Giving up the old to go on to the new

For years the birds enjoyed this old dead tree. In it they roosted at night and sunned themselves by day. Now that it has fallen into the creek, they have had to find new trees in which to roost.

Maybe as we close out this year we can take a lesson from the birds. We can realize that some things are gone forever and will never be restored. Time is one such commodity, so let us live every day of the New Year to the fullest.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

The Twelve Days of Christmas

It is good that we get to celebrate Christmas for twelve days. There is so much to celebrate. The flurry of Christmas gifts, meal preparation, and family gatherings is too much to take in within the usual twenty-four hours allotted between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We need time for reflection. We need time to think about the amazing gift that was given to us at Bethlehem.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this word of sin,
where meek souls will receive him,
still the dear Christ enters in.

--Phillips Brooks, "O Little Town of Bethlehem", verse 3


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Photos by Linda McCloud: The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

August 2004

Top: Greek Orthodox portion of the church

Middle: The Chapel of St. Joseph

Lower: Shrine marking the spot where Jesus was born.

It is in a cave under the main portion of the church.

The Light of your life

Tomorrow's Gospel reading is John 1:1-18, the "Prologue" to John's Gospel, which includes these unforgettable words:

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him,
and without him not one thing came into being.
What has come into being in him was life,
and the life
was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not overcome it.

John's Gospel concentrates not on the details of the birth of Jesus Christ, but on the reasons for and the consequences of Jesus' coming into the world. Since Jesus came, the world has never been the same. The world can never shake off the effects of the thirty-three years Jesus spent on earth revealing God to us.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Photo: Sun in the Live Oaks, Cumberland Island

Shadows of the evening

Although I usually publish this blog in the morning, today I want to focus on some of my favorite prayers for evening from The Book of Common Prayer. This seems appropriate since the shadows of 2007 are lengthening and the New Year will soon dawn.

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.

Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneyhcreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Photo: taken at the Dungeness ruins
on Cumberland Island, December 6, 2007

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Today is the feast day of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, the only one of the original twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ to die a natural death. John and his brother James were young fishermen when Jesus walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee and called them to fish for people. They immediately left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired hands. They followed Jesus without looking back.

John is known as the "beloved disciple" and "Saint John the Divine." He stood at the foot of the cross and, at the request of Jesus, took Jesus' mother Mary into his own care as if she were his mother. John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where he penned the Revelation. The main theme of John's life? In a word, "love." His writings tell us over and again to love one another because God is love. And John should know.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

The Feast of Stephen

We don't get any break between the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and the feast of the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen the Deacon. The Feast of Stephen was commemorated in 1853 in a carol by British composer John Mason Neale. King Wenceslas, a Tenth Century Bohemian Christian king, was martyred and is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.

The carol makes no mention of the holy nativity of Jesus, but is sung at Christmas because Stephen's feast day is December 26. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons ordained by the Apostles to serve tables and care for widows (Acts chapters 6 and 7).

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

It sounds just like something Jesus would have done, or Jesus' follower Stephen the Deacon would have done.

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Merry Christmas from Our Savior

To all in your home from all at The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek - we wish you a blessed Christmas.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today is the last Sunday in Advent - that season in which we have recounted the first coming of Jesus Christ into the world, and look forward to his coming again with power and great glory. Here is a hymn that expresses those sentiments:

Blest be the King whose coming is in the name of God
For him let doors be opened, no hearts against him barred
Not robed in royal splendor, in power and pomp, comes he
but clad as are the poorest, such his humility

Blest be the King whose coming is in the name of God
By those who truly listen his voice is truly heard
pity the proud and haughty, who have not learned to heed
the Christ who is the Promise, who has atonement made

Blest be the King whose coming is in the name of God
He only to the humble reveals the face of God
All power is his, all glory! All things are in his hand
all ages and all peoples, till time itself shall end

Blest be the King whose coming is in the name of God
He offers to the burdened the rest and grace they need
Gentle is he and humble! And light his yoke shall be
for he would have us bear it so he can make us free

Frederico J. Pagura (b. 1923); tr. F. Pratt Green (b. 1903)


Tomorrow, December 24, we will have our Christmas Eve service at 5:00 p.m.

