Bishop James Hannington and his Companions (Martyrs, 29 October 1885)

Let us pray for...

All CCP congregations, clergy and people under the oversight of the Anglican Province of Uganda

Collect of the Day
Precious in your sight, O Lord, is the death of your saints, whose faithful witness, by your providence, has its great reward: We give you thanks for your martyrs James Hannington and his companions, who purchased with their blood a road into Uganda for the proclamation of the Gospel; and we pray that with them we also may obtain the crown of righteousness which is laid up for all who love the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.

From Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, Primate of Uganda
In the Church of Uganda, Anglicanism has been built on three pillars: martyrs, revival, and the historic episcopate. Yet each of these refers back to the Word of God, the ground on which all is built: The faith of the martyrs was maintained by the Word of God, the East African revival brought to the people the Word of God, and the historic ordering of ministry was designed to advance the Word of God...

...Tertullian’s oft-quoted statement “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” is the story of the faith in Uganda. On his first visit to Uganda in 1885, the Englishman and missionary bishop James Hannington was martyred as he tried to cross the river Nile into central Uganda. Bishop Hannington was coming to Uganda from Kenya and decided to approach the Buganda kingdom from the east. Unfortunately, unknown to him, there was a Baganda belief that its enemies would approach the kingdom from the eastern route. So the king, the Kabaka, sent warriors to meet this encroaching enemy. Before they killed Hannington, on October 29, 1885, he is reported to have said, “Tell the Kabaka that I die for Uganda.”

Less than a year later, on June 3, 1886, the king of Buganda ordered the killing of twenty-six of his court pages because they refused his homosexual advances and would not recant their belief in King Jesus. They cut and carried the reeds that were then wrapped around them and set on fire in an execution pit. As the flames engulfed them, these young martyrs sang songs of praise. Far from eliminating Christianity, the martyrdoms had the opposite effect: If the faith of these martyrs was worth dying for, then it must also be something worth living for. Christianity began to spread like wildfire.

Martyrdom, however, is not a thing of the past. As recently as 1977, the archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Janani Luwum, was martyred at the hands of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Archbishop Luwum spoke out boldly against the injustices and atrocities of Amin. This, however, ushered in a swift and merciless reaction from Amin. The archbishop’s home was plundered during a 1:30 a.m. raid on February 5, 1977. This brought a piercing censure of Amin from the Ugandan House of Bishops. Church leaders were summoned to Kampala and then ordered to leave, one by one. Luwum turned to Bishop Festo Kivengere and said: “They are going to kill me. I am not afraid.”

On February 16, 1977, Amin had Archbishop Luwum arrested on trumped-up charges of treason. Thrown into a cell with several other political prisoners, the archbishop said, “Let us pray.” Then they were taken to Amin himself, brutally beaten, and shot to death. “While the opportunity is there, I preach the Gospel with all my might, and my conscience is clear before God that I have not sided with the present government which is utterly self-seeking,” Janani Luwum wrote. “I have been threatened many times. Whenever I have the opportunity I have told the president the things the churches disapprove of. God is my witness.”

The influence of these martyrs on the faith of Anglican Christians in Uganda cannot be underestimated. The Church of Uganda has been built not only on the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone, but also on its martyrs. The faith and moral vision for which our martyrs died can never be denied by the Church of Uganda. Their courage and complete confidence in the God of the Bible and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has left an indelible mark on Christianity in Uganda.

The experience of martyrdom is not, however, unique to Uganda. The faith of the Ugandan martyrs is the same faith that took Cranmer, Latimer, and Ridley to the stake. Latimer’s dying words to Ridley were, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” Yet, as the light of the gospel continues to dim in the Western world, are we not betraying our founding fathers and the Reformation Faith for which they died?

Do we not need a revival of the martyrs’ confidence in the Word of God? A revival in the conviction that this Faith that was worth dying for is the same Faith worth living for today? The heroes of Anglicanism throughout the world are our martyrs...

First Things, August/September 2007

XXIV Pentecost

Let Us Pray For…

Anglican Evangelism
Mrs. Jenny Noyes (Director)

Anglicans for Life
Mrs. Georgette Forney (President)

Anglican Global Mission Partners
Mr. Stewart Wicker (Chairman)

Special Prayer Petitions
from Georgette Forney of Anglicans for Life

Most important prayer request is that we will fulfill our mission: advocate the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death in the Church and society and successfully end abortion and euthanasia, protect embryos from research abuse, and promote abstinence and adoption.

