"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
1 Cor 12:4-6, The Epistle Lesson, The Tenth Sunday after Trinity
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Fr. Scott led our Holy Communion Service this Sunday, the Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Fr. Scott's sermon this Sunday focused on the Epistle Lesson which included the verses above. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is the least praised person of the Trinity. Ironically every prayer we offer up is through the power of this very same Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. Every collect of the day ends with a trinitarian conclusion which normally goes "through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit now and forever." This unity of the Holy Spirit phrase is a powerful statement about the work of the Holy Spirit. He unites us with God, God with us, us with the Truth, and us with each other. He binds us together in the Body of Christ as brothers and sisters. He gives us grace to fit in and fulfill the role that God has given us. As Paul is reminding the Corinthians, the manifestation of the spirit (which is the gifts Paul is talking about) is given to all for the benefit of all. All the gifts Paul mentions is 'others' oriented. Our spiritual gifts are meant for the building up of God's family within the Church.
His closing paragraph is quoted below:
"I am very happy to be able to empower everyone here to realize the power God has given each of you and to use my gift of ordination to bring the sacraments to you. I fit in just as each and everyone of you fit into our Church for God to use as He sees fit. I hope you feel empowered and encouraged this morning that we all share in the same Spirit. God has grace and gifts to realize in you if only we are willing to use them for each other. You are irreplaceable and we are in this together. We cannot do this without you because God has chosen you to be in this Church at this time, so He has a purpose and plan for you here. The Holy Spirit that we all share , not only unites us together, but also unites us with Truth , and unites us with God."
Please find Fr. Scott's complete sermon at the 20:00 minute mark at the following link:
Thank you Fr. Scott for that beautiful sermon!
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In Christian Education this morning Fr. Scott continued his series on the Creeds, by delving further discussing the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is our Statement of Faith and the Safeguard for our Faith. He reviewed each phrase in the Creed discussing and clarifying the meaning. He also discussed some of the controversies that led to the Council of Nicaea and how that impacted the wording. Next week we will finish reviewing the last few lines of the Nicene Creed and start on the Council of Jerusalem as described in Acts.
Please join us for these wonderful and informative classes!
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After services Lynn and Claudia provided delicious snacks including different cheeses, salamis, pimento cheese, crackers, grapes, and different types of cakes. Unfortunately, I yet again forgot to a picture of their beautiful spread - arghh!
Thank you both so much!
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Ming is returning to Duke to continue his education. Sadly this upcoming Sunday is his last with us for a while! We will miss both his beautiful piano playing and just having him here with us! We are having a pot luck luncheon after services on Sunday, August 15 as a big 'Thank You' to him.
Please come join us as we thank him for playing for us all these months and bring a dish to pass!
Ming's Groupies will put in another appearance also!!
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Plans for our beautiful and soon to be completed Memorial Garden are coming along.
Earl is building a beautiful Celtic Cross out of Locust wood sourced by Jim, Diane's husband. Jim has shared with Earl several clamps, a heavy duty router, and lots of insight about working with Locust - a very hard wood. When completed, Earl will erect the cross in the center of the garden, in front of the center tree. We are also planning to add a bench. More information coming!
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Sue and Scott sent these beautiful pictures taken during their visit to Yosemite .....
Beautiful scenery, beautiful couple, and beautiful family!
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Mike and Claudia sent these pictures from their recent visit to a llama farm. Looks like a fun and interesting time!
Another beautiful couple in beautiful scenery with interesting company!
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Earl and Rose Marie's son, Mike, and granddaughters visited from Colorado this weekend! Mike also joined us at church - it was great to meet him! Safe travels back to Colorado!
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