Our Christmas Day service will be at 10:00 a.m.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Joseph wasn't just dreaming

Tomorrow's Gospel, Matthew 1:18-25, tells us of Joseph, who was engaged to be married to Mary, then found out that she was going to have a child he knew was not his. That was scary stuff in his society, because Mary could have suffered the fate of being stoned to death. He could prevent it, though. He planned to not make a public fuss and just "dismiss her quietly."

That was when God intervened. God sent an angel to appear to Joseph in a dream and say, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afaid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins."

Joseph's willingness to obey God and take responsibility for Mary, to name and claim Jesus, stands as an example to us. The grace, wisdom and obedience of Joseph protected Mary and Jesus through the turmoil at Bethlehem and the exile in Egypt. Finally, Joseph had the good wisdom to avoid political controversy and settle his family back in Nazareth, which they had left in disgrace.

And Joseph did all this without one of his words being quoted in scripture.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Doubting Thomas, Apostle of Jesus Christ

Today is the feast day of Saint Thomas the Apostle, often referred to as "doubting Thomas." I say, “hooray for Doubting Thomas!” We do not have to take someone else’s word for it that Jesus is alive. We can know, as Thomas knew, that God does not have grandchildren. God has children. We can’t go to heaven on someone else’s coattails. We must experience the Risen Christ for ourselves. This is why the church exacts of us Baptismal Vows. The questions that demand responses are very direct – “Do you believe . . .” – not “do you believe that someone else believes?” If you come to faith on your own, no one can pull the rug out from under you. Like Thomas, you will be able to say of Jesus: “My Lord and my God!”


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333
P.S. Happy Birthday to my nephew James
and my great-nephew Ethan

Sharing today's joy and beauty

Here are photos of the sunrise today, in stages of its development, as seen from Honey Creek. Oops! How did those cats get on the blog? To quote the late comedian Jimmy Durante: "Everyone wants to get into the act." May it be so in the praise of Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Ember Days

"Today is an Ember Day, and on Ember Days, we pray, among other things, that God would raise up priests to serve at the altar."

Those were the words I heard on an Ember Day in 1997 when I was struggling with my priestly calling. Those Ember Days come around four times a year, and as a seminarian I was required on those days to write to my Bishop or see him in person to make a report of my academic, spiritual, and personal development.

On this Ember Day we pray for all Seminarians and others preparing to receive Holy Orders:

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are now called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

For the sake of the Gospel

One week from today, families will gather to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Our world has never been a very peaceful place, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains the gold standard for harmony, justice, and ethical treatmet of every human being.

That is why this prayer by E. Glenn Hinson is pertinent to our Christmas celebrations with family, wherein there might be conflict simmering under the surface of all the trimmings of the season.

"For the sake of the gospel," O God, that is my plea.

For the sake of the gospel help me to lay aside all pettiness and meanness of spirit.

For the sake of the gospel let me find ways to overcome conflict and divisions.Yet for the sake of the gospel may I not substitute what is not gospel for the gospel or compromise the gospel out of fear or betray the gospel out of self-interest.

For the sake of the gospel help me to stand fast for the gospel.
For the sake of the gospel help me to be faithful to the gospel.

And, finally, O God, for the sake of the gospel enable me, above all, to distinguish what is gospel from what is not the gospel.

For the sake of the gospel enable me to discern the line I must never cross.

For the sake of the gospel enable me to know when to yield and when to stand fast.

Through Jesus Christ, your gospel, Amen.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

A Prayer for the Renewal of Life

O God, the king eternal,
whose light divides the day from the night
and turns the shadow of death into the morning:
Drive far from us all wrong desires,
incline our hearts to keep your law,
and guide our feet into the way of peace;
that, having done your will with cheerfulness
during the day,
we may, when night comes,
rejoice to give you thanks;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Photo taken at Duncan Gray Center

Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power,
O Lord,
and with great might come among us;
and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy
speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

In peace,
Linda:

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviohoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

"He has filled the hungry with good things"

Tomorrow our Gospel reading is Matthew 11:2-11 wherein we find John the Baptizer in prison, asking after Jesus. "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" This is the question of every generation and the answer to the two-part query is "yes" to the first half and "no" to the second.

