May 7, 2007
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The 50 days from Easter Day to the Day of Pentecost are a time when the power of Christ is present in our lives to overcome whatever is keeping us from becoming the free, happy persons that God created us to be. God wishes us to burst through the confining tombs of old, destructive patterns and to emerge renewed and whole in the Spirit.
THEME FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
One of the deepest teachings of the Christian faith is that God is love and that God's love casts out fear. There are 366 passages in Scripture that tell us to "Fear not." Included are today's readings from Joel and the Gospel.
In the Collect we pray: "Almighty 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.
The prophet Joel teaches: "Do not fear, O soil; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things! Do not fear, you animals of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit, the fig tree and vine give their full yield. O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the LORD your God."
Psalm 67 sings praises for God's goodness and mercy: "Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth."
The reading from Acts show Paul healing a man who was lame in the city of Lystra. The people think he is a god, but Paul assures them that he is as human as they: "We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them."
In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives the disciples his peace and tells them that they need not fear since he will always be with them: "Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
During this holy season, let us hear these comforting words and live without fear and instead be filled with the joyous love of our risen Lord.
Sincerely,
David A. Killian
Rector
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Worship Services for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 12-13, 2007
Saturday, May 12, Choral Evensong at 6:00 pm: Preacher: Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE
Sunday, May 13, at 10:30 am: Preacher: Ms. Becky Taylor
Sunday, May 13, at 6:00 pm: Preacher: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling
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Weekend and Mid-Week Worship Schedule
For the schedule of worship services for Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, please click here.
Bishop Shaw visits All Saints on Saturday, May 12 at 6:00 pm ... for Choral Evensong and Fundraising Reception and Dinner. Please click here for more information.
For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here.
For a note on the Music at the Sunday 10:30 am service, from All Saints Music Director Donald Teeters, click here.
For a Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children's Youth, and Family Ministry, click here.
For a note on the Sunday 6:00 pm 'Episcopal Evening' service from Assistant Rector, the Rev. Leslie K. Sterling, click here.
To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.
For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints website: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.
Many thanks to June Santosa, design, Barbara Bembery, distribution, and the contributors above who produce the All Saints Weekly each week.
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