Loved ones,
In recent days, we have seen an atrocity at a nightclub in Orlando Florida. Sadly, once again we are shaken by senseless killings. This horror and other tragedies, leave many people speechless with shock and grief. When minds are troubled and hearts are yearning for peace, Christians pray.
I invite you to pray to the God whose heart breaks for every life lost to violence. God in Christ suffers with those who are suffering. The Spirit of the risen Lord gives hope to everyone who turns from violence and chooses to love his neighbor.
Please pray, and bring your heart’s desire for peace and your mind’s anxieties about the world’s troubles, to the Lord Jesus. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
Please pray, and find comfort in your faith and remember Jesus words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Please pray and remember that the Lord Jesus Christ, was born into the chaos of human history, and lived and died with violence, oppression, and the shadow of war. Ask Him to send his Spirit of peace to all who live in this moment of history, and breathe new hope for the whole human race. Turn fear and hatred to trust and understanding.
Please pray that greed and selfishness can be changed to generosity and care, and that we will learn to love every person created in God’s image.
May the Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us; the Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace. Amen.
Please, please pray.
Blessings,
Fr. John+
The Right Rev. Santosh Marray has been elected as the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton!
We will host a Children’s Choir Camp this summer, under the direction of Steve McBride our Music Director. Singers will have the opportunity to improve their singing skills and musicianship. At the end of the week, campers will present a short performance of what they learned.
Take Out Church is a fun way to take “church with you” this Summer! Pick up your Take Out Church Box this Sunday and enjoy all the fun activities inside with the whole family! There are crafts, games, music, even a Flat Jesus to come with you on all your adventures! Each box contains a prayer dice, music CD, Skittles prayer bag, Loving your Neighbor bag, a Thanksgiving beach ball craft, conversation starters, coloring pages, colored pencils and a sharpener, a sheet of Bible apps for your devices, and, of course, your very own Flat Jesus, complete with instructions on how to upload pictures of your adventures with Him to our church website, all in a compact box for easy travel. Take St. Mary Anne’s with you this Summer, and may God watch between us while we are apart!
