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
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