TAC Times August 2015

Transcription

1 TAC Times August 2015 The Transfiguration August 6 th On Sunday, August 2 nd, we will celebrate the Holy Day of The Transfiguration which actually falls on August 6 th, and we will read Luke s account of the event (9:28-36). This is a day with tremendous significance to the Church. It represents a pivotal moment in the earthly life of Jesus, as the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the connecting point, the bridge between heaven and earth. The Transfiguration of Christ into at least a part of His heavenly glory was so that the inner circle of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death. The Transfiguration not only supports the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, but the statement "listen to him", identifies him as the messenger and mouth-piece of God. The significance of this identification is enhanced by the presence of Elijah and Moses, for it indicated to the apostles that Jesus is the voice of God "par

2 excellence", and that he should be listened to as the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords. God assigns to Jesus a special "honor and glory" and it is the turning point at which God exalts Jesus above all other powers in creation, and positions him as ruler and judge. The Transfiguration also echoes the teaching by Jesus that God is not "the God of the dead, but of the living". Although Moses had died and Elijah had been taken up to heaven centuries before, they now live in the presence of the Son of God, revealing that the same return to life can apply to all who face death and have faith. Collect for The Transfiguration: O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Welcome to Fr. Matt Hill We officially welcome Fr. Matthew Hill back to Transformation, now as our Assistant Priest! Matt first came to TAC in 2007 and immediately loved the warm community. He is especially excited to join the staff at TAC during this new phase of the church s growth. Matt completed undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a Master of Divinity at Harvard and a Master of Theology at Yale. He was ordained in He enjoys exercise, music, and watching football. He will be with us for a year as he focuses on the pastoral aspects of his ministry, and may be reached at frmatt@transformationac.org or at the church office ( ). Building Loan Signed! We are thankful and delighted to announce that a bank loan has been signed for our new church building! Pictured are Cookie Ray, Republic Title Company; Scott Baker, American National Bank in Rockwall; Fr. Don McLane, Pastor; and John Shaver, Executive Director of Ministries. Also present at the signing were Charles Hanger, Builder; Larry Maupin, Advisory Council/Bank Team; Bill Thorogood, Bank Team; and Anne Horan, Administrator. We praise God for His continued blessings and faithfulness as we build Upon This Rock.

3 Haiti Partnership Update and Visit from Pere Colbert (from Susan Meeder) Transformation is one of the partner churches in the United States that support St.Jean Baptiste School in Haiti. This school provides a quality education in a Christian setting that is affordable, is within walking distance of the students homes, and ensures food every school day for the 290+ students and staff. The staff members are being provided with leadership training which combines Stephen Covey s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People with biblical perspectives reflecting God s nature. In the spring, our very own Glenna McLane, Hal Hines, and John Shaver participated in a 4-day trip to the school and the surrounding area of Les Cayes. They were able to spend time with Pere Colbert, the priest-in-charge at the school, and his family at the rectory, and to worship at St. Sauveur in Les Cayes and St. Jean Baptiste Church. We are excited to announce that Pere Colbert will be in the United States for 10 days during the month of August, his holiday month, and will be able to worship with us on August 23 rd as his first stop! Pere Colbert oversees 9 churches and 6 schools, he is an accountant who teaches courses 20 hours per week, he hosts and works with partner teams and other organizations who provide resources for expanding community services and jobs, he is an Archdeacon who serves on the Diocesan Evangelism Task Force, and he has planted at least 5 new churches and community ministries. He speaks Haitian Creole and French, the primary languages of Haiti. He only began speaking English after seminary, and now translates for the US partner teams! Statement from the College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America "From the Beginning": God's Design for Marriage The Archbishop and Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America have received the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States of America and are deeply grieved by the stark departure from God's revealed order. We are concerned for the inevitable results from this action to change the legal understanding of marriage and family life. While this decision grieves us, God's truth and the goodness of the order established in creation have not been changed. The kingdom of God cannot be shaken. We pray with confidence that God will reveal his glory, love, goodness, and hope to the world through his Church as we seek to follow him

