November 6, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Now that the elections are over, we give thanks to God for the candidates who presented themselves for public office, for their families and staffs who sacrificed much to work on their campaigns, and for the American people who exercised their democratic right to chose leaders of our nation. We pray that God may bless the newly elected president and vice-president, senators, representatives, governors, state legislators, and others elected to serve. We pray that they may conscientiously fulfill the responsibilities of their office:

"O Lord, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. To the president and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name." (Book of Common Prayer, Prayer for Sound Government, page 821-822.)

THEME FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The gift of wisdom is highlighted in the readings. The first reading praises wisdom as a virtue to be sought. The Gospel parable praises the foresight of the five wise bridesmaids who awaited the coming of the bridegroom. The readings challenge us to be wise in our choices as we seek to serve God and our neighbor. In the Collect, we pray: "O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

In the reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear: "Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her. One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate. To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding, And one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care, because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought. (Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16)

Psalm 70 is a prayer for help: "Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me. Let those who seek my life be ashamed and altogether dismayed; let those who take pleasure in my misfortune draw back and be disgraced ... You are my helper and my deliverer; O LORD, do not tarry."

The reading from 1 Thessalonians expresses Paul's hope in the resurrection: "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

The reading from Matthew is the parable of the five wise and the five foolish bridesmaids. "When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13)

In our worship we are invited to the banquet with the bridegroom who is Christ who welcomes us whether we are wise or foolish. 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 the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here. Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) reading. For Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, click here.

worship services for

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
November 8-9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, at 5:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, November 9, at 10:30 am - Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, November 9, at 6:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling

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