In tomorrow's worship service we also have the option to read or sing the Song of Mary, the mother of our Lord (Luke 1:46-55). It goes like this:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Psalm 23 (A Metrical Paraphrase)

You have probably seen this paraphrase of Psalm 23
by Frank Burch Brown,

but it bears repeating at this season of the year.

Sing it to the tune of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

and add a little extra cheer to your Christmas celebration.

I know the Lord's my shepherd;
I won't ever need a thing.
He gives me grass that's greenest;
Takes me to the coolest spring.

When I am sad he cheers me;
When I'm bad he makes me good.
Wherever he will lead me,
I will follow as I should.

Though I walk through val-leys
Dark as death and sin,
Nothing there can frighten me;
With your staff you're my true friend.

People can see I'm fed well;
I could hardly ask for more.
I'm going to stay forever
With the one who's really Lord!

We will not be singing this at the Christmas Eve candlelight service, BTW.

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Power and mystery

The power and mystery of the ocean
remind us of the mystery of all life
and call us to humility
in all our relationships.

Each revelation of the depth
and beauty of others
invites a respectful affirmation
and acceptance of their being.
We need to be attentive enough
to recognize this powerful mystery.

--James McGinnis

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Photo: churning waters in wake of a boat

December 6, 2007

A Public Service of Healing

This evening at 6:15 p.m. at Our Savior we will have A Public Service of Healing and Holy Communion. This will be slightly different from our usual Wednesday night services in that there will be no music and a very brief sermon. The primary difference is that at some point in the service all who desire it may come forward for the laying on of hands, anointing with holy oil, and prayers by the priest. All are welcome.



In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Thinking ahead to Christmas Eve

True, we are in the middle of Advent, but I hope you will plan ahead to Christmas Eve and mark your calendar for the 5:00 p.m. candlelight service at The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek. More reminders will be posted in the next week or so.

We will also have a Christmas Day service at 10:00 a.m.


In peace,
Linda+


The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Thirty-nine years ago . . .

Fr. Louis (Thomas) Merton: died December 10, 1968

"I have a hard time trying to imagine what it is going to mean for me to become a priest. Sometimes I am terrified at the thought. Ultimately the only solution to that problem is obedience. I go ahead under obedience. If my Superiors want me to be a priest, it is at least safe. God wants it and He will do me good by it although it may contain an unimaginable death.

"Sometimes I want to run away and be a tramp and hang around on the roads without anything, like Humble George or Saint Benedict Joseph Labre." (from The Sign of Jonas, p. 105)



In peace,
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Everything that has breath

Our Psalm at Morning Prayer
is Psalm 150

Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy temple;
praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts;
praise him for his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn;
praise him with lyre and harp.

Praise him with timbrel and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe.

Praise him with resounding cymbals;
praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.

Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Photo: seagull following boat to Cumberland Island

December 6, 2007

The Second Sunday of Advent - John the Baptist

All Sundays of Advent are unique in their own way, but the Second Sunday particularly stands apart for its invitation to John the Baptist to come out of the wilderness shouting for us to repent. Our Gospel for tomorrow is Matthew 3:1-12 which gives us this description of John: "Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey." Pretty independent guy, no?

And John was not one to mince words: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. . . . I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings.
[Charles Coffin (1676-1749)]


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Ambrose of Milan

Today we get to celebrate the life of Ambrose of Milan, who died on this date in 373 A.D. Ambrose was doing just fine, thank us all very much. He had a life as governor in Upper Italy. He had not been baptized, although he had been brought up as a Christian. He only went to Milan that day to mediate between the factions who each wanted to elect their own person as bishop.

There is an apocryphal story that says as Ambrose entered the town square, a dove landed on his shoulder. Be that as it may, both sides in the argument began to shout, "Ambrose shall be our bishop!" But wait - wasn't there one minor detail of getting him baptized first, and how about ordination as deacon and priest before he could be ordained bishop?

