The Feast of the Visitation: A Preview of God's Kingdom

Today is the Feast of the Visitation.  The story is set forth in Luke’s Gospel: 

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’

And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home. (Lk. 1: 39-56).

Mary’s song, the Magnificat, appears at the very start of Luke’s Gospel.  In it, Luke gives us a glimpse of what the child in Mary’s womb will do and what the Kingdom of God looks like.  The Messiah will come, not as expected, and the Messiah will do the unexpected in establishing God’s Kingdom which will look very different from the kingdoms of the world.

Let us pray:  Father in heaven, by whose grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS FOR SUMMER

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.

         July 14: Guardian Angels with guest artist Mary Ann Hasty, Native American

         July 21: 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 is in UTMB and has cancer. It is terminal.  Some of you may recall him.  He is the gentleman who comes on occasion for Sunday Eucharist.  He sits in the back of the Church and is a frequently seen with Charles Lemons.  He is very ill and has no family in Galveston.  When he leaves the hospital, 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.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Cory Smith, Steve Poirier, Patricia Robinson, Betty Robinson, Robert, 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

What Does It Take to be Bishop?

Today we hear from Paul’s letter to Timothy.  In view of our upcoming election for a Suffragan Bishop, this reading is very appropriate:

The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. (1 Tim. 3: 1-16).

We have two individuals up for election as Suffragan Bishop for the Diocese of Texas: the Rev. Jeff Fisher and the Rev. Beth Fain.  They both meet the qualifications that are set forth in Paul’s letter to Timothy.  Whichever one is selected, I am confident that they will serve this Diocese as God’s faithful servants and pastors.  A Suffragan Bishop is a bishop elected by the Diocesan Convention to assist the diocesan bishop, Bishop Andy Doyle, and to serve under his direction. Unlike a Bishop Coadjutor, a Bishop Suffragan has no automatic right of succession to the diocesan bishop.  This Bishop Suffragan will serve this Diocese in the Tyler region and will be responsible for a number of organizations, including Cursillo, the Altar Guilds of the Diocese, Episcopal Church Women, among others.

Let us pray:  Almighty and gracious God, look favorably upon your Church and send forth your Holy Spirit to help us discern your will and guide those who shall elect a Bishop Suffragan for the Diocese of Texas, that we, your servants may be blessed with a faithful and loving shepherd who, following the example of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, will care for us, equip us for our ministries and unite us around His commandment that we love one another as He loves us.  All this we ask in your holy Name.  Amen

CALENDAR REMINDERS FOR SUMMER

GOSPEL BY THE SEA: Saturday, 9 June 2012 at First Presbyterian benefiting St. Vincent’s House.

SAFEGIARDING 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 6:30 to 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.

         July 14: Guardian Angels with guest artist Mary Ann Hasty, Native American

         July 21: 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.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Steve, Robert, 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

St. Bede

Today the Church remembers St. Bede, an English monk. He is known for his History of the English Church and People wherein he sets forth the history of England up to 729. This work is our chief source for the history of the British Isles during this period.  He was a true historian, sorting out facts from fiction.

From the age of seven, he spent all his life in a monastery in Northumbria.  He says of himself: "I have devoted my energies to a study of the Scriptures, observing monastic discipline, and singing the daily services in church; study, teaching, and writing have always been my delight."

Bede was the first person to write scholarly works in the English language. He translated the Gospel of John into Old English, completing the work on the very day of his death. He also wrote extensively in Latin. He wrote commentaries on the Pentateuch and other portions of Holy Scripture.

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, who called your servant Bede, while still a child, to devote his life to your service in the disciplines of religion and scholarship: Grant that as he labored in the Spirit to bring the riches of your truth to his generation, so we, in our various vocations, may strive to make you known in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Pentecost is next Sunday, please wear red.