I am also working on next year’s goals and budget which I will present at our Nov. 10th Board of Directors meeting and include in our Church Grant request going to over 500 Church Pastors. Please pray I will have a clear sense of what God is calling this ministry to accomplish and what He will fund, also pray for Churches to support AFL.

Another issue we pray for relates to the fact that we rent office space from St. Stephen’s Church in Sewickley, which is in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Diocese and majority of Churches have left the Episcopal Church including St. Stephen’s. There is concern that the Episcopal Church will at some point in the future try and take over our church property. Our computer support system and accounting/database management is all hosted and housed by St. Stephen’s. We have decided to convert to our own system. While this is a good thing it will also open pandora’s box on potential computer glitches. Please be praying for this conversion process which will begin in late November. Specifically ask the Lord to provide a smooth transition for the data and for all the computers to get connected properly.

Finally, I hope the door will open so I can present AFL’s ministry to the Common Cause Bishop’s Council, with the hope that they would endorse us and make the Sanctity of Life a plank in the foundation of the new province so all churches would be involved in doing life-ministry as part of fulfilling the great commission.



From the Scriptures
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 3:17-22 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
O God, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“God speaks not as man, but as GOD. His thoughts are very deep; and thence his words are of inexhaustible virtue. And the language of his messengers, also, is exact in the highest degree: for the words which were given them accurately answered the impression made upon their minds: and hence, as Luther says, ‘Divinity is nothing but the grammar of the language of the Holy Ghost.’ To understand this thoroughly, we should observe the emphasis which lies on every word; the holy affections expressed thereby, and the tempers shown in every writer. But how little are these, the latter especially regarded! though they are wonderfully diffused through the whole New Testament, and are in truth a continued commendation of him who acts, speaks, or writes.”

Rev. John Wesley (1703-1791)
“Preface,” Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament

Week of XXIII Pentecost - Stewardship

Pray for good stewardship
May all CCP members be blessed with the means, thankfulness and cheerfulness to be good stewards.

May all CCP ministries be blessed with all they need to do the work God assigns.

Scripture
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. II Corinthians 9:6-8

Week of XXIII Pentecost

Please pray for clergy who are being attacked by religious authorities:

Brandon, Manitoba - Clergy of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC)

California - Clergy of the Diocese of San Joaquin (Province of the Southern Cone)

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift; Send down upon our Bishops, and other Clergy, and upon the Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

XXIII Pentecost

Let Us Pray For...
AMiA Youth Ministry
The Rev. Chris Zoephel (Director)

Young Anglicans Project
The Rev. Dr. Jack Gabig (Director)

Anglican Academy



Special Prayer Petitions
from Rev. Chris Zoephel:

1) For our team to help advance the Kingdom by helping churches reach students with the gospel of Jesus Christ
2) For unity of our team
3) For encouragement and strength
4) For protection
5) For Soul in the City Summer Camp coming next summer in Denver and Jacksonville (and all that goes into the planning and running of such events)
6) For our workshops at Winter Conference etc...
7) For our teaching and training in East Africa. We are going with Youth Specialties to train youth in six countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Tanzania and the Suday) in mid August.



From the Scriptures
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:3-11 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“For the way of all those who see is single and upward, illumined by the heavenly light, but the ways of those who do not see are many, dark and divergent; the one leads to the kingdom of heaven, uniting man to God, while the others lead down to death, separating man from God. Thus it is necessary for you and for all who are concerned about their salvation to make your way by faith, without deviation, surely and resolutely, lest, in slacking, you remain in gross desires, or, erring, wander from the right path.”*

St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Bishop and Martyr (d. ca. 202)
The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

__________________________
*Translated by John Behr, Copyright 1997, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press

Thanksgiving for new CCP congregation in Canada

St Bede’s Anglican Church in Kinosota, Manitoba
Has aligned with the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC)

Continue to Pray for those in Litigation

We give thanks for a favorable decision for Truro Church, Fairfax, VA.

Please pray for St. James', Newport Beach (CA) and other churches awaiting a ruling from the California Supreme Court.

