WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 3rd – Fr. Thomas
‘…You don’t get out enough…none of us do
A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, wrote in his book Seasons of the Spirit that he once got into a train in England and discovered that all of the other passengers in the car were patients at a mental institution being taken on an excursion. A mental hospital attendant was counting the patients to be sure that they were all there: “One, two, three, four, five. . .” When he came to Runcie, he said, “Who are you?” “I am the Archbishop of Canterbury,” Runcie replied. The Attendant smiled and, pointing to him, continued counting, “. ..six, seven, eight.. .”
Well, maybe during these days of confinement, some reading this may feel a little “stir crazy.” Incidentally, the phrase stir crazy is a slang term reference to a notorious prison (Newgate) in 19th-century London. The word stir means “prison.” According to the Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, stir may have originated as a variation on Start, a nickname criminals gave to the prison throughout London’s history.
At this point, we’re not quite half way through the Easter season. Even though attendance at all live sporting events and other activities are cancelled or postponed, we are an “Easter People,” in and out of season, and Alleluia is our song. Next Tuesday is the commemoration of the conversion of Saint Augustine, the great theologian and bishop of the 5thc. who wrote: “The Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.” And I say to that Amen, Amen.
NOTICES for this week:
- By Order of the Bishop – the closure of all services and meetings will now be extended through the entire month of May.
- Sunday Scriptures – Follow this link at anytime to refer to any scripture readings. https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster4_RCL.html
- View – Sunday mass– a videos posted are be found on the church’s website, Facebook via our YouTube channel. Do not forget to subscribe free so that we will in the future be able to retain our site.
- Urgent Message– Please continue to pray for an end to the COVID-19 virus and its victims and thank you for your continued financial support (check, automated bank transfers or electronic donations via https://www.myeoffering.comto the life and witness our congregation in this community. For safety and security issue, please do not leave any checks in the communication mailbox attached to the parish building at the front door. For your daily devotional readying the May/June/July copies of Forward Day by Day are available there as well.
- In case of a pastoral emergency, you can leave a message on our voice mail, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
- Please Pray – For the sick: Bob, Caswell, Richard, Barbara, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn, Robin. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Charles & Jenifer Elmore. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea. For the faithful departed: Johnny Siggers.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Physician of the body and soul, You restored sight to the blind, healed the lame and cured those with leprosy. Grant, we beseech You, the necessary knowledge and perseverance to all who are working on a vaccine to quickly end the spread of COVID-19. Have mercy on those who have died, and grant comfort to all who are affected in any way and those who are living in apprehension. Give us the grace each day to trust in You and Your loving mercy. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
