would we all be disappointed? We would not want to change what is common to us. We should step back and take a look at our thoughts and deeds and not allow the Holy Eucharist (Communion) to be a simple habit. Deacon Thompson shared a story of a man that is paraplegic who does something uncommon to most of us at the Lord's table each week. Every Sunday this gentleman says, "thank you Jesus" as he eats and drinks the body and blood of our Lord. We should come to the Lord's table with gladness and thanksgiving. We should exalt God for the health to be present with our church family. The gentleman that Deacon Thompson spoke about shared how thankful he was for a multitude of different reasons. Sometimes we have to place ourselves in the shoes of another to understand where they are coming from. Think of your current activities in daily life and how many blessings you have if you name them one by one. Think about the things in life you take for granted. Do you take hearing for granted? Are you able to enjoy the company of others? We are so blessed yet do not often take the time to consider each and every blessing by itself. If we do this we can truly be thankful before approaching the alter rail. Examine yourself both your sins and your blessings before approaching our Lord's body and blood as he advised us to do. May you also say thank you Jesus whether outloud, or in your heart after receiving the precious Sacrament. For your cross, resurrection, salvation, love, and peace we thank you Lord. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Remember prayer for healing especially: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicki Fagiana, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Darren Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:
LORD OF ALL power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, 2nd Reading Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28)

Some scenes from the August 21 Dedication Recital

The organ was dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Ron Samples at a special service on August 21.  The choir done an abbreviated version of choral evensong, followed by the inagural recital performed by Mr. Will Thomas.

 Father Swann preparing to cense the Altar

The 12 member Chancel Choir chanting the Magnificat

Mr. Will Thomas, Recitalist

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

In the Homily today we examine how Christ carried himself and how he was portrayed by others. Jesus and his disciples had just came into the district of Caesarea Philippi. It is important to note that this particular city did not have the strong presence of any one faith. This city was a melting pot of various differing religious ideaologies. Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples tell him, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Simon Peter spoke up, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!" Simon Peter and our Lord talked at length and Jesus went on to talk about how his church will always prevail, and how Hades cannot prevail against it. There is also mention that Christ "sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah." Have you ever heard the statement "the more things change the more things stay the same?" How true is that in regards to the Homily? Few people would argue if you said Jesus was a great man, prophet, teacher, etc... When we look at the answers the disciples gave in regards to the opinion in their day of our Lord, we see the same responses from different religious communities as we see today. However, the controversy begins when you call him Lord, or Messiah. Today as you examine yourself be sure to keep the light of Christ so that others may see our Savior, the Son of the living God. Amen.

**Remember in prayer for healing especially: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicky Fagiana, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Darren Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.**

Collect:

"Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138, 2nd Reading Romans 12:1-8, Holy Gospel St. Matthew 16:13-20)

The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

When we think of our Lord Jesus we do not often think of a man that would turn someone away. Some believe that God never changes his mind. However, if you believe that Christ is Emmanuel (God with us), the incarnation of the Father, you may need to examine this text closely. Let us place in perspective that Canaanites were Gentiles. These were often pagan religious followers. A Canaanite is not someone you would help if you were Jewish as they were completely against you. Jesus and his disciples were gathered and a Canaanite woman began to shout "Have mercy on me Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." The disciples asked Jesus to send the woman away as she kept shouting and was causing a scene. Jesus replies "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." The woman says "Lord, help me." Jesus responded, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." Would our Lord really make such a bold statement? Through reading the Scripture in proper context it seems to imply that Jesus was not willing to help this woman. In the words of the famous song from "Guns & Roses" she was "knock, knock, knock-in on heavens door (as Father Swann put it)." The Canaanite woman was so adamant she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her and said, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly. So, do you believe Jesus changed his mind? Or, was Jesus simply wanting to test the faith of a Gentile? If you seek healing physically or mentally maybe you can touch our Lord in prayer. Remember "Prayer is the oxygen of the soul." -Saint Augustine

Please remember especially in prayer Terese Gluck and Vicky Fagiana. Vicky is in Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Room 704.

Collect:

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Isaiah 56: 1,6-8, Psalm 67, 2nd Reading Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15: [10-20], 21-28)

Dedication & Recital This Sunday

The Samples Memorial Organ will be dedicated at a special service at 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 21. The organ, a Rodgers Specification 990, is one of the largest electronic organ installations in the area.  The organ features a three manual, 57 stop drawknob console and 8 speaker cabinets (containing a total of 70 speakers) strategically placed throughout the historic church nave.


The organ will be dedicated in memory of St. Paul parishioner Ron Samples, whose generosity (and the generosity of his family and friends) made the dream of a first-class instrument at the church possible.


Afterwards, there will be a recital performed by noted organist Mr. Will Thomas, Director of Music at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.  Mr. Thomas, a native of Middle Tennessee, began his studies at Middle Tennessee State University at the age of 13.  He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Music from Carson-Newman and went on to earn his Masters of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Tennessee.  Most recently, Mr. Thomas performed in the Organ Academy at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in New York City.


Invitations have went out to other churches and people in the community.  Please make sure to attend this special event and support the music program at St. Paul's!

Prayers for Norway

The Church of Norway has offered the following prayer in the wake of the recent violence that left so many dead in their peaceful country. May we remember in our prayers those in Norway who were touched by this tragic event. The Church of Norway is in communion with several Anglican churches in Europe.

"Eternal God, we come to you with our fear and great unrest. We are struck, God, by violence and terror. We have known the great joy of an open and safe society. Now we are experiencing devastating bomb attacks and people being shot. Many people are killed and many injured. God, how can such things be? It is so unbelievably bad that society and innocent people are affected by blind violence. God, look to all who are in grief over having lost their own. Look at all those wounded and those with intrusive memories of what has now happened. God, we pray; in your mercy hear our prayer.

Jesus Christ, you are always close to us in our suffering; look to all the young people who were there. Be near to all relatives and injured. See us, God, when we cry over anyone who is affected.  Give us strength to face each other with comfort and closeness. Help us to walk together through all this evil across both religious and political divides. God, we pray; in your mercy hear our prayer.
God, give strength and perseverance to all who work with the wounded and survivors. Thank you for the solidarity and willingness to be there for each other. Help all believers to show love and kindness and give courage to work against hatred and terror. God, we pray; in your mercy hear our prayer.

God, you created us to manage life and community. Help us build a society where pleasure and safety are secure. We pray for our king and his house. We pray for our government and all those in the community. Give strength and comfort to our leaders who are badly affected by Friday's terror. Help us to build our country in peace and contribute to the respect and confidence between peoples and nations.

God, we pray; in your mercy hear our prayer.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Today we examine a parable in which Jesus is sharing how something that starts out extremely small can become exponentially large. He shares while a mustard seed is the smallest seed it is the "greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree." Father Swann compared this to bread making and how a little yeast and flour expand to make a much larger dough than when originally mixed. We were reminded that we should reconsider how we think of wealth and how our concern for others should be a priority. We are to live our lives as though we are following a Christ that crucified was on the cross for us with passion and mercy. "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Amen.

Collect :

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading I Kings 3:5-12, Psalm 119:129-136, 2nd Reading Romans 8:26-39, Holy Gospel Saint Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)