Acts 29. Sabbath Rest. the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness Acts 28:31 ESV

Transcription

1 Volume 4 Issue 7/8 Acts 29 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness Acts 28:31 ESV July/August 2011 RECTOR: THE REV. JOHN H. (JACK) POTTER FRJACK@COMCAST.NET VICAR: THE REV. ALAN BOUFFARD AJBOUFFARD55@MSN.COM YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTER: DAN SYLVIA DANJSYLVIA@GMAIL.COM ~~~~~~~~~~ SUNDAY SERVICES 8:00 A.M. WORSHIP (FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH) 71 BOND STREET NORWOOD, MA 10:00 A.M. WORSHIP 31 HAYWARD STREET FRANKLIN, MA ~~~~~~~~~~ IMPORTANT DATES VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY VESTRY MEETING MONDAY, JULY 18 SUMMER OFFICE HOURS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY MORNINGS TELEPHONE: OFFICE@REDEEMER ANGLICANCHURCH.ORG Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Sabbath Rest The Old Testament reading on Trinity Sunday was from The Book of Genesis the account of how God transformed chaos into creation. After the six days of creation, the Bible says that God rested. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. [Genesis 2:2-3 ESV] You and I get tired after we ve been busy doing things whether our activities involve physical, mental or emotional efforts, but did you ever wonder why the all-powerful, sovereign, omnipotent God would need to rest? As with many passages in the Bible it s important to dig beneath a surface reading to understand what Scripture is saying to us. Dr. Allen Ross, one of my seminary professors, offers this explanation in Creation & Blessing, A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis: The key word here is the well-known rest [sabat, to rest ; sabbat, the Sabbath ]. The word actually means cease, more than rest as understood today. It is not a word that refers to remedying exhaustion after a tiring week of work. Rather, it describes the enjoyment of accomplishment, the celebration of completion. The New Testament uses the concept of Sabbath rest in a spiritual sense. Believers have ceased from their labors and have entered into that divine rest [Heb. 4]. The point is that those who enjoy Sabbath rest must be set apart to [God] and must set their activities apart to him. [pages ] Dr. Ross continues: This passage is significant in the lives of Christians. The believer enters into a life of Sabbath rest from works and embarks on a life of holiness in that rest Obedience to his powerful Word, either the written Word or the living Word, our Savior, will transform believers into his glorious image. [pages ] As we move into summer things tend to slow down a bit. This may offer opportunities to rest in the way we usually think of the word, but also times to rest, in a biblical sense, and to reflect on where you are in your own spiritual journey and where we are as a parish. I urge you to take time this summer to think about what has been accomplished and what s next, both for yourself and for Redeemer, so that we may continue to move forward as a community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. We ve been called to share the transforming love of Jesus Christ with others that s the business we re in and it continues even during the summer! Blessings in the Name of Jesus, Father Jack+

2 Page 2 Members of the Vestry Senior Warden Jeff Newman Junior Warden James Gaul Clerk Lee Grant Wendy DiRico Darren Grant Oliver Gruner Ron McElman Ed Ronan Angela Woislaw ~~~~~~~~~~ Parish Administrator Christine Gruner Acts 29 Editor & Administrative Assistant Linda Hardin office@redeemer anglicanchurch.org LECTIONARY READINGS FOR JULY AND AUGUST As part of your Sabbath Rest this summer you might consider adopting the discipline of reading and reflecting on the portions of God s Word that we will read on Sunday morning. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Lectionary Readings for July 3 Deuteronomy 10:17-21 Hebrews 11:8-16 Matthew 5:43-48 Psalm 145:1-9 Lectionary Readings for July 10 Isaiah 55:1-5,10-13 Romans 8:9-17 Lectionary Readings for July 17 Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 Psalm 65:9-14 Romans 8:18-25 Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Psalm 86:11-17 Lectionary Readings for July 24 1 Kings 3:5-12 Romans 8:26-34 Lectionary Readings for July 31 Nehemiah 9:16-20 Romans 8:35-39 Matthew 13:31-33,44-49a Psalm 119: Matthew 14:13-21 Psalm 78:14-20, Lectionary Readings for August 7 Jonah 2:1-9 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:22-33 Psalm 29 Lectionary Readings for August 14 Isaiah 56:1-7 Romans 11:13-15,29-32 Matthew 15:21-28 Psalm 67 Lectionary Readings for August 21 Isaiah 51:1-6 Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20 Psalm 138 Lectionary Readings for August 28 Jeremiah 15:15-21 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:21-27 Psalm 26:1-8 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL See Page 4 Have you signed up? Who can you invite today? The Church of the Redeemer is a community of Christians who seek to follow Jesus Christ and lead others into a saving relationship with Him as it practices the Christian Faith within the Anglican tradition. The focus of the parish is the reading and studying of the Bible, through which God has declared the Good News of salvation from sin and the hope of eternal life, and the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion each Sunday. The Church of the Redeemer is a parish of The Anglican Diocese in New England, The Anglican Church in North America. It is committed to working with Christians in all traditions and to join with other parishes and our bishops to present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit that people everywhere will come to know Him as Lord and serve Him as King in the fellowship of His Church.

