August 25, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend, as we observe Labor Day, we give thanks for those whose work benefits the human community. We are mindful of those who do not have jobs or whose work is not satisfying. If you are unemployed or underemployed, you are invited to a support group that meets at All Saints Parish on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm; this group will meet next on Tuesday, September 2nd. In the Collect for Labor Day, we pray: "Almighty God, who has so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

THEME FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus teaches that the path of following him is not be easy, but requires discipline, determination, and courage. In the Collect, we pray: "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 liv es and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen."

The reading from Exodus recounts the call of Moses to serve the living God: Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up." When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." He said further, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Exodus 3:1-15)

Psalm 105 recalls the work of Moses as God's servant: "Israel came into Egypt, and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham. The LORD made his people exceedingly fruitful; he made them stronger than their enemies; Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people,
and dealt unjustly with his servants. He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron whom he had chosen."

In the reading from Romans, Paul teaches what is required of a disciple of Jesus: "Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:9-21)

In the reading from Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?"
(Matthew 16:21-28)

The path of following Christ may be difficult, but he has triumphed over suffering and death and he will give us the victory. When we gather for the Holy Eucharist, we come into his presence and receive strength in our spiritual journey. Please join us for worship this Saturday at 5 pm, Sunday at 10:30 am, and Sunday at 6 pm.

Sincerely,

David A. Killian
Rector

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Worship Services for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 30-31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, at 5:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie Sterling
Sunday, August 31, at 10:30 am - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie Sterling
Sunday, August 31, at 6:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie Sterling

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EVENTS at All Saints Parish

Welcome Back!

On Sunday, September 7, the All Saints Choir returns for the 10:30 am service and we resume our fall schedule of activities. Schola, our outstanding children's choir, meets at 9:30 am. Two adult faith formation groups, Centering Prayer and Gospel Reflection, meet at 9:15 am. Please join us for the Parish Picnic at 11:45 am and the "Ministry Information Tables" that will be set up at the picnic.

Click here for information about our excellent Church School for pre-school to grade 12. Click here to download information about the many adult learning opportunities at All Saints Parish

• For a schedule of worship services, please click here.
• For information about the Women's Book Group that meets on September 20, please click here.
• For information about the Men's Group that meets on September 20, please click here.
• For information about the Beacon Street Fellowship and their website and blog for those in their 20s and 30s, please click here.
• To see the current issue of Saints Alive, our newsletter, please click here.

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