Christianity is Not a Spectator Sport by Bill Wimp
November 15, 2011
Practically the worst thing any churchgoer can do is be a hearer, but not a doer (James 1:22-25). Christ himself pronounced doom on religious people who want to be mere bystanders (Matthew 7:26-27).
One of the main duties of clergy is to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12). Every believer is called to be a minister of some sort, with each of us using the unique gifts given us by God for the edification of the whole church (Rom. 12:6-8).
That’s why Scripture portrays the church as a body—an organism with many organs (1 Corinthians 12:14), where each member has a unique role (vv. 15-25) and all contribute something important to the life of the body. “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (v. 26).
Everyone is expected to be involved in worship, prayer, the study of the Word of God, and discipleship so each of us can be equipped for ministry. That ministry is the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The New Testament pattern is clear and inescapable: Every Christian is gifted and called to ministry. The spiritual gifts we are given are not for our own sake, but for the benefit of the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6).
We are blessed at All Saints to have clergy that have embraced their duty to equip people for ministry. It is, after all, one of their main duties—if not the single most important task for leaders in today’s church.
If you’re a lay person, my prayer is that you’ll find a place where you can use your gift in the work of the ministry.
Learn How to Make Advent Wreaths, November 27
November 14, 2011
Advent Wreath Making Class
Sunday, November 27th directly following the 11:15 service
Hosted and taught by our very own lovely and talented Deborah Cavanaugh
Cost for supplies is $20.
Lunch will be provided.
Space is limited,so please call the church office at (210) 344-1920 to sign up now!
Liturgy Lesson for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity: Life Abundant
November 13, 2011
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.’” Jesus’ words amplify how important it is Christians take Holy Communion as often as possible— and why this is central to Christian worship. It conveys life. Yet, it’s not the ceremony that imparts God’s Grace and mystery—it’s the Spirit empowering it, and the attitude of our hearts. Ultimately, this is the case for all worship—liturgical and ancient, or contemporary and unstructured. Our attitude determines our altitude. In short, how do we approach the Lord? Are we doing the “church thing” or are we, as we pray in the Kyrie, Confession and Prayer of Humble Access approaching the Lord with an understanding of our brokenness–dependent on His Grace? This goes to the heart of something we have been studying in our review of the Gifts of the Spirit—the governance of our souls—that is, our minds and emotions. As disciplined adults, we can usually control our outward expression of inner dysfunctions, but, God looks on the heart—and, without the intervening influence of God the Holy Ghost and His Gifts, we won’t be able to effect that change of heart required to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. In short, the liturgy will remain only well-founded Scriptural words said in a proscribed, traditional manner, without Divine help to the contrary. On the other hand, if we call the Holy Ghost into our lives, receiving Him in the manner the Church Fathers intended in the sacraments, we will have life in us—abundantly! Inhabit us, then, Holy Ghost– govern our hearts and bring power to our worship!
Missionary Night, Sunday, November 13
November 11, 2011
Father Jerry and Stacy Kramer return to worship and pray with us at Koinonia this Sunday evening, November 13th, at 6:00 p.m.
Father Jerry, Stacy. and their family travel in a number of middle-eastern countries known to be hostile to the Gospel, preaching and loving the people there. Although they have ministered in east Africa and areas in the middle east, their exact locations are held secret to protect their safety.
Father Jerry spoke during the Sunday services on October 2nd, and they were also with us for Koinonia. The evening was truly a Spirit-filled time with wonderful healings, words of encouragement, and words of knowledge.
Come worship our Lord and celebrate what His healing power can do when we gather together and join our faith with our family’s faith.
All Saints Women’s Winter Retreat, December 2-3
November 9, 2011
ASAC Women’s Winter Retreat:
Coming December 2-3!!
“Snuggling with your Father God…
True Women Learning to Walk in Joy and Wisdom”
WHERE: The Elisha House
WHEN: Friday, Dec 2. from 6:30pm-8:30pm and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9am-2pm
COST: Free!!!
OTHER DETAILS: Dress casual and bring a friend, some blankets, and pillows!
- Snacks and beverages will be provided on Friday, Dec. 2nd.
- Breakfast snacks, lunch, and beverages will be provided Saturday, Dec. 3rd.
Babysitting will also be available!
Contact Gaya in the church office at 210-344-1920 for more details and to register!
All Saints Food Pantry: Donations Needed to Buy Thanksgiving Turkeys
November 7, 2011
Our All Saints Anglican Church Food Pantry is requesting monetary donations to purchase frozen turkeys to be given away for Thanksgiving to those in need in our community during our regular food distribution on the Saturday before Thanksgiving on November 19 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.
Our goal is to donate 50 turkeys. The average cost of a turkey is about $12. So we’ll need to raise about $600 for this cause. If God has called you to be part of this Thanksgiving outreach, please make your check payable to All Saints Anglican Church or you can make a cash donation and designate your gift for “Thanksgiving turkeys.”
Please help us reach out to those in need in our community this Thanksgiving with the love of Jesus Christ.
For more information, contact Bill Wimp at outreach@allsaintsanglican.net.
Liturgy Lesson for the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity: Lights
November 6, 2011
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.
Obedience
November 5, 2011
“Many of us long to experience God in deeper ways. But we forget that obedience is the key to spiritual vitality.” Ann Spangler, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus
Food Pantry Update from Bill Wimp
November 2, 2011
I was preparing the monthly report that goes to Daily Bread Ministries. I wanted to share what God is doing through our All Saints Food Pantry Ministry. In the month of October the All Saints Food Pantry served 166 families and a total of 708 people in those families with food and the love of Jesus Christ. We shared the Word of God, prayed with and for people, and passed out Bibles.
We also provided food from our pantry to folks within our church with needs and other outreach ministries we support: Christian Assistance Ministry and Strong Foundation Ministries. We continue to see people in our community touched by this ministry come to church services, having prayers answered, assisting us by volunteering at the food pantry and our recent All Saints Fall Festival.
As we have stepped out in faith to reach out to our community and put our trust in Jesus, God has blessed us in so many ways. When we honor His Word and are obedient to the mission He has called us to, He will bless it and bless others.
I encourage you to take time out and just give thanks and praise to God for what He has done for us and through us. We ask for your continued prayers and donations to support this ministry. This ministry could not be possible without God’s Grace, Daily Bread Ministries, your prayers and donations, and the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.
When God is working, we become part of something that’s bigger than ourselves. Come join us and be a part of serving the Lord while serving others and be blessed!
For more information, contact Bill Wimp, outreach@allsaintsanglican.net.
Food Pantry Donation Sunday: November 6 – canned goods
November 1, 2011
Our last All Saints “Food Pantry Donation Sunday” on October 2 was a blessing for our food pantry. We collected 40 boxes of cereal for those in need. Praise the Lord! Thank you to everyone who donated to support our food pantry needs.
Our next “Food Pantry Donation Sunday” will be on Sunday, November 6. Our All Saints Food Pantry is asking for donations of canned soups, vegetables, and fruits. Donations can be placed in the donation bin in Ballard Hall.
