The Sanctuary Lamp burns this week to the Glory of God
and in Loving Memory of:
David Beers
Jean Rosamund Cruickshank
Ernest G. Bartlett
“Let us remember before God those of our brethren who
have departed this life and are at rest.”
Angela BarrettDick Quinn
Ruby FraserEdna Brown
Fred NorthBrenda Kaufman
The Vestry meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11 at 7 P.M.
Annual Reports are requested, please, as soon as possible from all groups or committees of our parish. They may be submitted to Debbie Ritchie at the Church office in person, by fax or by email. Thank you!
A note about Willing Workers. Our first meeting of 2010 will be on Tuesday January 12th. at 2 p.m. in the Ladies Parlour.
Winter reading: A series of books by author Jan Karon, called “The Mitford Series’, are available for people to borrow one at a time. Many thanks to our donor. Enjoy!
The Rector’s Corner
The Laying on of Hands with Prayer Upon Those Who are Baptized
Although the world refers to it as ‘Boxing Day’, December 26th for Christians, is known as ‘The Feast of Stephen’. Everyone has heard of it by that name in the Christmas Carol, Good King Wenceslas:
“Good King Wenceslas looked out
on the Feast of Stephen.”
Anyway, St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr – he was stoned to death for his testimony to the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, Interestingly, one of the Jewish leaders who consented to Stephen’s death was Saul – who, after his conversion, became St. Paul. Following Stephen’s death, we are told that “there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem.” (Acts 8:1) In fact, the persecution caused the Christians to scatter (except the apostles, they stayed in Jerusalem). Although to us this may appear to be a bad thing, it was not, because, in God’s plan, the scattering of the Christians caused the Gospel to be preached in areas where it had not yet been heard. For example, as St. Luke wrote, “They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” (Acts 1:1) Easily, then, the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ was shared 50-60 miles North and South of Jerusalem.
One story that records the results of this “scattering and sharing” is found in chapter 8 of the Acts of the Apostles – the fifth book of the New Testament. We read there how Philip (after whom St. Philip’sAnglican Church on LynchStreet is named) “went down into the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” And what happened? “The people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did,” (verse 6) You see, not only did he preach to them, but also, by God’s grace and power, Philip performed miracles in the city of Samaria. Those possessed with demons were healed, and those who were lame and disabled were made to walk. As we can all imagine, there was, as St. Luke wrote, “much joy in that city.” (Verse 8) This joy translated into faith and the new life; for, as we read, “When they believed Philip preaching of things concerning the kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12) What happened next is very interesting and noteworthy.
Eventually, news of the conversions and baptisms reached the apoatles in Jerusalem. And what did they do? They sent Peter and John to Samaria right away. Why? So that they could pray for these new Christians and lay their hands on them. Here is what St. Luke wrote:
“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:14-17)
As you think about this, it may be helpful to note these two things: the people were baptized AND they received the Laying on of Hands with Prayer by two of the apostles. Was this an isolated incident? No. St. Paul (the same man who persecuted the Christians and consented to St. Stephen’s death) is recorded as also baptizing and administering the Laying on of Hands with Prayer. (See Acts 19:1-7). There is also a reference to this practice in the Epistle to the Hebrews (6:1-2). In each case, the Laying on of Hands was given so that the person may receive the Holy Ghost.
You see, after reading and studying what is presented by the Lord on this subject in His Word, the Church came to understand that God performs one particular work in the soul in Holy Baptism, and another invisible work in the Laying on of Hands. In Baptism, he washes us from the stain of sin, adopts us as His own children, and gives us new life (spiritual regeneration). In the Laying on of Hands, He gives us certain gifts of His Spirit so that our minds may be enlightened to know God’s Truth and our wills strengthened to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh ad the devil. These gifts of the Holy Spirit are mentioned in the Confirmation Service (see the top of p. 560 of the Prayer Book), and they come from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (11:2-3). In one writer’s words, they are as follows:
a)Wisdom, to aid us in our search after God.
b)Understanding, to lead us to knowledge of the Truth.
c)Counsel, to help us discern the right path.
d)Ghostly Strength, to confirm us in doing right.
e)Knowledge, to teach us the will of God.
f)True Godliness, to help us to lead good lives.
g)Holy Fear, to aid us in loving and obeying God as our Father.
Rector’s Corner continued
As modern people who have a tendency to undervalue the soul and all that is invisible, Holy Baptism and Confirmation (i.e. the Laying on of Hands with Prayer) may seem to be unnecessary. For the Christian, however, who seeks to follow Christ and to be united to Him, these means of grace are precious. Tossed to and fro by the storms of life, we all need God’s help – and so He makes His Wisdom and Strength available to us. Indeed He comes to dwell in us by His Holy Spirit our Counsellor and Comforter.
An opportunity for you to receive the Laying on of Hands with Prayer is coming in May or June of this year. The Bishop (who has been charged to carry out the ministry of Jesus’ apostles) is scheduled to be with us for this purpose. Adults and young people are encouraged to accept this invitation. It is a high one which comes form our Lord – an invitation to live more fully in Him. Of course, some preparation is necessary; however, the meeting details can be worked out. The main thing is to indicate your interest. So, please call the Rector (855-5209 Office or 389-3516 Home) as soon as possible if you would like to prepare for the Laying on of Hands (Confirmation). You will not regret it, I guarantee you.
This Week in the Parish
The Daily Offices of MorningandEveningPrayer will be prayed in the Chapel at 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Monday – Friday, respectively. In addition:
Monday Vestry7:00 P.M.
Tuesday Bible Study at the Rectory10:00 A.M.
Willing Workers2.00 P.M.
Grief Share7:00 P.M.
ThursdayHoly Eucharist10:00 A.M.
No dipping please! Just a friendly reminder of the Bishop’s directive on receiving the Holy Communion. Please do not dip; either receive the Chalice and drink from it, or cross your arms to indicated that you wish not to take it, The complete directive is available on the table in the Church Entry. Thank you!
Saint George's Anglican Church
