“Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire.”
Dearly Beloved,
The verse above, from a 9th century Latin text (our Hymn #217), is what we as Christian people should pray and hope happens at each and every moment of each and every day. This is what happened to the Apostles at the very first Christian Pentecost when “…suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4).
The disciples had been waiting, according to Jesus’ instructions, waiting for the final act in the Drama of Redemption, waiting for Jesus’ work, appointed to Him by the Father, to be perfected. And then Jesus’ final promise came to fruition, the Comforter had come, the Spirit of Sanctification had arrived to abide with the Church on earth. Jesus had commanded them to “love one another.” And so here came Love itself, to be written in their hearts, the very first fruits of Jesus’ Ascension, for “God is Love, and he that abides in love abides in God and God in him” (I John 4.16).
This is what we celebrate specifically this coming Sunday on Pentecost, that the “celestial fire,” Love, has come to enlighten us, that Love has come to abide in us and, since God is Love, that God now abides with us. And so we know that He is with us, “even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).
Construction Update
This has been the rainiest week we have had in quite a few years. The picture above shows a tarp over the construction of our office addition here at the church, trying to keep as much water off the foundation so we don’t have to wait for everything to dry out in order to continue with building. We did have some dry periods this week and were able to get quite a bit of work done, including getting the joists installed. Bob & Jim Brooks were able to dodge the raindrops a bit and get all that work done. As usual, I have posted pictures on our website. Click here to see the pictures of Day 12, 13 & 14 of construction. Here are two pictures showing the installation of the joists.
Craft Market 2018
It’s time once again to start preparing for our Annual Craft Market. The date for this year’s event is Saturday, October 13. If you are a crafter, artist, knitter, etc. and would like to donate a few items to our All Saints Crafter’s Guild table, please see Kathy Willis. If you would like to buy a table to sell your goods, please see Barbara Conner or Cynthia Hensley.
Wednesday Bible Study
In our Bible study, we are working our way through the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. There are 12 minor prophets and we find them at the end of the Old Testament, after the Book of Daniel. This week we will look at chapter 3 in the Book of Joel. It’s not too late to join us!
Tuesday Book Study
Our Tuesday Book Study is discussing a biblical fiction work: Cain: The Story of the First Murder and the Birth of an Unstoppable Evil. Please read chapters 14-23 for Tuesday’s class.
Annual Parish Picnic
Mark your calendars now! Our parish picnic will be on Saturday, June 10 following the 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion. We will gather at the Blackburn’s home in Fletcher, NC.
Ecclesia Anglicana and The Trinitarian
The latest issues of our Anglican Province of America newsletter, Ecclesia Anglicana, is available. Copies are in the parish hall. Take one home today! There are also copies of The Trinitarian, the Anglican Catholic Church’s newsletter, available for reading. Please do not remove these copies.
Don’t Forget About the Food Bank!
Bread of Life in Transylvania County is this month’s recipient of our in-gathering of food stuffs.
Be certain to pray for all those who need our prayers, especially those on our prayer list. Be sure to be here this weekend as we celebrate the birth of Christ’s Church at Pentecost.
Blessings,
Fr. Erich
This Week in the Parish
Sunday, May 20, Pentecost
· 8:30 a.m., Holy Communion
· 9:45 a.m., Sunday School
· 11:00 a.m., Holy Communion
· 12:45 p.m., Mother’s Day Lunch
Tuesday, May 22
· 11:00 a.m., Tuesday Book Study
Wednesday, May 23
· 6:00 p.m., Holy Communion
· 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Dinner
· 7:00 p.m., Bible Study
· 7:00 p.m., Choir Practice