The Galveston Police Department will hold its 29th Citizens Police Academy at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Edna’s Room.  Classes will begin on Thursday, 7 June 2012, and meet each Thursday night through 16 August 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for the class or materials. The Citizens Police Academy offers insight into Officer Recruitment and Training, Criminal Investigation, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigation, the K-9 Unit, Firearms Training, Vice and Narcotics and much, much more. Don’t miss this “Grand Opportunity” to learn about Galveston’s Police Department – what they do and why they do it.  This is also a great opportunity to become more involved in your community, network with others throughout the community, and ultimately come together in partnership with your police department to improve your community. Applicants should be 18 years of age or older and either live or work in the City of Galveston. Due to the sensitive subject matter applicants will be subjected to a background check. Participants must attend at least 9 classes to successfully complete the course.  You may register at galvestonpolice.net or print and mail a completed application to: Galveston Police Dept., Attn: Sgt. Destin Sims, 601 54th, Suite 200 Galveston, Texas 77551.

Safeguarding God’s Children will be held at St. Augustine’s Sutton Hall on Saturday, 23 June, starting at 10:00 a.m.  The class lasts at least 3 hours, so please bring a sack lunch and the Church will supply the refreshments.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those going with the Living Waters mission trip to dig water wells in Central America, Melva Pope, Bob Newding, Xavier and Marcy who are newly married, Patricia Robinson all of those with ailments of the throat and esophagus, all who are ill 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

Bishop Jackson Kemper: A Persistent Missionary

Today the Episcopal Church remembers and honors a missionary who was born in this country and served this country, Jackson Kemper.  James Kiefer tells us that Jackson Kemper was born 24 December 1789 in Pleasant Valley, New York.  He attended Columbia College, and was ordained a priest in 1814. In 1835, the Episcopal Church undertook to consecrate missionary bishops to preach the Gospel west of the settled areas, and Kemper was the first to be chosen. He promptly headed west. Having found that clergy who had lived all their lives in the settled East were slow to respond to his call to join him on the frontier, he determined to recruit priests from among men who were already in the West, and established a college in St. Louis, Missouri, for that purpose. He went on to found Nashotah House and Racine College in Wisconsin. He constantly urged a more extensive outreach to the Indian peoples, and translations of the Scriptures and the services of the Church into Indian languages. From 1859 till his death in 1870, he was bishop of Wisconsin, but the effect of his labors covered a far wider area.

Bishop Kemper is an example of persistence in the face of difficulty for the sake of spreading the Good News about Jesus.

Let us pray: Lord God, in whose providence Jackson Kemper was chosen first missionary bishop in this land, and by his arduous labor and travel established congregations in scattered settlements of the West: Grant that the Church may always be faithful to its mission, and have the vision, courage, and perseverance to make known to all peoples the Good News of Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Pentecost is next Sunday, please wear red.

The Galveston Police Department will hold its 29th Citizens Police Academy at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Edna’s Room.  Classes will begin on Thursday, 7 June 2012, and meet each Thursday night through 16 August 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for the class or materials. The Citizens Police Academy offers insight into Officer Recruitment and Training, Criminal Investigation, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigation, the K-9 Unit, Firearms Training, Vice and Narcotics and much, much more. Don’t miss this “Grand Opportunity” to learn about Galveston’s Police Department – what they do and why they do it.  This is also a great opportunity to become more involved in your community, network with others throughout the community, and ultimately come together in partnership with your police department to improve your community. Applicants should be 18 years of age or older and either live or work in the City of Galveston. Due to the sensitive subject matter applicants will be subjected to a background check. Participants must attend at least 9 classes to successfully complete the course.  You may register at galvestonpolice.net or print and mail a completed application to: Galveston Police Dept., Attn: Sgt. Destin Sims, 601 54^th, Suite 200 Galveston, Texas 77551.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those going with the Living Waters mission trip to dig wells in Central America, Melva Pope, Bob Newding, Xavier and Marcy who are newly married, Patricia Robinson all of those with ailments of the throat and esophagus, all who are ill 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

The Ways of the World Are Not the Ways of God's Kingdom

The appointed reading for the daily prayer of the Church, the Daily Office, is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew.  While serious, there is a bit of Biblical humor in it: 

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. (Mt. 8:24-32).

