the Magdalene From the Desk of Fr.

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1 Published Monthly March 2017 Volume 39, Issue 3 the Magdalene To those who are Christians, however, and yet champion their child s rights to freedom of thought and choice in religion, I can only say, you are not following the Scriptures either in their example, their implication or their direct command on the subject. From the Desk of Fr. Neil In Deuteronomy 6 we read the following from the mouth of God Himself to the Israelites, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV) TEACHING THE FAITH TO OUR CHILDREN From time to time I hear (mostly young) parents tell me that they Will not force their religion on their kids. or words to that effect. I hear this from Christian parents as well as from nonchristians! I have encountered unbelieving parents make a similar claim that they will never force ANY religion on their kids. This comment doesn't surprise me since religion plays little or no role in their lives. Its probably better that they leave the children alone anyway. Perhaps their odds of growing up hearing and believing the Christian Faith are better if they are spared from indoctrination against the Faith at an early age. The less said, the better. You SHALL teach them to your children. This is not optional. God says these things must be instilled in the minds and hearts of the children. For knowledge, obedience, preservation and continuity. Though we are not living in the Old Testament times, this command is just as much for Christian parents today. The Christian Faith must be instilled in the hearts and minds of our children. St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church 205 So. Glassell Street Old Town Orange, CA Rev. Fr. Neil Edlin, Rector Parents don't seem to have a problem sending their children to school, where all sorts of information is being forced (using their word) on them. As children grow they are forced to learn the rules of the road to drive. For some reason, when it comes to religion or the Christian Faith in particular, the same standard is not held. Discussions about faith should be kept private yet opinions and beliefs about Sunday Services: 8am Mass 10am Choral Mass & Children s Sunday School Wednesday Service & Anointing of the Sick: 9am 1

2 other things should not. Why the secrecy? Instead of trying to figure out the psychology of these parents, it is better for us to see what God commands in the Scriptures and then act accordingly. God says that the Israelites were to teach their children to know God and to love Him with all of their heart, mind and strength. They are to know who God is and they are to know what He requires of them. To know God with all of your heart, mind and strength is all-inclusive. It means we are to love and obey Him with our entire being. As Christians, we should talk about Christ and our faith and our obedience to Him. God says that talking about Him, the faith, the Law, etc., is to be done when you sit in your house. Perhaps this is over meals, but not restricted to meals. Perhaps there should be a time set aside each day to talk about Christ after a meal or before bed-time. Before bed-time is appropriate since he says we are to do so, when you lie down and when you rise. God says we are to talk about Him when we walk by the way. So if you walk (or drive) your child to school, there is an opportunity to give them something substantial to help them through the day. Schools, as we know, are very hostile toward the Christian faith so what better time to talk about the things of God than when they are on their way into hostile territory? But talking about God by the way can be done any time. When you are shopping in the mall you can talk about certain concepts that God desires we cultivate as Christians such as prudence, charity and temperance. He wants us to avoid avarice, greed and lust all these things a mall advertises and encourages. The allure to shop for items can be strong. Children need to know that God desires we be careful and responsible with the material things He gives us. He even speaks of binding the things you are to know of God on your hand and having them as 2 frontlets between your eyes. This was given originally as a metaphor, but eventually it was taken literally by the Jews. The passage above from Deuteronomy along with Exodus 13:1-16 were written on small scrolls, placed in a small leather container and bound to the left arm or to the forehead in a phylactery. The Phylactery was worn by male Jews during Morning Prayer. Later, there developed the practice of taking these small scrolls of Scripture, placing them in a small container and attaching it to the doorpost of the house. The symbolism and functionality is understandable; to have God s Words at hand, in your mind, where you can see them and in a location where you will pass by them on the way in and out of the home. We don't seem to mind that God calls us His children, treats us as such and that He lays out for us certain commands. Paul writes extensively about our conduct as Christians. Why would we then object to being Christ-like to our children for the same reasons? Ancient Israel obeyed God, not out of a sense of bare legalism but was to be done on the basis of a relationship with God based on love. The test of a man s love for the Lord Jesus is that he keeps His commandments. 1 Jesus said, He who has my Commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. (John 14:21) When any man loves God in a total way he gladly obeys his words which are inscribes on the heart. 2 There is a great danger in forgetting God s grace in securing our salvation through Christ. Children do not know this naturally. It is vital that this Good News be taught to our children diligently, so that they may be complete, equipped for every good work. 1 Thompson, J. A. (1974). Deuteronomy: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 5, pp. 138). 2 Thompson, J. A. (1974). Deuteronomy: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 5, p. 139).

