Sword Points Transforming Lives Through

Transforming
Lives Through
Jesus Christ
Sword Points
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
November 6, 2014
(203) 775-9587
† Together, We Press on Toward the Prize
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in
Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:13-14)
Dear Friends,
A
fter our tremendous celebration last weekend, we are reminded of how blessed we are,
both in our giving, and in our receiving. The outpouring of financial generosity
behind our "Growing God's Kingdom" campaign, followed by our renovated facility, and
now surrounded by dedicated service, including the preparation and execution of a first-rate
party, all point to divine favor made manifest among us. Thank you all for your
faithfulness.
We now press on together with a clear vision as a parish in mission, transforming lives
through Jesus Christ. The
world is changing, as it
always has, and always will.
We have honed and enhanced
our platform accordingly, in
step with the times, around
our unchanging calling of
elevating an unchanging
Christ. Our renewed facility
embodies newness of life; our
varied musical forms speak of
a plethora of praise; and our
enduring commitment to
God's Word fulfills God's
promise of delivering us into
eternal life in any age, and
never returning empty.
We now enter a new era. Our Building Committee recently met to plan Phase II, a
renovation of the Sunday School wing. New ministries are forming. The Holy Spirit is
rising. Together we serve. Together we rejoice. Together, we press on toward the prize.
Faithfully,
Crocker Hall Recep
2
ption & Dedication
3
† What’s Your Spiritual Gift?
Click on the following link to assess your God given gifts:
http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/tests
Each week we’ll define a different spiritual gift.
Evangelist
The gift of evangelist is the special ability
that God gives to certain members of the Body
of Christ to share the gospel with unbelievers
in such a way that men and women become
Jesus’ disciples and responsible members of the
Body of Christ.
Acts 8:5-6 * Acts 8:26-40 * Acts 14:21 * Acts 21:8
Ephesians 4:11-14 * 2 Timothy 4:5
† This Week at St. Paul’s
Thu, Nov 6
- 7:30 pm - Mission Committee, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Property Committee, Classroom
7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
Sat, Nov 8
- 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
11:00 am - House of Prayer, Sanctuary
Sun, Nov 9
Twenty
Twenty--Second Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Class Room
9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
4:00 pm - Youth Group
Tue, Nov 11 Veterans’ Day (Parish Office Closed)
7:00 pm - Boy Scouts Troop 5, Parish Hall
Wed, Nov 12 - 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing
7:00 pm - Staff Meeting, Tuck Room
7:30 pm - Vestry Meeting, Guild Room
Thu, Nov 13 - 1:00 pm - Dorothy Day Ministry, Danbury
5:30 pm - Clericus Meeting, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
Sat, Nov 15
- 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Crocker Hall
11:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
11:00 am - House of Prayer, Sanctuary
Sun, Nov 16 Twenty
Twenty--Third Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Class Room
9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
4:00 pm - Youth Group
4
Rising Light
A weekly column
by Sarah Shepley
S
taying connected to God is vital in our journey as Christians
because He is our source for success. I have witnessed his
amazing power in my own life, but especially through swimming. Before
every race I have to discipline myself to channel his power and center my
mind on Him instead of allowing anxiety to creep into my head and
discourage me. Whenever I do this I always perform far better than when
I rely on my own strength. Although this example applies to physical
strength,
staying
connected
to God improves our mental
strength. When we connect
with God’s patience and
God’s love, it is far easier to
live life with a positive
outlook and face any
incoming challenges. Above
all, staying connected to God
will strengthen our
relationship with Him as we
stay in tune with his will and
listen closely to his plan for
our lives.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I
will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
I
was greatly blessed this weekend to
attend a reception and dedication of
Crocker Hall in honor of the Rev. George
Crocker, at St. Paul’s, my former church in
Brookfield, CT. George was my first pastor
after I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
It was great to see George and all my brothers
and sisters at St. Paul’s. George my friend,
may the Lord richly bless you always!
