Greetings and a warm welcome to all. If you are visiting with us, please sign the Guest book so that we may stay in touch with you. We appreciate your time with us and invite you to join us for refreshements in the Parish Hall immediately following the 10:30 liturgy.
What are you reading this summer? I always say to myself, 'so many books, so little time'. It is true. I recently picked up a copy of the Episcopal Church's newest edition of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. The title of the 2010 edition has been changed and is now, Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints. As many of you know, Lesser Feasts and Fasts has been published every three years following General convention; it contains the stories of the lives of many faithful followers of Christ. Some of these men and women are designated as saints of the church, and others are folks who have made a difference in the church and in the lives of others. The new edition, Holy Women, Holy Men has increased the number of feast day celebrations by 116. Among the names that have been added are Thomas Merton, John Henry Newman, the physicians William W. Mayo and Charles F. Menninger, naturalist and writer John Muir, Hudson Stuck, priest and environmentalist, and the Martyrsof the Sudan. As you know, we worship God, follow Christ, and look to the example of those many men and women who have been faithful in the church and have paved the way for us. The parish office will order a few copies and will place one in the church library. Please feel free to come by and check out the book. You may want to have your own copy for daily reading.
I have included below the prayer in the front of the book Holy Women Holy Men:
Ecce quam bonum,
Deedie
Blessed feasts of blessed martyrs. Holy women, holy men, with affection's recollections greet we your return again. Worthy deeds they wrought, and wonders, worthy of the name they bore; we with meetest praise and sweetest, honor them for evermore. (Twelfth century Latin text, translated John Mason Neale, #238, The 1982 Hymnal)
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Ascension’s Prayer for MissionO God, creator of heaven and earth, open our hearts and minds to embrace unity with you and with one another as we strive to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. Help us to be mindful of others and to invite and welcome others to our parish. Lead us to walk the path as disciples of Christ, called to serve neighbors near and far. Direct us on our journey as we strive to meet the needs of our parish and community through sharing and caring, enhancing our lives and faith through relationships and interactions with one another. Guide us as we seek to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people in our worship, prayer, and study. Help us to show gratitude to you through faithful stewardship of our time, talents, and resources. May we be united as one with you and your creation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.