3 AN EPISTLE OF POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS (Selected Sections) I have greatly rejoiced with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, because ye have followed the example of true love [as displayed by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in chains, the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true elect of God and our Lord; and because the strong root of your faith, spoken of in days long gone by, endureth even until now, and bringeth forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death, [but] "whom God raised froth the dead, having loosed the bands of the grave." "In whom, though now ye see Him not, ye believe, and believing, rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; "into which joy many desire to enter, knowing that "by grace ye are saved, not of works," but by the will of God through Jesus Christ. "Wherefore, girding up your loins," "serve the Lord in fear" and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty talk and error of the multitude, and "believed in Him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory," and a throne at His right hand. To Him all things in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead. His blood will God require of those who do not believe in Him. But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness; "not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing," or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing, but being mindful of what the Lord said in His teaching: "Judge not, that ye be not judged; forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you; be merciful, that ye may obtain mercy; with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again; and once more, "Blessed are the poor, and those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God." These things, brethren, I write to you concerning righteousness, not because I take anything upon myself, but because ye have invited me to do so. For neither I, nor any other such one, can come up to the wisdom of the blessed and glorified Paul. He, when among you, accurately and stedfastly taught the word of truth in the presence of those who were then alive. And when absent from you, he wrote you a letter, which, if you carefully study, you will find to be the means of building you up in that faith which has been given you, and which, being followed by hope, and preceded by love towards God, and Christ, and our neighbour, "is the mother of us all." I exhort you all, therefore, to yield obedience to the word of righteousness, and to exercise all patience, such as ye have seen [set] before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself, and the rest of the apostles. [This do] in the assurance that all these have not run in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are [now] in their due place in the presence of the Lord, with whom also they suffered. For they loved not this present world, but Him who died for us, and for our sakes was raised again by God from the dead. Both you and Ignatius wrote to me, that if any one went [from this] into Syria, he should carry your letter with him; which request I will attend to if I find a fitting opportunity, either personally, or through some other acting for me, that your desire may be fulfilled. Be ye safe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with you all. Amen. Polycarp [ AD] was Bishop of Smyrna, Turkey. He died a martyr. Irenaeus was his disciple, and tells us that "Polycarp was instructed by the apostles, and was brought into contact with many who had seen Christ". 3

4 ORDO CALENDAR ACTIVITIES CELEBRATE ANGEL GABRIEL ON MARCH 24TH The Angel Gabriel is found throughout the Bible. Gabriel is understood to be one of God s messengers because he is found bringing news to God s faithful people. In the book of Daniel, Gabriel appears to him three times telling him that God greatly loved him (Daniel 9:23, 10:11, 10:19). What could be more glorious than to stand in the presence of God and speak to him, to hear His voice, and to watch His face as He spoke about His love for Daniel here on earth! In the Gospel of Luke, Gabriel appeared to Zechariah foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11). Gabriel proudly tells Zechariah who he is, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. How delighted Gabriel must have been to be chosen to speak on behalf of God. We can speculate about Gabriel s excitement as he speaks to Mary concerning the birth of Jesus. Gabriel says, Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!.. you have found favor with God. (Luke 1:28-38) Let us give thanks to the Angel Gabriel for revealing God s intimacy in the lives of His faithful people and His great love for them. Read Psalm 8:3-6, Psalm 148:1-6 GUILDS, GROUPS & EVENTS A NEW LOOK Looking for an announcement on Bible Studies, Women s Devotional, Men s Devotional, or any recurring activity at St. Mary Magdalene? Check the Monthly Calendar attached. ASH WEDNESDAY Wednesday, March 1st is Ash Wednesday. Father Neil will be holding two services. The Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion will be at 9:00am & 7:00pm to allow everyone to attend a service. Will you begin your Lenten Discipline by attending? 4 WEEKS FOR REFLECTION The decisions we make reflect our priorities in life. Lenten Friday Meatless Suppers are held in the Parish Hall at 6:30pm starting March 10th. Private Confessions will be heard in the church from 5:30 to 6:30pm for visiting Anglicans, Catholics or St. Mary Magdalene members. Contact Fr. Neil if you have any questions. If you would like to volunteer to bring a meatless dish, please contact Anne Peterson. RELIVE THE PASSION THROUGH THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS Can you imagine walking with Christ on the day of his crucifixion? During Lent, we recreate His walk down the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, using a series of pictures (or Stations) that line the walls of the church to 4

