William Wilberforce: Champion of Equality

Today the Church remembers and honors William Wilberforce. Some of you may have seen the movie, Amazing Grace, which is based on his life.

James Keifer tells us that he was born in 1759 and served in Parliament from 1780 to 1825. A turning point in his religious life was a tour of Europe. In the luggage of a travelling companion, Wilberforce saw a copy of William Law's book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life. After reading it, Wilberforce embarked on a lifelong program of setting aside Sundays and an interval each morning on arising for prayer and religious reading.

He was a major supporter of programs for popular education, overseas missions, parliamentary reform, and religious liberty. He is best known, however, for his untiring commitment to the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. He introduced his first anti-slavery motion in the House of Commons in 1788, in a three-and-a-half hour oration that concluded: “Sir, when we think of eternity and the future consequence of all human conduct, what is there in this life that shall make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice and the law of God!”

The motion was defeated. Wilberforce brought it up again every year for eighteen years, until the slave trade was finally abolished on 25 March 1806. He continued the campaign against slavery itself, and the bill for the abolition of all slavery in British territories passed its crucial vote just four days before his death on 29 July 1833. A year later, on 31 July 1834, 800,000 slaves, chiefly in the British West Indies, were set free.

Let us pray: Just and eternal God, we give you thanks for the stalwart faith and persistence of your servant William Wilberforce, who, undeterred by opposition and failure, held fast to a vision of justice in which no child of yours might suffer in enforced servitude and misery. Grant that we, drawn by that same Gospel vision, may persevere in serving the common good and caring for those who have been cast down, that they may be raised up through Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

UBE Youth at St. Augustine on Saturday morning, 31 July for Morning Prayer, to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas. Then they are off to do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August. As part of the celebration, Dick McGonagle has offered to break in the new smoker and make ribs and corn for everyone to enjoy after the Eucharist on Sunday, 1 August. We’ll have a feast to celebrate the new kitchen. And here is the line-up thus far:

Lee Runion: watermelon
Pat Tate: baked beans
Mary Makowski: baked beans
Melva Pope: potato salad
Janie Richardson: potato salad
Alicia Gaskin: cole slaw
Idell Guidry: bread
Beulah Smith: garlic bread
Earlie Evans: cake
Tammie Taylor: pie
Carol Hogan: desert

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 on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

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

You and I Are Living in the Acts of the Apostles

Today the Daily Office switches from Paul’s Letter to the Romans and begins the Acts of the Apostles. You may recall that the Acts of the Apostles is a sequel to the Gospel according to Luke. Luke starts Acts this way:

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over the course of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This’, he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’

So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. (Acts 1: 1-14).

In the Gospel according to Luke, he wrote about Jesus’ saving work, his death on the cross and Resurrection. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see a transition. After the Resurrection, Jesus returns to the Father and the Apostles are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to do the work of building the Kingdom of God and spreading the Good News of Jesus. We are living in the time for the Holy Spirit who breathes life into the Church. This is the time after Pentecost. You are I are a living part of the Acts of the Apostles.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

UBE Youth at St. Augustine on Saturday morning, 31 July for Morning Prayer, to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas. Then they are off to do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August. As part of the celebration, Dick McGonagle has offered to break in the new smoker and make ribs and corn for everyone to enjoy after the Eucharist on Sunday, 1 August. Throw some potato salad in the mix, and we’ll have a feast to celebrate the new kitchen.

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 on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

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:

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

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

What Did Paul Really Think of Women in Ministry?

In today’s passage from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, we gain insight into the role of women in the early Church:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (Rm. 16: 1-16).

There are many who think that Paul took a dim view of women in the Church. Today’s passage, however, tells a much different story. Paul mentions seven women by name. Although the descriptions are brief, the fact that Paul singles them out indicates his respect for their ministry: Phoebe, Prisca, Junia, Mary, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Julia. Then he mentions two more: Rufus’ mother, and Nereus’ sister.