4 in faith and obedience. Jesus Christ teaches that God is the author of marriage from the beginning of time (Matthew 19:4-6). God's design for marriage has always involved a man and a woman: "a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). These truths have ordered civilization for thousands of years. Where God's designs are followed in any society, including his designs for marriage and families, the result is the greatest possible blessing and abundance of life. The Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is often summarized as, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Because of his love, we love and care for all those who experience same-sex attraction. The Anglican Church in North America continues to welcome everyone to experience the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Marriage is established by God for the procreation and raising of children and for the good of society. For this reason, governments have an interest in marriage and have delegated authority from God to protect and regulate it. But no court, no legislature and no local magistrate has the authority to redefine marriage and to impose this definition on their citizens. The United States of America, so its founders believed and taught, is a nation under God whose citizens' fundamental rights are derived from the Creator. There is no right to a relationship which is contrary to the Creator's express design. We cannot accept the Supreme Court's decision purporting to find a fundamental right to same-sex "marriage" any more than we can accept its claim to have found a right to destroy human life in the womb. We will work with others to overturn this decision, and we pray that others will join with us in this effort. Meeting this week in Vancouver, British Columbia, we are reminded that our Canadian members have been living under a similar legal standard for the last ten years. Their situation includes minimal legal protections for those who in good conscience cannot recognize this redefinition, and it is our prayer that stronger protections will be put into place and honored in the United States. In the meantime, we shall continue to exercise our religious freedom to perform marriages for those who come for holy matrimony as defined by our Church. The Anglican Church in North America only authorizes and only performs marriages between one man and one woman. We respect the consciences of those clergy who may decline to perform marriages as agents of the state. We ask our churches to respect such decisions and help make arrangements to minister to those seeking to be married. We are also well aware that this ruling may create difficulties for our lay members and Christian institutions as they seek to be faithful in upholding God's design for marriage, and we will make every effort to find ways to support and stand with them. The Church bears witness to the truth of God's Word and God's design of marriage (see attached statement on "Bearing Witness"). When government oversteps its rightful authority, "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Today there is no place for either triumphalism or despair, so we prayerfully and sincerely urge a spirit of charity by all. We speak out of a concern for the consequences that our people and our neighbors will suffer from an unjust and unwise decision by five justices of the Supreme Court. We call those justices to repentance, even as we echo Jesus' words, praying for God the Father to forgive them, for they know not what they have done. We call our people to a season of prayer for marriage. A Prayer for Marriage Almighty God our heavenly Father, you have created us male and female in your image and have ordained that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. Look down in mercy, we pray, on our families, our church and our nation. Knit together in constant affection those who, in Holy Matrimony, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, the hearts of the children to the parents, and the hearts of all to those who are single or alone. Finally, grant that your Church may steadfastly defend the unchangeable bond of marriage which embodies the mystery of Christ s love for us; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

5 The OSL Corner by Sharon Parker The Order of St. Luke the Physician is an inter-denominational, international ministry for healing of body, mind and spirit. And these signs will accompany those who believe. In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues, they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well. Mark 16:17, 18b On Saturday, August 15 th at, the Order of St. Luke will meet for a pot luck brunch and teaching. Our own Dr. Betty Spillman will conclude her presentation on Praying for Our Children which she started in June. Many of us gained new insight, so we invited her back. All parents and grandparents would benefit from this very interesting teaching. Betty showed us many things we had not thought of in praying for our children, no matter what their age, and we want to learn more. The Transformation Anglican Church OSL Chapter loves to minister to those in our worship service, whether for healing of body, soul, or spirit. We invite you to come for confidential prayer after communion. For the month of August, just exit the sanctuary and walk down the hall to the library. Judy Croll will be at the door to direct you. If you are a little timid about doing that, or if you don t want your family or friends to have to wait a few minutes for you, August 30 th would be a perfect time to come as we have prayer ministry in the sanctuary on that Sunday. Come and let us pray for you. Remember, also, if you have a prayer need that can t wait until Sunday, you can always call the church office and leave a message to be forwarded to me for the OSL prayer chain, or you can call me directly at , shparker@swbell.net. Jesus said, Feed my lambs.tend my sheep.feed my sheep. John 21: Austin Street Center Ministry by Sharon Parker He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:31 The Austin Street Center Ministry thanks you for all of your help and contributions, whether in the form of baked cupcakes, boiled eggs, preparation of sandwiches, serving or monetary gifts. If it weren t for you, this ministry would not be able to continue functioning as it has. Next visits to the Center are July 29, September 30, and December 30. (We go when there is a fifth Wednesday in a month.)