Once that was all settled, Ambrose took his job of bishop very seriously and became a "statesman of the church." His ministry included eloquent writing and speaking, which attracted Augustine of Hippo to Christianity. This was reminiscent of St. Andrew bringing his brother Peter to Jesus. Peter seemed to get all the attention after that, just as Augustine overshadows Ambrose.

A meditation attributed to Ambrose includes: "Lord Jesus Christ, you are for me medicine when I am sick; you are my strength when I need help; you are life itself when I fear death; you are the way when I long for heaven; you are light when all is dark; you are my food when I need nourishment." He also wrote hymns which we still sing, which I will save for another time.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Nicholas of Myra

"Oh, you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why . . ." today is the feast day of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who died in about 342 A.D.
St. Nicholas is one of those saints about which we hear a lot but know a little. He is especially popular in England where four hundred churches are named in his honor.

What we do know of St. Nicholas is that he suffered torture and imprisonment before Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire. We know St. Nicholas best as "Santa Claus" who brings gifts to children. We can thank the Dutch Colonialists who settled New York for bringing the concept of Santa Claus to America.

One other thing about St. Nicholas - and because my two oldest brothers served in the U. S. Navy it's one of my favorite things -- Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors. We have a lot of sailors around Camden County, especially those connected with the Kings Bay Submarine Base. If you or someone you love is a sailor, remember St. Nicholas on his special day - December 6.

"Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen."



In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Remembering Aggie

Yesterday morning Agnes Strickland died. She was one of our first charter members. Aggie had been ill for some time and most recently was taken from the hospital to Hospice of the Golden Isles. We held a brief memorial service for her family last evening at Our Savior and the funeral service Aggie helped plan for herself will be held in February.

While Aggie was in the hospital growing weaker each day, she would slip in and out of awareness of her surroundings. When I visited her I would usually ask her family members to join me in praying The Lord's Prayer, and somehow Aggie would often muster the strength to join in at some point in the prayer.

The most powerful evidence that she would have peace and a holy death came last Wednesday. When I visited I was sitting there praying prayers for the sick out of The Book of Common Prayer. Then I handed the book to Aggie's son and asked if he would like to read a Psalm or some prayers. He turned to Psalm 23 and began reading. Aggie had not spoken a word for some time, but when her son got to that point of Psalm 23 that says, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me . . ." Aggie chimed in and quoted along with him as he read those words.

May she rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon her.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

We are all the choir

Tomorrow at Our Savior we will celebrate a traditional Anglican event: A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This is a lovely way to tell about God's saving acts in history. It begins with the Genesis story of the fall of Adam and Eve, travels through the prophecies that a Savior would come, leads us into the Gospels where we hear once again the stories of the birth of Jesus, and finally into the Prologue to John's Gospel -- the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Interspersed between readings will be the carols of Advent and Christmas - the coming of Jesus the first time and his expected second coming in power and great glory. At Our Savior we don't have a separate choir to sing these hymns, so Lessons and Carols is not a spectator activity. We are all the choir, so please come and join in the singing.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Deacons and their work

In yesterday's worship service at Our Savior we had the pleasure of the company of several deacons and persons who are studying to become deacons in the Episcopal Church. These persons will represent the church to the world and the world to the church. They are the ones who will bring to our attention those whom society often overlooks.

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer, 826.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Happy New [Church] Year

Today is the First Sunday of Advent - officially the start of a new church year. In Advent we focus on the coming of Jesus Christ as a baby in the manger, while at the same time giving full rein to our hopes for his second coming to earth in power and great glory. At this time of year we consider justice issues and think what it will be like to dwell in peace.

Our Psalm at morning prayer expresses some of these sentiments:

Psalm 146

Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth,
for there is no help in them.

When they breathe their last, they return to earth,
and in that day their thoughts perish.

Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help!
whose hope is in the Lord their God;

Who made heaven and earth, the seas,
and all that is in them;
who keeps his promise for ever;

Who gives justice to those who are oppressed,
and food to those who hunger.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

The Lord loves the righteous;
the Lord cares for the stranger;
he sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.

The Lord shall reign for ever,
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah!