Phoebe is the only woman specifically named as a deacon in the New Testament. The role of a deacon was evolving during Paul’s day. We know that it involved an official function of some kind, most likely a pastoral one. As the Church developed, the position of deacon was more specifically described as can be seen in Timothy. In today’s passage, Paul’s reference to Phoebe is in the form of a letter of recommendation so that she will be welcomed with hospitality when she reaches the Christian community in Rome. By implication, Phoebe’s ministry includes travel to other places. Paul’s description of her, then, is significant. He recognizes her as a sister in the faith, a deacon or minister whose service is trustworthy, and finally as a benefactor to many.

Julia is merely named as one to be greeted. Of Mary, he notes that she has worked hard for you. Similarly, Tryphaena and Tryphosa are commended as workers in the Lord. Junia and Andronicus, a married couple, are described with more detail as “my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.” (Rm. 16:7).

Having looked at several examples of women who ministered with Paul and who were commended by Paul, how are we to understand passages in which Paul sounds hostile to women? Most contemporary biblical scholars maintain that these verses could not have come from Paul. They contradict his acceptance and commendation of women’s leadership as expressed in the Letter to the Romans, which all scholars accept was written by Paul himself.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

UBE Youth at St. Augustine on Saturday morning, 31 July for Morning Prayer to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas. Then they are off to do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

Blessing of the Backpacks, Sunday, 12 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 on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

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 Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

St. Mary Magdalene

Today the Church remembers St. Mary Magdalene. She is perhaps one of the most misunderstood personages in the New Testament as is evidenced by The DaVinci Code, a book made into a movie.

Here is what we do know from the New Testament accounts: Mary was healed by Jesus; she followed him, and was at the foot of the cross. Mary was also the first witness of the Risen Lord, and Jesus sent her to tell the Apostles. (Lk. 8; Jn. 20).

What is clear is that Mary’s life was radically changed by Jesus’ healing. Her ministry of service and steadfast companionship, even as a witness to the crucifixion, has, through the centuries, been an example of the faithful women to Christ. All of the Gospels name Mary as one of the women who went to the tomb to mourn and to care for the body of Jesus. Her weeping for the loss of her Lord strikes a common chord with the grief of all others over the death of loved ones. Jesus’ tender response to her grief, meeting her in the garden, revealing himself to her by calling her name, makes her the first witness to the Resurrection. She is also given the command by Jesus: “Go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (Jn. 20:17). As the first messenger of the Resurrection, Mary tells the Apostles, “I have seen the Lord.” (Jn. 20:18). Lesser Feasts and Fasts, p. 266 (1980). The Early Church referred to Mary as “the Apostle to the Apostles.”

Mary is an example to all of us of faithful discipleship even in the midst of hardship.

Let us pray: Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed of all our infirmities and know you in the power of his endless life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: Join us for the last gathering in the series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine from 31 July to 1 August: The Union of Black Episcopalians Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House. Corlie Jackson has asked us to feed our visitors on Sunday morning. She does not have an exact number yet, but she also said that the UBE would pay for the food.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Gladys Simon
Cindi Clack

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

The One Who thus Serves Christ Is Acceptable to God

Today we hear from Paul’s Letter to the Romans where he tells us: “Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of another.” Rm. 14:13.

Throughout Paul’s writings, he urges the various communities of faith to live in love as Christ taught us, who gave himself up for us as a sacrifice. Eph. 5: 1-2. As we know, the word “sacrifice” comes from two Latin words (sacra [holy] and facere [to make]) literally meaning “to make holy.” When we refrain from passing judgment on others, even though we are tempted to do so, we are on the way to becoming the holy person Jesus calls us to be. When we accept God’s grace and take positive actions to live life helping others, and to build up one another as Jesus would have us do, we become a holy people. In doing this, today Paul tells us: “The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification.” Rm. 14: 18-19. When each one of us strives to do as Christ would have us to, the entire community not only benefits, but it is made better.

