sword points...2018/08/16 · someone once said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit;...
TRANSCRIPT
www.SaintPaulsBrookfield.com (203) 775-9587
† A Gift from God Among All Ages
"Wisdom has built her house" PROVERBS 9:1
Dear Friends,
Someone once said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato
is a fruit; wisdom is knowing that it does not belong in a fruit
salad. Wisdom is distinct from gathering information.
Wisdom knows how to apply it.
This Sunday we will hear of the origin of Solomon's gift of
wisdom, a concept as relevant today as in ancient times. In
fact, with so many voices in our modern world vying for our
attention, biblical wisdom is needed now more than ever.
Speaking of wisdom, please join us between services for our
youth mission breakfast as we glean pearls of wisdom from
our younger parishioners sharing their experiences from their
mission trip. As wisdom is
a gift from God among
all ages, let us give
glory to God as we
see wisdom
building our
household of faith.
In Christ,
August 16, 2018
Sword Points Transforming
Lives Through
Jesus Christ
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† Revival Happened Here! by John Tuthill
"Light shows up everything, just as the Scriptures say, 'Wake up from your sleep and rise from death.',
Then Christ will shine on you.”
- Ephesians 5:14 (Contemporary English Version) One verse prior and the context of our epistle reading this Sunday!
Y ou could say there are two kinds of great revival; there is a kind that is an
"awakening" of the individual, when Jesus' call to a sinner finally gets through.
And another kind of revival is the call that gets through to someone that was
redeemed, but who has been spiritually napping and that call is to wake up - again! It is
only the supernatural light by God's grace and always for God's glory that gets through in
either case.
On a much larger scale than only these two kinds of individuals being in revival, the
Holy Spirit has moved at times to awaken huge crowds all at once to hear and to receive the
Gospel / Good News (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-6). Here in Connecticut there was "such a
time as this" which is now sometimes referred to as the first "Great Awakening." Nearly
everyone dropped what they were doing in their every-day lives to rush as if their lives
depended on it to hear God's saving message. The preaching was given in fields and from
outdoor make-shift stages set up for famous itinerant preachers. One of these was George
Whitefield, a man who ignited enormous followings which were compared to those of the
Apostles themselves. A brief and first-hand description of what it was like to be in this first
Great Awakening follows below written by a typical farmer named Nathan Cole. As I read
Mr. Cole describe what it was like to be in the midst of such a massive movement of the
Holy Spirit. I cannot help but think (and pray!) to see and experience this today!
"Now it pleased God to send Mr. Whitefield into this land...and many thousands flocking
to hear him preach the Gospel, and great numbers were converted to Christ; I felt the Spirit
of God drawing me by conviction, longed to see and hear him, and wished he would come
this way. And I soon heard he was come to New York and the Jerseys and great multitudes
flocking after him under great concern for their Souls and many converted which brought on
my concern more and more hoping soon to see him but next I heard he was at Long Island,
then at Boston, and next at Northampton.
Then one morning all on a Sudden, about 8 or 9 o’clock there came a messenger and
said Mr. Whitefield preached at Hartford and Weathersfield yesterday and is to preach at
Middletown this morning [October 23, 1740] at ten of the Clock. I was in my field at Work. I
dropt my tool that I had in my
hand and ran home and run
through my house and bade
my wife get ready quick to go
and hear Mr. Whitefield
preach at Middletown, and
run to my pasture for my
horse with all my might
fearing that I should be too
late to hear him. I brought my
horse home and soon
mounted and took my wife up
and went forward as fast as I
thought the horse could bear,
and when my horse began to
(Continued on page 4)
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† This Week at St. Paul’s
Sat, Aug 18 - 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford Sun, Aug 19 -- The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (Livestream) 9:15 am - Youth Group Mission Trip Breakfast, Crocker Hall 10:30 am - Summer Sunday School 10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (Livestream) Mon, Aug 20 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (Livestream) Wed, Aug 22 - 10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (Facebook)
Fri, Aug 24 -- St. Mary, the Virgin Sat, Aug 25 - 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford 10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Crocker Hall 11:00 am - St. Paul’s Quitlers, Crocker Hall Sun, Aug 26 - The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (Livestream) 9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room 10:30 am - Summer Sunday School 10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (Livestream)
“...S inging and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything...” We are not asked to
be thankful just when it is easy or convenient; that’s simple. Rather, we are asked to undergird all our lives with trust and gratitude for God’s vision for us through the highs and lows that come to all of us … a spiritual challenge indeed!
