Spirit of the Eagle – October 2019
Spirit of the Eagle
St. John the Evangelist ACC
Spiritual Tidbits & Rector’s Reflections for
October 2019 from Father Tim
The month of October is an enjoyable time of the year in Kentucky and Ohio. The autumn season manifests itself with wonderful fall foliage in most parts of our river valley. The temperatures are cooler, inviting people outdoors for nature walks, apple or pumpkin picking, and fall festivals. School routines are more established and football season is in full swing. The celebrations of the Church for the month of October are also wonderful and unique. Major feasts include Saint Luke (18th) and SS. Simon & Jude (28th). The feasts of some of the most popular saints of the universal Church are also celebrated during this month: St. Teresa of Lisieux (France), St. Francis of Assisi (Italy), St. Teresa of Avila (Spain), and St. Brigit (Sweden). It never hurts to read more about the lives of these saints. Perhaps each of us can pick one virtue that each saint practiced well and try to implement it. All Hallows’ Eve concludes the month of October with emphasis on the Vigil of All Saints. This last day of October (Halloween) on the secular calendar is second only to Christmas in commercial preparations. In case you haven’t noticed the secular festivities continue to deteriorate, and center more on dark entities such as ghouls, zombies, witches, devils, and a heavy touch of the gory just for spice. But the Christian holy day is focused on the communion of saints. Thus at Saint John’s we will stay focused on the communion of saints. Fall festivals are to be enjoyed whenever possible, but fall faith is a constant must. I pray that your October is full of fun festivals and saintly faith. ~ Father Tim
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There are no real personalities apart from God. Until you have given up yourself to Him you will not have a real self. Sameness is to be found most among the most ‘natural’ men, not among those who surrender to Christ. How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been; how gloriously different are the saints. ~ C. S. Lewis
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Is there someone in your life who could benefit from communion with saints? Are they caught up totally in the secular side of the Vigil of All Saints? October is a beautiful month to invite someone to visit St. John’s. Could this October bring fall faith to someone you cherish? Maybe an invitation to meet our Bishop? The experience must come from a true commitment by each person as they begin their own pilgrimage — which leads to the Holy Cross. ~ Father Tim
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There is nothing better than peace in Christ, for it brings victory over all the evil spirits on earth and in the air. When peace dwells in a man’s heart it enables him to contemplate the grace of the Holy Spirit from within. He who dwells in peace collects spiritual gifts as it were with a scoop, and he sheds the light of knowledge on others. All our thoughts, all our desires, all our efforts, and all our actions should make us say constantly with the Church: “O Lord, give us peace!” When a man lives in peace, God reveals mysteries to him. ~ St. Seraphim of Sarov
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October Spirituality Class
In October we will be continuing our transitional class with both Spirituality and Bible Study. The class in October will cover Revelation chapter 2:12-17 The Letter to the Church at Pergamum. 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 October 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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St. John October Ordo Kalendar
Sunday, the 6th of Oct. at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Trinity XVI, Vestry Meeting
Sunday, the 13th of Oct. at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Trinity XVII, Coffee Hour
Sunday, the 20th of Oct. at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Trinity XVIII, Bible Study
Sun., the 27th of Oct. at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Christ the King, Bishop Visit
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October Birthdays & Anniversaries
Roger Blackburn – Birthday – October 1
Peggy Minor – Birthday – October 9
Andrew Masters – Birthday – October 11
Bettilu Conaway – October 12
Michael Griswold – Birthday – October 13
Elsie Fowler – Birthday – October 16
Virginia Jackson – Birthday – October 16
Katie Craft – Birthday – October 17
Leslie Shelton – Birthday – October 24
Rick & Eileen Hanson – Anniversary – October 31
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After explaining the horrible results of Satan’s disobedience, the Archangel Raphael warns Adam that Satan now plots against him and Eve, and that they should be careful. Adam and Eve have now received a warning about the consequences of disobedience, leaving the decision to disobey entirely in their hands: Thus, measuring things in heaven by things on earth, At thy request, and that thou may’st beware By what is past, to thee I have reveal’d What might have else to human race been hid; The discord which befell, and war in heaven Among the angelic powers, and the deep fall Of those too high aspiring, who rebell’d With Satan; he who envies now thy state, Who now is plotting how he may seduce Thee also from obedience, that with him, Bereav’d of happiness, thou may’st partake His punishment, eternal misery. ~ John Milton, Paradise Lost, VI, 893–904
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In like manner, the apostles were divinely instructed to choose others to take their place, and to succeed to their office at death. In this way provision was made for the continuation of the ministry founded by our Lord, and for the perpetuation in the Church of his threefold mission as prophet, priest, and king. On the eve of his ascension into heaven, He bestowed mission or authority upon the ministry whom He had chosen, saying, — “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” To shew how truly Jesus Christ intended the Christian ministry to represent him in the world, He declared to its first members, — “He that receiveth you receiveth me,” and “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me.” It is impossible to find words which shall set forth more strongly the divine origin and authority of the Christian ministry. ~ Vernon Staley, The Catholic Religion, A Manual of Instruction for Members of the Anglican Church
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A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped and attended our St. John End of Summer Picnic in September. I believe Jim and Joanna were king and queen of the corn hole games. Judie and Max were definitely the champions of the water balloon toss! Our next big day as a church family is the Bishop’s visit on Sunday, the 27th of October. Mark your calendars now! Invite family and friends! After the 10:30 Mass we will gather in the Parish Hall with the Bishop. Please plan on staying and spend some time with the Shepherd of our Diocese!
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The seeking of Jesus Christ, and the quest for chivalry combined, lead directly to one place only: Anglican-Catholicism. Courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help and defend the weak and the poor. Welcome to the Anglican Catholic Church. ~ Father Timothy Butler