Let us pray: Loving Father, Your Son Jesus Christ showed us that in order to experience the fullness of life, we must die to self and serve others. Send Your Holy Spirit to give us strength to follow Jesus’ example so that in living as He would have us live, we build up a community of believers dedicated to following Christ. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: Join us for the last gathering in the series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine from 31 July to 1 August: The Union of Black Episcopalians Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House. Corlie Jackson has asked us to feed our visitors on Sunday morning. She does not have an exact number yet, but she also said that the UBE would pay for the food.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Gladys Simon
Cindi Clack

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Prophetic Voices Against Slavery and For Women's Rights

Today the Episcopal Church honors and remembers four women in American history who had prophetic voices and who spoke out against injustices in society: Sojourner Truth, Harriet Ross Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Amelia Bloomer.

SOJOURNER TRUTH (26 November 1883)

Sojourner Truth was born a slave in New York around 1798. In 1826 she escaped with the aid of Quaker Abolitionists and became a street-corner evangelist. She founded a shelter for homeless women. She spoke at numerous church gatherings quoting the Bible extensively from memory, and speaking against slavery and for an improved legal status for women.

HARRIET ROSS TUBMAN (10 March 1913)

Harriet Ross was born in 1820 in Maryland. She was deeply influenced by the account in the Book of Exodus of God’s deliverance of the Israelites out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt. She firmly believed that God would deliver the slaves in America out of their bondage, and that it was her calling to help accomplish this. In 1844, she escaped to Canada, but returned to help others escape from slavery. Working with other Abolitionists, mainly Quakers, she made at least nineteen trips into Maryland in the 1850s, leading more than 300 slaves to freedom. During the Civil War, she joined the Union Army as a cook, a nurse and a spy. On one occasion she led a raid that freed over 750 slaves. After the war, she worked with orphans and the poor. She worked to advance the status of women as well.

ELIZABETH CADY STANTON (26 October 1902)

Elizabeth Stanton was born in 1815 and brought up in the Presbyterian Church, although she later rebelled against the strict Calvinist doctrine of predestination. She travelled the country speaking in favor of women’s rights.

AMELIA JENKS BLOOMER (30 December 1894)

Amelia Jenks was born in New York in 1818 and brought up as a Presbyterian. She became an activist against slavery and alcohol, and an advocate for the right of women to vote. Mrs. Bloomer and her husband eventually settled in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she worked to promote churches, schools, libraries, and reform movements.

Let us pray: O God, whose Spirit guides us into all truth and makes us free: Strengthen and sustain us as you did your servants Elizabeth, Amelia, Sojourner, and Harriet. Give us vision and courage to stand against oppression and injustice and all that works against the glorious liberty to which you call all your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: Join us for the last gathering in the series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine from 31 July to 1 August: The Union of Black Episcopalians Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House. Corlie Jackson has asked us to feed our visitors on Sunday morning. She does not have an exact number yet, but she also said that the UBE would pay for the food.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Gladys Simon
Cindi Clack


Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

St. James the Apostle

Today the Church remembers St. James the Apostle. James, and his brother John, were Zebedee’s sons and were part of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. Together with Peter, they were present at the Transfiguration.

Jesus nicknamed the two brothers “the sons of thunder” maybe because they were stubborn, hot-tempered, and impulsive. You may recall the account of the time Jesus and the disciples were refused the hospitality of a Samaritan village, and James and John proposed to call down fire from heaven on the village. Another time, they asked Jesus for a special place of honor in the Kingdom. Jesus told them that they would have to suffer.

James’ death is recorded in chapter 12 of the Acts of the Apostles. It was right before Passover when King Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great (who you may recall ordered the deaths of all of the boys under the age of 2 in order to kill Jesus), ordered James beheaded. He was the first of the Twelve to give his life because of his faith in Jesus.

Let us pray: O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: Join us for the last gathering in the series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine from 31 July to 1 August: The Union of Black Episcopalians Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House. Corlie Jackson has asked us to feed our visitors on Sunday morning. She does not have an exact number yet, but she also said that the UBE would pay for the food.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED VALERIE BOYER TO REALIZE HER STUDY TRIP TO CAMBRIDGE.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman
Roylene Lemons
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Gladys Simon
Cindi Clack

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

I Don't Have to Like Everyone, But I Do Have to Love Them

Today’s Epistles reading is a continuation of Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Paul writes:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rm. 12: 9-21).