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be out of breath, I would get down and put my wife on the Saddle and bid her ride as fast as
she could and not Stop or Slack for me except I bad her, and so I would run until I was much
out of breath, and then mount my horse again, and so I did several times to favour my horse,
we improved every moment to get along as if we were fleeing for our lives, all the while
fearing we should be too late to hear the Sermon, for we had twelve miles to ride double in
little more than an hour and we went round by the upper housen parish.
And when we came within about half a mile of the road that comes down from Hartford
Weathersfield and Stepney to Middletown; on high
land I saw before me a Cloud or fogg rising. I first
thought it came from the great river [Connecticut
River], but as I came nearer the Road, I heard a noise
something like a low rumbling thunder and presently
found it was the noise of horses feet coming down the
road and this Cloud was a Cloud of dust made by the
Horses feet. It arose some Rods into the air over the
tops of the hills and trees and when I came within
about 20 rods of the Road, I could see men and
horses Sliping along in the Cloud like shadows, and
as I drew nearer it seemed like a steady stream of horses and their riders, scarcely a horse
more than his length behind another, all of a lather and foam with sweat, their breath rolling
out of their nostrils in the cloud of dust every jump; every horse seemed to go with all his
might to carry his rider to hear news from heaven for the saving of Souls. It made me
tremble to see the Sight, how the world was in a Struggle, I found a vacance between two
horses to Slip in my horse; and my wife said law our cloaths will be all spoiled see how they
look, for they were so covered with dust, that they looked almost all of a colour coats, hats,
and shirts and horses.
We went down in the Stream; I heard no man speak a word all the way three miles but
every one pressing forward in great haste and when we got to the old meeting house there
was a great multitude; it was said to be 3 or 4000 of people assembled together, we got off
from our horses and shook off the dust, and the ministers were then coming to the meeting
house. I turned and looked towards the great river and saw the ferry boats running swift
forward and forward bringing over loads of people; the oars rowed nimble and quick, every
thing men horses and boats seemed to be struggling for life; the land and banks over the
river looked black with people and horses all along the 12 miles. I saw no man at work in his
field, but all seemed to be gone.
When I saw Mr. Whitefield come upon the Scaffold he looked almost angelical, a young,
slim slender youth before some thousands of people with a bold undaunted countenance,
and my hearing how God was with him
every where as he came along it
solumnized my mind, and put me into a
trembling fear before he began to
preach; for he looked as if he was
Cloathed with authority from the Great
God, and a sweet solemn solemnity sat
upon his brow. And my hearing him
preach gave me a heart wound; by
Gods blessing my old foundation was
broken up, and I saw that my
righteousness would not save me..."
Source: George Leon Walker, Some
Aspects of the Religious Life of New
England (New York: Silver, Burnett, and
Company, 1897), 89–92.
Thanks be to God!
(Continued from page 2) George Whitefield
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Sermon
T he sermon follows the Gospel and its purpose is for the preacher to comment and
expand upon the lessons heard in the scriptures that day, particularly the Gospel. Any ordained person may be a preacher, and any lay person who has had
special training and is licensed by the Bishop may be a lay preacher. Some call this a “homily,” but believe it or not there is a difference. Sermons are researched and prepared, usually in full text format. Homilies can be spontaneous commentary immediately after hearing and proclaiming the Word.
† About the Service
† Art in the Christian Tradition
Solomon praying to the Holy Spirit
Early 1460’s Guillaume Vrelant, 1481
J. Paul Getty Museum
This page is taken from the lavish book of hours, Arenberg Hours. It contains over eighty miniatures, and the texts included in the book indicate that the wealthy patron was almost certainly English. The stiff figures and unusually intense colors identify the artist as Willem Vrelant, who was an active member of the artisans' guild in Bruges. He led one of the top illuminator's workshops in Bruges during the third quarter of the 1400s. At that time, Bruges was one of the leading European centers for production of illuminated manuscripts, especially books of hours. The person who commissioned this book may have been a member of the large community of foreign merchants living in Bruges or was perhaps a patron who lived in England
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† Greeters Needed
Greeting people in a warm way makes them feel good about their presence in church.