6 Did you ever think about where the poor and homeless sleep? Some in storage units, in cars, tent cities, parks, under bridges, in abandoned buildings, on couches in others homes. Most of these are not safe places and the people can be subjected to abuse and injury. For the approximately 400 men and women who find shelter at the Austin Street Center, they can not only get a meal, but can sleep in peace knowing they are safer. They have access to showers, clothing and other help. Mental health representatives come weekly to diagnose and treat those who have been identified as having mental problems. Doctors, nurses, dentists, even vision technicians have schedules set to treat and help those who need it. Programs for alcohol and drug abuse are offered weekly and sometimes nightly. And then there are the Bible studies that many of the clients lead or attend. Sufficient, affordable housing can be found for those who have jobs and want to leave the shelter. Job training is provided for some to develop skills to take them out into the workplace. You can see that The Austin Street Center is not just a shelter, but a place where those who stay during the evening and night can be given hope to change their lives and return to society as healthy individuals. In addition to the food that we and other churches provide, the Center can use many other things to help care for their clients. Just think of all the items you use every day and you will know what they need: disposable razors and shave cream; hotel size bottles of body lotion, shampoo, conditioner; toothpaste, floss and brushes; over-thecounter medications such as Benadryl and other cold and allergy tablets, cough syrup, aspirin, Tylenol and Advil. Of course, they can use large cans of coffee and foam cups, paper towels and tissue. One of the most needed articles is new socks, and new underwear in medium to extra-large, including women s underwear. All of these items we can provide help the ASC to use their budget in other areas. Would you believe they always need huge black plastic bags (50-55 gallon). Many of the people use them to store their clothing and bedding. If you want to contribute anything, you can bring it to one of us at the church and we will be happy to take it down on our next visit. For more information, or if interested in helping with this ministry, you may see Sue Griffin, Susan Maupin or Sharon Parker. Join us in our efforts to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ by caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. School Starts Soon Please remember school children as you bring food donations for Helping Hands Ministry in mid-late August. Peanut butter and jelly, small containers of fruit, etc. make wonderful lunch items. A Prayer for Teachers and Students Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

7 ~ August 2015 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible 2 Worship Intercessory Prayer 6 9:30 a.m. Women s Bible 7 8 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible 9 Worship B Helen Flanders 16 Worship 23 Worship (Visit with Pere Colbert) B Pat Thorogood B Grace Mathews A Mike & Anne Horan 18 B Jimmy B Don Brooks Seay B Alice McDonald Notes: Worship (Prayer Ministry in Sanctuary) 12 Intercessory Prayer B Linda Tomlinson 19 Intercessory Prayer B Susan Maupin 26 Intercessory Prayer Holy Day - The Transfiguration 13 9:30 a.m. Women s Bible B Tom Ryan and Ann Smith 20 9:30 a.m. Women s Bible B Rachel McGee Rose :30 a.m. Women s Bible A Bob & Terri Thompson :30 a.m. Men s Bible Order of S t. Luke A John & Barbara Shaver :30 a.m. Men s Bible B Melody Carr and Christy Hopkins B Sharon Figueroa and Amber Smith 29 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible

8 August 2, 2015 PROPERS OT Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 NT 2 Peter 1:13-21 Gospel Luke 9:28-36 August 9, 2015 PROPERS OT 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, Psalm 130 NT Ephesians 4:25 5:2 Gospel John 6:35, LAY SERVERS Capt/CB......Myra Lenoir OT... Christy Hopkins PP... Dawn Hall PS/CB... Mary Kadane CB... Jimmy Seay NT/CB... Grace Mathews LAY SERVERS Capt/PP/CB... Bill Thorogood PS/CB... Glenna McLane OT/CB... Jim Blevins NT/CB... Don Lennert ACOLYTES AA1 Benjamin Craddock AA2....Jean Howk ACOLYTES AA1..Pete Howk AA2 Daniel Mathews PRAYER MINISTRY Don Newman* Mark Dillow Daymon Schulgen Debbie Sharp USHERS Arvo Mallay Will Parker GUEST RECEPTION TEAM Set up.. Ed Figueroa Greeter...Hal/Susan Meeder Guest Hosts...Larry/Susan Maupin TELLER TEAM Bill Thorogood Hilda Blevins LAY EUCHARIST MINISTERS Betty Spillman Sue Orite PRAYER MINISTRY Sharon Parker* Dawn Hall Sue Griffin JoAnn Craddock Tom Ryan Alice McDonald USHERS Ed Figueroa Nathan Figueroa GUEST RECEPTION TEAM Set up...dick Davenport Greeter... Sue Orite Guest Hosts...Dick/Nancy Davenport Name Tags..Mary Kadane TELLER TEAM Sue Hesseltine Sharon Figueroa LAY EUCHARIST MINISTERS Rick & Sara Maneval

9 August 16, 2015 August 23, 2015 PROPERS OT 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 Psalm 111 NT Ephesians 5:15-20 Gospel John 6:51-58 PROPERS OT 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11),22-30,41-43 Psalm 84 NT Ephesians 6:10-20 Gospel John 6:56-69 LAY SERVERS Capt/CB... Hal Hines PS/CB...Sara Maneval NT/CB... Marianne Gwinn OT/CB... Debbie Sharp PP.Tim Sharp LAY SERVERS Capt/CB... Don Newman OT/CB... Mark Dillow PP... Sharon Barnett PS... Nathan Figueroa CB... Jim Messler NT/CB Richard Ritz ACOLYTES AA1.June Hines AA Trey Gwinn ACOLYTES AA1..Nathan Figueroa AA Jim Blevins PRAYER MINISTRY Larry Maupin* Susan Maupin Ann Smith Holly Lawler Sue Orite Mary Kadane USHERS Rick Maneval Jim Ayersman GUEST RECEPTION TEAM Set up... Don Newman Greeter... Elaine Smith & Donna Miller Guest Hosts... John & Francis Oliphant Name Tags..TBD TELLER TEAM Jean Howk Brad Flanders LAY EUCHARIST MINISTERS TBD PRAYER MINISTRY John Shaver* Barbara Shaver Donna Miller Linda Celaya USHERS Arvo Mallay Jim Watt GUEST RECEPTION TEAM Set up... John Shaver Greeter... Barbara Shaver Guest Hosts... TBD Name Tags.Mary Kadane TELLER TEAM Rick Maneval Linda Celaya LAY EUCHARIST MINISTERS Larry & Susan Maupin

10 August 30, 2015 PROPERS: OT Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 NT James 1:17-27 Gospel Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Acolytes: AA1 Pete Howk, AA2 Jean Howk Prayer Ministry All available ministers for Sanctuary teams Ushers Ed Figueroa & Will Parker Guest Reception Don Newman, Elaine Smith & Donna Miller, John & Frances Oliphant Tellers Jean Howk & Brad Flanders Transformation Anglican Church Redemption Inspiration Transformation We are redeemed through faith, inspired with hope, and transformed in love. Office Location Address: 663 Justin Road, Rockwall, TX Phone: Website: Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday Worship Location Heritage Christian Academy 1408 S. Goliad Street Rockwall, TX Staff Don McLane, Pastor Matt Hill, Assistant Priest Bill Schulgen, Deacon John Shaver, Executive Director of Ministries Randy Wills, Music Ministry Jennifer Horan, Nursery Coordinator Anne Horan, Parish Administrator Advisory Council Jim Blevins Sharon Figueroa Rick Maneval Larry Maupin Senior Advisor Ken Craddock Treasurer The deadline for each issue is the 10 th of each month to be published in the following newsletter. Please send your articles to john@transformationac.org. ALL ARTICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED.