Saint George's Anglican Church

Lent 4                                                 March 14, 2010

8:00 A.M. - HOLY EUCHARIST                            

Psalm: 122                                                       p. 498

Collect for Purity:                                              p.   67

Kyrie                                                                p.  70

Collect for Lent 4                                             p. 147

Collect for Lent                                                p. 138

Epistle                                                              p. 147

Gradual Psalm: 125                                          p. 499

Gospel                                                             p. 147

9:15 A.M. – MORNING PRAYER

First Lesson: Genesis 35:1-15 (page 32 in the pew Bible)

Psalms: 86, 87

Second Lesson: Hebrews 13:1-21 (page 227 in the pew Bible)

10:00 A.M. - HOLY EUCHARIST

Introit Psalm:  (sung)

Hymn: 460 (St. Finbar)

Children’s Talk

Collect for Lent 4                                                         p. 147

Collect for Lent                                                            p. 138

Epistle                                                                          p. 147

Gradual Psalm: 125                                                      p. 499

Gospel                                                                         p. 147

Creed                                                                           p. 71

Hymn before Homily: 537 (St. Bernard)

Homily

Offertory Hymn: 503 (Kingsfold)

Intercession

Confession, Absolution                                     p. 77

Thanksgiving                                                                 p. 78

Consecration                                                                p. 82

Hymns during Communion:       672 (Bread of Life)        

            781 (Near the Cross)   791 (He Leadeth Me)

Lord’s Prayer                                                               p. 85

Recessional Hymn: 627 (Ewing)

            Please join us for Coffee and Conversation in the Hall.

5:00 P.M. EVENING PRAYER

First Lesson: Genesis 45:16- 46:7 (page 42 in the pew Bible)

Psalms 75, 76

Second Lesson: Luke 23:1-25 (page 88 in the pew Bible)

The Sanctuary Lamp burns this week to the Glory of God

and in Loving Memory of Rhoda Hopper.

“Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord,

and let light eternal shine upon them”

Vivian Carson               Josephine Stone            Jacqueline Jeffery

Keith Leighton  Brenda Englehart          Elizabeth Clements

Albert Wood                Jean Wadlyn

Layreaders

8:00 A.M. – Ted Bartlett          9:15A.M – Nicholas Saulnier

10:00 A.M. – Ian Hayre

This Week in the Parish

The Daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer will be prayed in the Chapel at 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Monday– Friday, respectively.

In addition:

Monday           Funeral for Jean Wadlyn           2:00 P.M.

                        Confirmation Classes                6:30 P.M.

Tuesday           Bible Study at the Rectory        10:00 A.M.

                        Willing Workers                       2:00 P.M.

Wednesday      Camden Terrace Eucharist        10:00 A.M.

Holy Eucharist                7:00 P.M.

Thursday          Holy Eucharist                         10:00 A.M.

Friday              Stations of the Cross                   7:00 P.M.

Easter Memorials – Easter Sunday is April 4^th. Therefore, if possible could you please place your flower memorials call the Church office (855-5209) or to place Memorial Fund donations in memory of loved ones call John Lingley (389-1361) as soon as possible. Thank you!

The Rector’s Corner

            Last week in this space the subject was “tacit contracts”. These are agreements that we have with ourselves and with other people that have not been formalized. They are unsigned. Some of them are for good, and some bad. For example, within a family, it is helpful when someone volunteers to take out the garbage, walk the dog, or wash the dishes.

            On the other hand, it is not helpful when a family member ignores their responsibilities on a regular basis, hoping that no one will call them on it. And, if no one does, the shirker takes the silence for approval, and a tacit contract begins. In this case, if the family is prepared to collude (go along) with the behaviour, it definitely will continue. As Bishop Salmon says “If you cannot name it, it will own you.” That is, if you are not willing to confront an issue, or behaviour or a personal habit, it will continue and grow stronger. In the words of the old adage, “Give it an inch, and it will take a mile.”

            But why is it that people (including ourselves) act selfishly? Why do any one of us choose our way at the expense of others – our mood, our anger, our timing, our plan? The answer is simple: our fallen humanity is naturally inclined this way. Article IX on page 702 of the Prayer Book reminds us of the effects of original sin on human nature: “Man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit.” When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their action did not affect only them, but it caused an infection in human nature itself which continues through every culture and generation. The ultimate evidence of this infection is the reality of death. As St. Paul told the Church in Rome, “The wages (payment) of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

            So what can we do to change these destructive habits and tacit contracts? Well, it is important to realize that we cannot control other people or force them to behave in a certain way. Any attempt to do that will result in deeper frustration. Does that mean that we should throw our hands up and never talk to them again? Absolutely not. But what should we do?

