Monday, June 4, 2012

Seeking the Kingdom of God

In this Post-Pentecost season, we hear from the Gospel according to Matthew who recounts what Jesus said about the Kingdom of God:

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’  (Mt. 13:44-52).


In Jesus, heaven and earth meet.  When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, one of the things Jesus said that they should pray “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  The Kingdom of God is not simply a heavenly thing, but an earthly thing as well.  It is a treasure to be sought after here on earth, and we should be willing to give up everything for the Kingdom, and we should do all that we can in order to build it here on earth as it is in heaven.

Let us pray:  Our Father in heaven, holy is your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

GOSPEL BY THE SEA: Saturday, 9 June 2012 at First Presbyterian.

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN: Saturday, 23 June 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Sutton Hall at St. Augustine’s.


ART HAPPENINGS

June 8th Friday night from 6:30to 8:30, Adult class with wine, we will be making peace souvenirs for the September art show.

June 9th Saturday 10:00 to Noon: children and adult class, we will be working on a banner for the September art show.

June 24th Sunday, after breakfast we will have a very important meeting about the September art show along with a sign-up sheet. We have a list of all the things that we need to make this event a success; there is something for everyone even those who are not artist.

Get the word out ... our first Summer Children's Art Camp, will be every Saturday in July from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with snacks. The theme is folk art from many cultures. $10 supply charge per class. Ages 7 to 18. We will need adult volunteers that have had Safeguarding God's Children Training to assist. Space is limited so sign up ASAP. Some of the classes will be taught by guest artists from the Galveston Art League.

         July 7: Signs and symbols found in all cultures, make your own sign.

         July14: Guardian Angels - guest artist Mary Ann Hasty, Native American

         July21: Mandela's, African Shields

         July 28: Collage and the art of Mexico.

        There will be no Friday night adult art class in July because of the Summer Art Camp.

STEVE POIRIER was just released from UTMB and has cancer. It is terminal.  He is very ill and has no family in Galveston.  He will need an inexpensive place to live and meals. His only income is Social Security. Please keep your ears and eyes open for a cheap, clean place to live.

INSTALLATION OF THE NEW RECTOR AT TRINITY: The Rev. Susan Kennard will be installed as Trinity’s new rector on Sunday, 1 July 2012 at 5 p.m.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Cory Smith who is recovering from surgery, Steve Poirier, Patricia Robinson, Betty Robinson, Robert, Jerald Flight in Afghanistan, Frances Hardaway who suffered a stroke, all of those who are out of work and who are seeking employment.

Your servant in Christ,

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

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