In today’s Epistle selection from Thessalonians, we hear about Paul’s great love for those he ministered to and their love of him:
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.
But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thes. 3:1-13).
From the context of the letter, we can see that persecution is in the air. Paul is concerned for those he ministered to and he sends Timothy to minister to them. Timothy comes back with encouraging news for Paul: his former congregation is strong in the faith! Paul is elated.
There is a special relationship between a congregation and its minister. It is a relationship bound in Christ’s love and in prayer. From the minister’s perspective, there is nothing greater than to have a congregation that is filled with God’s love living out Jesus’ call to discipleship. I believe that all Episcopal priests pray earnestly for those whom they serve. We pray that those in our care may find joy and fulfillment as sons and daughters of God saved by Jesus Christ and live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is an awesome responsibility. In the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, at the ordination of a priest the Bishop would charge the ordinand: “Have always therefore printed in your remembrance, how great a treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of Christ, which he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his blood. The Church and Congregation whom you must serve, is his Spouse, and his Body. And if it shall happen that the same Church, or any Member thereof, do take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your negligence, ye know the greatness of the fault, and also the horrible punishment that will ensue.” What a powerful reminder to us who serve as your clergy.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY
During this Advent Season and as the Spirit moves you, please consider offering your assistance to these three organizations: (1) Lord of the Streets needs warm men’s clothing; (2) St. Vincent’s House needs food for its pantry, and (3) Ronald McDonald House needs food for those who stay at the center while their children are undergoing treatment. You can bring the goods for these organizations to St. Augustine’s and we will distribute them.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Please remember to sign-up for Sunday Fellowship.
Adult Christian Formation during the weeks of Advent at 11:00 a.m.: “Looking Back, Looking Forward and at the Present: Christmas, the Final Judgment and Prophets”.
Join Lee Runion who will offer an art class on making Christmas decorations on Saturday, 4 December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He is a wonderful teacher and it is a great opportunity to be creative even for those of us who may be challenged in that area.
The day is drawing near, Big Mista BBQ fundraiser for the Community Garden, Saturday, 11 December. Melva Pope has tickets, so please pick some up for friends and family.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Carol Freeman, Jo and Karen as they travel home and Pat Tate.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.
But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thes. 3:1-13).
From the context of the letter, we can see that persecution is in the air. Paul is concerned for those he ministered to and he sends Timothy to minister to them. Timothy comes back with encouraging news for Paul: his former congregation is strong in the faith! Paul is elated.
There is a special relationship between a congregation and its minister. It is a relationship bound in Christ’s love and in prayer. From the minister’s perspective, there is nothing greater than to have a congregation that is filled with God’s love living out Jesus’ call to discipleship. I believe that all Episcopal priests pray earnestly for those whom they serve. We pray that those in our care may find joy and fulfillment as sons and daughters of God saved by Jesus Christ and live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is an awesome responsibility. In the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, at the ordination of a priest the Bishop would charge the ordinand: “Have always therefore printed in your remembrance, how great a treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of Christ, which he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his blood. The Church and Congregation whom you must serve, is his Spouse, and his Body. And if it shall happen that the same Church, or any Member thereof, do take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your negligence, ye know the greatness of the fault, and also the horrible punishment that will ensue.” What a powerful reminder to us who serve as your clergy.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY
During this Advent Season and as the Spirit moves you, please consider offering your assistance to these three organizations: (1) Lord of the Streets needs warm men’s clothing; (2) St. Vincent’s House needs food for its pantry, and (3) Ronald McDonald House needs food for those who stay at the center while their children are undergoing treatment. You can bring the goods for these organizations to St. Augustine’s and we will distribute them.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Please remember to sign-up for Sunday Fellowship.
Adult Christian Formation during the weeks of Advent at 11:00 a.m.: “Looking Back, Looking Forward and at the Present: Christmas, the Final Judgment and Prophets”.
Join Lee Runion who will offer an art class on making Christmas decorations on Saturday, 4 December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He is a wonderful teacher and it is a great opportunity to be creative even for those of us who may be challenged in that area.
The day is drawing near, Big Mista BBQ fundraiser for the Community Garden, Saturday, 11 December. Melva Pope has tickets, so please pick some up for friends and family.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Carol Freeman, Jo and Karen as they travel home and Pat Tate.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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