You can rest assured there were no Jewish swineherds. Pigs were considered to be unclean animals and it was against Jewish law to eat port.  Pork would have been eaten by the Romans, so the pigs belonged to the occupying force.  The occupying force of Romans and their violent tactics to keep the peace were the ways of “the world”—governing through might.  Jesus told his disciples, who were in “the world” not be to “part of the world”, i.e., the Christian was not to “lord it over others” by using might. Jesus drives the demons away, into the pigs that were food for the occupying force.  This would not have been lost on the Matthew’s readers.  Notice that it is the swineherds who run off to tell the others about what happened, and they begged Jesus to leave.  Might does not abide the way of peace.  Might considers peace to be weak.  Jesus tells us that in God’s kingdom peace is might.

Let us pray:  Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 
Pentecost is next Sunday, please wear red.

The Galveston Police Department will hold its 29th Citizens Police Academy at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Edna’s Room.  Classes will begin on Thursday, 7 June 2012, and meet each Thursday night through 16 August 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for the class or materials. The Citizens Police Academy offers insight into Officer Recruitment and Training, Criminal Investigation, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigation, the K-9 Unit, Firearms Training, Vice and Narcotics and much, much more. Don’t miss this “Grand Opportunity” to learn about Galveston’s Police Department – what they do and why they do it.  This is also a great opportunity to become more involved in your community, network with others throughout the community, and ultimately come together in partnership with your police department to improve your community. Applicants should be 18 years of age or older and either live or work in the City of Galveston. Due to the sensitive subject matter applicants will be subjected to a background check. Participants must attend at least 9 classes to successfully complete the course.  You may register at galvestonpolice.net or print and mail a completed application to: Galveston Police Dept., Attn: Sgt. Destin Sims, 601 54th, Suite 200 Galveston, Texas 77551.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those going with the Living Waters mission trip to dig water wells in Central America, Melva Pope, Bob Newding, Xavier and Marcy who are newly married, Patricia Robinson all of those with ailments of the throat and esophagus, all who are ill 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, Texas77550

With God's Power Working In Us, We Can Do Infinitely More Than We Could Ever Imagine

The selected Epistle reading from today’s Daily Office is taken from Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus, and Paul writes:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Eph. 3: 14-21).

In his letter to the Church in Ephesus is a work in ecclesiology, i.e., the study of the church.  In it, Paul describes the worldwide Church with Christ as its head, whose purpose is to be the instrument for making God’s plan of salvation known throughout all of the world. Paul’s ecclesiology is anchored in God’s saving love, shown in Jesus Christ, and the whole of redemption is rooted in the plan and accomplishment of the triune God. The language is often that of doxology and prayer of liturgy and hymns. Today’s passage is certainly a most beautiful prayer for the Church.  The last line is the clincher—“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”  With Christ, you and I as the Church, the Body of Christ, can do infinitely more than we could ever, in our wildest dreams, imagine.  All we have to do it to let go of our fears and selfishness, and let God’s grace work in us and through us transforming not only our lives, but the lives of others.  That is our prayer!

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Pentecost is next Sunday, please wear red.

The Galveston Police Department will hold its 29th Citizens Police Academy at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Edna’s Room.  Classes will begin on Thursday, 7 June 2012, and meet each Thursday night through 16 August 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for the class or materials. The Citizens Police Academy offers insight into Officer Recruitment and Training, Criminal Investigation, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigation, the K-9 Unit, Firearms Training, Vice and Narcotics and much, much more. Don’t miss this “Grand Opportunity” to learn about Galveston’s Police Department – what they do and why they do it.  This is also a great opportunity to become more involved in your community, network with others throughout the community, and ultimately come together in partnership with your police department to improve your community.Applicants should be 18 years of age or older and either live or work in the City of Galveston. Due to the sensitive subject matter applicants will be subjected to a background check. Participants must attend at least 9 classes to successfully complete the course.  You may register at galvestonpolice.net or print and mail a completed application to: Galveston Police Dept., Attn: Sgt. Destin Sims, 601 54^th, Suite 200 Galveston, Texas 77551.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those going with the Living Waters mission trip to dig wells in Central America, Melva Pope, Bob Newding, Xavier and Marcy who are newly married, Patricia Robinson all of those with ailments of the throat and esophagus, all who are ill 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  

