"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."
St. Luke 18:13
____________________
Fr. Yossi's sermon on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity discussed 'The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from St. Luke 18. This parable appears to be straight forward, but is full of twists and spiritual truths. This parable at its core is about pride and humility. The Pharisees considered themselves worthy of God's grace because of their religious performance, i.e. their good works. Therefore, the Pharisee's prayer is all about himself and his own righteousness. However the tax collector's prayer is in stark contrast because he recognizes his only hope is for God to save him. Both men got what they prayed for: the tax collector received mercy and the Pharisee received nothing.
However there is a deeper message. We need to avoid thanking God that we are not like the hypocrites, overly pious, self-righteous and that we have learned that we should always be humble else we become like the Pharisee. Before Christ, the Temple separated people into "insiders" and "outsiders". When Jesus dies all this changes. God justifies not the one favored by Temple law but the one standing outside the temple gate who is aware of his utter need. The strangely good news of the parable is that the role of the tax collector is available to all of us!
Thank you Fr. Yossi for the beautiful service and sermon! Thank you Anderson for serving!
_______________________
After services we enjoyed our monthly pot luck luncheon which turned into an amazing feast! Thank you so much to everyone for bringing food and sharing your culinary skills!
We also celebrated all the August Birthdays and Anniversaries. Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!
______________________
Thank you Fr. Paul for leading our Morning Prayer service this past Sunday. Fr. Paul posted a sign up sheet for Morning and Evening Prayer readers in the Parish Hall. Please consider signing up for this important part of our services!
_____________________
Fr. Yossi's Christian Education classes which focus on the weekly lessons and how they tie in with the other daily readings continued this past Sunday. Please join us next Sunday at 9:15 - a pot of coffee will be on!
_________________________
This past Tuesday evening Fr. Yossi celebrated the Transfiguration of Christ with a Holy Communion Service. Thank you Fr. Yossi for the beautiful service!
_________________________
Wednesday Evening Services:
This past week Fr. Paul led our Wednesday Evening Prayer Service. Thank you Fr. Paul for leading such a beautiful service!
This coming Wednesday Fr. Yossi will lead Holy Communion Services starting at 6 pm.
Before the Holy Communion Service, the St. Peter’s Grief Support Group will meet at 4 pm. The Grief Support Group, led by Fr. Yossi, meets biweekly.
_________________________
The Anglican Anglers will hold their next meeting on Saturday, August 17 at 9 am.
_______________________
Its time to order new Ordo Calendar's. The calendars are $10 each for either the full size calendar or the pocket size. A sign up sheet will be posted downstairs and your order is due by next Sunday, August 18! Payment is due when we receive the calendars.
______________________
The Annual Deanery Picnic
If you are interested in attending please let Fr. Yossi know!
______________________
Our next Bible Study group starts in September as outlined below:
Comments