October 9, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, who is known for his great love for all of God's creatures. Francis called animals his brothers and sisters and felt a kinship with all creation. At All Saints this Sunday we will honor the memory of Francis by blessing pets during the 10:30 am service. Yes, you can bring your cat, dog, bird, rabbit, or other pet with you to worship on October 12! This annual service is a time of joy as young and old alike bring their animal companions to Church. Please click here for more information and please invite your neighbors and friends to join you this Sunday.

THEME FOR THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS

The reading from Galatians is chosen because of Francis's great devotion to the cross of Christ. The Gospel passage from Matthew is chosen because Francis displays the childlike faith praised by Jesus. In the Collect, we pray: "Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

In the letter to the Galatians, Paul boldly professes his faith: "I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule --peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:14-18)

Psalm 148 expresses the spirit of Francis's praise for the goodness of creation: "Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds."

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus praises those who are simple and trusting in their faith: "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will ... Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30)

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

• For a schedule of worship services, please click here.
• For information about our excellent Church School from pre-school to grade 12, click here.
• Click here to download information about the many adult learning opportunities at All Saints Parish.
• For information about Explorations in Faith that begins on October 1st, please click here.
• For information about the Women's Book Group, please click here.
• For information about the Men's Group, please click here.
• For information about the Beacon Street Fellowship for those in their 20s and 30s, please click here.
• To see the current issue of Saints Alive, our newsletter, please click here.
• Please click here for the booklet "Your Kingdom Come" with information on our parish's involvement with the MDGs.

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!