A Missionary to These Shores: John Eliot

Today the Episcopal Church remembers a missionary to these shores, John Eliot. James Kiefer writes:

John Eliot was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1604 and graduated from Cambridge in 1622. He taught school for a while, came under Puritan influence, and determined to become a minister. In 1631 he went to New England and was ordained to preach at Roxbury. He developed an interest in Indian language and customs, and began to preach to the Indians in 1646, at first in English but within a year in their own tongue, Algonkian. He published a catechism for them in 1654 and by 1658 translated the Bible into Algonkian, the first Bible to be printed in North America. A revised edition was published in 1685. Eliot also wrote The Christian Commonwealth (1659), Up-bookum Psalmes (1663), The Communion Of Churches (1665), The Indian Primer (1669), and The Harmony of the Gospels (1678), and was a major contributor to the Bay Psalm Book.

Eliot planned towns for Indian converts, away from the white towns, in areas where they could preserve their own language and culture and live by their own laws. He prepared Indians to be missionaries to their own people. Daniel Takawambpait was the first Indian minister in New England, being ordained at Natick, Massachusetts, in 1681. Eliot's Indian towns grew to fourteen in number, with thousands of inhabitants, but they were scattered in King Philip's War in 1675 (King Philip was an Indian leader who undertook to drive the English out of New England), and although four communities were restored, they did not continue long.

Eliot died after a long illness on 21 May 1690.

Let us pray: Great Creator, source of mercy, we thank you for the imagination and conviction of your evangelist, John Eliot, who brought both literacy and the Bible to the Algonquin people, and reshaped their communities into fellowships of Christ to serve you and give you praise; and we pray that we may so desire to share your Good News with others that we labor for mutual understanding and trust; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

  

CALENDAR REMINDERS

  

Pentecost is next Sunday, please wear red.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Melva Pope, Bob Newding, Xavier and Marcy who are newly married, Patricia Robinson all of those who are ill 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

Once Ruled By Our Passions, Now Freed By Grace

On this Friday in the season of Easter, we hear from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: 

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.  (Eph. 2:1-10).

We all know people who may have been, or who are today, slaves to their passions.  For some, it may be the bottle.  For others, it could be gambling away the family’s daily bread.  There are some who just cannot be faithful; they are “men about town.” It was the same in Paul’s day.  We are all sinners.  We have all fallen.  But the good news, Paul tells us, is that God, in his rich mercy and out of love, has taken us with our failings, with our sinfulness, as we are, and by grace, has saved us through his son, Jesus.  God has taken us in our brokenness and elevated us to be in God’s space as his sons and daughters.  Jesus has freed us from everything which binds us and robs us of our humanity.  God has changed us and transformed our lives and has shown us the way of life.

Let us pray:  O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

We will honor our graduates this Sunday, 20 May, at the Eucharist.

Sunday, 27 May, is Pentecost. Please remember to wear something red that day as we celebrate the birth of the Church.

11th ANNUAL GOSPELBY THE SEA, Saturday, 9 June at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on 1903 Church Street.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially, Marty Carson, Patricia, Robert, all of those who are suffering from ailments of the throat or esophagus, those seeking employment, and all of 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

The Feast of the Ascension

Today is the Feast of the Ascension.  The Gospel reading for today is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew:

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ (Mt. 28: 16-20).

Christ has died, and Christ is risen, and we await for Christ to come again.  Today, he ascends to his Father to reign over all creation, one heaven and on earth.  Jesus has ushered in the kingdom of God, and Jesus is Lord of all.  Sometimes we forget that Jesus is indeed King of all. You and I are to work for the kingdom, but we do not labor alone. Jesus is not far away is some inaccessible place.  Rather, we must remember what Jesus told his disciples as they accompanied Jesus up the mountain, “Remember that I am with you to the end of the age.”  Jesus is with us; he is with you and with me right now.  Jesus is with his Church until he comes again. 

