Spirit of the Eagle – January 2019
Spirit of the Eagle
St. John the Evangelist ACC
Spiritual Tidbits & Rector’s Reflections for January 2019 from Father Tim
January has arrived, leaving 2018 behind, and ushering in the New Year 2019. Our Saint John church family accomplished much in 2018, and I pray by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, we will accomplish even more in 2019.
Our duty in 2019, as always, remains the same. It is the direct command of our Lord and Savior, ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. We must always be looking for ways of reaching those ‘lost sheep’ who sadly seem to wander aimlessly through life in darkness. The lost are all around us, and it is our duty to be ‘lights unto the world’ and help them find their way to Jesus Christ. Each passing year also confirms, to us who are still in the Church Militant, that many lost souls purposely and gleefully choose the ways of the fallen world, deny the Christ and His Holy Church, and continue to rebel against God and His kingdom. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” Our ‘Epiphany’ at Saint John’s for 2019 is upon us. The Day-Spring from on high hath visited us, the New Year is brightened from Beyond. We have been given our moment of sudden revelation and insight. I hope and pray each of you reflect this perfect and pure light in January, and the remainder of the year. ~ Father Tim
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Maker of the sun, He is made under the sun. In the Father He remains, from His mother He goes forth. Creator of heaven and earth, He was born on earth under heaven. Unspeakably wise, He is wisely speechless. Filling the world, He lies in a manger. Ruler of the stars, He nurses at His mother’s bosom. He is both great in the nature of God, and small in the form of a servant. ~ Saint Augustine of Hippo
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Please join your church family in the parish hall after Holy Mass on Sunday, the 13th of January, as we celebrate a Bridal Shower for Paige Smith and Kristopher Bock.
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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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January Spirituality Class
In January we will be continuing our transitional class with both Spirituality and Bible Study. The class in January will cover The Epistle to the Philippians. 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 20th of January 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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I put before you your life, with no false colouring, no tampering with the truth. Come with me to Douay; you shall enter our house according to the strictest rule; you shall engage in no study that is any delight or effort to the intellect; but you shall teach the smallest children in the schools, and visit the poorest people, and perform the duties of the household—and all for Christ. I promise you on the faith of a gentleman and a priest—I promise you, for I have no shade of doubt—that in this path you shall find the satisfaction of the heavenly walk; you shall walk with Jesus day by day, growing ever more and more like to Him; and your path, without the least fall or deviation, shall lead more and more into the light, until you come unto the perfect day; and on your death bed—the death bed of a saint—the vision of the smile of God shall sustain you, and Jesus Himself shall meet you at the gates of eternal life. ~ J. Henry Shorthouse, John Inglesant
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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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If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to heaven. We must count it no strange thing, if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like other men. Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace along the way, and glory at the end all this our Savior has promised to give. But He has never promised that we shall have no afflictions. ~ J.C. Ryle, 1816 -1900 First Anglican Bishop of Liverpool
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St. John January Ordo Kalendar
Sunday, the 6th of January at 10:30 AM, we celebrate The Epiphany, Vestry meeting
Sunday, the 13th of January at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Epiphany I, Paige Smith Coffee Hour
Sunday, the 20th of January at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Epiphany II, Bible Study after Mass
Sunday, the 27th of January at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Epiphany III
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January Birthdays & Anniversaries
Reza Akhtar – Birthday – January 4
Eileen Hanson – Birthday – January 14
Joel Sams – Birthday – January 15
Susan Moore – Birthday – January 20
Mary Matias Akhtar – Birthday – January 21
Kim Marshall – Birthday – January 24
Devan Smith – Birthday – January 25
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Epiphany Chalk
Don’t forget to pick up your Epiphany Chalk after Holy Mass on the 6th of January!
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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