August 4, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The bishops of the world-wide Anglican communion have completed the historic Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England, held July 16-August 3. We pray that their conversations during these past weeks will inspire their leadership of the Church and help the spirit of Christ become more present in our world. For information about Lambeth, please click on the links to the websites below.

THEME FOR THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

In Sunday's Gospel, the disciples in a storm-tossed boat cry out for the saving help of Christ. The boat is a symbol of the Church which throughout history has been beset by various storms and crises. The risen Christ still comes to his beleaguered followers giving them strength to face the challenges of our time. In the Collect, we pray: "Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

The reading from Genesis is the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. "Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.' And his brothers agreed. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt." (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28)

Psalm 105 recalls God's works of mercy on behalf of his people, particularly the rescue of Joseph: "Remember the marvels he has done, his wonders and the judgments of his mouth, O offspring of Abraham his servant, O children of Jacob his chosen. Then he called for a famine in the land and destroyed the supply of bread. He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet in fetters; his neck they put in an iron collar. Until his prediction came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free. He set him as a master over his household, as a ruler over all his possessions."

In the reading from Romans, Paul sets forth his conviction that God loves all people, Jew and Gentile alike: "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'" (Romans 10:5-15)

The Gospel passage from Matthew is the dramatic story of Jesus walking on the sea and calming the fears of the disciples: "But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, 'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'" (Matthew 14:22-33)

We come with our fears, anxieties, and worries to the Holy Eucharist. We meet the risen Christ who is present to take us by the hand and lift us to safety. The risen Christ stays with us to give us courage to face the challenges of each day. Christ feeds us in the Eucharist with the word of truth and the sacrament of life. Please join us for worship this Saturday at 5 pm, Sunday at 10:30 am, and Sunday at 6 pm.

Sincerely,

David A. Killian
Rector

* * * * *

Worship Services for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, August 9-10, 2008
Saturday, August 9, at 5:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Christian Brocato
Sunday, August 10, at 10:30 am - Preacher: The Rev. Christian Brocato
Sunday, August 10, at 6:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling

* * * * *

LAMBETH CONFERENCE
For ongoing coverage of the Lambeth Conference, go to:
www.episcopalchurch.org (click on "Lambeth Conference Coverage" under "Highlights")
www.anglicancommunion.org (see "Lambeth Daily" at bottom of home page)

EVENTS at All Saints Parish

• For a schedule of worship services, please click here.
• For information about the Beacon Street Fellowship and their website and blog for those in their 20s and 30s, please click here.
• To see the current issue of Saints Alive, our newsletter, please click here.

We want your feedback!

Please tell us :

• if you find All Saints Weekly a helpful spiritual resource
• if you have trouble seeing this email or opening the links
• or if you do not wish to receive this e-newsletter.

Please let Barbara know at office@allsaintsbrookline.org. THANK YOU!