Special Prayer Request from Bishop Iker

"Pray, brothers and sisters, for the Church in this time of conflict and tension. May God preserve us from rancor and animosity in the midst of our disagreements and divisions."

The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth
October 13, 2008

The context of this prayer request may be found here.

Thanksgiving Day for Canadian Anglicans (October 13, 2008)

Let Us Give Thanks to God for the Witness of Orthodox Anglicans in Canada and Wish Them a Happy Thanksgiving



From the Scriptures
Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.

Deuteronomy 8:6-11 (NIV)
The Proper Lesson for the Day according to the Canadian Book of Common Prayer (1962)

A Guiding Prayer
O most merciful Father, we humbly thank thee for all thy gifts so freely bestowed upon us; for life and health and safety; for power to work and leisure to rest; for all that is beautiful in creation and in the lives of men; but above all we thank thee for our spiritual mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Thanksgiving Day,” The Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962)

A Heritage Reflection
Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Rev. Henry Alford (1810-1871)
Psalms and Hymns

XXI Penteocst

Let Us Pray For...
Living Waters Network, AMiA
The Rev. Canon Michael Murphy

Lord of the Nations Network, AMiA
The Rev. Dr. M. Keith Andrews

Miletus Network, AMiA
The Rev. Dr. John D. Richardson



From the Scriptures
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace,
And fortify the whole;
Indissolubly joined,
To battle all proceed,
But arm yourselves with all the mind
That was in Christ your head.*

Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Hymns and Sacred Poems

_______________________________
*The original fourth stanza of “Soldiers of Christ, Arise”

Special Prayer Request

Please pray for Common Cause leaders meeting in Virginia this week.

O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Unity of God's People, 1928 Book of Common Prayer USA

Week of XXI Pentecost - UPDATED

Let us pray for...

St. Bartholomew's, Tonawanda, NY - congregation leaving its buildings to realign with the Province of the Southern Cone

New CCP congregations in the Anglican Network in Canada
Church of St. Peter, Hamilton
St. George's, Ottawa

CCP Churches in Virginia, facing litigation over property
Special intention for The Falls Church

CCP Churches in California, defending their property before the California Supreme Court
Special intention for St. James', Newport Beach

The Diocese of Pittsburgh, realigned to Province of the Southern Cone
Bishop Robert Duncan
The Standing Committee
The Clergy and People

Please pray for those persecuting CCP members
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Romans 12:14

XXI Pentecost

Let Us Pray For...
International Conference, ACN
The Rt. Rev. William Atwood
The Rt. Rev. William Cox
The Rt. Rev. Andrew Fairfield
The Rt. Rev. John A. M. Guernsey
The Rt. Rev. William Murdoch
Anglican Church of Kenya
Anglican Church of Uganda
Anglican Province of the Southern Cone

Emmaus Network, AMiA
The Rev. John Miller III

Kings Mission Network, AMiA
The Rev. Alan Hawkins


Special Prayer Petitions
From Bishop John Guernsey: for our joint Clergy and Spouses Retreat, October 27-30 at Ridgecrest, NC.



From the Scriptures
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
O Almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“… concerning that Faith, Hope, and Charity, without which there can be no salvation, was there ever any mention made saving only in that law which God himself hath from heaven revealed? There is not in the world a syllable muttered with certain truth concerning any of these three, more than hath been supernaturally received from the mouth of the eternal God.”

Richard Hooker (1554?-1600)
Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity

Special Prayers and Readings for the Hours Leading Up to and Throughout the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh

The following are collects from the 1928 American Book of Common Prayer, followed by some guiding questions to focus our prayers. Some of the questions are addressed to our Lord. Some are addressed inwardly to ourselves.



Opening Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who by thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the Council of the blessed Apostles, and hast promised, through thy Son Jesus Christ, to be with thy Church to the end of the world; We beseech thee to be with the Council of thy Church here assembled in thy Name and Presence. Save us from all error, ignorance, pride, and prejudice; and of thy great mercy vouchsafe, we beseech thee, so to direct, sanctify, and govern us in our work, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, that the comfortable Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed, in all places, to the breaking down the kingdom of sin, Satan, and death; till at length the whole of thy dispersed sheep, being gathered into one fold, shall become partakers of everlasting life; through the merits and death of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

A Prayer to be used at the Meetings of Convention

Collect
O gracious Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldst be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

For the Church

Where are we “corrupt?”

