St. Paul's Anglican Church, Allentown, PA

Sunday January 31 service

Join us this Sunday at 9:00 am for worship. Masks and social distancing by family. Septuagesima THE COLLECT. ... O LORD, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. THE EPISTLE. 1 Corinthians 9:24 THE GOSPEL. S. Matthew 20:1 http://www.lectionarycentral.com/septuag/septuag.html

Sunday January 24th service

https://juicyecumenism.com//13/orthodox-anglican-identity/

Celebrating our patron saint! Join us this Sunday at 9:00 am for worship. Please observe Masks and social distancing by family. The feast of the Conversion of St.Paul & the Third Sunday After Epiphany... THE COLLECT. O GOD, who, through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world; Grant, we beseech thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show forth our thankfulness unto thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine which he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE EPISTLE. Romans 12. 6 & Acts 9:1 THE GOSPEL. S. Matthew 19:27 https://youtu.be/9jo6q5bXTDQ

Here's another article on why worship, sacraments, etc. are in fact ESSENTIAL. Read. Fr. Shanw+

Some wise words from the rector of St. Mark's REC in Rydal, PA. Please take some time to read this to your soul's health. Fr. Patterson is a good and faithful priest and offers wise counsel. In Christ, Fr. Shawn Riley + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++... A Pastoral Letter on the Day after an Election November 4, 2020 Dear St. Mark’s Church, Do not be afraid! Whatever the outcome of this election the Lord is on his throne, and he will guide and protect his Church through the time of our earthly pilgrimage. As the bishop reminded us this past Sunday, God does not always protect us from all suffering and adversity, but he will protect us through it. Do not loose hope! We press on in faith, entrusting ourselves to our loving heavenly Father, through Jesus our Saviour, and in the power of the Holy Ghost. If you are feeling afraid, or anxious why not do as St. Peter instructs us and: Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:6-11). That passage calls us to humbly acknowledge that we are unable to address the concerns for which we are anxious and therefore, we must turn to God in prayer and cast our anxieties on him. The text also speaks of our Enemy, thereby alerting us to the reality that we are engaged in an unseen spiritual warfare. In the midst of the battle it can seem as though the darkness is advancing and swallowing the light, but in reality to Christ belongs the dominion (the rule) and thus we can entrust ourselves to him and press on in confidence that after our suffering he will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. Thanks be to God for our Saviour and King, Jesus the Messiah. I’ve compiled a short prayer guide - simple statements of Biblical doctrine, followed by Scripture texts, and collects that I hope will be an aid to you as we pray together in these days ahead. Use this link to view the guide online (or to download a copy for printing). https://www.saintmarksrec.org/new-page-57 In Christ, JSSP+

Even in these times...

It is a great truth that Christians have lived and died under all kinds and dispositions of rulers. Panic, inflammatory words, and hysterical actions are not ou...r calling. While voting or abstaining is our civic duty, it is not our sacred duty. We have an allegiance that is far beyond ‘king and country’ for we serve a heavenly king and are pilgrims on a journey to a heavenly city in a far country. Hold soberly but lightly things here, act in charity, pray with fervency. Please do pray for our country, our people, and our world over these next, few, and seemingly fragile days. For the human family... O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Peace... Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. For our enemies... O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For those who suffer from consciences sake... O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen. For social justice... Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. In times of conflict... O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and gla...d to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. See more

O Lord our Governor, 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. R: Lord, keep... this nation under your care. 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. R: Give grace to your servants, O Lord. 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. R: Give grace to your servants, O Lord. To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. R: Give grace to your servants, O Lord. And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. R: Amen.