- Steve Hemming
† Good Stewardship Begins At Home: Our Home
P
lease remind all who use our home to be good stewards by turning off
lights, closing curtains, turning down thermostats, cleaning up after
themselves and locking doors when they are leaving, especially as cold
weather and dropping temperatures consume more energy.
5
† Be Generous Like God
by Mari-Anna Stålnacke @flowingfaith
W
e are told to be generous, right? How do you feel about it? How would you feel
if someone told you not to try to be more generous than God? I was puzzled for
sure. Especially when it was Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153). Read it yourself! What
could it mean?
“The man who is wise, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal.
The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is
filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself … Today there are many in the
Church who act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare … You too must learn to await
this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.”
I know we can’t be generous without God. I know God is generous. I know we need to
pass on what we receive in order not to stink (stagnant water and all that). I know we are
blessed for being generous. But why should we not
try to be more generous than God? Shouldn’t we be
as generous as possible? Well, I think there’s no
way we can be more generous than God. We are just
not able to do it. But shouldn’t we at least strive to
be more generous than God?
What Bernard of Clairvaux is trying to say here is
that we can’t do God’s work on our own. We can’t
even just pass on what we hear if we don’t let it
permeate in our own hearts first. God’s word needs
to be received and let it run its course in us before we
can pass it on to others. We need to be reservoirs,
not canals. We need to abide in God and be filled
with the Spirit to overflowing. Then we won’t get
burned out. Then we will naturally be generous like
God.
And God will generously provide all you need.
Then you will always have everything you need and
plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same
way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of
generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be
generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2
Cor. 9:8,10-11, NLT)
We are called to be generous like God. But we are not called to be more generous than
God. There’s a huge difference. When we are generous like God, we abide in God and let
him work in and through us. When we try to be more generous than God, we lean towards
self-rightousness and that is a road to disaster.
Everything good starts in grace and ends in grace. And everything in between is grace.
We are called to live in this amazing grace and let the overflowing goodness of God spill on
to others. That’s what being generous like God is all about.
6
C
Attention Parents and Parishioners!
ome check out our new Sunday School Central bulletin board in the Sunday School
hallway. This week we have added index cards to our Wish List, labeled with items and
gift cards that the Sunday School can use to better meet the needs of our students each Sunday. If
you would like to donate an item, simply remove the top index card with the item name (to remind
yourself!) and record your name and email address on the card below (to let us know!). You can
bring the item in at your earliest
Thank You from the Nursery!
convenience and give it to Heather,
he nursery continues to look better and better - thanks to many Nicole or leave it labeled in the
generous donors! Thank you so much to Mary Allen for
church office. Thank you so much in
donating many wonderful books to the nursery library. The nursery
advance for your support.
will continue to accept donations of any kind for this age group,
T
including any cute push, pull or walking toys!
7
† Scholarly Speaking
How Does Salvation Work? - II
L
ast week we looked at the views of the Roman Catholic and various Eastern
Churches and found a general agreement that Salvation and Justification began with
Baptism and were fostered and developed through participation in the sacraments and
through Godly living.*
The principal Reformers, Luther (1483 - 1546), Zwingli (1484 - 1531), and Calvin (1509
-1564) differed among themselves in many respects but they all adopted
a doctrine of Justificaiton by Faith alone, received through Grace. They
also agreed in linking this to Unconditional Election *or Predestination)
to Salvation. A quick survey has failed to find a direct link in Luther’s
writing between his view of Justification and his battle against
Indulgences, it seems probable that the link between the latter and
particular good works (notably including monetary donations) was a
large factor in his rejection of the Roman view that godly living was
part of the process which achieved Justification.‡
Zwingli, the leader of the Reformation in Zurich, and Luther, his
contemporary, differed widely on many points, notably on
Sacramental theology where Luther, although rejecting
Transubstantiation, retained the Catholic view of the Real
Presence, and the effectiveness of the sacraments themselves.