In peace,
Linda+


The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

As the days of Noah

Our Gospel lesson for tomorrow, the First Sunday of Advent, is Matthew 24:36-44:

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus said to his disciples privately about his coming, "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

"For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left.

"Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

I will leave Jesus' advice to stand without further comment.



In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

Always wanted to be an Apostle

Today is the Feast Day of St. Andrew the Apostle of Jesus Christ. Although he was among the first persons whom Jesus called to be apostles, and although he was formerly in the fishing business with three other of Jesus' apostles, Andrew's main claim to fame is that he was "St. Peter's brother." From what we know of St. Peter, that in itself would have been a full-time job.

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Born again bird watchers

As a blogger I like to scan the list of blog titles. Today I ran across one entitled, "Born Again Bird Watcher." That person is a real pro at bird watching, which I am not.

As an amateur bird watcher I have enjoyed seeing the Cormorants return to Honey Creek. They have a favorite limb on a dead tree, and I am always amazed that they share that limb with the Wood Storks. In fact, the only time I see Wood Storks in that tree is when the Cormorants are present. I think there is something Christian about their behavior. So today here is the offering of yet another "Born again bird watcher."


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

A wise use of time

Here's another "Saying of Light and Love"
from John of the Cross:


"Since, when the hour of reckoning comes,
you will be sorry
for not having used this time
in the service of God,
why do you not arrange and use it now
as you would wish to have done
were you dying?"

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Coming Soon - Light from The Shadows Retreat

The Light From the Shadows Retreat is coming up Friday, November 30 and will end on Saturday, December 1 in early afternoon. If you have signed up - wonderful! If you still would like to sign up and participate, please call Honey Creek at 265-9218 to see if there are any spaces available.

Here is a poem by Jennifer Lynn Woodruff that goes with the themes of the retreat:

Winter Sunset

The sky is blue and rose tonight
the clouds paint trails across the sun
the dark comes swiftly down the road
and all the day is left undone.

These are the colors that I claimed
the blue for darkness, pain, and loss
the rose for joys as yet unborn
and blossoming at countless cost;

These are the choices that we make
here in the shadow of the night
to know our ambiguity
and yet to live into the light

Not knowing when the light will come
Nor what will blossom from the pain
of roads that cannot be gone down
and days that will not come again.

In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Photos: Mexico Beach, Florida, December 2005;
Rebecca's perfect yellow roses,
Marysville, Washington, July 2007

Our First Feast Day covered dish luncheon

Yesterday we enjoyed a lovely, elegant luncheon organized by Julie and Brad Lunt. Our table fellowship was an extension of the Communion service as we got to know each other better. This is the first of many such times to come.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

We bless you from the house of the Lord

Many people who do not attend Our Savior at Honey Creek get prayed for at virtually every service (first names only). You might want to attend the service this morning at 10:00 a.m. to see if you are one of those people.

Here is a portion of our Psalm for Morning Prayer today (Psalm 118:25-29):

Hosanna, Lord, hosanna!
Lord, send us now success.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
we bless you from the house of the Lord.

God is the Lord; he has shined upon us;
form a procession with branches
up to the horns of the altar.

"You are my God, and I will thank you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you."

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy endures for ever.



In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Christ is the King

Christ is the King!
O friends up-raise
anthems of joy and holy praise
for his brave saints of ancient days,
who with a faith forever new
followed the King and round him drew
thousands of servants brave and true.

O Christian women, Christian men,
all the world over, seek again
the Way disciples followed then.
Christ through all ages is the same;
place the same hope in this great Name,
with the same faith his word proclaim.

Let Love's unconquerable might
your scattered companies unite
in service to the Lord of light:
so shall God's will on earth be done,
new lamps be lit, new tasks begun,
and the whole Church at last be one.

[George Kennedy Allen Bell (1883-1958);
The Hymnal 1982, numbered 614]

Tomorrow is Christ the King Sunday. Our Gospel reading is Luke 23:33-43, in which we re-live the crucifixion scene: The "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation," in whom "all things in heaven and on earth were created" (Colossians 1:11-20) is hanging on a cross between two convicted thieves.

