Third Sunday of Advent 2009
On the Third Sunday of Advent, we anticipate heaven as we participate in the living Liturgy of the Church and we pray for those guiding us as we dwell here in our in between time. Look again at the charge the Bishop gives the new priest on p. 340 of the Book of Common Prayer, including “the horrible punishment that will ensue” if he were to fall short of his calling.
Now that is a heavy load! The charge is so ominous because the Body of Christ IS the Body of Christ! As we noted in our Bible study recently, before Jesus’ Incarnation, the Temple of God was a building in Jerusalem; during Jesus’ life on earth, the Temple of God was Jesus Himself; and upon the descent of the Holy Ghost onto the disciples at Pentecost, the Temple of God on earth became the Church, the Body of Christ … Us! We, as the One Catholic and Apostolic Church, are the personal living presence of the Trinity on this planet. We, in our Liturgy and fellowship, are the living window into heaven for all mankind.
Could there be anything more awesome or daunting? We all share this holy calling. But your Bishops and priests especially carry the responsibility. Your prayers for your clergy are perhaps the most important aids they have to do the spiritual battle of worship and prayer, and use common sense. Please send up your prayers for us. Intercede for us. Pray for our being both equipped and forgiven. Your prayers are like a protective shield for us, a safety net under us. They actually enable us to function at all. Pray for us and our families. For strength, and for protection. Praise God and thank you!
A Bible memory verse: Matthew xi,
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
Wednesdays: Evening Prayer 5:45, Low Mass 6pm, and Bible study 6:45 on the Gospel of St. John (picking up at John 3:1). (Please note there will be no services on next Wednesday the 23rd.)
Next Sunday December 20th, Fourth Sunday in Advent, Morning Prayer at 9:30am; Choral Mass at 11am.
Please note that our Choral Mass for the Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord will begin at 6pm on Thursday 24 December. There will be a Low Mass for the Nativity of Our Lord at 10am on Christmas Day.
If you are planning to bring a Poinsettia to adorn the chapel, please bring them by Sunday 20th Dec, and latest by Wednesday 23rd.
2010 Pledge Drive begins. You should all have received your Pledge letters and forms by now by snail or email. Please read, pray, and let us know on the enclosed form what God has led you to provide for St. Ann Chapel in 2010. Please return them soonest. Extra letters and forms are available if desired.