June 9, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The message of Jesus is dynamic and engaging. Jesus was a religious leader who changed people's lives. Jesus enlisted people of all classes and backgrounds in his great campaign to bring God's love to suffering humanity. He calls us today to use our talents, skills, and resources to bring about change in our world.

THEME FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Gospel for this Sunday presents the image of a field that is ripe for the harvest. Jesus calls his followers to join in the great work of changing people's lives. In the Collect, we pray: "Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."

In the reading from Genesis we see a wonderful example of hospitality as Abraham and Sarah entertain three visitors (later recognized as angels): Abraham looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, "My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on-- since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said." And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes." Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. (Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7)

Psalm 116 is a poem of gratitude for God's good gifts: "I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him. How shall I repay the LORD for all the good things he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people."

The reading from Romans is Paul's testimony about the power of faith to overcome hardship: "We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person-- though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:1-8)

The reading from Matthew shows Jesus going "about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus invites the disciples to share in his work of compassion and mercy: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:35-10:8, 9-23)

At All Saints Parish, we strive to be part of the compassionate, healing ministry of Jesus. Our policy is to welcome all people who seek the love of God, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We welcome all people on the basis of our Baptismal Covenant in which we promise to "seek and serve Christ in all persons" and "respect the dignity of every human being."

I invite you to join us for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist Saturday at 5 pm, Sunday at 10:30 am, and Sunday at 6 pm.

Sincerely,

David A. Killian
Rector

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Worship for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 14-15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, at 5:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Christian Broacto
Sunday, June 15, at 10:30 am - Preacher: The Rev. Christian Broacto
Sunday, June 15, at 6:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling

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EVENTS at All Saints Parish

• For a schedule of worship services, please click here.
• For information about the Faith Formation Discussion Group that will meet on May 28, please click here.
• For information about the "I believe" course on the Apostles' Creed and Baptism taught by the Rev. Christine Visminas on Sundays beginning June 15, please click here.
• To see the current issue of Saints Alive, our newsletter, please click here.

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) readings.

For a Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children's Youth, and Family Ministry, click here.

For a note on the Sunday 6:00 pm 'Sunday Evening Contemplative Eucharist' from Assistant Rector, the Rev. Leslie K. Sterling, click here.

To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.

For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints web site: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.

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