Spirit of the Eagle – July 2016
Spiritual Tidbits for July from Father Tim
July is the month of summer picnics, parties, and pools. It is the month of fireworks and fireflies. The earliest 
documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China where they were invented more than 2000 years ago. The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486. Queen Elizabeth was so fascinated with fireworks that she created an honorary title, “Fire Master of England” for the individual who created the best fireworks. Americans have been setting off fireworks to celebrate their independence since at least 1777. After the War between the States was over, the city of Vicksburg, MS refused to officially celebrate fireworks and the 4th of July again for the next 81 years. And what about the tiny fireflies? Fireflies talk to each other with light. Fireflies have short lifespans, a little over a year from larvae to adulthood. Fireflies species imitate each other. Fireflies are found on almost every continent. Chasing fireflies is a favorite among small children.
All of the above are simply interesting facts about two parts of creation, fireworks and fireflies, that emit light. A little over 2000 years ago the Light of Man, Jesus the Christ, entered into His creation. (St. John I: 4-5). Christ is the Bridegroom of Holy Church (St. John III: 29). Christ is bestowed the honorary title “The Light of the World”. Christs faithful celebrate their Saviour for setting them free (Galatians V: 1). Many still refuse to accept or celebrate His offer of freedom (St. Matthew VIII: 34). But there is always hope. And what about us? What about our tiny parish? Do we communicate our inner light of Christ to each other, and to those of the world? Are we committed to do so the rest of our life? Do we imitate the life of Christ every day? Will we be found living the life of Christ no matter where we may travel throughout the world? As children of God, do we chase after His light, and share it with all? These are some discussion topics for each of us this summer. We can share the light at all our picnics, parties, and pools. Have a wonderful and blessed July. ~ Father Tim
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Please be sure to attend Sunday, July 17. Bishop Starks will be at Saint John’s for Confirmations and Receptions. There will be a special Coffee Hour sponsored by the families of those to be Confirmed. We will also celebrate those who are being Received. The 17th will be a beautiful Sunday at Saint John’s!
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My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson
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July Spirituality Class
Please join us on Sunday, the 24th of July, after Mass for the launch of a new Spirituality subject to be determined. Once I have the material I will make it known in the after Mass announcements.
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Psalm-Children
There will be two Psalm-Children classes this month; the 3rd on the Sacraments (taught by Mary Akhtar) and the 24th of July on Holy Baptism (taught by Savannah Butler) after Holy Communion. It is designed for age 2 through 12 years. Please make every effort to bring all related children in your family for these fun and educational classes. The children will participate, enjoy, and learn the foundation and building blocks of the Christian faith through bible stories and created crafts. Crafts and refreshments are provided, and we still need a couple more volunteers who have a desire to teach children the foundation of our faith to step forward and help!
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Asbury Church Match
Please join Janet and myself for a special Summer Picnic Coffee Hour on Sunday, the 31st of July, right after Mass. Janet and I will hold this Coffee Hour for Savannah’s Asbury Church Match. We will be grilling out a variety of goodies and have some special deserts. Asbury University will match dollar for dollar everything the picnic raises. Please come and enjoy! ~ Father Tim
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Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night. ~ George Herbert
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July Birthdays & Anniversaries
Susie McHale – Birthday – July 1
Trudie Baur – Birthday – July 14
Judie Boughner – Birthday – July 21
Juanita Marvin – Birthday – July 30
Tom Hulsey – Birthday – July 30
Mike Lenz – Birthday – July 31
Ordo Kalendar for month of July
July 3 – TRINITY VI – 10:30 Holy Mass – Fr. Neuroth – Psalm Children
July 10 – TRINITY VII – 10:30 Holy Mass – Fr. Butler
July 17 – TRINITY VIII – 10:30 Holy Mass – Fr. Butler – Bishop Confirmation visit and Coffee Hour
July 24 – TRINITY IX – 10:30 Holy Mass – Fr. Butler – Spirituality Class and Psalm Children
July 31 – TRINITY X – 10:30 Holy Mass – Fr. Neuroth – Butler sponsored Coffee Hour/ Summer Picnic