Liturgy Lesson for All Saints Day: Halloween or Not?
October 31, 2010
You’ve probably heard it: should Christians celebrate Halloween? Taken from the Old English term for Hallowmas Eve, it has its roots in Samhain, the Celtic New Year, celebrated on November 1, and a significant time for divination. The Church, “seizing the land” from our Adversary, replaced the pagan Samhain with the celebration of “All Hallows”—a term for “All Holy.” The word “Holy” rendered in Latin is Sanctus (set aside or reserved), from which we derive our word saint, hence the derivation of the term “All Saints” for this festival. The Eucharist, then, rightly honored “All Saints,” and was originally called Hallowmas (mass for all the saints). During this period of 8 days of prayer, called an octave, we tenderly celebrate the lives and our connection, through the Communion of Saints, to all Christians, living with God or on Earth, by remembering their names in the Lord’s courts, especially during Holy Communion. The main difference between Samhain and All Saints Day is that Samhain recognized and feared the evil spirits, whereas All Saints celebrated life lived eternally before God without fear. Our Anglican fathers were wise in their selection of Scripture emphasizing this difference—exemplified by our Gospel today, in St. Matthew 5—describing our rewards as people set aside for God. Should a Christian be part of Halloween? We can read St. Matthew 5:13, where Jesus calls us “Salt of the Earth” and ask ourselves honestly if taking part in the ancient pagan tradition trumpets “All Saints” to the World around us—or not.
The Big Weekend Is Almost Here
October 29, 2010
Fall Festival, Saturday, October 30, 8 AM (garage sale)/11 AM (festival) until 4 PM
Morning Prayer 8:30 AM; no Bible study or Salt & Light.
All Saints Mass, October 31, 11:15 AM (ONLY ONE SERVICE and no Sunday School)
Jake Hill Concert, October 31, 6 PM
Need a Favor? Want to Help Out?
October 26, 2010
St. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians (chapter 6, verse 10), “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Do you find it difficult to ask for a favor?
“I don’t want to be a nuisance.”
“Everyone is so busy; I don’t want to bother them.”
“Oh, I can do it myself.”
If this sounds like you, consider this: How do you feel when you help someone else?
“Wow! That feels great!”
“I love helping others.”
“I feel so useful when I can do something for someone else.”
Then why would you deprive someone else of the opportunity to help you?
To make it easier to follow St. Paul’s instruction, we now have a bulletin board in Ballard Hall where we can match the “opportunities” with those who can do the needed “good”.
If you would like to ask a favor of your church family, simply fill out a “Wish Slip” and post it on the board. Someone who can help out will remove
the “Wish Slip” and contact you regarding the favor.
Want an opportunity to help? Simply check out the posted “Wish Slips” to find something you feel led to help with. Then contact the person needing the
favor, to work out the details.
Just look for the bulletin board marked “The Joy of Service” in Ballard Hall.
This Weekend: Fall Festival and All Saints Day Celebration
October 25, 2010
Saturday, October 30
8 AM – Garage Sale
11 AM – All Activities
Music, food, arts and crafts, books, fun and games
Sunday, October 31
11:15 AM Mass (no 9AM service) to celebrate the parish patronal day
6:00 PM Jake Hill Concert
Liturgy Lesson for St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles: Pray for the Unity of the Church
October 24, 2010
Today we commemorate St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles and pray for the unity of the Church. Some ancient sources say that Simon and Jude were missionaries together to Persia and were martyred there, hence we remember them on the same day. The Lord set the tone for their service after the Last Supper, when he said to St. Jude, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:22f). Clearly St. Jude took these words to heart, writing later in his epistle, to “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” We contend in the Prayer for the Whole State of Christ’s Church, when we ask that God grant “all those who do confess Thy holy Name, may agree in the truth of Thy holy Word and live in unity and godly love.” This doesn’t mean we never disagree, but simply keep the Lord’s Word and purpose for His Body central to our lives–unifying us in effort and focus. This unity is so important that a rubric following the Holy Communion service instructs the minister to restrict communicants with unresolved differences from communion. This is a conscious decision—contending for the Faith of our fathers by prayer—loving the Lord, keeping His Word—to His unity and purpose in His Church. May we, like SS. Simon and Jude, be sold out to God’s Kingdom!