Zwingli, in contrast regarded them merely as reminders of the
grace associated with them, and having no real effect of their
own. The two agreed closely, however, on Justification and
Election, though Zwingli was far more apt to extend this election
to Pagans (who had not actually known of and then rejected
Christ).§
Probably the most prominent advocate of this view, however, is the French/ Genevan
Reformer, Calvin - indeed, it is a principal element of the theology
which bears his name. Born a generation after the others, he developed
the idea of Predestinaiton more fully than his predecessors, putting
forth a theory of double predestination in which every person is
absolutely destined either to Salvation or to Damnation; and from
which the elect cannon fall away. While all this is a logical
development from the earlier teachings it goes beyond what earlier
Reformers, or the Catholic theologians (especially Augustine and
Aquinas) that had inspired them, had taught.♦
Slightly later in the Reformation period the Dutch theologian
Arminius (1560 - 1609) developed an
alternative approach. Originally a Calvinist, he became
involved in theological controversy and was eventually led
to propound another view Predestination and Election. He
taught that Election was Conditional: while he held that it
was the decree of God, he argued that this election was for
believers who were “engrafted in [Christ] by faith.” He also
taught that this faith came by grace, that this grace was
available to all, but was resistible. In addition he redefined
Predestination as a predetermination of destiny of the Elect
rather than a predestination of who would be elected. A final
point of difference was his teaching that the Elect could fall
away from Salvation, and that persistence
o you have a question you
was conditioned on their on own
would like answered by our continuation in the faith.●
Scholar-in-Residence? Send your
We’ll continue next time with a look at
ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal,
Anglican views on the subject .
- Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence
historical or other inquiries to:
[email protected].
D
(Continued on page 9)
8
(Continued from page 8)
*
†
‡
§
♦
●
How Does Salvation Work? - II
“Scholarly Speaking”. Sword of the Spirit, November 2014, p. 18
There is a good discussion in Wikipedia, sv. Salvation; and sv. Justification. In this context ‘Unconditional’
means that election is made by God’s own choice without regard for the present or future merits of the
individual (in this view faith is an indication of prior election, but not a cause of that election).
Wikipedia, loci cit. and sv. Theology of Martin Luther
Wikipedia, sv. Huldrych Zwingli, and Zwingli's Distinctive Doctrines
Wikipedia, sv. Salvation; and sv. Justification; and sv. John Calvin.
Wikipedia, sv. Salvation; and sv. Justification; and sv. Arminianism
9
10
The Hearts to Hands Ministry and the Christian Caring Committee
strive to meet the physical needs of Saint Paul's parishioners. We
meet these needs by coordinating assistance from other parishioners
who want to help. If you are currently struggling with a housing,
transportation or financial challenge, please contact Nicole
O'Connors (860) 788-2995 or Gail Winkley (203) 775-3343 for
assistance.
Donations Needed For Hearts to Hands Ministry!
We recently helped one of our parishioners to find permanent,
affordable housing and they will be transitioning
into their own apartment soon. They are in great
need of a few basic household items and some
furniture pieces to get started. If you can donate
any of the following items, in like-new condition,
please contact Dot Crocker (860) 355-5672 or
Nicole O'Connors at [email protected].
hand mixer
towels, hand towels, washcloths
kitchen towels
Walmart or Target gift cards for cleaning
supplies
round kitchen table, 4 chairs
***This parishioner will also be without a mattress
to sleep on in their new apartment. We would like to accept financial donations to put
towards the purchase of a new mattress and box-spring set as well. Thank you so much
for your consideration!
“God is Great!” The following are pictures of the view Diane Kansas has from her new
home in Bantam where she is now resting her head. Diane loves her new home and the view
just outside her windows. The previous tenant fed the deer so now they visit Diane. Diane
gives thanks to the Lord for
blessing her with her own home
that is perfect and the
wonderful people of St. Paul’s
Brookfield who have helped
and supported her along the
way.
