IV Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Common Cause Observers
Anglican Province of America (APA)
Anglican Essentials Canada (AEC)


Prayer Petitions
May we never forget that the very word ‘Anglican’ testifies to our Gentile heritage, that we were once “separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” May God look graciously upon the Anglican Church in North America, and to reconcile us with those in the ‘Anglican Diaspora’ for a united mission in the world.

WHS

From the Scriptures
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:11-22 (ESV)
from Morning Prayer for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Book of Common Prayer, USA, 1928)

A Guiding Prayer
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“For the whole Scriptures, saith St. Paul (2 Tim. 3:16), and shall we Christian men think to learn the knowledge of God and of ourselves in any earthly man’s work or writing sooner or better than in the holy Scriptures written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost? (2 Pet.1:21) were given by the inspiration of God:The Scriptures were not brought unto us by the will of man; but holy men of God, as witnesseth St. Peter, spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit of God. The Holy Ghost is the Schoolmaster of truth, which leadeth his scholars, as our Saviour Christ saith of him (John 16:13), into all truth. And whoso is not led and taught by this Schoolmaster cannot but fall into deep error, how goodly soever his pretence is, what knowledge and learning soever he hath of all other works and writings, or how fair soever a shew or face of truth he hath in the estimation and judgment of the world.”

“An Information for Them which Take Offence at Certain Places of the Holy Scriptures”

The Book of Homilies (1571)

John Chrysostom; Thomas Aquinas; Lydia, Dorcas & Phoebe

Let us pray for...

Excellent preachers in all CCP pulpits...

O God, who gave to your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering your Word, that your people shall be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (John Chrysostom, January 27th)

excellent scholars and teachers to engage the world with the orthodox Gospel...

Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Thomas Aquinas, January 28th)

and excellent stewards and servants to build up the CCP witness across North America.

Almighty God, who inspired your servants Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe to uphold and sustain your Church by their loving and generous deeds: Give us the will to love you, open our hearts to hear you, and strengthen our hands to serve you in others for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe, January 29th)

III Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Reformed Episcopal Church (REC)
The Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches (Presiding Bishop)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray that the reunion of the Reformed Episcopal Church with other North American Anglicans will set an example for other splintered bodies in Christ’s church. Let us pray that the principles of the REC will help the new North American Province in its witness to the gospel: “In these uncertain times - amidst changing values, moral decline, spiritual questioning and the advance of secular humanism - it's good to know that there is a Christian Church that still offers a timely message to the uncertainty of our time. This alternative is consistent with God's Holy Word. It focuses worship on Almighty God and not on man. It is an alternative which is rich in biblical preaching and consistent with the English Protestant Reformation as expressed by our American Forefathers.”

WHS

From the Scriptures
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:16-21 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Third Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)*

A Heritage Reflection
“When we pray, we come unto him in the confidence of Christ’s merits, and thus offering up our prayers, they shall be heard for Christ’s sake. Yea, Christ will offer them up for us, that offered up once his sacrifice to God, which was acceptable; and he that cometh with any other mean than this, God knoweth him not…. And so, to make an end: this must be done with a constant faith and a sure confidence in Christ. Faith, faith, faith; we are undone for lack of faith. Christ nameth faith here, faith is all together: ‘When the Son of man shall come, shall he find faith on the earth?’ Why speaketh he so much of faith? Because it is hard to find a true faith. He speaketh not of a political faith, a faith set up for a time; but a constant, a permanent, a durable faith, as durable as God’s word.”

Bishop Hugh Latimer (1485-1555)
Sermons

______________________
* The Collect and Scripture Lesson are identical to those in The Book of Common Prayer used by the Reformed Episcopal Church

Week of II Epiphany (Includes The Confession of St. Peter, and Feasts of Martyrs Fabian, Agnes and Vincent)

Let us continue in prayer for...

Forward in Faith, North America (FiFNA)

Reflection
Anglo Catholics reflect a proud stream within Anglicanism. Too often today, we dismiss them as antiquarians. But they represent a call to the transcendent values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Their witness includes dignified endurance of rejection, pastoral care on the neglected margins of society, and faithful sacramental ministry in the face of assertive trends and changes. They have much in common with the Saints commemorated this week. TLF+

From Our Heritage
One of the most alarming, as a symptom, is the growing indifference, in which men indulge themselves, to other men's religious sentiments. Under the guise of charity and toleration we are come almost to this pass; that no difference, in matters of faith, is to disqualify for our approbation and confidence, whether in public or domestic life. Can we conceal it from ourselves, that every year the practice is becoming more common, of trusting men unreservedly in the most delicate and important matters, without one serious inquiry, whether they do not hold principles which make it impossible for them to be loyal to their Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier? Are not offices conferred, partnerships formed, intimacies courted,—nay, (what is almost too painful to think of,) do not parents commit their children to be educated, do they not encourage them to intermarry, in houses, on which Apostolical Authority would rather teach them to set a mark, as unfit to be entered by a faithful servant of Christ?
John Keble, National Apostasy (1833)

II Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Forward in Faith, North America (FiFNA)
The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, SSC, DD (President)
Fr. William H. Ilgenfritz (Convocational Dean)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray for FiFNA’s new Executive Director, Dr. Michael W. Howell. Let us also pray for God’s guidance as FiFNA executes its self-described role in the Anglican Church in North America:

“a. As the primary voice for Anglo-Catholic Mission and Renewal, we will need to put into action the means by which we will be a missionary Church. As an ACNA Sub-Province (formerly a Common Cause Partner), we need to implement that missionary strategy and form it to the new governance of the ACNA reflecting our historic expression of the Catholic Faith.

“b. Another important role for FiFNA will be the continued pastoral care of those parishes and members of FiFNA who find themselves still under TEC jurisdictions and unable to be under the new ACNA. We are committed to maintaining our relationship with those members remaining in hostile territory.”

Let us pray for the following members of FiFNA who serve on the following ACNA committees, task forces, or working groups:

Bishop Keith Ackerman, FiFNA President, is on Executive, Admissions, Episcopal , & Prayer Book and Common Worship

Father Larry Bausch, FiFNA Vice-President, is on Governance
Dr. Michael Howell, FiFNA Executive Director, is on Ecumenical
Father Michael Brooks, FiFNA Secretary, is on Finance/Stewardship
Bishop Paul Hewett, FiFNA Episcopal Adjunct, is on Executive, and Ecumenical
Father Warren Tanghe, FiFNA Ex-Officio Adjunct, is on Ecumenical
Father Chuck Hough, FiFNA member, is on Education

WHS

From the Scriptures
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Romans 12:6-16 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Second Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“Rejoicing in hope,
And patient in grief,
To thee I look up
For certain relief;
I fear no denial,
No danger I fear,
Nor start from the trial
While Jesus is near.”

Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems

I Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas (FACA)
The Rt. Rev. Paul Hewett (Moderator)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray that God will empower FACA to remain faithful to its tenets:

1. FACA is a Federation of Anglican Provinces or Jurisdictions in North and South America which hold to the primacy of Holy Scripture, the Ecumenical Creeds and Councils, adhere to the 39 Articles of Religion, and the principles of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral. Each member jurisdiction has adopted one of the historical Books of Common Prayer (as the primary standard for worship).

2. The autonomy of the individual Provinces, or Jurisdictions and their local parishes is in no way restricted or superceded by membership in FACA.

3. The Federation will seek to maintain the Patronage of orthodox Primates in the Anglican Communion. Such patronage is for advisory purposes in expanding fellowship with those in the Anglican Communion and working in concert with the godly projects and programs of the Archbishops primarily in the Global South.

4. Some of the member jurisdictions of the Federation are also members of the Common Cause Partners in North America. All deliberations and actions of the Federation will be executed with sensitivity to the godly goals and purposes of the Common Cause Partners to proclaim the Gospel and effect unity among faithful Anglicans in North America.

WHS

From the Scriptures
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Romans 12:1-5 (ESV)

Guiding Prayers
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The First Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1979)

A Heritage Reflection
“Moreover, we have an evident and perfect image and spectacle of all patience in our Lord Jesus Christ, as he himself pointed us unto himself, saying, ‘Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take his cross upon his back, and follow me.’ (Matt. xvi. 24) When his unspeakable martyrdom and passion began, he prayed: ‘O Father, if it be possible, take this cup from me; but thy will, and not mine, be done.’ Where did he ever once murmur or grudge, or cast out so much as one untoward and unpatient word, when he was mocked and scorned, scourged and beaten, and most cruelly misordered and dealt withal?”

Bishop Miles Coverdale (1488-1568)
Writings and Translations
as compiled in Love's Redeeming Work: The Anglican Quest for Holiness (Rowell, Stevenson, Williams [eds.])

The Epiphany

Please continue in prayer for...

The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA)

Bishop David Bena has issued a prayer calendar for the current CANA congregations:

