June 23, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I hope that you find the All Saints Weekly helpful as a preview of the Scripture readings for Sunday worship.

If you want to delve deeper into the Scriptures, please come to the to the Bible Study series on the "Epic of David" on Sundays at 9:15 am. All are welcome. For more information on this series, please click here.

For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here. Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) reading.

 

THEME FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus ministry of healing, illustrated in the healing of a woman who suffered from hemorrhages and the healing of the daughter of a synagogue leader. We believe that Christ is still active in our midst healing us today. At All Saints Parish, we offer Prayers for Healing with the Laying on of Hands at the 10:30 am worship service every Sunday. We distinguish between "cure" and "healing." We do not expect that Jesus will cure our physical illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. However, Jesus does heal our psychological, emotional, and spiritual wounds.

The Collect: "Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

The reading from Samuel is David's lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan: "Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! ... Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!" (2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27)

Psalm 130 is a heartfelt prayer begging God's forgiveness: "Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice; let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication. If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, O Lord, who could stand? For there is forgiveness with you; therefore you shall be feared. I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; in his word is my hope. My soul waits for the LORD, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, wait for the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy; With him there is plenteous redemption, and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins."

In the reading from 2 Corinthians, Paul exhorts the Christian community to excel in generosity: "I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something — now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means." (2 Corinthians 8:7-15)

The Gospel reading from Mark tells the story of Jesus' cure of the daughter of a leader of the synagogue named Jairus and the cure of a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years (Mark 5:21-43). The Gospel teaches that we can approach Jesus with our deepest needs and concerns and ask the Lord to heal us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be instruments of healing. We are "wounded healers" through whom Christ's healing love touches others. The healing love of Christ is present in doctors, nurses and health care professionals who care for the sick. Christ heals through psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, and pastoral counselors who compassionately improve the lives of the distressed. Christ's healing is expressed through friends and neighbors who offer a listening ear and a helping hand. In all these many ways the risen Christ continues to heal us today.

Please join us for worship on Saturdays at 5:00 pm and Sundays at 10:30 am.

Sincerely, David A. Killian Rector

For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here. Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) reading. Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry will be back in the Fall.

Worship Services for

The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
June 27-28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, at 5:00 pm — Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, June 28, at 10:30 am — Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian

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