Let us pray:  Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

We will honor our graduates this Sunday, 20 May, at the Eucharist.

Sunday, 27 May, is Pentecost. Please remember to wear something red that day as we celebrate the birth of the Church.

11^th ANNUAL GOSPEL BY THE SEA, Saturday, 9 June at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on 1903 Church Street.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially all of those suffering for their faith, Patricia, Robert, all of those who are ill, those seeking employment, and all of those who have no one to pray for them.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas77550

Our Suffering Brothers & Sisters in the Anglican Communion

Today the Church remembers the Martyrs of Sudan, and it also brings into focus the importance of our Anglican Communion.  On this day in 1983, the Christian bishops, chiefs, commanders, clergy and people of Sudan declared that they would not abandon God as God had revealed himself to them under threat of Shariah Law imposed by the fundamentalist Islamic government in Khartoum.

Until a peace treaty was signed on 9 January 2005, the Episcopal Church of the Province of the Sudan suffered from persecution and devastation through 22 years of civil war. Two and a half million people were killed, half of whom were members of this church. Many clergy and lay leaders were singled out because of their religious leadership in their communities.

No buildings, including churches and schools, are left standing in an area the size of Alaska. Four million people are internally displaced, and a million are scattered around Africa and beyond in the Sudanese Diaspora. Twenty-two of the 24 dioceses exist in exile in Uganda or Kenya, and the majority of the clergy are unpaid. Only 5% of the population of Southern Sudan was Christian in 1983. Today over 85% of that region of 6,000,000 is now mostly Episcopalian or Roman Catholic. A faith rooted deeply in the mercy of God has renewed their spirits throughout the years of strife and sorrow.

These are our suffering brothers and sisters in faith.  They have given up much because of their love for Christ.  They are part of our Anglican Communion.

Let us pray: O God, steadfast in the midst of persecution, by your providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: As the martyrs of the Sudan refused to abandon Christ even in the face of torture and death, and so by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest, may we, too, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

We will honor our graduates this Sunday, 20 May, at the Eucharist.

Sunday, 27 May, is Pentecost. Please remember to wear something red that day as we celebrate the birth of the Church.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially all of those suffering for their faith, Patricia, Robert, all of those who are ill, those seeking employment, and all of 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

Polarized Politicians Need Prayer

Today’s Epistle reading comes from the first letter to Timothy from Paul. Paul writes:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. (1 Tim. 2: 1-6).

Today’s political climate is polarized.  Our leaders talk past each other; they do not listen to each other.  Part of this is due to the fact that our leaders do not spend time together; rather, they are always going back to the constituents.  In years past, our national leaders spent much more time together. Their families intermingled.  Their kids went to school with each other and played sports together. They would sit down and have a drink together.  Some even went to church together.  They didn’t have to agree with each other on everything.  But they had a community, and that community enabled them to lead more effectively because they were not isolated from each other.  In today’s political world, community is missing. 

Paul asks us to pray for those in authority, and we should.  We should pray for our leadership to have true discerning hearts, to listen to others, and not to be thinking about their rejoinder as the other is speaking.  After all, Paul reminds us that god desires everyone to be saved: Democrats, Republicans, Tea Partiers, Libertarians, and every other flavor you can think of.

Let us pray: O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President, the Congress, the Courts, the Governor of this State, the Legislature, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

HONORING OUR GRADUATES: this Sunday, 20 May 2012.

PENTECOST IS Sunday, 27 May—please wear red!

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Patricia, Lee’s mother, all those seeking work, 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

Do Not Be Deceived

Today’s Epistle reading is from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.  Paul writes: 

As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you? And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed when his time comes. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who now restrains it is removed. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath of his mouth, annihilating him by the manifestation of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. 

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. (2 Thes. 2: 1-17).

The Thessalonians have been shaken by a message purporting to come from Paul himself that the day of the Lord is already present. He warns against this deception by citing a scenario of events that must first occur before the end will come. The overall point Paul makes is the need to reject such lies as Satan sends; he also reaffirms the Thessalonians in their calling. They are to uphold what Paul himself has taught.

An oracular utterance, supposedly coming from a prophetic spirit, has so disrupted the community’s thinking that its effects may be compared to those of the mania connected with the worship of the Greek god Dionysus. Paul alludes to a pseudocharismatic force or spirit that has suddenly taken hold of the Thessalonian community. The Thesssalonians know this force or spirit because of the problem it is causing. This pseudocharismatic force or spirit is a kind of anticipation and advance proof of the ultimate, climactic figure (the lawless one or the rebel, 2 Thes 2:3), of which the community has been warned. It is, however, only the beginning of the end that the latter’s manifestation entails; the end is not yet. For in the course of the mystery of lawlessness, false prophetism, after it ceases in the Thessalonian community, will be manifested in the world at large, where it will also be eliminated in turn by the Lord Jesus.

We like the Thessaloians must keep watch that we are not taken over by deceptive forces that are at work.  Put your trust in Chirst!

Let us pray: Gracious Father, your Son Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Send your Holy Spirit to be with your Church so that we may discern your will and that we may grow in wisdom and grace.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION: Friday, 11 May and Saturday, 12 May—Stepping Stones. There is a $10 charge for supplies. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so that he can make sure that there will be enough supplies. We need about 10 more stones to finish the garden walk way.

MOTHER’S DAY, 13 MAY 2011-Please join in celebrating our Mothers. We will also bless the newly planted trees after the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist.

PLEASE REMEMEBR EVERYONE ONOURPRAYER LIST, including Sharon Yesland, Betty Heberling, Lee’s mother, Melva’s sister, Rosella Watson (who died last week) and her family, Robert, and all of 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

St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Theolgian During Troubled Times

Today on the calendar of saints, the Church remembers St. Gregory of Nazianzus (330-389), a Bishop who was very instrumental in shaping the theology of the Church. 

The traditional list of the “Doctors” (great teachers or theologians) of the Church has 8 people on it: Ambrose of Milan, Augustine of Hippo, Gregory the Great, Athanasius of Alexandria, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus. 

Great people always seem to run in packs.  Gregory of Nazianzus, his friend Basil the Great, and Basil’s brother Gregory of Nyssa, are jointly known as the Cappadocian Fathers (Cappadocia is a region in what is now Central Turkey).  During a turbulent time in the Church, these individuals were able to navigate through the troubles.  The great controversy of the day centered on the nature of Jesus Christ.  Was he simply a man?  Was he God?  Was he both a man and God?  Gregory taught that Jesus was true God and true man; God with us in all things, including our humanity.

Gregory had a clear insight into the nature of God both from a theological and practical viewpoint. He was famous for his writings on the Trinity and loved to write about the mysteries of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. According to Gregory, the desire for God is a precious jewel that fascinates God as if it were the only thing in the world. God cannot resist inundating us with grace through our sincere requests almost to the point that nothing will be refused if we ask with confidence, expectation and hope.

Let us pray:  Almighty God, who have revealed to your Church your eternal Being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in Trinity of Persons: Give us grace that, like your bishop Gregory of Nazianzus, we may continue steadfast in the confession of this faith, and constant in our worship of you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who live and reign for ever and ever.    Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION: Friday, 11 May and Saturday, 12 May—Stepping Stones.  There is a $10 charge for supplies.  Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so that he can make sure that there will be enough supplies. We need about 10 more stones to finish the garden walk way.

MOTHER’S DAY, 13 MAY 2011-Please join in celebrating our Mothers. We will also bless the newly planted trees after the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist.

PLEASE REMEMEBR EVERYONE ON OURPRAYER LIST, including Sharon Yesland, Betty Heberling, Lee’s mother, Melva’s sister, Rosella Watson (who died last week) and her family, and all of 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