11
† Thanksgiving Baskets
F
or the November food baskets, please bring items
you would enjoy at Thanksgiving. We will make
up baskets for the same families who will be receiving
the gifts from our Christmas Giving Tree. We will
need two family-sized turkeys to be donated. While
you shop, if you could please choose any items from the
following list:
Gravy/Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie Mix, Bread, Cranberry
Sauce, Fruit Pie Fillings, Juices, Canned Vegetables, Pie
Crust, Potatoes, Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Cake Mix, Soup,
Paper Products/Decorations, Brownie Mix, Nuts.
All food donations are due by Sunday, November
23rd. Once the food donations have
come in, we will need volunteers to
divide the food into the baskets for the
families. Please speak with Barbara
DeAnzeris, 203-775-3722.
12
† Transforming Saints of God
November 6th
William Temple
Archbishop of Canterbury, 1944
W
illiam Temple was born October 15, 1881, and baptized three weeks later, on
November 6, in Exeter Cathedral. His father, Dr. Frederick Temple, Bishop of
Exeter and then of London, became Archbishop of Canterbury when William was fifteen.
Growing up at the heart of the Church of England, William’s
love for it was deep and lifelong.
Endowed with a brilliant mind, Temple took a first-class
honors degree in classics and philosophy at Oxford, where he
was then elected Fellow of Queen’s College. At the age of
twenty-nine he became headmaster of Repton School, and then
in quick succession rector of St. James’s Church, Piccadilly,
Bishop of Manchester, and Archbishop of York.
Though he never experienced poverty of any kind, he
developed a passion for social justice which shaped his words
and his actions. He owed this passion to a profound belief in the
Incarnation. He wrote that in Jesus Christ God took flesh and
dwelt among us, and as a consequence “the personality of every
man and woman is sacred.”
In 1917 Temple resigned from St. James’s, Piccadilly, to
devote his energies to the “Life and Liberty” movement for reform within the Church of
England. Two years later an Act of Parliament led to the setting up of the Church
Assembly, which for the first time gave the laity a voice in Church matters.
As bishop and later as archbishop, Temple committed himself to seeking “the things
which pertain to the Kingdom of God.” He understood the Incarnation as giving worth and
meaning not only to individuals but to all of life. He therefore took the lead in establishing
the Conference on Christian Politics, Economics and Citizenship (COPEC), held 1924. In
1940 he convened the great Malvern Conference to reflect on the social reconstruction that
would be needed in Britain once the Second World War was over.
At the same time he was a prolific writer on theological, ecumenical, and social topics,
and his two-volume Readings in St. John’s Gospel, written in the early days of the war,
rapidly became a spiritual classic. In 1942 Temple was appointed Archbishop of
Canterbury and reached an even wider audience through his wartime radio addresses and
newspaper articles. However, the scope of his responsibilities and the pace he set himself
took their toll. On October 26, 1944, he died after only two and a half years at Canterbury.
W
e need your help! The Gospel Rescue Mission is in need of volunteers to
support the shelter. Please donate your time and talent to the Mission.
Gospel Rescue Mission ministry provides overnight shelter for homeless men, case
work, and compassionate care. Its programs include counseling, Christ-centered twelvesteps, employability education, transitional living
residences, meal service for the
homeless, and Bible study.
Location: Good Samaritan
Mission, Inc. 22 Maple
Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810
To learn more please email us at
[email protected]
13
† Dorothy Day Ministry
E
very second Thursday of the month, it’s St. Paul’s turn
to cook and serve meals at the Dorothy Day
Hospitality House in Danbury. Please consider helping out
in this vital ministry. Contact Barbara DeAnzeris or Don
Winkley for more info.
14
† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers
(click on the red links below to begin your personal practice)
Opening Hymn
Gradual Hymn
Offertory Hymn
Closing Hymn
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Rejoice! Rejoice Believers Tune: Munich
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
W
illiam Williams (1717-1781) was born the son of a prosperous farmer in Wales.
He intended to become a physician, but at a revival meeting conducted by the
evangelist, Howell Harris, committed himself to ministry. In doing so, he solved a serious
problem for Evangelist Harris. The problem was this: The Welsh love to sing, but there
were few good hymns in the Welsh language. The solution was this: William Williams
proved to be a prolific hymn writer - a great Welsh poet.
Williams wrote more than eight hundred hymns during his lifetime. "Guide Me, O Thou
Great Jehovah" is one of the few that has been translated into English and is the only one in
common use in English-language churches today.
This hymn is a prayer for a person going through tough times - a person
traveling through a barren land - a thirsty person in need of water.
Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt confused, wondering
where to turn? Have you ever felt the need for someone to point you in
the right direction! Have you ever felt the need of a strong helping hand?
If so, this is your hymn - your prayer. It admits, "I am weak," but it
answers, "Thou art mighty!" It asks, "Hold me with Thy powerful
hand." It prays, "Feed me till I want no more." And then it promises,
"Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee."
I don't know if it is still true, but I am told that, for many
years, Welsh crowds at rugby matches or other public
gatherings would sing this hymn, much as we in the U.S. start
games with the playing of the National Anthem. I am also told that many Welsh people
were inspired to learn to read just so they could read the words to Williams' hymns.
William Williams turned out to be both a great hymn writer and a great evangelist.
During his many years of ministry, he traveled nearly 100,000 miles (160,000 km), often
drawing crowds of 10,000 people who came to hear his preaching and sing his songs. He
had a great impact on the people of Wales and, through his music, on all the world.
copyright 2007, Richard Niell Donovan
† Transforming Stewardship
“For we are God’s fellow workers…” - 1 Corinthians 3:9
W
e are called to help God build His kingdom on
earth. We are His eyes, ears, hands and voice
on Earth. By giving of our “first fruits” of our time, talent
and treasure we help fulfill God’s call. Are you doing all
you can to help? Do you spend time in prayer every day?
Do you participate in one of the many parish ministries? Do you
give generously in the offertory collection each week?
A
s part of our outreach, St. Paul’s donates gift cards and
non-perishable items to six area food pantries. The
non-perishable items are provided by our generous
congregation and are truly appreciated. Donations for the
food pantry can be left in the basket at the back of the church.
Delivery is made to one food pantry each month. Thank you.
15
16
† The Best Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat, (cut
into bite-sized pieces)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp pepper
1 medium onion, finely
chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
6oz can tomato paste
32oz beef broth
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
sauce
2 cups baby carrots carrots
4-5 small red potatoes,cut into
bite-sized pieces (about 3
cups)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1 cups frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
¼ cup flour
¼ cup water
Directions:
Combine beef, celery, carrots, red onion, potatoes, salt,
pepper, garlic, parsley, oregano,
Worcestershire sauce, beef
broth, and tomato paste in the
crock pot. I used a 6 quart
crockpot for this stew. Cook on
LOW for 10 hours or on HIGH
for 6-7 hours.
About 30 minutes before
serving, mix the flour and the
water together in a small dish
and pour into the crockpot. Mix
until well combines. This will
add a nice thickness to the stew. Next add in your
frozen peas and corn. Continue cooking covered for 30
minutes. Serves 6-8.
Click here to submit your favorite recipe.
† Socks & Toiletries for the Homeless
H
omeless people are on their feet all day, and the only
pair of socks they own are very likely to be threadbare.
This year we are collecting socks and toiletries for the men’s
homeless shelter throughout the winter months. Place donations
in the bins in the back of the church or the Parish Hall.
† Parable of the Wise and
Foolish Virgins, detail
1838-1842
Schadow, Friedrich Wilhelm von, 1789-1862
H
e was born in Berlin, the second son of
the sculptor Johann Gottfried Schadow,
who gave him his first lessons in drawing. He
then turned to painting and in 1819 Schadow
developed his paintings for churches. In 1826
he was made director of the Düsseldorf
Academy of the Arts, which he reoriented
towards the production of Christian art His
paintings are mostly found in Düsseldorf and
Berlin, but one of his best works, the ‘Wise and
Foolish Virgins,’ is in the Museum at Frankforton-the-Main. He was perhaps more successful
as a teacher and demonstrator than as a creative
artist, but he had a very distinct, even though
one-sided influence, upon the religious art of
Germany.
