Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles gives us a glimpse into the early community of Christians, and the impact that the Good News had on their lives. Today, we hear how they lived:
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:38-47).
When I read this, I cannot help but see what the Holy Spirit is doing at St. Augustine’s. Take for example this weekend. On Saturday, the UBE Youth came to visit St. Augustine to learn the history of the community established 126 years ago. People from the congregation shared their stories. We prayed Morning Prayer together, and we ate breakfast as a community. Then the youth went to St. Vincent’s House to share their time and talents by painting a mural. On Sunday, we celebrated the Eucharist together, offered prayers in thanksgiving for the good work done by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Relief and Development and for Nikki, who made us a part of her life, and blessed her on her way. Then we all shared what we had with one another and the result was a feast! You and I are living in the Acts of the Apostles. Let us rejoice and be glad.
Let us pray: Gracious Father, we thank you for sharing Your Son, Jesus Christ with us, who saved us from our sins and restored us to relationship with You. Send Your Holy Spirit to infuse our lives with love for You and one another as we devote ourselves to praising You and growing in faith and love. Amen.
THANK YOU to everyone who made yesterday such a wonderful and tasty event! Dick and Lisa McGonigle broke in the smoker, and the chicken and ribs were delicious, not to mention everything else people brought to share. Not only did people bring food to share, but the Kitchen Shower was a success and has provided the community with a well stocked kitchen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
Blessing of the Backpacks, Sunday, 8 August 2010: Come and have your backpack blessed for the new school year. We will also have some book bags available if you don’t have one.
The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration, Saturday, 28 August 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
The Second Annual St. Augustine Art Show: It will be at the end of September. Stay tuned for details.
PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:
Deborah, who is critically ill, her husband David, and their children Julie and Chris
Baby Alexa and her grandparents
Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Cindi Clack
For all those who are traveling
Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Lt. Cmdr. Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Runion
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:38-47).
When I read this, I cannot help but see what the Holy Spirit is doing at St. Augustine’s. Take for example this weekend. On Saturday, the UBE Youth came to visit St. Augustine to learn the history of the community established 126 years ago. People from the congregation shared their stories. We prayed Morning Prayer together, and we ate breakfast as a community. Then the youth went to St. Vincent’s House to share their time and talents by painting a mural. On Sunday, we celebrated the Eucharist together, offered prayers in thanksgiving for the good work done by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Relief and Development and for Nikki, who made us a part of her life, and blessed her on her way. Then we all shared what we had with one another and the result was a feast! You and I are living in the Acts of the Apostles. Let us rejoice and be glad.
Let us pray: Gracious Father, we thank you for sharing Your Son, Jesus Christ with us, who saved us from our sins and restored us to relationship with You. Send Your Holy Spirit to infuse our lives with love for You and one another as we devote ourselves to praising You and growing in faith and love. Amen.
THANK YOU to everyone who made yesterday such a wonderful and tasty event! Dick and Lisa McGonigle broke in the smoker, and the chicken and ribs were delicious, not to mention everything else people brought to share. Not only did people bring food to share, but the Kitchen Shower was a success and has provided the community with a well stocked kitchen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
Blessing of the Backpacks, Sunday, 8 August 2010: Come and have your backpack blessed for the new school year. We will also have some book bags available if you don’t have one.
The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration, Saturday, 28 August 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
The Second Annual St. Augustine Art Show: It will be at the end of September. Stay tuned for details.
PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:
Deborah, who is critically ill, her husband David, and their children Julie and Chris
Baby Alexa and her grandparents
Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Cindi Clack
For all those who are traveling
Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Lt. Cmdr. Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Runion
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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