5 represent certain scenes in the Passion of Christ. Each one corresponds to a particular incident or a special devotion connected with such representations. These Stations have been used to replace the ancient tradition of taking a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk the Via Dolorosa starting at Pilate s House to the end at Golgotha since the 1600s. Why do we do this? The Stations of the Cross is the most intimate and spiritual journey you can participate in. Each of us who walk, experiences their own journey of thoughts and feelings provoked by the narrative and prayers recited. In the end, most feel a deeper more meaningful connection to Our Lord Jesus, Son of Man, who struggled down the Via Dolorosa and was crucified for us. The Stations of the Cross will be held on March 10 th, April 7 th and April 14 th (Good Friday). DONATE TO OUR LENTEN OUTREACH PROJECT We will be collecting jars of peanut butter (smooth not chunky), strawberry jam and cans of Vienna Sausages. These items will be used to provide sack lunches for the homeless who gather at Mary s Kitchen. These lunches are given out on Saturday afternoon as a meal for Sunday when the kitchen is closed. Watch for news about our Pac-A-Sack events in the Narthex. CONGRATULATIONS TO A DAUGHTER St. Mary Magdalene is proud to announce the birth of Sharose Elizabeth born January 24th, the first child born to one of our daughters, Naeema in Bishop Andrew s missionary diocese. That means we have a new family member. Pictures of Sharose will be posted in the Narthex shortly. NEW2U TRANSITION RECIPIENTS New2U transition recipients have been selected to receive donations from our New2U shop as our way to provide assistance to those in need within our local community as follows: Working Wardrobes Career Center The Sheepfold Women s Transitional Living Center-WTLC Casa Teresa Home for Single Mothers Charity s Closet Mary s Kitchen Royal Therapeutic Residential Center for the Mentally Ill Orange Senior Center Thrift Store and Library UCI Medical Center Emergency Care Unit Elizabeth Sneddon, New2U Coordinator and Violet Younis, Outreach Coordinator, will be spearheading this Transition Project for 2017 in response to our Church s Vision of promoting Christian Evangelism and Service within our local community and the wider Church. If you are interested in faith based service work, please contact Elizabeth or Violet to get involved for the upcoming year. HOME IMPROVEMENTS Fr. Neil has begun the physical transition of the upstairs facility space from being New2U centric to becoming Kid Friendly. Classrooms are becoming more adaptable to our children and will accommodate their needs as they grow. Two Sunday Programs are now being held for both the infants/toddlers and our kindergarten 5

6 age group. It is quite exciting to see the excitement as we begin to grow. Please pray for our young families with children as they move into a new stage of their lives. May God grant them the patience, understanding and wisdom needed to be good Christian parents. KID S CORNER EASTER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER Save the Date!! We will be holding THE GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT on April 16 th after 8:00am and 10:00am service. Peanut butter and cheese crackers will be available for our little ones. Please contact Jeannie Lawrence if your child has any food allergies so we can accommodate them. Please try to park your car in the additional parking lots on that day so the children will have a place to hunt for eggs. CHILDREN S PANCAKE BREAKFAST YES, It s a Pancake Breakfast for Kids and their Parents Only! YES, there will be games. Join us in the Parish Hall from 10:30am until 12:30pm on April 19 th. Parents, please consider bringing a wash cloth and small towel to prevent sticky fingers from getting syrup on the car interior. THE NEWS REPORT. CHILREN S PLAY DAY While the parents were participating in the 2017 Annual Meeting, their children were upstairs enjoying PB&J sandwiches, playing and watching Veggie Tales. This was an inaugural event! Our special thanks to our Infant Care staff, Jeannie and Brittany for their support. FABULOUS TEA TABLES RAISE $600 This year s Living Well Tea was quite a success. We had three beautifully decorated Tea Tables with 24 of our women attending who enjoyed the wonderful food and homemade desserts. We also donated four raffle baskets were quite a hit and contributed another $200. Thank you to all that attended. The Living Well Pregnancy Center is a local Christian private non-profit organization that relies on its faithful donors. THE CRAFT GUILD The women in the Craft Guild are busy making their first ever community quilt to be sold at the Craft Fair. We are always looking for Crafters to help us with donations to be sold at the big New2U Craft Fair in November. If you are considering donating please contact Robin or Shirley so we can plan for your beautiful gifts. Please come join us in the Parish Hall on the third Sundays of the month for lots of fun on Craft Guild day. 6