Old Time Religion vs Modern Religion by Father Ed Morgan
October 22, 2010
We are an enlightened society and therefore our religious practices must reflect our enlightenment. We model our churches on the philosophical and social conveniences of the day. We call this process many names, one of which is political correctness. This arises out of the current thought stream in vogue with academic and political leaders. Because we want everyone to like us and we don’t want anyone to get their feelings hurt, we bend truth so that we may speak only that which is sweet to the ears.
I am a graduate of a seminary that focused on the academic and modern thought streams of never saying anything that can pinpoint what you don’t believe. That’s right; I said ‘don’t believe.’ In the academic world it is less threatening to expound on what you don’t believe, because it can be couched in a plethora of words that sound good but don’t answer the questions. An example of that was when I took my first parish I was asked if I believed in the Virgin Birth. Today I would answer in definitive terms—yes or no—and then elaborate, but then I answered in double talk that had nothing to do with truth of the Scriptures. My answer was: “I believe in the truth of the incarnation of the divine.”
What is it that Scripture says—let your yes be yes and your no be no. It says nothing about confusing the Body with double talk. I did not tell a lie, but I did not tell the truth so that the Word of God would be glorified. By the way, I do believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus.
Many of the issues facing the modern church today are non-issues. Scriptural passages have made quite clear God’s view on most of the issues that we don’t want to deal with. These are the issues that will cause some people to get mad and leave; this is often abbreviated as GMAL. Since Scripture often tells us to do something that would make us uncomfortable or even to change and become obedient to God, we would rather pick and choose so that we don’t have to obey. Modern theology is a “Luby’s” concept of belief: choose what you want and leave the rest. The church , generally speaking, has become a pick-and-choose institution, and, like the three monkeys of ‘see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil’, acts as if every thing is acceptable to God as long as it doesn’t hurt some one else or make them uncomfortable. The modern church is non-threatening and appeasing. We evidently don’t remember the lesson learned from the appeasement of Poland in the 1930’s.
Because of this attitude, the United States of America is now the largest mission field in the world. Third World countries in Asia and South America are sending missionaries to the United States. They are coming here to proclaim the Word of God so that Americans can experience the Redeeming Grace of Jesus Christ and have life eternal. So I ask myself, just what does the modern church have to offer?
The mainline denominations are losing numbers by the thousands every week. There is dissension in the leadership ranks and their national offices. They are electing leaders who don’t believe in Jesus Christ. Some don’t believe in God—just a higher power or conscience. Some don’t have any idea of what the Holy Bible says. Some say that God no longer acts today because when He did act in ancient times it was because those unenlightened fools needed the signs and wonders, but we know better. The words of God no longer apply as they were written.
Shamefully, this is a description of modern religion today. Please understand I am writing about the church in general, not specific, not the remnants.
The old-time religion was hard and is hard. It has expectations of God for His people.
He expects His people to adhere to His word. So, let’s take a look at the church when it is strong. The Body of Christ believes what is said in the Bible. The old-time religion taught that God still performs great acts today. Throughout the so called Third World nations of Africa, Asia, South America, and many island nations, people are healed and raised from the dead. When I went to a Gideon’s dinner for ministers, they showed pictures of one man who had most of his head decapitated. He lives and the scar that shows around his neck is amazing—all because he owned a Bible, THE WORD OF GOD. I have seen people have limbs grow four inches or more, people being healed of heart problems, and the list goes on and on. For the faithful, God still acts mightily through physical or spiritual healing.
The old-time religion stands in the midst of unbelief and tells people how God has acted in their lives. The pastors, priests, and ministers stand fast in the preaching of God’s Word even when confronted with political correctness and obfuscation. They continue to fully believe that God is in control and our duty is to find out what He would have us to do. Societal goals and standards are not the benchmark. The only benchmark the old-time religion has is Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead. The old-time religion says there is only one way to God the Father, and that is through Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Yes, the old -time religion demands personal holiness. It expects us to repent, confess our sins, and believe that God is quick to hear us and forgive. God wants all people to believe in Him and confess Jesus Christ is Lord.