• January 11 - St. Luke’s, Akron, OH & Church of the Word, Gainesville, VA
• January 18 - Bishop Seabury, Groton, CT & Shepherd’s Heart, Fairfax, VA
• January 25 - St George’s, Helmetta, NJ & Anglican Fellowship of Southern Maryland, Leonardstown, MD
• February 1 - Pentecost, New York City & Church of the Valley, Staunton, VA
• February 8 - Westside Anglican Fellowship, Syracuse, NY & Truro, Fairfax, VA
• February 15- All Saints, Hapeville, GA & Apostles, Fairfax, VA
• February 22 – Christ’s Ambassadors, Oklahoma City, OK & All Saints, San Antonio, TX
• March 1 - Good Shepherd, Harrisburg, PA & Messiah, Chesapeake, VA
• March 8 - Holy Trinity, Bristol, CT & St Margaret’s, Woodbridge, VA
• March 15 - St. Peter the Confessor, Cheyenne, WY & St Stephen’s, Heathsville, VA
• March 22 - New Evangelical, Columbia, MO & The Falls Church, Falls Church, VA
• March 29 - Redeemer, Regina, Saskatchewan & Anglican Fellowship of Orange, VA
• April 5 - Christ the King, Columbiana, OH & Christ the King, Winchester, TN
• April 12 - Easter Sunday
• April 19 - Christ the King, Lexington Heights, MI & Christ the King, Alexandria, VA
• April 26 - Vineyard International, Bronx, NY & Potomac Falls Church, Sterling, VA
• May 3 - Holy Trinity, Los Angeles, CA & St Brendan’s in the City, Washington, D.C.
• May 10 - Christ the Redeemer, Rowlett, TX & Christ the Redeemer, Centreville, VA
• May 17 - St. Paul, Greenfield, IN & St. Paul, Haymarket, VA
• May 24 - Resurrection, Indianapolis, IN & Celebration, Fredericksburg, VA
• May 31 - Christ Anglican, East Haven, CT & Epiphany, Herndon, VA
• June 7 - St Patrick’s, Smyrna, TN & St Patrick’s in the Mountain, Ft. Valley, VA
• June 14 - Holy Spirit, Akron, OH & Holy Trinity, Houston, TX
• June 21 - Christ the King, St Augustine, FL & Christ the Saviour, Mount Vernon, VA
• June 28 - All Saints, Peachtree City, GA & Our Savior, Oatlands, VA
• July 5 - Christ, Baltimore, MD & Christ, Houston, TX
• July 12 - Trinity on the Marketplace, Albuquerque, NM & Trinity, Acton, GA
• July 19 - All Saints, Lanham, MD & All Saints, Tinley Park, IL
• July 26 - St Matthew’s, Nashville, IN & Christ the King, Omaha, IL
• August 2 - St. Anne’s, Madison, OH & St. Anne’s, Anderson, IN
• August 9 - St Andrew’s, Vestal, NY & St. Andrew’s, Evansville, IN
• August 16 - St Andrew’s, Round Rock, TX & St Andrew’s, Lewis Center, OH
• August 23 - St Barnabas, Bay Village, OH & Mt. Zion, Chicago, IL
• August 30 - St Patrick’s, Noblesville, IN & Reconciliation, Houston, TX
• September 6 – St Paul’s, Greenfield, IN & Community of St Alcuin, Blaine, MN
• September 13- All Saints, Oakley, CA & All Saints, Milwaukee, WI
• September 20-Grace and St Stephen’s, Colorado Springs, CO & Holy Trinity, Milan, OH
• September 27-Good Samaritan, Cleveland, OH & Pentecost, Holland, OH
• October 4 - St. Michael the Archangel, Westfield, IN Archangel, Westfield, IN

II Christmas

Let Us Pray For…

Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA)
The Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns (Missionary Bishop)
Anglican Church of Nigeria


Prayer Petitions
Let us give thanks for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America. Let us pray that the recent protections by the secular courts will draw attention to CANA’s mission so that it may continue unhindered as faithful promoters of the Anglican Way in North America.

WHS

From the Scriptures
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.

Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Second Sunday after Christmas Day,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“Just as we recognize the existence at once of fire and the light which proceeds from it: for there is not first fire and thereafter light, but they exist together. And just as light is ever the product of fire, and ever is in it and at no time is separate from it, so in like manner also the Son is begotten of the Father and is never in any way separate from Him, but ever in Him.”

St. John of Damascus (c. 676-749)
Exposition of the Orthodox Faith

California CCP Churches - Supreme Court Ruling on Monday

Please pray for...

California CCP congregations as they wait for the State Supreme Court ruling on their properties, which will be announced on Monday Morning.

h/t The Anglican Curmudgeon blog

January 1st, 2009

Please pray...

That God will bless the Common Cause Partners to obey His will and to know and love Jesus the Savior.

In the 1928 Book of Common Prayer (USA), January 1st is The Circumcision of Christ. This observance emphasizes Christ's obedience to the Law of Moses, so that He would be the perfect sacrifice to fulfill the Law for us. This is reflected in the

Traditional Collect:

ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Revised Common Lectionary observes this day as The Holy Name of Jesus. Here the emphasis is with the Angel's instruction that Joseph and Mary call their child Yeshua, a name meaning "God saves" or "God is salvation." Jesus role as Savior is extolled in the

Contemporary Collect:

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Both Propers include a selection from

Paul's Letter to the Philippians:

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
(2:5-11)