Pentecost (Sunday June 12 2011)

During the Homily today Father Swann called on us to remember today as the day of the birth of the church. We could not have the church without the gift we celebrate today which is the receiving of the third person in the Trinity, the HOLY SPIRIT. The Gospel today reflects on Jesus showing his hands and his side to the disciples. "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained." We were reminded that the disciples did not understand a lot of what Jesus said to them. We are also reminded that it is okay to have enthusiasm in regards to our blessed worshipping community. In conclusion of today's Homily Father Swann reminded us that enthusiasm is in Greek "entheos" meaning inspired by, or possessed by God. It is okay to have enthusiasm especially when you think of the Baptismal Covenant and the grace we receive at our Baptism where we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit, fill our souls.

Collect:

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Numbers 11:24-30/ or Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:25-35,37 2nd Reading I Corinthians 12:3b-13 Holy Gospel John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39)

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Witness is a word that seems scary to Episcopalians. We don't want to seem fundamental, or too ideological. However, the simple truth is that we can be a witness in other ways. Ask yourself, "How has someone else been a witness to me in my life?" Was it the way they lived? Was it their faith? Was it their nature? What made them who they are? We were not physically present during the time that Christ walked the earth, but we can all rejoice in that love is the witness Christ came to show, the love of our Father. WE (you and I, the priesthood of all believers) are to be witnesses of Christ. What better way to be a witness than to share love, joy, hope, and peace. The conclusion of the Homily is a quote from St. Francis of Assisi "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." I believe this attests to how we should attempt to live our lives. You may be the only Bible some people ever read. I want to close by reflecting on another quote that may help you with the thought of witnessing by St. Francis of Assisi; "If God can work through me, He can work through anyone." Amen.

(Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36, I Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11)

Today's Collect:

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Homily today reflected on pruning us spiritually to draw a deeper connection to Christ. Often times this same Homily is used to say that Christ will cut off, or throw away those that aren't up to standard. However, Father Rizner pointed out that the reference to pruning is more like that of nurturing as no matter how good, bad, or indifferent you are God loves you better than anyone will or can imagine. Even the most unlovable person is loved by God. You cannot do anything to make God stop loving you. This is a real hard idea to ponder for our minds as we want to make God in our image, and want God to have our thought process. The Gospel reading today St. John 14:15-21 reflects on Jesus advising an Advocate will be coming and abiding forever with they that follow Him. We know that this is leading up to Pentecost Sunday and this Advocate is the Holy Spirit. So, to tie together the Gospel and the Homily, begin to reflect on the love of God. He gave us his only begotten Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who was crucified, died, was buried, and on the third day rose again. We are an Easter people and we celebrate the infinite love, grace, and compassion God has for us. Father Rizner concluded the Homily by reminding us that God's embrace is wider than we can imagine. God is not keeping count of all our faults to hold them against us, but instead is a loving Father looking upon his children. Embrace your neighbors beloved as true brothers and sister as they are God's children to. God's Peace.

(First Reading Acts 17:22-31, Second Reading I Peter 3:13-22, & Gospel St. John 14:15-21, Psalm 66:7-18)

Fifth Sunday of Easter

During the Homily today we were reminded that going home is often a place we want to go when we feel aggravated or, beaten up by life. The notion of home can be a place we live, or a place we go for refuge. The Gospel Reading today compels us to think of this notion of home as a place we end up as followers of the Risen Lord. Jesus told his disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places... I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that were I am, there you may be also (Saint John 14:1-14)." During the conclusion of the Homily Father Swann asserted how many folks have said they have found a home at St. Paul. Please ponder this and hit the comment button below with a response: What does home mean to you? Do you have any ideas that are not currently in practice that you feel would make visitors feel more at home at St. Paul? ***all responses are greatly appreciated*** God's Peace.

You Are Invited.........

God willing and

the People consenting

The Rev. George D. Young, III

will be Ordained and Consecrated

a Bishop in the

One, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church

and Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of

East Tennessee

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Eleven o’clock in the Morning

Church of the Ascension

800 Northshore Drive

Knoxville, Tennessee

Chief Consecrator: The Most Reverend

Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop

The Standing Committee of the Diocese

requests your prayers and presence.

A reception will follow

Visitors

I have talked at length with others that would like to see growth in the Episcopal Church and have got some interesting thoughts. I honestly believe if more people understood our basic values they would find a comfortable place to be with God's people. What do you feel would be the most effective way to draw in more visitors to Mass? (Please comment I would like for everyone to participate that is able to do so)

God Loves You!!!

EXCITING, POWERFUL, & Extremely TRUE

BOOK AND BAKE SALE

Book donations are now being accepted for the upcoming Book & Bake Sale. You can drop off your donations in the undercroft. Donations of baked goods are needed and should be dropped off by the church before the day of the event. The Book & Bake sale will be on Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. We need help the day of the sale, especially early in the morning to help with the set-up. Please see Treva Brodersen to sign-up.

Upcoming Events....

Tuesday, March 8: Mardi Gras party. Bring a friend and your favorite Italian dish and enjoy our festive Mardi Gras event. Dinner will be served at 6:30, but feel free to come early and enjoy the fellowship.

Wednesday, March 9: Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Imposition of Ashes, 7:00

Sunday, March 20: The annual Bishop's Visitation.  This year is extra-special, as this will be Bishop vonRosenberg's last official visit before his upcoming retirement. We have a good group of Confirmands this year, and will also welcome four from St. Joseph's who will be Confirmed at this service.  A reception will follow.

Check your Sunday bulletin's concerning LENTEN WORK DAYS every Saturday in Lent. This year, we will be focusing on working outside on the church grounds and green-space.

FYI: The Girl Scout "Brownie" troop will begin meeting in the Undercroft on Tuesday evenings. The Council would like everyone to be aware of this when planning any event at the church on Tuesdays.

For All The Animal Lovers.....

The Story of Adam & Eve’s Pets

 

Adam and Eve said, 'Lord, when we were in the garden, you

walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more.

We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember

how much you love us.'

And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be

with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that

you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of

how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new

companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do,

in spite of yourselves.'

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.

And it was a good animal and God was pleased.

And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and

he wagged his tail. And Adam said, 'Lord, I have already

named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a

name for this new animal.'

And God said, 'I have created this new animal to be a reflection

of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own

name, and you will call him DOG.'

And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to

them and loved them. And they were comforted. And God was

pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord

and said, 'Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride.

They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are

worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are

loved, but perhaps too well.'

And God said, I will create for them a companion who will be

with them and who will see them as they are. The companion

will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they

are not always worthy of adoration.' And God created CAT to

be a companion to Adam and Eve.

And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed

into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the

supreme beings.

And Adam and Eve learned humility.

And they were greatly improved.

And God was pleased..

And Dog was happy.

And Cat…

didn’t give a darn one way or the other.

Christmas Snow

Mass was said for the "faithful few" who braved icey roads to come on Sunday, December 26. 

Christmas Party

Scenes from the annual Christmas party at the Cunningham's cabin......