Jesse anointed David

After Jesse called his youngest son, David, the Lord said to Samuel, "Rise and anoint him, for this is the one." And so David was anointed with oil by the prophet Samuel to become the greatest king Israel ever had.

Jesse's sons

The Old Testament lesson next Sunday tells the story how the prophet Samuel was instructed by God to choose a new king from the sons of Jesse to replace Saul.  Jesse lined up his sons and they all passed by Samuel, but the Lord did not choose any of them. Samuel asked Jesse, "Do you have any more sons?" Jesse said, "Only one, the youngest, but he's watching the sheep. "Send him," said Samuel.

Hello from the Vicar 03/25/11

Hi, all!

I was brought up in a family of stoics. If we were hurting, we tried not to show it. So when I'm hurt or in need, it's hard for me to admit it. And it's hard for me to ask for others to pray for me, even though I totally believe in healing prayer.

This week was different. I've had some pain in my shoulder, and an x-ray revealed that I broke my collarbone. So on Wednesday after Centering Prayer, Bill Proctor asked if he could pray for my shoulder.  When he prayed for me, I could feel the Holy Spirit at work through his prayer. And my shoulder is feeling better already.

The times I've asked others to pray for me have been profound experiences. A deep relaxation comes over me, and I seem to go to a deeper level in my being. The tension drains away, and my burden is lightened. 

It takes a lot of trust to ask someone for prayer. But the next time you're in need of support, I hope you won't be afraid to ask for prayer. Many of us find it a privilege to pray for others, and we'll be glad to pray for you.  

This week I visited Eleanor Brook at Northwoods. After a month in the hospital, she's working to regain the strength in her legs. "I'm determined to get better," she told me. I believe her! I also visited Eunice Brodde at Clearbrook. Eunice fell last week and broke her arm and a couple of ribs, so her mobility is limited until she recovers. Please keep her in your prayers.

Over the years, many of us have received small art works created by Adrienne D. as birthday and anniversary cards. Adrienne is a gifted watercolor artist, and many of us treasure the beautiful cards she's sent us. Now's the time for us to reciprocate. Adrienne has been slowly recovering from surgery last fall, and her birthday is coming up next Monday, March 28. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she got a shower of cards from us?

We're approaching the third Sunday in Lent, and we're well along in our Lenten journey. Hope to see you this Sunday as we approach the throne of grace, in full assurance of God's mercy and love.  

Bill 

The woman at the well

The Gospel for Sunday is the story about Jesus and the woman at the well  (John 4:1-26). This is my attempt at a portrait of the woman at the well. At least, this is a portrait of an Arab woman, and the woman at the well might have looked like this. I think of her as mysterious, sensuous, and distant. But there are a lot of ways to imagine her. Perhaps she was older, worldy-wise, and cynical? Burned-out, wrinkled, and jaded? It's all up to your imagination.

Moses struck the rock

One of the strongest images in the Bible is the story of the Israelites complaining in the desert that they have no water. Moses prays to the LORD, who tells him to take his staff and strike the rock. Moses strikes the rock, and the water flows.

Ever afterward, the story was remembered as a time of unfaithfulness at Massah and Meribah.

Jesus at the well

The Gospel story for Sunday is about Jesus and the woman at the well. I imagine Jesus, all tired out from his journey, dozing by the well as the woman comes to draw water.

Hello from the Vicar 03/18/2011

Hi, all!

I've been watching the news about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the heroic efforts to avert a meltdown at the nuclear power plants. Realizing that many thousands of people have died, that people are struggling to live without water or electricity in subfreezing temperatures, that millions live in fear of radiation poisoning -- it's overwhelming to me.  

I want to turn away and find something else to think about. Avoidance and denial are the usual ways we avoid the reality of human suffering. I'm trying to remember the people of Japan in my daily prayers. It's the least I can do to stay engaged with the suffering of so many people. I hope we'll all keep Japan and its people in our prayers.

In addition, we'll continue to accept offerings to help the people of Japan through Episcopal Relief and Development. Last Sunday we sent $450 to ERD to help with the Japan effort. Checks written to St. Antony's with ERD on the memo line will be sent on to ERD.

The photo directories have finally arrived! If you had your photo taken at the Olan Mills sessions, you may take one of the directories. We have a few extra we'll save for newcomers, so they can learn names and faces more easily.  

  

I'm glad to report that Allison Edmonds has agreed to be our new church secretary. Allison, who is also our organist, has a rich background in the Episcopal Church and a great deal of experience in church administration. We're fortunate to have her.

I'm glad to report that Eleanor Brook has moved to Northwoods for rehab after her surgery and complications. I'm sure she'd appreciate cards and brief visits. 

How is your Lenten spiritual practice coming along? I'm doing my best to keep my Lenten practice of making a daily sketch of the Bible lessons for the upcoming Sunday. You can see them at my sketch blog at www.billfulton.net  

This Sunday is the Second Sunday in Lent, and we'll hear the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus in the night. Hope to see you in the holy place! 

Bill