Today’s Daily Office reading continues with the Acts of the Apostles. We are in the eleventh chapter of Acts. After Stephen’s death and the ensuing persecution, some of the Apostles went to preach the Good News to the Gentiles (“the Hellenists”). Given the reference to Claudius, this most likely took place in 46 A.D. Luke writes:
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians”.
At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11: 19-30).
God’s Word knows no bounds. It is open to Jews and Gentiles alike; people who at one time would not readily associate with each other. In the face of hardship, the “Christians” (“the followers of Christ”), “determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.” They helped each other; they shared what they had with those who were in need. The Kingdom of God was happening in their midst. These Jews and Gentiles have one thing in common, they are followers of Christ. Even though their cultures said that they should not associate, they are joined together by Christ. God’s Word knows no bounds.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE ST. AUGUSTINE’S FEAST DAY A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS! A special thanks to the Gaskins, the Guidrys, the Taylors, Pat Tate and everyone else who worked so hard to make Saturday evening a true celebration of our history and our future. What a wonderful weekend this was! We had about 165 people for dinner on Saturday evening to dedicate the new facilities to the glory of God and in honor of Fr. William Bright-Davies and Fr. Fred Sutton. Sunday’s Eucharist culminated the festivities as we shared the Heavenly Banquet in the Body and Blood of Christ with the Revs. Helen Appelberg, Kern Huff and Pam Matthews.
A CHALLENGE: Bob Newding has offered a challenge! He has graciously said that he would purchase 50 stackable chairs for Sutton Hall if we could raise the funds to purchase 50 stackable chairs. If you are willing to take Bob’s challenge, please let me know.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
Sunday, 12 September 2010 after the service, we will celebrate the Rev. Helen Appelberg’s 80th birthday at Grace Episcopal Church’s Jinkins Hall after the 9:00 a.m. service at St. Augustine’s.
Sunday, 19 September 2010, Rally Day. You might be surprised to find out that you already participate in a ministry at the Church. Come and discover what is going on and what you can do.
2 October 2010, the St. Augustine Fish Fry! It’s back, and it will be done in conjunction with the Second Annual St. Augustine Art Show. Tickets go on sale soon.
25 September, the Opening of the Second Annual St. Augustine Art Show. This year’s theme is “Spirit”.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially those serving in the Armed Forces at home or abroad, the chronically ill, those who care for the elderly, those who are traveling, and those who have no one to pray for them.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11: 19-30).
God’s Word knows no bounds. It is open to Jews and Gentiles alike; people who at one time would not readily associate with each other. In the face of hardship, the “Christians” (“the followers of Christ”), “determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.” They helped each other; they shared what they had with those who were in need. The Kingdom of God was happening in their midst. These Jews and Gentiles have one thing in common, they are followers of Christ. Even though their cultures said that they should not associate, they are joined together by Christ. God’s Word knows no bounds.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE ST. AUGUSTINE’S FEAST DAY A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS! A special thanks to the Gaskins, the Guidrys, the Taylors, Pat Tate and everyone else who worked so hard to make Saturday evening a true celebration of our history and our future. What a wonderful weekend this was! We had about 165 people for dinner on Saturday evening to dedicate the new facilities to the glory of God and in honor of Fr. William Bright-Davies and Fr. Fred Sutton. Sunday’s Eucharist culminated the festivities as we shared the Heavenly Banquet in the Body and Blood of Christ with the Revs. Helen Appelberg, Kern Huff and Pam Matthews.
A CHALLENGE: Bob Newding has offered a challenge! He has graciously said that he would purchase 50 stackable chairs for Sutton Hall if we could raise the funds to purchase 50 stackable chairs. If you are willing to take Bob’s challenge, please let me know.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
Sunday, 12 September 2010 after the service, we will celebrate the Rev. Helen Appelberg’s 80th birthday at Grace Episcopal Church’s Jinkins Hall after the 9:00 a.m. service at St. Augustine’s.
Sunday, 19 September 2010, Rally Day. You might be surprised to find out that you already participate in a ministry at the Church. Come and discover what is going on and what you can do.
2 October 2010, the St. Augustine Fish Fry! It’s back, and it will be done in conjunction with the Second Annual St. Augustine Art Show. Tickets go on sale soon.
25 September, the Opening of the Second Annual St. Augustine Art Show. This year’s theme is “Spirit”.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially those serving in the Armed Forces at home or abroad, the chronically ill, those who care for the elderly, those who are traveling, and those who have no one to pray for them.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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