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"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is an epistle of hope, joy and illuminated potential. I’m hoping you will consider joining our Thursday online group to study it. Weekly shared study can be an enormous faith builder and life grounder, especially in what we’ve been through this past year. We have just come to the end of our year-long dive into the stories of the first earthly King (Saul) and the greatest earthly King (David) in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel. This Bible study has been a wonderful look at the hopes and foibles of the Hebrew people as they struggled with the reality of God as their God, and their desire to be “just like the other nations.” In many ways, this extended story (from Saul through David’s kingship) is the consummate “keeping up with the Joneses” story. As we lamented, reeled, and slapped our foreheads reading about the missed, lost, and rejected invitations of God to Saul, David, and the people, we also grieved with and rejoiced in the reassuring witness and love of God. Now, having come up from the depths, we have opted for a leisurely swim through the calm and sweet waters of St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Learning that St. Paul wrote this letter from prison may give you pause because you might assume that Paul is morbid and depressed, but that is far from the truth. Paul writes about love, joy, and the potential of greater things through a life of service and companionship in Christ! Rejoicing in his “knowledge and love of the Lord,” Paul encourages the Philippians--and us to grow in grace and encounter the world in peace. Who doesn’t want that? Join us this Thursday as 7 pm for shared prayer and at 7:30 for this new Bible Study to be encouraged to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
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Greetings, Creator Family!
It has been a joyful last several weeks to gather in-person in our sanctuary. Though we operate under an attendance limit (65 people), have the added step of an online RSVP, and come observing the long-endured PPE requirements, I don’t believe even these necessities can dampen the spirit of love and joy that we feel. Thanks be to God, our merciful and abiding Lord, who will see us through this day. I am so grateful to worship with you in the place that he calls us, be that in our beautifully bright sanctuary or the familiar surroundings of home. Still, as my Mom used to say, “There is no rest for the weary.” So, as we prepared for our regathering, felt confident in our process and have met with the relief and gladness described above, we have been afflicted with yet another problem—septic system failure. After 50+ years, our septic system has completely failed. We are in communication with Hanover County Public Works and gathering bids to remedy the situation. After thorough research and assessment of the situation, we were hoping to have two options: 1. Replace our current system with a like system, or 2. Hook up to County Sewer. Unfortunately, due to current service regulations, we may have no choice after all and will be required to hook up to the county service. Either way we go, we have received preliminary estimates which put the repair at approximately $35,000. There are many ways to look at this very large number so as to keep it in perspective. Perhaps the easiest, and the manner in which we should be thankful to God as we undertake this venture, is that our current septic system has lasted years beyond its measure. Everyone I have spoken with in this profession has remarked how amazing it is that our system lasted this long, with a life expectancy of a commercial leech field around 25 years! As I’m sure you’re aware from taking care of property of your own, the repairs never come when we’re ready for them or cost what we wish to pay. I am choosing to thank God for the five decades of fully functioning works! For the purposes of our gathering this spring, I have undertaken a “Band-aid” approach, as we continue our County and contractor negotiations. As you all know, the Sunday services have been hampered by the bathroom being shut down, but I have made it possible for us to use them again, with care. I won’t bore you with the details here, but you are welcomed and encouraged to ask. The more stewards and those knowledgeable and invested in the care of our property and its upkeep, the further, frankly, will we be able to go. For now, the upstairs and downstairs restrooms are fully functional. In practice, you are encouraged to preserve water where you are able (e.g., shut off the faucet when washing hands and turn it back on to rinse off), but all services are up and running. The issue remains top on our Vestry’s agenda, I assure you. Lee Barron and I are working on this every day and we hope to have a permanent solution and more details soon. In the meantime, please pray for our worship life to grow and flourish like the pollen on all those trees this time of year. See you Sunday!! Faithfully in Christ, Fr. Bill+ The Resurrection
They slept, who should have guarded, And watched over his tomb, But he 'rose up' and none did see His rebirth from this womb, His spirit graced the garden, His final act was done, He was 'The Resurrection' His victory had been won. - By Ernestine Northover What happened to those Soldiers?! The Gospel of Matthew tells us in the Resurrection account (27:62-28:15) that they were instructed by Pilate to guard the tomb where Jesus lay, and that they were sort of on loan to the High Priest for this duty. This explains why they would report to the High Priest before going back to Pilate, but what happened to them? Matthew also tells us that the Soldiers became like “dead men” when the Angel appeared to roll back the stone. The Soldiers told this to the High Priest, who instructed them to lie to Pilate and say they were asleep. It is possible that this was a “sleeping post” (a common designation in the military), and that they were first roused by the Angel and then passed out. This explanation makes sense because if it was not a sleeping post and they reported that they fell asleep, they would be executed for dereliction of duty. So, why did the Soldiers react to the Angel in this way? To put it simply, they were pagans, they believed in the Roman gods. Their response to an Angel from Heaven was based on an expectation of vengeance or oppression from an unpredictable god. Thus, they were unable to accept God’s emissary and so recoiled in terror for their lives. Our God is an awesome God! God constantly reaches out to us and calls us each by name, inviting us into God’s-self. The Resurrection is a miraculous witness and invitation to us! In truth, God shows us the WAY every day, in so many ways as to boggle the mind. The Scripture calls out to you as a living Word, leading you deeper into the heart and mind of God. When we read and study Scripture, we get a better picture of God’s action and presence in our lives and are more able to recognize God—or the emissaries of God. The key to knowing God is knowing, recognizing, and expecting God to be God. Your Bible is there. God wants to be known! Peace in Christ, Fr. Bill+ Dear Creator family,
Easter blessings to all! What a joy to worship with you in our Sanctuary on Sunday, the Resurrection Day. For those joining at home, I am so grateful for our congregation coming together once again to worship our Lord and I look forward to our new ways of worshipping, in person or in your home; wherever you are. We are now very much one in the Spirit. Please, let me or your Vestry person know how best to make our continuing services accessible and welcoming to you. This is not a time to be without your church. A blessed and happy Easter to you. Faithfully in Christ, Fr Bill |
AuthorFather Bill Burk† Archives
September 2024
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