The more science delves into the Bible hoping to disprove it, the more it is revealed as the inherent truth of God. Jesus appeared to more than 500 after his resurrection, a fact that would stand up in any court. Yes, I believe the Bible to be true and every time doubters have tried to disprove it, they have failed to their own shame. I love the hymns of the early church as they put into words that which my soul many times cannot manage to speak. I believe in the Holy Spirit just like the Creed confesses.
God sent Jesus to me to be my payment for my sins and to be my Lord and Savior. He sent me the Holy Spirit so that I can proclaim the Word of God. God wants me to be in His family and have life eternal. This is what I BELIEVE, what do you believe?
Fall Festival and All Saints Day Celebration Oct. 30-31
October 21, 2010
The weekend of October 30-31 will be a busy, fun, and exciting time at All Saints.
Saturday, October 30th
- Garage sale begins at 8 AM
- Other events begin at 11 AM
- Music—Christian bands performing throughout the day
- Food—tacos and hot dogs and all the trimmings plus a bake sale
- Exhibits—arts and crafts, booksigning by local authors
- Fun and games for kids of all ages
Come out and enjoy the fall weather, great fellowship, and exciting festival events!
Download a flyer about the Fall Festival.
Download a flyer about the authors attending and the books they will be signing.
Sunday, October 31st
11:15 AM Holy Communion: There will be no 9AM service so the entire parish can worship together to celebrate the parish patronal day. The choir has planned special music, and the names of the dearly departed will be read at the Holy Table.
6:00 PM Jake Hill Concert: Composer, studio engineer, vocalist, and world class keyboard player Jake Hill will perform in concert. Download flyer.
Should Christians Observe Halloween
October 20, 2010
Bible Reading: “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.” – 2 Cor 6:17
Bonus Readings: Ephesians 5:6-12; Deut. 18:10-12; Romans 14; Philippians 2:12 ; Hebrews 5:12-14; Acts 19; 2 Cor 6:14-18
Repentance. We use that word a lot, and it goes to the heart of who the Church is. Holy…or not. We can choose, and that choice will reverberate for eternity. In 2 Cor 6:17, God calls His people to come out from the unclean practices of the World around us and be separated—holy—from them, to the intention our attention centers on Him and His Kingdom.
Just look at the Greek word for “Church”—Ekklesia—literally, “called out.” God is calling His people out…of what is comfortable, easy, unchallenging…unclean. In short, anything that minimizes us in our relentless pursuit of His Kingdom—because He wants the best for us. Blessings, not curses. Life, not death.
This hinges on dying to our selves…mostly our wills. As the wry English theologian CS Lewis wrote—if we continue doing what we want, refusing to come out of the World, God will, one day, say to us, “Thy will be done.” Every day we face the choice: our will…or God’s will. His ways…or the World’s ways? A simple binary process, but one that goes on. There are times our calendar punctuates this aspect of our Christian walk more than others. October is an excellent platform to call that question.
Every year, the same quandary: “Should Christians observe Halloween?” Scripture, of course, has no direct reference to Halloween, so answering this is not always cut-and-dried…or is it? How should Christians approach Halloween?
Halloween, like many other issues not specifically addressed, may be a “Romans 14 Thing”—lacking specific direction from the Bible, it becomes a matter of conscience between God and us. Ultimately, each of us, as Philippians 2:12 teaches, works out our own salvation with “fear and trembling;” we decide for ourselves and follow our own convictions regarding how we respond to Halloween, as God leads us by His Spirit and Word.
Christian concerns about Halloween relate to its pagan roots, stemming from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. This Druid harvest festival ushered in their New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31, with the lighting of bonfires (“bone-fires”, since they were used to consume pagan sacrifices of animals and humans) and other offerings of sacrifices to demons. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer and the beginning of the season of darkness. They also believed that at this time of year the invisible “gates” between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds. They used the time to obtain the favor of their demon gods and to get spiritual insights from them. Seeking spiritual insights or power from other than God can result in His judgment, as documented in 1 Sam 28. When Christianity entered the picture, the Church called God’s people out.
During the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day—a time we celebrate the lives of the Saints and our departed loved ones–to November 1, officially making October 31 “All Hallows Eve,”—truncated to be pronounced “Hallowe’en.” The Church intended to “seize the land”–taking that pagan time for God’s Kingdom, instead of leaving it in the hands of Satan. Problem was, some enjoyed the pagan reveling and practices of Samhain, and transferred them to Halloween, persisting, in some cases into modern practice.
