$6229.51

Above is the amount which has been collected for the Anglican Church of Christ the King, located in the City of God, one of the poorest and most violent slums in Rio de Janiero. Our virtual friend Luiz Coelho, a candidate for the Anglican priesthood, worked for nearly a year with the children of the City of God.

From Fr. Eduardo Costa:

These are some of our City of God children singing at Most Holy Trinity (which is the other parish I serve). We had a joint Christmas celebration. Please note that the song they sang is already part of the donation that some of you sent to us. With the first offerings, we bought several songbooks and mass settings for children.

The video of the children singing is here.

Please consider making a donation to this excellent cause. The appeal will continue until January 6, 2008. A PayPal button is at the same site, or if you prefer to make a donation by check, mailing addresses are below:

In the U.K. cheques (made payable to "St. Francis Church") should be sent to:

CITY OF GOD APPEAL,
St. Francis House
18 Cotswold Gardens
High Heaton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE7 7AE

Please write "City Of God Appeal" on the reverse of the cheque.

In the United States, cheques (made payable to "The Episcopal Church of St. Paul") should be sent to:

CITY OF GOD APPEAL
c/o The Reverend Elizabeth Kaeton
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul
200 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928

Please write "City Of God Appeal" on the front of the check.

"Highway Of Holiness"

From CNN via Oyster, via Atrios:

DALLAS, Texas (CNN) -- If you turn to the Bible -- Isaiah Chapter 35, Verse 8 -- you will see a passage that in part says, "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness."

Now, is it possible that this "highway" mentioned in Chapter 35 is actually Interstate 35 that runs through six U.S. states, from southern Texas to northern Minnesota? Some Christians have faith that is indeed the case.
....

Churchgoers in all six states recently finished 35 days of praying alongside Interstate 35, but the prayers are still continuing.

Cindy Jacobs, the Texas minister who received the revelation after reading Isaiah 35:8, says she's not absolutely sure that Highway 35 is the actual highway mentioned in Isaiah.

Now, it's only fair to say most people, the religious and the non-religious alike, don't buy any of this, but none more than the owners of some of the adult businesses along I-35.

No kidding.

Is there no end to stupidity? I suppose not. Remember the folks who drank Jim Jones' Kool-aid in Guyana? This is a minor absurdity.

12-19-07

Iraqi Christians Gather

From the Los Angeles Times:

BAGHDAD -- Outside Mar Eliya church, not much had changed since last Christmas: Concrete blocks still surround the building and guards check the IDs of those entering.

But inside, hundreds of Iraqi worshipers -- Christians and Muslims -- were crammed into the overflowing Chaldean Catholic church Tuesday, celebrating the holiday and the fact that they felt safe enough to venture out of their homes to attend Christmas Mass.

"Last year was the year of misery, desperation and sadness," said Samar Jorge Gorges, 33. "But this year is better. So many people attend the Mass and you can see that their praying was joyful."

The plight of the Iraqi Christians lies heavy on my heart. The tiny minority of the ancient community of Iraqi Chaldean Christians has grown smaller in the course of the Iraq War, due to killings, kidnappings, and exile. That the violence has diminished enough that this group of Christians were able to celebrate Christmas at their church this year is joyful news, indeed.

Among those attending were several Shiite Muslim sheiks, including Raad Tamimi, who said they had come "in solidarity with our Christian brothers . . . to plant the seed of love again in the new Iraq." Tamimi, a tribal leader, was excited to shake the cardinal's hand and asked that a photo be taken with his cellphone.

That Muslims joined them in their worship is cause for great rejoicing. The love of God is alive in hearts in Iraq. May the hope of peace on earth and good will toward men become ever more a reality, especially in the poor, ruined country of Iraq.

Thanks to MadPriest for the link to the article.

Sunday At St. Nicholas In San Joaquin

Fr. Jake has received an email from the Rev. Michael A. Backlund, who was present during the visitation to St. Nicholas Mission in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin by Bishop John-David Schofield, who has declared himself to be no longer under the authority of the Episcopal Church and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefforts-Schori, but has placed himself under the authority of Archbishop Gregory Venables of the Province of the Southern Cone:

The personal observations of
the Rev’d Michael A. Backlund, PhD
on the occasion of a visitation of
Bishop John-David Schofield of La Iglesia Anglicana Del Cono Sur De America
to St. Nicholas Church (Mission) of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
on December 23, 2007,
the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing was present, also, and she gives her account here.

Feast Day Of St. Stephen The Martyr

Saint Stephen - Giotto di Bondone - 1320-25 - Tempera on wood
Museo Horne, Florence

The church brings us quickly back down to earth from the glorious celebration of the birth of the God-Incarnate and turns us to the story of the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, and the reality of the cost of discipleship to those who chose to follow the way of Jesus. Paul-Saul, not yet converted, as yet persecuting Christians, stands by to witness Stephen's stoning.