3 Youth Ministry News Page 3 Redeemer Franklin held its first formal youth gathering on Sunday, June 12 th. Fifteen students attended as we gathered at the Ronan s home. The students had a blast as they made ice cream sundaes, encouraged to eat as much ice cream as they could! It still never fails to amaze me at the quantity of food a hungry teen can consume. A variety of games were played with prizes being handed out to the winners as well as randomly throughout the afternoon. There was a moment where all the teens sat for a brief discussion on how the church could be a resource for youth. We talked about all the many issues teens face during a normal week at school and home: pressure to get good grades, social classes, bullying, drug use, parent/student relationships, abuse, religion and other topics. It was clear that these teens have a lot to deal with, and could use a few shoulders to lean on and to be supported and encouraged. I am still always struck at the candidness of teens, and how often many just need a forum to be heard. As time progresses and our youth ministry develops here at Redeemer, my hope is that we will be known as a place where youth can be listened to, a safe place, as well as a place where a loving relationship with Jesus can be modeled to the youth of Franklin to show there is a God who cares for them. I ask that you continue to pray for our youth ministry, for the youth of the congregation as well as for the youth of the surrounding community. Blessings, Pastor Dan Youth Group Begins! School Ends for Summer! June 19 th marked the end of our Church School program for the year. The students enjoyed a variety of different materials from Johnny Rogers to Show Me Jesus! The amazing, exciting, and tireless efforts of Maureen Kravatas, Paul Potter and Oliver Gruner have been such a great blessing to the children of Redeemer. Please take time to see the Bible Frieze in the Sunday School room or ask the kids about all the wonderful things they participated in over the course of the year. We are thankful for all of the various ways the students have participated in service as well as all the multiple mission projects they completed, with the last being the Heifer Project in which the church raised $700 to buy animals for those in need across the globe! Parents, I encourage you to enjoy worship together as families as we transition into a time where children join their parents for service in the morning throughout the summer months! Thank You Mrs. Kravatas!! A very heartfelt and special thanks to Maureen Kravatas as she steps down from her role as Church School teacher. She has been a tremendous blessing and influence for the children of Redeemer. During the past few years she has selflessly given of her time and energy to provide a safe, organized, loving and exciting Sunday School atmosphere. The parents and children of Redeemer will definitely miss her ministry to them in this capacity. We express our many thanks and gratitude for her willingness to serve Christ in her role of Church School teacher! Thank you so much Mrs. Kravatas!!!

4 Page 4 Vacation Bible School Anglican Church of the Redeemer 31 Hayward Street Franklin, MA July a.m. - Noon Inside Out & Upside Down All children, Age 3 Grade 5 welcome! on Main Street On Main Street kids will be drawn into stories Jesus told about everyday people in everyday situations. But His stories were anything but ordinary! Jesus turned lives upside down and hearts inside out through parables that challenged people to look at themselves and others in new and unexpected ways. So come join us on Main Street for an inside-out, upside-down experience like no other and let Jesus make a difference in YOU! All children, age 3-grade 5, are welcome to come and see all the sights and sounds as we explore the streets of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness. VBS sign-ups have started! To register: Call the church at (508) , or Pastor Dan Sylvia dan.sylvia@redeemeranglicanchurch.org. Suggested donation is $10 per child to a maximum of $30 per family. $2 discount for early registration.

5 Page 5. Outreach Project for July and August The Outreach fundraising focus for July and August will be Bibles Unbound. Monies raised will be dedicated to continuing this Church of the Redeemer project through 2011 and into Since January 2008, Redeemer has sponsored 205 Bibles through this program; most were sent to those requesting Bibles in China and Colombia. The monthly cost to sponsor 5 Bibles is $30, and we need a total of $360 to continue this project at this level for another 12 months. Please use the Outreach envelops for donations, and on check noting Bibles Unbound on the memo line. Thank you for your support. Hunger doesn t take a vacation please remember to add Food Pantry items to your shopping cart this summer. July and August FRANKLIN FOOD PANTRY July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 Pasta, rice Paper products Cereal Laundry detergent & dishwashing detergent Coffee, sugar, flour August 7 Paper products August 14 Laundry detergent & dishwashing detergent August 21 Canned meat or seafood August 28 Jell-O, pudding mixes At the June meeting, the Outreach Committee reviewed mission possibilities and selected the following projects for September through December. These activities will provide parishioners with a variety of opportunities to help our neighbors nearby and far away. September October November / December Fund raising for tornado relief for the Church of Our Savior, Joplin, Missouri Medway House dinner - date TBA Medway House personal item collection Santa Foundation Giving Tree Ongoing Projects Bibles Unbound distributes five Bibles per month to seekers of God s word in China through the Bibles Unbound organization. Franklin Food Pantry weekly shopping list and collections of items. Medway House meals prepared by parishioners once a quarter. The next Outreach meeting will be held at church on Wednesday September 14 th at 7:00pm. All are welcome.

6 Page 6 Les Carroll Seminars July 8 th and 9 th Les Carroll will be back this way again July 8 th and 9 th to present some more of his seminars. Les has been in the healing and exhortation ministry for decades and is a former Board member of The New Life, Inc., Ralph Nault s ministry. Each of the events of the weekend is independent of the others. You can come to one, or as many as you d like. You don t have to have gone to either of the previous Egypt to Canaan seminars. Friday, July 8 th - 7:30 p.m. Egypt to Canaan Follow-up Meeting Walpole, MA (home setting) This is an opportunity for those interested in being mentored in the healing approach introduced in the Egypt to Canaan seminar, and those wishing to pursue their own emotional healing. Saturday, July 9 th - 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Seminar Series Anglican Church of the Redeemer, Franklin 9:30-11:30 a.m. - Grief and Loss 12:30-2:30 p.m. - Languages of God 3:00-4:00 p.m.- Gifts If you plan to attend, or would like more information contact Jim Armitage, jim@thenewlife.us. Nicole C. Mullen Concert When: Saturday, September 24, :30 p.m. Where: Faith Christian Center 95 Sagamore Rd. Seekonk, MA Ticket Information: From $20 $75 Order online at: Proceeds benefit July 2 July 6 July 7 July 12 July 14 July 21 July 22 July 25 July 26 July 27 July 29 August 5 August 6 BIRTHDAYS IN JULY AND AUGUST August 10 August 14 August 21 August 24 Daniel Allen Leigha Brigham Dan Sylvia Wendy DiRico Noah Sylvia Dorothy Whitney Vivien Bouffard Laura Bouffard Harry Allen Carol Cochrane Allan Keddy Waler Whitney Raychelle Pisani Robert Galipeau Rocco DiRico Ron McElman Shonna Gaul Alan Bouffard Elizabeth Miller Walter Tillinghast ANNIVERSARIES IN JULY AND AUGUST July 2 July 5 July 8 July 10 July 31 August 2 August 5 August 20 August 25 August 30 Domonic & Ronne Dolge Sam & Edith Abbott Dan & Lisa Sylvia Paul & Linda Menyo Ed & Leah Ronan Walter & Barbara Tillinghast Rocky & Wendy DiRico Paul & Mary Potter Tony & Nora Minnichelli Chip & Raychelle Pisani Paul & Linda Socci If we missed your birthday or anniversary this month, please contact Linda Hardin at or office@redeemeranglicanchurch.org to update our parish records. Wheel Chair and Walker with Wheels Available every Sunday A wheel chair and walker with wheels have been donated to the church. Should you like to use either of these items, see one of the ushers for assistance.

7 Page 7

8 Anglican Church of The Redeemer July 2011 Norwood - 8:00 a.m. Sunday worship. Franklin - 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship Check the website, weekly bulletin, or call for other events Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 See Sunday Schedule Above :30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Les Carroll Seminar Series at church - Franklin Family Sunday :30 p.m. Vestry Meeting at church - Franklin :00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Franklin House Prayer Group Vacation Bible School 9 a.m. - Noon daily At church - Franklin

9 Anglican Church of The Redeemer August 2011 Norwood - 8:00 a.m. Sunday worship. Franklin - 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship Check the website, weekly bulletin, or call for other events Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat See Sunday Schedule Above Family Sunday September Acts29 Deadline :00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Franklin House 31

10 P.O. Box 354 Franklin, MA ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Inside-Out, Upside-Down on Main Street! July 25 th - July 29 th Register today! Visit, call (508) , or Pastor Dan dan.sylvia@redeemeranglicanchurch.org to pre-register.