“But Paul, some people just rub me the wrong way. I mean they can get on my nerves. Certain people are just hard to love. Do I have to love them?” Aren’t there times when you feel that way?

Paul tells us that we must “love one another with mutual affection”; he does not say that we have to “like” one another. There is a difference. The word “like” means “to be pleased with; have a preference for; enjoy.” Webster’s Dictionary at 434 (1964). So, I like ice cream. I have a preference for it; I enjoy it. “Like” can also mean “having exactly the same characteristics.” Id. For example, they are like minded, meaning they think in the same way. They agree.

Love, however, is much different. It is not an emotion. It is not a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is a matter of our will. Love desires the good of the other person. We want what is best for the beloved, and if necessary we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for the other person. The word in Greek is αγάπη (agape). The best example we have of love is in Jesus who gave his life for us on the cross. Jesus’ love is selfless, altruistic, and unconditional.

With this in mind, Paul goes on to tell us how to love one another, even those who may, from time to time, get on our nerves, and even those people we don’t like. If someone persecutes us, we bless them. We weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. We are not to be stuck-up; instead, we are to associate with everyone. If someone hurts us, we don’t retaliate. We work to bring about good for others by feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty. Love is hard work, but it is what God calls us to do, even with those we don’t like.

Let us pray: Loving Father, through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus, You taught us how to love one another. Send Your Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and to open our minds to love everyone, even those we may not like and those who get on our nerves from time to time. Make us ever mindful of the needs of others and to respond to those around us as Jesus would have us respond. Amen.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO FEED THE VOLUNTEERS AT William Temple LAST NIGHT! As usual, the food was wonderful and the volunteers were very appreciative. Our reputation for putting on the best meals for the volunteers remains intact.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: Join in the series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine from 31 July to 1 August: The Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House. Corlie Jackson has asked us to feed our visitors on Sunday morning. She does not have an exact number yet, but she also said that the UBE would pay for the food.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

If you are able, please help Valerie Boyer to realize her study trip to Cambridge. The deadline is this Friday.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who had a double bypass
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue continues to recover from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Tammie Taylor’s continued recovery
Gladys Simon

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Body and Mind: A Living Sacrifice

In today’s Epistle reading taken from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Paul tells us:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rm. 12: 1-2).

Paul asks us to make our bodies a sacrifice. The word “sacrifice” comes from two Latin words, “sacra” meaning “sacred” or “holy” and “facere” meaning “to make.” To sacrifice is to make something sacred or holy.

In the person of Jesus Christ, true God and true man, God emphatically tells us that our bodies are good and holy. Jesus’ resurrection puts an exclamation point on the goodness of our bodies. Therefore, we must use our bodies in such a way that we reverence them. The use of our bodies for physical labor sanctifies that work.

But Paul doesn’t stop there, he goes on to tell us that we must also make our minds holy by renewing them to conform our wills to God’s will which is holy and perfect. Paul calls us to make everything that we think holy.

Some of the greatest examples of bringing the body and mind together to make things holy exist in the arts. Creative individuals express the wonder of God and the beauty of creation through their painting, sculpture, music, dance and cooking. Bodies and minds working together as a living sacrifice to God participating in the act of creation.

Let us pray: God and Father of all Creation, in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, You bless our human nature and raise it to glory in the resurrection. Send Your Holy Spirit to sanctify all that we do so that it may glorify You, one God, who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: Join in the series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: Today at 6:00 p.m. Here is the menu:
Bubba Pierce: Brisket
Liz Mack: Mac & Cheese and Fried Chicken
Corlie Jackson: Fruit Salad and Rolls
The Makowskis: Salad
Janie Richardson: Beans
Melva Pope: Potato Salad
Pat Tate: Pineapple Cole slaw (Bigmista's recipe)
Evelyn McNeil: Vegetable

UBE Youth at St. Augustine: 31 July to 1 August. The Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

If you are able, please help Valerie Boyer to realize her study trip to Cambridge. The deadline is this Friday.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who had a double bypass yesterday
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue continues to recover from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery from cancer surgery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Tammie Taylor’s continued recovery
Gladys Simon

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

The Eternal Is Happening Now

Today we hear from the Gospel according to Matthew, and it is the story of the last judgment. Jesus tells us:

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.'" (Mt. 25:31-46).