I've wondered at the close association of these two feasts, one following the other. Why must we have reality thrust upon so quickly? Why are we abruptly torn away from our rejoicing that God chose to empty himself to become human, one of us, like us in every way? I pray I find wisdom in pondering the question. What I've stated above seems the closest I can come to an explanation. It's back to work in the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth, ever keeping in mind that looking backwards in time, we find that both the law and the prophets called the faithful from ancient times to act mercifully, kindly, and justly toward each other and especially toward the least amongst us, with the result that the laws were, in many instances, ignored and the prophets were often killed for their troubles.

To free the Apostles for prayer and preaching, Stephen was one of seven chosen to manage the financial affairs of the church in Jerusalem and to distribute equally to the poor, the widows, and the orphans amongst the Christian Hellenists and the Christian Hebrews. Thus Stephen's association with Boxing Day, the day of giving gifts to the workers, the servants, and the poor.

Acts 6:8-7:2,51-60

The Arrest of Stephen

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen’s Speech to the Council

Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are these things so?’ And Stephen replied:

‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,

‘You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are for ever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.’

The Stoning of Stephen

When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen.* But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.

Eucharistic Readings:

Psalm 31 or 31:1-5;
Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15; Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60; Matthew 23:34-39

Preface of the Incarnation

Daily Office Readings:

AM: Psalm 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7
PM: Psalm 118; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:59-8:8


PRAYER

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.


See also the post from Ormonde, who is a deacon in the Episcopal Church. He has written books on the diaconate and writes regularly at his blog about the lives of deacons in the church.

Image from the Web Gallery of Art.

Happy Boxing Day!

Dedicated to our British and Commonwealth friends.

From Calendar Update:

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th....

Boxing Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen (after the first Christian martyr), originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. It originated as a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to the bonuses many employers offer their employees today. These gifts, usually given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".

Also related to the origin of Boxing Day is the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents of these boxes were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.

Today, Boxing Day is a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, and many other Commonwealth nations. It is a time for family and friends to gather with lots of food and fun. Outdoor sports such as soccer, horse racing and hunting are popular on this holiday. Retailers offer huge savings on many items on this day, making it the biggest shopping day of the year in Canada.

Throughout the Christmas season, many organizations keep the original tradition of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy, and money to fill the Food Bank and provide gifts for the poor.


As lagniappe, here's a sweet story from guess who? His name starts with a "D". I told you I'd be back with the "L" word, didn't I?

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco.

The pastor of the church was looking over the cradle when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures of the nativity set. Immediately he turned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get Him, my fine friend?"

The little boy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?"

The boy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it."

A word on the feast of St. Stephen will come later.

A Message from SusanKay

Blogger susankay said...

G'mere -- Please -- my beloved dog is very sick. We see the vet tomorrow. Pray for healing which I realise is not the same as cure. For me (selfishly) as well for Molly the wonder dog. St Laika pray for us.

December 25, 2007 8:09 PM

Unto Us A Child Is Born

The Nativity - Lorenzo Lotto, 1523
Samuel H. Kress Collection, National Gallery of Art

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel",

which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Image from Web Gallery of Art

Christmas Issue - Pharisaios Journal

The Christmas issue of the Pharisaios Journal from the Diocese of Wenchoster is a joy to peruse. Unfortunately, because of time limitations, I can't do it the justice that I would like to. You must go there yourself and discover the riches. You'll find messages from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Queen Elizabeth, and, of course, from Bishop Roderick Codpecium, which I feel compelled to share in its entirety:

Hello! End complimints of the season to you awl! You know, this is the tame of many blissings, as will es the iteward trippings of Christmarss. The Pelace is full of decorat-i-ons this yar, more then in yars parst. The tree is quate splendid with presents arind its bottom, end I know that may hice-keeper will be preparing a spec-i-al goose for me on the natal day itself.

What narly spoiled may wick was an unexpected conversat-i-on with someone who said thet he was from the Southern Corn, or some such nonsense. To begin with he addressed me es “Beeshop” which did not go dine very well, end then went on to invate me to join his club. “Come and join us, Meester Beeshop – all the best Californian dioceeses are!” Of course I did not fully understend his thick foreign accent, but thought him a bit of a rum cove. It was when he started talking abite “chili” end “tequila” thet I put dine the phone. Chili end tequila et Christmarss? Thet is not the Englican way. I’ll stick with a nace plump goose, end recommend thet you awl do the same!

May the Bithlehim chaild glidden your hearts end laves!

Click on all the processions, and you'll discover more messages from those we've come to know and love, including the Dean and the head verger, Mr Grindle, and - surprise of surprises - a message from Presiding Bishop Katharine of the Episcopal Church. And Hymns! Un embarras des richesse in hymnody!

I do believe I'll post more from the journal, once the blessed holy day has passed, and I have more time. Go. You won't be sorry.

King's College - Nine Lessons And Carols

From a correspondent:

NPR will be doing a live broadcast of the
King's College Cambridge Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 10:00
a.m. Eastern time on Monday (Christmas Eve). You might be interested in
passing this on.

I cannot find the link to the live broadcast at the NPR site. Check the schedule of your local NPR stations for the broadcast time in your area.

BBC4 will also broadcast live on radio, which you can access from their internet site.

Sirius on Channel 141 and XM on Channel 131 will broadcast live on satellite radio.

Picture from King's College, Cambridge.