April 23, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Jesus tells us that when we serve the needs of the least among us we serve him: When we welcome the stranger, visit the sick, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, give drink to the thirsty, give food to the hungry, visit the imprisoned. "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers," Jesus tells us, "you did it to me" (Matthew 25: 40). This Sunday at All Saints, we will hear Dr. Paul Farmer, a founder of Partners in Health, who has dedicated his life to fulfilling the injunction of Matthew 25. As we listen to Dr. Farmer's sermon at the 10:30 am service we will be challenged to put our faith into action.

THEME FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Today's Gospel teaches that we show our love for Christ by keeping his commandments. In the collect, we pray: "O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

In the reading from Acts, the apostle Paul challenges the people of Athens to move from idol worship to belief in the living God: "Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent ..." (Acts 17:22-31)

Psalm 66 is a song of praise to God: "Bless our God, you peoples; make the voice of his praise to be heard; who holds our souls in life, and will not allow our feet to slip."

The reading from the first epistle of Peter urges courage and bravery: "But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:13-22)

In the Gospel from John, Jesus tells us "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." And Jesus promises us, "I will not leave you orphaned" and "those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them." (John 14:15-21)

We show our love for Jesus whenever we welcome the stranger, give food to the hungry and drink to the thirsty, visit the sick and imprisoned, and provide shelter to the homeless. The love of God is expressed through us when we give hope to the least among us.

Sincerely,

David A. Killian
Rector

* * * * *

Worship Services for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, April 26-27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, at 5:00 pm - Preacher: Mr. David Pfarrer
Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 am - Preacher: Dr. Paul Farmer
Sunday, April 27, at 6:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling

* * * * *

EVENTS at All Saints Parish

For a schedule of worship services, please click here.

For information on the Spirituality and Justice Award that will be presented to Dr. Paul Farmer on April 27 at 10:30 am, please click here. Click here to read the article on Dr. Farmer by Bella English in the April 13 Boston Globe. All are invited to meet with Dr. Farmer at 9:00 am on April 27 as well as after the 10:30 am service.

Please join us at a gathering on April 27 at 4:00 pm to meet with Dr. Yang Jianli, who was a political prisoner in China for five years and was freed last year as a result of the efforts and support of many government leaders and private citizens. Please click here for an invitation to the fundraising event to support the 500-mile Walk for Freedom of Dr. Yang. Click here to access Dr. Yang's web site and information about his 500-mile walk, which will commence on May 4.

Many thanks to June Santosa, design, Barbara Bembery, distribution, and the contributors above who produce the All Saints Weekly each week.

We want your feedback!

Please tell us :

• if you find All Saints Weekly a helpful spiritual resource
• if you have trouble seeing this email or opening the links
• or if you do not wish to receive this e-newsletter.

Please let Barbara know at office@allsaintsbrookline.org. THANK YOU!