            Bishop Salmon recommends that, if we want to change a particular pattern of behaviour (or system of relating), we begin with ourselves. If you want change, start with yourself. Ask: what is absolutely necessary here? What can I do to impact this situation for good in the Name of Jesus Christ? Rather than letting circumstances dictate the outcome, be intentional about your response. I’m not talking about acting like a bull in a china shop; nor am I suggesting that you take charge ruthlessly. As Christians, we are called to, “Speak the truth in love.”  (Ephesians 4:15)In this expectation, we look to join our will to God’s and to act with mercy. Remember the words of the Christmas Gospel: “The Word (Christ) was made flesh and dwelt among us…full of grace an truth.” (St. John 1:14). So, how can we intentionally act with Grace and Truth in confronting tacit contracts – that’s the question.

            Appropriate humour is a helpful  tool as we consider our response; and, of course, we will only be able to smile if we truly believe and trust in God’s Presence and Providence, regardless of how dark the day may be. Checking our assumptions is also very important – too often we assume that we know why someone has acted in a certain way.

            In closing, here is a little gem from Bishop Salmon that illustrates how wrong our assumptions can be – and how harmful. A man was driving on a twisty road through the mountains. Suddenly a red convertible appeared just ahead, coming towards him. The convertible was fish-tailing and seemed to be out of control. The man slowed down and moved as far to the shoulder of the road as he could to give the other car more room. In an instant the convertible was upon him and he could see wisps of long blond hair blowing wildly from the driver’s side. The radio was blaring; and yet, just as the convertible swerved by, the woman yelled, ‘PIG!’  In response the man hollered, ‘COW!’ Then, mad as a hatter, he drove around a blind turn and hit a pig that was standing in the middle of the road.

A sign up sheet to help with the reception for the funeral for Jean Wadlyn on Monday is in the vestibule. Please remember Jean’s husband Larry, and their daughters Janet, Betty and Phyllis and their families in your prayers.

The Willing Workers meeting will be on Tuesday March 16^th at 2 p.m. in the Ladies Parlor.

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church will hold a Pancake Supper on Saturday, March 20 from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Adults $7.00, Children (12 years and younger) $3.50.

Pew Packs – We need help, please, with the re-stocking of the children’s ‘pew packs.’ Quiet toys, small rubber tire cars, plastic animals, little books – anything that is safe for children 8 years and younger would be greatly appreciated. Clean, used items would be welcome! Thank you,

Proclamation – The Churches if the greater Moncton area will once again work together on ‘Proclamation” – an event designed to read through the entire Bible. This year, Proclamation will be held at the Thomas Williams Heritage House (on Highfield Street) from April 28^th to May 7^th. As you can imagine, lots of readers are needed . If you are willing to help, please notify Debbie Ritchie at the Church Office (855-5209) and let her know the day and time that would be best for you (April 28- May 7, 7A.M.-9 P.M.). You will be given the passage ahead of time to practice. This simple project is well worth our efforts. Please consider giving it a few minutes of your time.

This is the fourth Sunday in Lent, also called “Mothering Sunday” or “Refreshment Sunday”. The idea of “Refreshment” comes from the word ‘relieved’ in today’s Collect:

“Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved…”

The Latin word for ‘relieved’ is ‘respiremus’ which means “may have a breathing time or refreshment”. This refreshment is illustrated by the Lord’s feeding of the five thousand in this morning’s Gospel. Jesus fed and refreshed them, and He does the same for us today by His Word, and by the Blessed Sacrament of His Body and Blood.

            “Mothering Sunday”, the other name for this day, follows from St. Paul’s words in this morning’s Epistle:

“Jerusalem which is above is free; which is the mother of us all”

As a way of emphasizing this theme, the Church has for centuries, given a flower to the women in the parish. May the carnations distributed today, remind us of our true motherland which awaits us in heaven

The next St. Michael’s Club is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 from 10:00-11:45 A.M. Children aged 4-12 Years are welcome to come and bring a friend.

Confirmation Classes will begin on Monday 15^th at 6:30 P.M.