At St. Paul’s, we are always looking for people who feel called to serve in this important ministry. If you are interested in becoming a greeter, please
contact Pam Szen ([email protected]) or David Szen
† Scripture Reading Course
W e are pleased to hold a Scripture reading seminar on Saturday, September 8th at
9:00 am in the sanctuary. Our own Tim Huber, a professional presenter, among
many other gifts, will lead us in the following:
Significance and role of public Scripture Reading in Worship
Why does it matter and why should we invest time in doing it well?
Preparing the text
How to read, process, and seek to understand a passage in the Holy
Spirit
Includes a practical process for preparing
Delivering the reading
Using the body and the voice to communicate God's Word
Includes exercises and practical suggestions
Practicum
Preparing a passage - working together and individually
Reading a passage - practice and feedback
This course is open to all with particular focus on further training our
current lectors/servers. Please sign up by contacting Beth Miller at bethmil-
† Happy Birthday to You!
R ay Ferro celebrates tomorrow! Bake a cake for Christ Barrett
on Sunday. Brittany Chengeri will be blowing out candles
on Tuesday. Have a blessed day everyone!
† On Location: David’s Tomb
T he Tomb of King David is a recent (mediaeval) site in Jerusalem which could not be the actual burial place as King David was buried in the City of David which lies
further east and south. As it is, the tomb is strangely situated in the same crusader building that houses the traditional site of the “Last Supper” upper room. The constant trickle of Jewish pilgrims to the site increases significantly on the religious festival of Shavu'ot (pentecost), traditionally the anniversary of the death of King David. After the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, it fell on the Israel side of the border. Through 1967 the Old City was occupied by Jordan, and Jewish pilgrims, without access to the Western Wall, went to David's Tomb and climbed to the rooftop to pray.
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Follow Us Live The best way to participate at St. Paul’s is to attend our worship
services and join in our various events. However, there are still times when you might be unable to partake because of weather or illness. Many of our services are available on Livestream or Facebook Live. It has been used by our “Snow
Birds,” students away at college, parishioners on vacation and former members who have moved away. Why not introduce it to your friends who may be looking for a church and don’t know what to expect? The services can be watched live or later for up to three weeks online. Just click on the LiveStream button or tab on our website for more info.
The
Rector’s
Forum
T he Rector’s Forum meets every Sunday in the Guild
Room between services at 9:30 am. It is currently
studying the Book of Esther led by Jay Trott. Esther is the only
book in the Bible that does not mention God directly, and yet no
book demonstrates the presence and providence of God more
clearly.Come learn more about this fascinating woman of God.
.through the pages of the Bible
Name Tags - Please be courteous to your fellow parishioners, to newcomers, visiting clergy and guests by extending a warm welcome to them and by wearing your name tag. And remember to wear them to coffee hour as well.
† Men’s Bible Study Packing Them In
Find out why more than 20 men gather each week to discuss the Bible. We start
promptly at 7; and end at 8 pm. If you can’t make it person (Hint: Ladies this includes
you), follow us online on Facebook Live or Livestream.
O ne translation of the word “manna” is “Bread.”
“Bread” has been used as a slang word for “money.”
Kind of gives a whole different slant to our weekend gospel,
doesn't it. Having money won’t allow you to live forever.
But, having Jesus (“The bread of heaven”) will!
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† Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study to Resume in Fall
T he Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study will be studying, The Book of Isaiah, starting Tuesday, September 4th at 9:15 am in the Guild Room.
ISAIAH His name meant "the Lord is salvation" and this was his message for over 40 years. Through him the Lord pronounced judgment on the proud who sought to save themselves. But through him God also comforted the humble with glimpses of a Prince of Peace and a Suffering Servant...a desert blossoming...the prisoners set free....the hungry fed....and the homeless sheltered.
