The Rev. Canon Linda Mayer, Vicar Linda Cox, Bishop's Warden Bob Beeson, Junior Warden
JANUARY 2020
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Bishop’s Committee News:
1. Morning Prayer—Morning Prayer will be held once a month starting in 2020. Morning Prayer, also known as matins, is the first of the two Daily Offices created by Archbishop Cranmer out of the eight monastic hours for the Prayer Book of 1549. Morning Prayer consists of Opening Sentences, an optional Confession and Absolution, recitation of Psalms, readings from Scripture according to the Daily Office lectionary with Canticles, the Apostles’ Creed, Suffrages and Prayers. With Evening Prayer, it forms the basis of Anglican spirituality.
2. Advent Service—Attendees recommended continuing the Advent service again in 2020. 3. Joysong—Ten singers delighted an audience of 94 attendees at St. Andrew’s last month. It was a fabulous evening and the group returned Sunday morning and sang during service. 4. HDCA—HDCA had an afternoon event of crafts and cookies in the Parish Hall. They had a very pleasant time. 5. Christmas Cantata—This year’s Cantata was a beautiful musical. Marci did an amazing job. It was a joy to have the Roots School Children involved as well. 6. Funeral—Linda officiated the funeral for Michal Paul Richardson. It was a large funeral with 195 attendees. We continue to pray for his family. 7. Words of Praise— Marci and Dave celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary. Linda Cox announced the engagement of her daughter!
If I Had My Life To Live Over...
I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed, I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s”.. more “I’m sorry’s” But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…. Look at it and really see it… live it … and never give it back. By: Erma Bombeck
It’s in the Good Book
Test your Bible knowledge by marking these familiar sayings True if they are derived from the Bible, and false if not from the Bible. (Answers are posted at the end of the newsletter.)
1. T F God helps those who help themselves. 2. T F A drop in the bucket. 3. T F Silence is golden. 4. T F Pride goes before the fall. 5. T F Tell the truth and shame the devil. 6. T F Fools jump in where angels fear to tread. 7. T F A penny saved is a penny earned. 8. T F By the skin of your teeth. 9. T F Honesty is the best policy. 10. T F Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. 11. T F Neither a borrower nor a lender be. 12. T F A little bird told me.
The Holy Name
We hear it all the time: "Holy is the name of Jesus!" Throughout the Bible, in hymns and songs, sermons and books, we have heard and have always known that there is power in Jesus' name. When I saw that January 3rd is the feast day for the Holy Name of Jesus, I did not think too much about it at first. Of course we have feast days and celebrations for Jesus! We should probably have more! And then I really thought about it... This isn't just a celebration for Jesus. It is a day specifically honoring his name. Can you imagine a day where people all over the world stop to recognize and celebrate your name? When we say our names, it is really just a way to identify us. But what does it mean for a name to be holy, to be powerful? In Phillipians, Paul tells us that we will be reverant to Jesus' name. "So that at Jesus' name every knee must bow in the heavens, on Earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father; Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phillipians 2:10-11).
There are four rewards of calling on the name of Jesus. First, Jesus' name can help with needs of the body. “…In my name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them, they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-19). Whenever our loved ones are sick or hurting, we lay hands on them and pray. We put our faith in the powerful name of Jesus to heal diseases and afflictions, and while healing is not always the answer we are given, we know that miracles still happen for those who call on Him. Secondly, just like bodily afflictions, Jesus' name is the cure for spiritual battles as well. Sin is what separates us from God, and it is through Jesus that we are forgiven. “Then shall everyone be saved who calls on the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21). The third power of his name is protection. Satan can throw harmful thoughts and temptations at believers all day long, but Jesus' name is the weapon against it. Jesus himself cast out demons in his own name. Lastly, every blessing and gift in our lives is received through the name of Jesus. “I give you my assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:23-24).
Reading those, it blew me away how overwhelming important the name of Jesus is. We don't just say it is holy because Jesus is holy, or that's its powerful because Jesus is powerful. His name is an extension to us, something we can cling to through every day to be close with the Lord and allow his power and blessings to work in our lives as well.
By Lacy Boosinger
Happy Birthday!
April Clayton—11 Linda Mayer—14 Johanna Ingrid Clayton—23