In our Adult Christian Formation, we have been exploring the idea of heaven and hell, what our understanding is, and what Scripture has to say. We discovered that Jesus often speaks of building the Kingdom of God.

Today's passage from Matthew follows the idea of the building of the Kingdom of God. We hear that the decisions that we make today, and what we do, or fail to do, have eternal ramifications. In today's reading, we hear that we are to treat everyone that we encounter as Christ among us, and most especially those who are suffering and in pain. You and I are to treat everyone, not just some, but everyone, with the respect and dignity that is due to the Messiah himself. When we do this, we are building God's Kingdom, and when we stand before God at the final judgment, at the very verge of the resurrection of the body that we profess every Sunday, God will show us how we have done our part in building His Kingdom and how Christ has restored all of creation. God will show us how our lives have eternal results. That is something to think about today, in the here and now, about how what we do matters not just in the moment, but for eternity.

Let us pray: Eternal Father, Your Son Jesus told us that we are to treat everyone with the same dignity and respect that belongs to Him because each and everyone of us is Your son and daughter redeemed by the blood of Christ. Send Your Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts, minds and souls to see that the eternal begins here and now, and help us to live as You call us to knowing that we will forever dwell in Your glorious and loving presence. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: Tomorrow, Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 15 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers for providing some of the best meals. Andrew "Bubba" Pierce is preparing brisket. Please share with everyone what you intend to bring. Thanks you so much!

UBE Youth at St. Augustine: 31 July to 1 August. The Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

If you are able, please help Valerie Boyer to realize her study trip to Cambridge. The deadline is this Friday.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who is having a double bypass today
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa
Tammie Taylor’s continued recovery
Gladys Simon

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Conflict for the Sake of Conflict Is Not Healthy

In today’s segment from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he gives excellent counsel regarding what we might call “trouble makers”:

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offences, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you to be wise in what is good, and guileless in what is evil. The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Rm. 16: 17-20).

To be certain, there will be times when there is genuine conflict, when a community is struggling to answer an important question and not everyone agrees. These are times of growth and there will be necessary growth pains, but there are some people who enjoy conflict for the sake of conflict. Those are the people that Paul is speaking of today. I am sure that in your daily life you have come across people who thrive on causing unnecessary dissent and conflict. Sometimes you find them in families, at work, and even in Church. They are not content unless people are at each other, and they are generally in the center of it. Paul is right; avoid them. Conflict for the sake of conflict is not healthy. It is a sign of self-centeredness. Such people are not concerned about the good of the community; rather, they are concerned with being the center of attention. When we come across such individuals, we must be Christ like with them, but we cannot give in to conflict for the sake of conflict. The Great Deceiver, Satan, loves nothing more.

Let us pray: Lord God, You are ever patient with us, Your little ones, and through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have shown us how we are to love one another. At times of conflict, send Your Holy Spirit to be our guide, to lead us to truth and right living. We ask this through Jesus Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 15 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine: 31 July to 1 August. The Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who is having a double bypass on July 14
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa Blevins
Tammie Taylor’s continued recovery
Gladys Simon

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Lt. Col. Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

God Knows How To Make Lemonade

Today’s Epistle reading comes from Paul’s Letter to the Romans. You may recall that Paul wrote the Letter to the Romans in order to explain his theology to them since he had never met them, but was planning to go to Rome. One of the themes in the Letter to the Romans is the place of the Jewish people. They were God’s Chosen People; salvation came through the Jewish people. One of the major components of the Jewish faith was the Law, the Ten Commandments. Yet the Jewish people failed to be faithful to God’s call to them in the Law. They could not keep it; they repeatedly stumbled. That theme is picked up this morning:

So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! (Rm. 11:11-12).

