Spirit of the Eagle – February 2019
Spirit of the Eagle
St. John the Evangelist ACC
Spiritual Tidbits & Rector’s Reflections for February 2019 from Father Tim
Well it has definitely been cold. It appears the temperature in February can only go upward. February contains the end of the Epiphany Season and the beginning of the ‘gesima’ days, or the Pre-Lenten Season. Outside Holy Church, this time of year, it is typical to be discussing the Super Bowl, preparing our tax papers, and considering special gifts for Saint Valentine’s Day. Inside Holy Church we will be discussing the Sacred Scripture, preparing for the upcoming Lent, and considering how better to share the gift of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind. If we really do ‘love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,’ we should be as passionate on the latter three as we are on the former three. Actually one could easily argue we should be more passionate on the latter, if we are going to ‘shine as lights in the world’ when dealing with all the typical worldly items. Are you passionate about God and His expectations of you? It is our passion for the Christ, and His Holy Church, that make us ‘shine’ and serves to attract unbelievers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 100 million people are expected to watch the Super Bowl. 138 million people are expected to file tax returns this tax season. 198 million roses were produced this year for Valentine’s Day. That’s a lot of passion for worldly things which will be forgotten within a decade, filed away in a few months, and tossed out in a few days once they lose their bloom. As sons and daughters of God we must be more passionate about giving glory to God and sharing Christ with the lost, so passionate that we can help them turn toward the Author of Life where they will be remembered for all eternity, opened up and exposed to the Sun of Righteousness, and bloom forever after in the Kingdom of God. I hope and pray you have a holy and blessed February. ~ Father Tim
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Thank you to everyone for all you’ve done to make our wedding day special; from the shower all the way through the wedding. Special thanks to those who devoted their time helping to set up and navigate the guests. We appreciate all you have done! ~ Paige and Kris Bock
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Then Inglesant rose, and when the priest turned again he was standing before the altar with his drawn sword held lengthwise across his hands. “My Father,” he said, I am the Cavaliere di San Giorgio [a Knight of Saint George], and as I came across the mountains this morning on my way to Rome, I met my mortal foe, the murderer of my brother, a wretch whose life is forfeit by every law, either of earth or heaven, a guilty monster steeped in every crime. Him, as soon as I had met him,—sent by this lonely and untrodden way as it seems to me by the Lord’s hand,—I thought to crush at once, as I would a venomous beast, though he is worse than any beast. But, my Father, he has appealed from me to the adorable Name of Jesus, and I cannot touch him. But he will not escape. I give him over to the Lord. I give up my sword into the Lord’s hands, that He may work my vengeance upon him as it seems to Him good. Henceforth he is safe from earthly retribution, but the Divine Powers are just. Take this sword, reverend Father, and let it lie upon the altar beneath the Christ Himself; and I will make an offering for daily masses for my brother’s soul.” ~ J. Henry Shorthouse, John Inglesant *
*As a result of Inglesant’s Christ-like compassion, his ‘mortal foe’ later repents his terrible evil’s, turns passionately to Christ, and becomes the holiest friar in Naples, attending plague victims on their deathbeds that not even the doctors will go near. ~ Father Tim
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Bishop Stark’s will be at Saint John’s the second Sunday of February to give the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Homily. Let’s give him a big Saint John’s welcome! Also be sure to join your church family in the parish hall after Holy Mass on Sunday, the 10th of February, as we celebrate the Confirmations of Joel Sams, Josiah Barkdoll, and Max Meadows.
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Are you prepared? We have had an exceptional amount of visitors at Saint John’s lately. When someone new sits in your pew are you ready with a warm smile and a friendly greeting? Do you have an extra Prayer Book and Hymnal close? A Holy Communion Booklet with Commentary? Are you willing to help them along the pages as the service unfolds? Are you ready to introduce them after the Mass to the remainder of your church family? Are you ready to be the one who may help them make a change of life that will last an eternity? Are you prepared? ~ Father Tim
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February Spirituality Class
In February we will be continuing our transitional class with both Spirituality and Bible Study. The class in February will cover The Epistle to the Philippians that we missed in January because of severe winter weather. The study of God’s word is central to the life and mission of our parish church of St. John the Evangelist. Please join us after Holy Mass on the 17th of February for an engaging, dynamic, and informative exploration of the Holy Scriptures. All are welcome, but be warned: continued exposure to God’s word will change your life.
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If these little sparks of holy fire thus heaped up together do not give life to your prepared and already enkindled spirit, yet they will sometimes help to entertain a thought, to actuate a passion, to employ and hallow a fancy. ~ Jeremy Taylor, Anglican Divine
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Would you like to commemorate a special occasion? Honor a special person or remember a deceased loved one and help out your parish? Would you like to mark a special day in your life? Please consider donating money to the Altar Guild for the flowers used for our at Holy Communion. Beautiful flowers glorify God and beautify His holy altar where we gather to receive the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, and deepen our sense of community as we join together with fellow parishioners.
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The Holy Spirit cannot conquer the world with unbelief, nor can He save the world with a worldly Church. He calls for a crusade, a campaign, and an adventure of saving passion. For this enterprise He wants a separated, sanctified and sacrificial people. ~ Samuel Chadwick
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St. John February Ordo Kalendar
Sunday, the 3rd of February at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Epiphany IV, Vestry meeting
Sun., the 10th of Feb. at 10:30 AM, Epiphany V, Bishop Stark’s visit/Confirmation Coffee Hour
Sunday, the 17th of February at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Septuagesima, Bible Study after Mass
Sunday, the 24th of February at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Sexagesima
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February Birthdays & Anniversaries
Catherine Akhtar – Birthday – February 6
Sally Whalen – Birthday – February 6
Helena Fisher – Birthday – February 11
Ruth & Mike Lenz – Anniversary – February 16
Mary Matias & Reza Akhtar – Anniversary – February 17
Carrie Moore – Birthday – February 18
Isabella McHale – Birthday – February 20
Bob Petrie – Birthday – February 23
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Pre-Lenten Season
Now is a good time to start looking for good Lenten day by day reading and meditation material! Prepare yourself early for a Holy Lent.
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I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries. Even so then at the present time also there is a remnant. ~ Jeremiah 23:3; Romans 11:5
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The seeking of Jesus the Christ and the quest for chivalry combined lead directly to one place only: Anglo-Catholicism. Courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak and the poor. Welcome to the Anglican Catholic Church. ~ Father Timothy Butler