This presents a spiritual duplicity for Christians, and can open doors for our Enemy to afflict us, even when done with innocent intent. But it does underscore God’s simple, binary choice for us that extends to our entire lives in Jesus: Samhain or All Saints Day? His Way or our way? Repentance or self-will? Out of the World’s ways…or holding on to them because we like them?
These are the real questions we all have to answer, not just in October, but every day, every minute.
Christian perspectives on Halloween vary. Some feel complete freedom to observe it, others run and hide from it, many boycott or ignore it, a number commemorate it through more positive and imaginative observances or Christian alternatives to Halloween, such as Bible-focused Harvest Parties or Youth Group Pumpkin Sales, while still others choose to take advantage of Halloween’s evangelistic opportunities, handing out Christian candy and tracts declaring Christ’s victory and salvation. I think our response to this has to be couched in God’s Word that calls us out of the World’s practices. In short, we have to be honest brokers of His Truth.
Christian family, we’re in this world even though it’s not our home. Our job: to be the flavor of Christ and His light in a world of darkness. There is no lasting benefit to ignore a holiday that exists around us, but it also does harm to celebrate Halloween by continuing its dark heritage. In short, we can be out of the practice, but in the environment to proclaim the Good News instead!
What should we do?
- We all should teach everyone, including the children (age appropriately) that:
- There is a spiritual world filled with goodness from God and evil from Satan (Eph. 2:1-10);
- Life in Christ means power over darkness (I John 4:4); and
- We have a responsibility to avoid ungodly practices, or even the appearance of them.
- Our choice affects our lives and those around us, who depend on us to be Salt and Light—the taste and image of Jesus–to them
- Examine how we approach the day—and every day. If it promotes the ungodly pursuits of the past, find other means to enjoy ourselves that evening. Specifically:
- Avoid any Occult practices like séances, spiritualist readings, tarot cards, or Ouija boards
- Reject Halloween’s “dark side”—the fixation on death, vampires, whatever does not reflect the character of Christ
- Join and celebrate the reality of the heroic efforts of Church and Her saints over evil. Many leaders in the past — and present — have fulfilled our mandate of destroying the works of the devil through their sacrificial commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.
- Our parish festival celebrates that—with the fall festival one day, and our All Saints worship the next!
- Boldly create a positive, Godly alternative celebrating the triumph of God over Satan.
- Create an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives. It’s fun to be a Christian!
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, show me if I’m Salt and Light in every aspect of my life—work, family and fun.”
Pray about it: “There are supernatural or occult powers and forces at work in the world—forces that do not come from God but are actually opposed to Him.” —the Rev Billy Graham, evangelist.
Out…or in?
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
All Saints Volunteer Day at CAM
October 18, 2010
Liturgy Lesson for the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity: The Fire of the Gospel
October 17, 2010
I once talked with someone who told me they thought most of the tools we use in worship were inventions of men and not reflected in Scripture! Actually, with 21 centuries to research and grow our worship tradition, there is ample Holy Writ to underpin nearly every furnishing, vestment, ceremonial action, and liturgy we use. For example, the candles—sometimes called lights—we use in every liturgical service symbolize the Divine Presence and the Gospel’s spiritual enlightenment. The two groups of candles on the Holy Table during Communion signify the two natures of Christ—human and Divine. His words “I am the Light of the World” (ref St. John 8:12; St. Matt 4:16; St. Luke 2:32) also amplify why we use candles to honor His ministry—and ours. They were first used by early Christians for illumination, as they were forced to meet secretly under cover of darkness to elude persecution. We retain them, even in our electrified age, to remind us of those days, making our parishes bright and beautiful and driving away darkness—just as the Gospel does in our lives. There is other authority for their use, of course, found in Ex 25:31, 40:25; Levit 24:2 and II Chron 13:11. In addition to the assurance of Scriptural basis for their use, as we light the candles for our service, we can consider praying this devotion to the Lord: may God the Holy Ghost make the fire of the Gospel burn brightly front and center in our lives, as it does on the altar during worship.
