Recent Blog Posts
November Newsletter
The November issue of The Shepherd’s Voice is now available online. Click here to download.
November Calendar of Events
The Calendar of Events for November is now available on line. Click here to download.
November Lay Ministry Schedule
The Lay Ministry Schedule for the month of November is available online. Click here to download.
October Newsletter
The October issue of The Shepherd’s Voice is now available online. Click here to download.
October Calendar of Events
The Calendar of Events for October is now available on line. Click here to download.
October Lay Ministry Schedule
The Lay Ministry Schedule for the month of October is available online. Click here to download.
Sunday August 28, 2011 Sermon and Prayers
LIVING THE LIFE THAT CHRIST WANTS US TO LIVE.
PENTECOST 11A – AUGUST 28, 2011
Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21
THE MESSIAH WHO WILL SUCCOMB TO A BRUTAL DEATH ON A SADISTIC ROMAN CROSS……….
PETER JUST COULDN’T TAKE IT…………NO, HE DIDN’T WANT IT TO HAPPEN. THE BRUTALITY OF JESUS’ MURDER LIKE A COMMON CRIMINAL
IS ALSO HARD FOR US TO TAKE.
WE REALLY WANT A SUPER-HERO, DON’T WE?
KIND OF A CROSS BETWEEN CAPTAIN AMERICA AND SUPER MAN.
SOMEONE WHO CONQUERS THE EVIL EMPIRE OF ROME
NOT ONE WHO SUCCOMBS TO IT.
SO, WE GUILD THE CROSSES WE PLACE IN OUR CHURCHES AND AROUND OUR NECKS.
THE CRUCIFIXION OF ANY HUMAN BEING IS A HORRIFIC ACT OF TORTURE. BUT FOR THE SON OF GOD IT IS UNTHINKABLE.
THE PARADOX OF THE CROSS IS THIS:
ONLY THROUGH THIS GROTESQUE INSTRUMENT OF DEATH CAN WE EVER FIND THE ABUNDANT LIFE THAT CHRIST HAS PROMISED FOR EACH ONE OF US.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN, TAKING UP OUR CROSS?
IT MEANS LIVING THE LIFE AS DESCRIBED BY PAUL IN THE READING FROM ROMANS THIS MORNING.
TAKING UP OUR CROSS MEANS
HATING WHAT IS EVIL
LOVING ONE ANOTHER WITH MUTUAL AFFECTION
SERVING THE LORD
REJOICING IN HOPE
BEING PATIENT IN SUFFERING
PERSERVING IN PRAYER, EVEN THOUGH OUR PRAYERS ARE NOT ANSWERED THE WAY WE WANT THEM TO BE
BLESSING THOSE WHO PERSECUTE US
REJOICING WITH THOSE THAT REJOICE
WEEPING WITH THOSE WHO CRY.
NEVER SEEKING REVENGE ON OTHERS, BUT LETTING GOD TAKE CARE OF ALL THAT.
OVERCOME EVIL, WITH THE GOOD.
FOR PAUL, AND FOR ALL CHRISTIANS THAT IS WHAT TAKING UP OUR CROSS MEANS.
IT MEANS BEING ABLE TO ACCEPT A LIFE THAT IS CONDUCIVE WITH THE WILL OF GOD, AND NOT NECESSARILY WHAT WE WANT TO DO.
BOB EAGEN IN HIS BOOK, “MIDDLE CHURCH” SUMS UP THIS LIFE WE ARE ALL CALLED TO LIVE WHEN WE TAKE UP OUR CROSS.
HE WRITES:
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH DISCOMFORT AT EASY ANSWERS, HALF TRUTHS, SUPERFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS SO THAT YOU WILL LIVE DEEP WITHIN YOUR HEART.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH ANGER AT INJUSTICE, OPPRESSION AND EXPLOITATION OF PEOPLE SO THAT YOU WILL WORK FOR JUSTICE, EQULITY, AND PEACE.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH TEARS TO SHED FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER PAIN, REJECTION, STARVATION AND WAR, SO THAT YOU WILL REACH OUT YOUR HAND TO COMFORT THEM AND CHANGE THEIR PAIN INTO JOY.
AN MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH FOOLISHNESS TO THINK THAT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD, SO THAT YOU WILL DO THE THINGS WHICH OTHERS TELL YOU CANNOT BE DONE.
GOD NEVER PROMISED US A ROSE GARDEN…………………..”
BUT HE DOES PROMISE US LIFE, AND THE PROMISE THAT HE IS WITH US THROUGH IT ALL. NO MATTER WHAT……….
(Pastor Bryan Leone ————AMDG)
AMEN
Prayers for Pentecost 11
August 28, 2011
With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation.
O God: We pray for all who work today to share the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ. We especially remember those who gather under the threat of persecution, that they may be sustained, Lord in your mercy
Dear Jesus, you calmed the roaring waters and waves with a word of peace. Be with all who are in the path of the Hurricane Irene, and as a hen covers her chicks with her wings to keep them safe, so protect us all under your wings, that we may have a peaceful, restful night and a safe tomorrow, Lord in your mercy
For all nations at war or facing disease of poverty especially the Koreas, Myramar, Haiti, the Sudan, and the countries of the Middle East: Syria, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, and Palestine; we ask for your life-giving presence and peace, O God. We pray for clean water and an end to hunger, Lord, in your mercy
As we prepare for Hurricane Irene and the aftermath: We pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope, help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd: military personnel, police, firefighters, and emergency first responders especially Scott, Guy, Rob, Phillip, Megan, Ed, Bill, Ron, Ken, John, Kelly, Glenn Riccio, Glenn Noll, Victor, George, Damon, Brian, and Bob, Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order, Lord, in your mercy
Look with compassion on all who are suffering: the unemployed, abused, and neglected, people who are depressed and lonely, and those facing challenges to their health especially Christina, Dorothy, Trudi, Joanne, Vic, Ed, Alma, Leslie, Joyce, Steve, Charlie, Ethan, Grace, Martha, Sue, Bret, Linda, Kyle, Jill, Sarah, Eric, Jeff, Laura, Helen, and all whom we lift before you either silently or aloud {pause for people to voice prayer concern}, Lord in your mercy.
Look with kindness on our church family as we celebrate 50 years of service to you. Weave us into a net that provides comfort and support, refuge and friendship to all who come through our doors, or all whom we serve in the wider community of your world., Lord in your mercy
And now Lord, hear the prayers of your people……………………….(after a pause to allow prayers from the people say)…..
Into your hands, O God, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.
Announcements:
Please be safe, and stay calm during the impending Hurricane. If you need assistance dial 911. Please also do not hesitate to call me on my home phone 203-929-1057 or my cell phone 203-257-4140.
We are continuing to support Capt. Scott Crews’ and his unit which is serving in Afghanistan for a year.. There is a box at church to collect your donations of needed items. They are posted on our website, and also at church.
We are discontinuing the collection of white and translucent bottle caps. It apparently was a cruel hoax. We have discovered from Snopes.com (the urban legend site) that there is a company which will recycle the caps, and we will ask them that if we send the caps to them, would they consider a donation to either St. Judes or the American Cancer Society. Sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused, thanks to all who contributed. Please pray for the person or persons who created this cruel hoax to begin with.
Sunday Worship Services cancelled
Due to impending Hurricane Irene, worship services for Sunday, August 28, 2011 have been cancelled.
September Newsletter
The September issue of The Shepherd’s Voice is now available online. Click here to download.
September Calendar of Events
The Calendar of Events for September is now available on line. Click here to download.