January 24, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The liturgical season of Epiphany draws our attention to the manifestation of Christ to the world. Today's readings highlight the call to follow Christ and become his disciples.

THEME FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

Today's Gospel presents the call of the fishermen Andrew, Peter, James and John to follow Christ. Each of us is asked to reflect on the call extended to us to become disciples. The call to follow God's way comes to us each day in the many decisions we face to listen to the gentle stirrings of conscience. In the Collect, we pray: "Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

The prophet Isaiah stresses the joy of following God's call: "There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations ... you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder."

Psalm 27 is a song of a disciple who draws strength in following God's way: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? ... Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the LORD."

In the second reading, Paul's calls the Corinthians to live in unity: "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters."

The reading from Matthew recounts the call of the first disciples of Jesus: "As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea -- for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people."

This Sunday at 10:30 a m, we will celebrate the Journey to Adulthood of two younger members of our parish. In the Rite 13 ceremony they will speak their commitment to follow Christ and to take on adult responsibilities in the church and in the world. We pray for Eleanor and Aaron and their parents, family and friends who support them in this important step in their lives. All are invited to a luncheon following this service in their honor.

On Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, those who wish to be baptized, confirmed, received into the Episcopal Church, or renew their baptismal vows participate in a program called Journeys in Faith. The Rev. Leslie Sterling, Ms. Jennifer Leider and I invite you to join us in this course which will culminate at the Easter Vigil on March 22. For more information, contact me at rectord@allsaintsbrookline.org

As always, I invite you to join us for our weekend worship services: the Celtic Holy Eucharist Saturday at 5:00 pm, the Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing Sunday at 10:30 am, and the Sunday Evening Contemplative Holy Eucharist at 6:00 pm.

Sincerely,

David A. Killian
Rector

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Worship Services for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 26-27, 2008

Saturday, January 26, at 5:00 pm: Preacher: Mr. David Pfarrer
Sunday, January 27, at 10:30 am: Preacher: Ms. Rebecca Taylor
Sunday, January 27, 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.

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) readings.

Music note from All Saints Music Director Donald Teeters will resume next week.

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 'Sunday Evening' Holy Eucharist 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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