This will be an 18 week study of amazing discussions and enlightenment. Please join us!!!
Please join us in study on Tuesday's from 9:15 - 11 am. Please register by August 21, 2018, by emailing Debbi Pomeroy at [email protected]. Workbooks are $12.
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COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
Aug 19th 8 am - Mission Trip B’fast 10:30 am - Nicole O’Connors Aug 26th 8 am & 10:30 am - Sunday School Ministry Sep 2nd 8 am - Mary/Ken Perry 10:30 am - Connie Williams
Contact Mary Allen at
203-775-6633 or
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† Elder Abuse: A Clear and Present Problem
A s I have said in my opening statement last time; what did our parents do for us as
we grew up? Fed, bathe, educated, clothed, fought our health battles, etc. We as
children or I should say adult children should honor our parents as to what they did for us.
But there seems to be a segment of society that just does not see things that way. Perhaps
the parents were alcoholics, drug
addicts, angry people, mentally
ill. We are now adults and must
take care of these people, our
parents, and what do we do?
Yell, hit, hold food, take their
money, throw them into nursing
homes, perhaps worse. What did
I say in my opening statement?
Honor thy mother and father.
That comes directly from God
who created us and is found in the
book of Deuteronomy. The New
Testament says, “Do not rebuke
an older man harshly, but exhort
him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers and older women as mothers
and younger women as sisters with absolute purity. 1 Timothy 5:1.
Elder abuse is in every community and neighborhood whether it be rich or poor. Elders
are three or more times than their peers to die. Abuse increases the longer people live.
Between 1986 and 1996 the number of abuse cases increased 130%; this is according to
Protective Services for Adults. Believe it or not, by 2050 the population of Americans over
the age of 65 will double to over eighty million and the “oldest old” (85 +) will be over 19
million. The frail elderly has the highest amount of elder abuse.
In Proverbs 23:22 it says, “Listen to your father, who gave you life and do not despise
your mother when she is old.”
The types of abuse are 1) Physical 2) Sexual 3) Emotional or psychological abuse 4)
Neglect 5) Financial 6) Self-abuse/neglect.
Father, I pray for the person or persons who cannot help themselves with their parents
whether it be Physical or Emotional abuse. I pray that you will intercede with getting them
help and their loved ones help also. You are our first parent and through your Word you
taught us how to live and how to treat each other no matter what our ages may be. Father I
ask this in Jesus name. Amen
Susan W. Balla, BSNAC
Ministry on Aging , the Episcopal Church In Connecticut
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† You Can Help
T he second Saturday of each month a group from St. Paul’s
volunteers at the Jericho Food & Clothing Pantry on Spring Street in
Danbury. Please consider signing up by emailing Laurie DoBosh
[email protected]. The pantry is also looking for donations of reusable
grocery bags and plastic bags for the clients to put their food in. We are
also looking for coloring books and crayons for the children who come
with their parents to the pantry (gently used is accepted) and travel size
toiletries you usually find at hotels are also needed. Please place
donations in Crocker Hall bin marked Jericho (left hand brown bin).
† Pray It Up
N otice the Red and White prayer request cards in the pew? Each Sunday, fill out your request, put it in the
red bowl on the table on the way to communion. Then take a card from the bowl either right then or after service. Pray for that request for one week. How comforting to know that your request is being prayed for and that you are praying for someone else’s! You might just be praying for the person sitting next to you! Or, if you’d prefer - please send your request to St. Paul’s at
Summer Sunday School meets each week at 10:30 am. Join the fun!
St. Paul’s has started a new ministry
… in Portuguese! Our own Joe Bernardo
prepares a timely message that is
available on our website, our Facebook
page and our YouTube channel. You
might want to check it out. Be
sure to “like” it and share it with
your Portuguese friends.
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† This Sunday’s Readings
Receive His Life
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
I n our Hebrew Bible lesson Solomon assumes the throne of his father David and asks for an understanding and discerning mind to govern God’s people.
Because Solomon’s request is not for riches and honor, God, in this dream vision, grants him a wise and discerning mind. God promises, if Solomon will walk in the ways of the Lord, to lengthen the days of his kingship.