One thief scorns Jesus, reasoning that surely a king could save all three of them from such a death. The Gospel does not record that Jesus gave him an answer. Jesus has nothing to prove. The other thief says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

Photo: Christus Rex at dawn

The Chapel of Our Saviour, Honey Creek

"Sayings of Light and Love"

Here are some words of wisdom from Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591), Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church. These are from his "Sayings of Light and Love" which he wrote in his role as a spiritual director. There are 175 of these sayings in the book The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, and for the most part they are to be mulled over and meditated on in order that we may gain their full meaning.

The Lord has always revealed to mortals the treasures of his wisdom and spirit, but now that the face of evil bares itself more and more, so does the Lord bare his treasures more.

A soul enkindled with love is a gentle, meek, humble and patient soul. The meek are those who know how to suffer their neighbor and themselves.

Do not be suspicious of your brother, for you will lose purity of heart.

Because the virtues you have in mind do not shine in your neighbor, do not think that your neighbor will not be precious in God's sight for reasons that you have not in mind.

That should be enough for one day. Perhaps we shall return to Saint John of the Cross at another time . . . after I have internalized these "Sayings."


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Art: Drawing by John of the Cross:
Jesus crucified

The Old One Hundredth

As we give thanks for the bounty of the good earth and for all of God's blessings, here is Psalm 100, our Psalm at Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m. It is worth memorizing and carrying with us throughout the day.

Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands;
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.

Know this: The Lord himself is God;
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS !!


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

photo: unidentified fruit growing wild
in Canton, Mississippi. It smelled divine.
If you know what it is, please post a comment.

The Great Thanksgiving

Tomorrow we will observe Thanksgiving with a brief Thanksgiving Day service of Holy Communion from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 10:45 a.m. Please come and join with us as we start out the day by giving thanks to God for all our blessings.

We call Holy Communion "Holy Eucharist" and "The Great Thanksgiving" because the Greek word for "I give thanks" is "Eucharisto." Our Gospel for tomorrow is John 6:25-35, in which Jesus declares that he is the true bread of God which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." That is cause for great thanksgiving.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Photo: Celebrating Holy Eucharist 11/04/07
Photographer: Julie Irwin Lunt

How to pray with your eyes open

Here is a suggestion for praying on the fingers of one hand. It might also be a good way to teach children to pray prayers of intercession. This prayer comes to me from Bonnie London. Thanks, Bonnie!


1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night! You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least among you shall be the greatest." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.

By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.



In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333

"My mother loved my brother better than me"

How would you like to be brother to a saint, and a very famous saint at that? That's the predicament in which the hapless Fred Claus finds himself. Fred's life is overshadowed by that of his righteous brother but through a series of unlikely circumstances everything comes full circle, and everyone wins.

"Fred Claus" is a cautionary tale of sibling rivalry inflamed by parental favoritism. There are some tender moments, good lessons, and a better ending than I had thought we were going to get. It was a Saturday afternoon brain break and a good way to kick off the "Season to be jolly."


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

The heavens declare the glory of God

Our Psalm at Evening Prayer for today is Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament shows his handiwork.

One day tells its tale to another,
and one night imparts knowledge to another.

Although they have no words or language,
and their voices are not heard,

Their sound has gone out into all lands,
and their message to the ends of the world.

In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again;
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect
and revives the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.

The statutes of the Lord are just
and rejoice the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean
and endures for ever;
the judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold,
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.

By them also is your servant enlightened,
and in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can tell how often he offends?
cleanse me from my secret faults.

Above all, keep you servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me;
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333
Photo: Woodstorks sail high over Honey Creek

The end is near

Being a Christian has always been risky business. Jesus did not promise us tranquility. What he promised was that he would be with us regardless of our situations. In fact, tomorrow's Gospel (Luke 21:5-19) includes these words:

Jesus said, "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise aainst nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify.

So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls."

Left unsaid is this question: Knowing all this, are we still interested in following Jesus? It's risky business but his presence stabilizes us, even when the end is near.



In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333

"Let there be light"

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. [Genesis 1:1-5, NRSV]


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
912-267-0333
Photos: Light overtaking the darkness at
Honey Creek - November 15, 2007