In short, Paul’s tells us that God brings good even out of our failures. They Jewish people could not be faithful to the law; they always fell short. Since they could not keep the Law, God sent his only Son to bring salvation and forgiveness not just to the Jewish people, but to Jews and Gentiles alike.

God continues to act consistently with His character with us today. Have you ever notice in your life how God can take something that is a defeat, a tragedy, a loss, and turns it into good? God does it all the time. Just when we think all is lost, just when we think we cannot go on anymore, God takes our failures and turns them into blessings. So be on the lookout in your own life for times when God takes something that is to all outward appearances a defeat or a failure and brings life out of it.

Let us pray: gracious Father, we thank you for taking our faults and failings and turning them into good things for us. We thank you most especially for sending us your Son who took our sinfulness and brought forgiveness and life. Send Your Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth, to bring joy where there is sadness, laughter where there is crying, health where there is illness and life where there is death. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 15 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.

UBE Youth at St. Augustine: 31 July to 1 August. The Youth will stay with us at St. Augustine to learn their history and the place of this Church in the Diocese of Texas, and to use our facilities as a base of operations as they do mission work at St. Vincent's House.

Kitchen Shower: First weekend in August.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine & Blessing of the New Facilities:
Dinner celebration on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Eucharist, Sunday, 29 August 2010

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST and especially:

Russ Viska who is having a double bypass on July 14
Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery
Roylene Lemons’ continued recovery
Baby Hayden and for his mother, Clarrissa
Tammie Taylor’s continued recovery

Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially:
Lewis Lemons
Brian Taylor
Major Bryan Leslie Runion

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Faith and Action Go Hand-in-Hand

We hear from Paul’s Letter to the Romans in the Epistle reading for today’s Daily Office. Paul writes:

For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rm. 10:11-13).

Some time ago, I was part of a team teaching Adult Christian Formation at a large parish in Houston. One of the courses was on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. I recall a few people who found it difficult to accept today’s passage. They said that if salvation is simply a matter of belief, then we can do what we want and are free to sin boldly. They reasoned, “I could, if I wanted to, commit a murder but believe and be saved.” I could see where they were coming from; but, I think a little more reflection may be necessary.

It is a matter of being in a relationship. God is in a relationship with us. If we truly love God, and believe with all that we are in God’s saving grace, then acting out of our love for God, we will desire to do God’s will. We will want to live as Christ would have us live because we love Him. We would not want to do anything that would offend the very one who died and rose for us so that we might dwell in the presence of God not just in this life, but in the life to come. Our actions follow our beliefs. If I love God and put my trust in God, I will not engage in acts like murder.

Certainly, as in any relationship, there are times when we will fall short, but we do not actively seek to fall short. We do not seek to do evil. We will, however, make mistakes, and when we do, God forgives us and welcomes us back. God understands what it is like to be human, to make mistakes, because of the miracle of the Incarnation; Jesus Christ is true God and true man.

Let us pray: Loving Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to live our lives and who gave us salvation so that we might be one with You. Send Your Holy Spirit to enable us to call upon the name of Christ as we serve You in all that we meet. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels with Harps or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 40 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially for Russ Viska who is having a double bypass on July 14; for Sue and Sean Coleman as Sue recovers from brain surgery; for the continued recovery of Roylene Lemons; for Baby Hayden who is now home and for his mother, Clarrissa. Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially Angela Lemons’ son, Lewis, and the Taylor’s son, Brian, who is in San Diego awaiting new orders. Let us pray for all those who are traveling. Let us remember those who celebrate birthdays, Bill Taylor (8 July), and Meaghan Martinez (11 July). This weekend, let us also pray in thanksgiving for the life of Doug Tuthill.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Don't Be Fooled, Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Today’s Daily Office Gospel reading is taken from Matthew:

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

“Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Mt. 24:3-14).