Psalm 111 This psalm is an outpouring of praise for the majesty and graciousness
of the Lord, who redeems the people of God. Ephesians 5:15-20 In this reading the new Christians at Ephesus are bid to live wisely
and, glad with songs to give thanks for everything to God. Instead of following drunken ways, symbolic of all kinds of foolish behavior, they are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Because the time is in the grip of evil, opportunities to do the will of the Lord must be used to the full.
John 6:51-58 In the gospel lesson Jesus speaks of the flesh and blood of the Son of
Man as the bread from heaven which must be eaten in order to share in the life of the eternal age. Previously in this gospel the bread of life had seemed to signify Jesus’ teaching and his presence. Now it is given still more significance with the understanding that the believer may share deeply in the life of Jesus and his self-offering. This experience is enacted in the Holy Communion.
† Pick Up Your Copy Today!
Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will
be available at the back of the church.
† Sermon Shorts
"O f Hills and Valleys.” To replay all
our sermons, audio and videos follow
this link for the Sunday Sermons. Check out
our Sermon Archives as well.
John 6:51-58
The crowd has looked at
Jesus through the distorted
lens of their longing and
seen "king." Jesus is asking
us to reverse our gaze. To
look through the lens of
himself at our longing.
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† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
I t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all
time. Please pray for… .....Fr. George Hall, Brenda Darling, Jean Stauffer, Lorraine Estok and other parishioners convalescing in extended care facilities. .....Fresh expressions of the church in Connecticut; missional experiments. .....Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area. .....Students preparing to enter schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries; school, college, and university chaplains; all campus ministries; the Higher Education Ministry Network. .....Ginny Beck, Clayton Ferry, Gary Stein, Joe & Barbara Hock, Sue Balla, Rose Barrett, Jim Megura, Jay Lawrence, Alex, Teresa Stacchiotti, Mary DeAnzeris, Anthony, Paul Kovacs, Denise, Lee Rybos, Sandy Chaleski, Pam Altemus, Stu Terrill, Jennifer, Susan & Rhonda continued healing. .....the people of the Commonwealth of Estonia; the people of Democratic Republic of the Congo; Diocese of Gahini - (Rwanda) The Rt Revd Alexis Bilindabagabo; and our sister and brother members of the Independent Assemblies of God, International. .....Christians in the Middle East facing persecution at the hands of ISIS forces. Pray also for radical Muslims throughout the world to come to know Jesus Christ. .....Michael for protection from mortar attacks in Somalia with the UN peacekeeping service. .....Victory Christian Center, Danbury and their Food Pantry, which is the recipient of our food basket collections for the month of August. .....Maria Ordonez, State Farm, a marketplace partner of the Jericho Partnership. .....The Right Use of God's Gifts. .....Cathy Schrull, healing, and peace and comfort during her treatments. .....Bill Beattie, founder and chairman of the Jericho Partnership, complete healing of Multiple Myeloma. .....Anja, a young mother, healing of breast cancer. .....Katie, healing from MS.
† This & That & Links (Click on pictures or red links for more info)
Links We Like
Things That Make You Think
Back Issues of Sword Points
The Printer and the Preacher
Who knew that a preacher from
England and a printer from Philadelphia would become good
friends, and two of the most influential men of the eighteenth
century? Both George Whitefield, the revivalist preacher, and
Benjamin Franklin, the printer and politician, knew the Bible well, but
they came from different perspectives.
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† It Takes An Editorial Board
Contributors to this Weeks Sword Points:
M ary Allen, Susan Balla, Chris Barrett, Justin Doty, Steve
Hemming, Lois Hunt, Susan Iverson, Beth Miller, Nicole O’Connors, Patrick O’Connors, Mary Perry, Ken Perry, Kirsten Peterson, Debbi Pomeroy, Joe Shepley, Tara Shepley, Pam Szen, David Szen, Ron Switzer, John Tuthill, Don Winkley.
Just For Fun ! (And Christian Fellowship)
Random Fact of the Week!
Did you know … that the Dancing
Plague of 1518 was a case of dancing
mania that occurred in Strasburg, where
people danced without rest for a month?