Where are we “in error?”
Where are we “amiss?”
Where are we “right?”
Where are we “in want?”
Where are we “divided?”



Collect
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unity of God’s People

Is there any “hatred and prejudice” among us?
What is “godly union and concord?”
What does it mean to be “united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity?”
How may we “with one mind and one mouth glorify” God?



Collect
Almighty God, whose compassions fail not, and whose loving-kindness reacheth unto the world’s end; We give thee humble thanks for opening heathen lands to the light of thy truth; for making paths in the deep waters and highways in the desert; and for planting thy Church in all the earth. Grant, we beseech thee, unto us thy servants, that with lively faith we may labour abundantly to make known to all men thy blessed gift of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Missions (2)

As descendants ourselves of the “heathen lands,” how may we most effectively “labour abundantly to make known to all men thy blessed gift of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord?”

What is “the light of thy truth,” Lord?



Collect
O Almighty God, look mercifully upon the world which thou hast redeemed by the blood of thy dear Son, and incline the hearts of many to dedicate themselves to the sacred ministry of thy Church; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Increase of the Ministry

What is “the sacred ministry of thy Church?”
How may God best use us to “incline the hearts of many to dedicate themselves to” it?



Collect
O God, merciful and compassionate, who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee; Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant us thy help in this our need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Time of Calamity

Calamity here is not specified. What, for us, is “this our need?”
Do we truly believe, Lord, that you are “ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee?”



Collect
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

To be used after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer, or Communion, at the discretion of the Minister

How may “all our works begun, continued, and ended in” God, most “glorify” his “holy Name?”



Collect
O most loving Father, who willest us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of thee, and to cast all our care on thee, who carest for us; Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which thou hast manifested unto us in thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Trustfulness

What do we “dread?”
What “faithless fears and worldly anxieties” burden us right now?
Are there any “clouds of this mortal life” hiding “from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which thou hast manifested unto us in thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord?”



Collect
O Heavenly Father, thou understandest all thy children; through thy gift of faith we bring our perplexities to the light of thy wisdom, and receive the blessed encouragement of thy sympathy, and a clearer knowledge of thy will. Glory be to thee for all thy gracious gifts. Amen.

For Trustfulness (2)

What “perplexities” should we now bring “to the light of thy wisdom,” Lord?



Concluding Collect
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son’s Name; We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

To be used after the Collects of Morning or Evening Prayer, or Communion, at the discretion of the Minister

From the Scriptures
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:8-17 (ESV)

A Heritage Reflection
“Wherefore, O Christian and godly reader, forasmuch as thou seest the reasons and causes, both why we have restored religion, and why we have forsaken these men, thou oughtest not to marvel, though we have chosen to obey our Master Christ, rather than men. Paul hath given us warning how we should not suffer ourselves to be carried away with such sundry learnings, and to fly their companies, in especial, which would sow debate and variances, clean contrary to the doctrine which they had received of Christ and the Apostles.”

Bishop John Jewel (1522-1571)
The Apology of the Church of England

* * * * *

The following New Testament Lessons are from the Psalms and Lessons for the Christian Year (rev. 1945) from the 1928 American Book of Common Prayer for the Saturday after the Nineteenth Sunday After Trinity (which corresponds to Saturday, October 4, 2008—the day of the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh):


From Morning Prayer
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

I Timothy 3:1-13 (NKJV)

From Evening Prayer
Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.
The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”
And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

Matthew 19:1-15 (NKJV)

Week of XX Pentecost

Let Us Continue in Prayer For...

Rhode Island Chapter, AAC
Ms. Leah Turner

Massachusetts Chapter, AAC
Mr. Ken Burrill

Prayer
We give thanks, Almighty and Most Merciful God, that Bishop Geralyn Wolfe of Rhode Island did not consent to TEC's actions against Bishop Robert Duncan. We give thanks that faithful Anglicans in Rhode Island have some freedom to witness without retaliation. Continue to protect them and let their voices be heard.

We pray for Anglican witnesses in the hostile environment of secular and Episcopalian Massachusetts. We ask you to strengthen them, and let their endurance bring forth blessing.

We pray for our brothers and sisters in Jesus' Name. Amen.