17
This table is free to anyone who could use it, courtesy of the Building
Committee, by contacting the parish office.
18
The Sirs of St. Paul’s enjoy a fireside chat!
W
e are warned about being
unprepared when the Lord
calls. How can we best assure that
we will be ready? Living a life under-girded by the
Holy Habits of prayer, study, sacrificial giving, and
intentional involvement in a worshipping community, may
help us to be ever responsible to God’s call - for whatever and whenever He asks.
A Christian
Alternative
to Yoga
TRANSFORM YOUR WORKO
WORKOUTS
UTS INTO
WORSHIP WITH PRAISEM
PRAISEMOVES
OVES -THE CHRISTIAN ALTERN
ALTERNATIVE
ATIVE TO YOGA
Classes held in Crocker Hall
Saturday’s , 10:00 a.m. with
Mary Perry, Certified PraiseMoves
Instructor
Email Mary to sign up at
[email protected]
Deep Stretching, Gentle Movement,
and Strong Scripture
combine for flexibility and strength.
19
† This Sunday’s Readings
Awaiting His Coming
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
n our Hebrew scripture lesson, Joshua, like Moses before him, acts as a
mediator between the people of Israel and God at Shecham. He calls them
to affirm their covenant with the Lord. It was at Shecham that God first spoke to
Abraham in Canaan, and at Shecham that Jacob abjured his family to “put away
the foreign Gods among you.” Joshua recalls the Lord’s faithfulness through
history and his consistent benevolence toward Israel. The choice is stark, for the
Lord demands entire devotion; all other deities must be shunned and put away. In language
reminiscent of treaty documents of the period, the people swear their loyalty to God.
Psalm 78:1-7
The psalm recalls Israel’s trials and the Lord’s sustaining grace in the
Matthew 25: 1-13
wilderness after the escape from Egypt.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The bridesmaids who did not
In this reading Paul offers a vision of how the dead in Christ will rise and
then, together with those who are alive, be caught up to meet the Lord in the sky.
bring extra oil were determining
Apparently some members of the Thessalonian church had died, and there was
the time frame in which the
this concern; would they miss the Lord’s coming? First, Paul reminds them that
the Christian hope is rooted in the God who raised Jesus. He then describes the
bridegroom could be honourably
day of the Lord’s appearing and the raising up of the dead and the living, using
welcomed back to his home with
highly poetic imagery conditioned by the worldview of his time. The essential
meaning is clear: we shall be with the Lord.
lamps fully ablaze. Their lack of
Matthew 25:1-13
preparation
is disrespectful and
Our gospel is the parable of the wise and foolish maidens - those prepared
and unprepared for the bridegroom’s coming. In several ways the details of the
insulting to the bridegroom.
story may strike us as odd and even a little unfair, but such a concern missies the
main point, which has much in common with other of Jesus’ parables. One must
at all times be ready with repentance and decision for the kingdom’s coming. In a later
period this story was read with allegorical overtones. Jesus is the bridegroom whose return
is delayed. Some in the church are falling asleep while others remain expectant.
I
† Pick Up Your Copy Today!
Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will
be available at the back of the church.
† Sermon Shorts
S
ing a song of the saints of God. To replay all our
sermons, audio and videos follow this link for
The Sunday Sermons. Check out our sermon archives
as well.
20
† Happy Birthday to You!
V
irginia Beck celebrates tomorrow! Sunday is the big day for Tom Keating.
Gail Crisalli will be
blowing out candles on Tuesday.
Sheri Brought, David Hotchlkiss &
Walter Von Egidy will be another
year older and wiser on Wednesday.
Have a blessed day everyone!
T
he Jericho Food Pantry in Danbury has
given St. Paul’s the 2nd Saturday of
every month to staff the their food pantry.
Our next volunteer date is November
8th from 10 am - 11:30am.