There are many people and many things that pretend to be our messiah. The pretenders are not the same for all of us; each of us may have our own. Some people believe that money will save them. Others may believe that alcohol or drugs will give them relief. For others, it may be the false security of never taking a risk, of sitting at home and waiting for things to come to you rather than venturing out to others. For some others, it may be following any new exotic idea or trendy fashion in the hopes that it will fill the void in our lives.

Today, Jesus tells us: “Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet.”

Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom in our lives before we can clearly see that Jesus is the answer and that we are to keep our eyes focused on Him and His plan for us and for the world. One of the most often repeated phrases in the New Testament is Jesus telling us not to be afraid. You and I must put out trust in Christ and not be distracted by the false messiahs in the world calling us not to salvation, but to lives of emptiness.

Let us pray, almighty and loving Father, You sent Your Son to be our savior, to give His life for us so that we might live in Your abundant life. Send Your Holy Spirit to keep our focus on Christ who is the way, the truth and the life, and in whom we live and move and have our being, and keep us from following the deception of false teachers and saviors. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell, Angels on Clouds or Demons with Pitchforks, Or Something Else, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 40 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Sue and Sean Coleman, as Sue recovers from her brain surgery. Let us pray for the continued recovery of Roylene Lemons, Baby Hayden, who is now home with mother Clarrissa. Let us pray for the couple newly married in Ireland, Mark and Mags Ramey, and for all of those who are traveling, especially the Taylors, and in thanksgiving for Tammie’s continuing recovery. Let us pray for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially Angela Lemons’ son, Lewis, and the Taylor’s son serving in Iraq.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

God Is Bountiful: Rejoice!

After traveling for some 15 ½ hours, Mary and I returned from Ireland yesterday evening. As soon as we got off the plane, we went home, met the kids, and had Mexican food at our favorite spot, Lopez. We were both craving Mexican food, and I just wanted to drink down the salsa.

We had a very good trip to Ireland. Mary and I saw new places. The country side was beautiful, filled with sheep and cows and acres and acres of fields. We met very friendly people who would go out of their way to help you. Everyone one was delighted to tell you the history of Ireland and its people. We made new friends at the wedding, and celebrated a couple’s dedication to a new life together in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or for worse.

In the words of the Psalm appointed for today, Psalm 13, I can pray:

But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

God has dealt bountifully with us while we were in Ireland, and God brought us back safely. It is good to be home-- home on Kimberley Lane and home at St. Augustine's.

God has also dealt bountifully with the family of faith at St. Augustine’s. Roylene Lemons went into St. Luke’s for a biopsy, and although the tumor was malignant, the doctors were able to remove it totally, and avoid chemo therapy. She is on the road to recovery. Finally, Peggy Tuthill has sold her home. Clarrissa Blevins gave birth to a boy, Hayden. The work of rebuilding the Parish Hall and the Classroom Wing is accomplished, and our first big visitors will be a UBE Youth Group who will use St. Augustine as a base of operation and outreach while working at St. Vincent's House. Although there is much work ahead of him, Bob Newding is realizing his hope of having a home in Maine where his Grandfather is from. Gladys Simon and Pat Tate have a family visitor with them, and Pat's son, Neil, is being featured in the Los Angeles Times for his barbeque. Jillian and Tom Bain are back with us again.

Yes, God has been good to us, and will continue to do so. There is much to be thankful for, and we must remember to give God thanks for His bounty.

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Adult Christian Formation: We’re back on track for Adult Christian Formation with our series on heaven and hell on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the nave.

Feeding Volunteers at William Temple: On Thursday, 15 July at 6:00 p.m. we will feed 40 volunteers at William Temple. We have a reputation now with the volunteers on providing some of the best meals.

PLEASE REMEMBER ALL THOSE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Sue and Sean Coleman. Sean sent word that they are on the way home. Let us pray for the continued recovery of Roylene Lemons, Baby Hayden and mother Clarrissa. Let us pray for the couple newly married in Ireland, Mark and Mags Ramey, and for all of those who are traveling, especially the Taylors, and for all of those serving in the Armed Forces, especially Angela Lemons’ son, Lewis, and the Taylor’s son serving in Iraq.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550