If you are interested in volunteering on
the 11/8 or future dates please contact
Laurie DoBosh at [email protected] or
203-610-9731.
† Save the Date
St. Paul's Women's
Retreat with all
new Women of the
Bible with Anita
Gutschick and
Joanne Hagemeyer
is coming June 5-6,
2015
Women’s Evening Ministry
Children of the Day by Beth Moore
Remaining sessions are:
Nov 18, Dec 2 & 16, and Jan 6 & 20, 2015
Meeting time 7:00 - 8:45 pm in the Guild Room
An in-depth Bible study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians by
Beth Moore
Is family life a challenge? Is work driving you crazy? Do you know God has a purpose for your life, but
can't figure out what it is? Know that your circumstances are not coincidental. And God's timing is impeccable. Join Beth Moore on the Thessalonian shores as she
walks you through the truth of each verse of 1 and 2
Thessalonians. In this study, you'll face crises, afflictions, relationships, doubts, concerns, and fears. Find
encouragement for living the Christian life now and
hope for when Christ returns.
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I
† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and
such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all
time. Please pray for…
…..Dot Blake and other parishioners convalescing in extended care
facilities.
…..Holy Spirit, West Haven; St. Paul’s, Westbrook; Emmanuel,
Weston.
…..Peace in Israel, Jerusalem, and the Middle East.
…..Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area.
…..Diocesan Episcopal Church Women, Diocesan Altar Guild; local
ECW chapters and parish altar guilds; Anglican and Episcopal women's
mission groups.
.….Barbara Kast, Brenda Darling, Ginny Beck, Jean Stauffer, Gary Stein, Lee Rybos,
Sue Balla, Betty Gardner, Ed Licence, Jay Trott, John Mainhart & Leontine Rybos,
continued healing.
…..the people of Guinea-Bissau; the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and our
sister and brother members of the Assyrian Church of the East.
…..Christians in Iraq and Syria facing persecution at the hands of advancing ISIS forces.
Pray also for radical Muslims there (and in other nations) to come to know Jesus Christ.
…..Michael for protection with the UN peacekeeping service.
…..Syria, for a strong Christian witness among believers where missionaries are not
allowed.
…..Fr. George Hall, healing from cancer
and his recent surgery.
…..Patricia Brought, who is undergoing
treatment for cancer.
…..Nigeria, that those behind the attacks
and kidnappings will repent and turn to
Christ.
…..An end to the epidemic of Ebola virus
in West Africa.
…..Pat Kenneally, who has a rare lung
cancer. Pray for his family as well.
…..Tom, Laurie DoBosh’s father, who is
in the final stages of Parkinson's. Please
pray for healing and relief from pain.
† This & That & Links
(Click on pictures or red links for more info)
Links We Like
Things That Make You Think
Back Issues of Sword Points
We are all missionaries
“We are all missionaries
...or we are nothing.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Click on the video to the left to
learn more about the Missionary
Society of the Episcopal Church.
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Just For Fun !
(And Christian Fellowship)
The Footsteps of Paul & John
Selfie with the Father
Save the dates. Plans are
being finalized for another
spectacular Biblical pilgrimage
& cruise on October 16-31, 2015.
Fr. Joe plans on joining us.
Istanbul, ancient Troy, Ephesus,
Patmos, Santorini, Athens,
Thessalonica, Philippi…..
More info soon.
“This is cool, Fr. George! I’ve never taken a selfie with
anyone who had a hall named after them!”
† It Takes An Editorial Board
Contributors to this Weeks
Sword Points:
C
hris Barrett, Donna Cenamo,
Dot Crocker, Lynne
Donnelly, Steve Hemming, Pat
Jennings, Heather Melody, Dori
McManus, Beth Miller, Nicole
O’Connors, Patrick O’Connors, Ken
Perry, Mary Perry, Kirsten Peterson,
Debi Pomeroy, Joe Shepley, Sarah
Shepley,
David
Szen, Pam
Szen &
Don
Winkley.
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