A G N U S D E I June 2020 Reaching Individuals and Families of the Concho Valley with the Transforming Love of Jesus Christ! 3355 W. Beauregard San Angelo, Texas 76904 (325) 949-6260 www.anglicancgs.com Send articles, announcements and feedback to [email protected]Listen to the Lord! Are we in the Apocalypse? 2020 has given many indications that we are now living in troublesome times. If you listen to some reports, our country is falling apart at the seams. None of this is a surprise to God. He reminds us that in this world you will have troubles and tribulations, but be comforted, Jesus has overcome these problems (John 16:33). No doubt such serious issues as racism exists within a small percentage of our population. Racism needs to be addressed— appropriately. Many of us have a visceral reaction one way or another when we address racism. Martin Luther King wisely dreamed for a day when people should be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skins. One way to bridge this gap as Christians is to take the time to listen “where the other side is coming from.” I am not talking about justifying reasons for looting, defacing, and having a license to “retaliate” any way that we want. I am talking about addressing real underlying issues. One young man, with whom I mentored in the ministry a few years ago is now the traveling Canon with Archbishop Foley Beach as the Bishop’s Chaplain. He is a reserve Army Chaplain and a patriot. He also happens to be black and is married to a godly “white” lady. He is one of the most talented young men in the ministry I have been honored to know. He was jogging in a neighborhood near his house several weeks ago and was stopped by a “white guy” and asked what he was doing in the neighborhood. They talked for a few minutes and the guy asked him for a blessing and prayer. Yes, people are still pre-judged by the color of their skin and it is wrong by any perspective. We have to fight against many prejudices we grew up with that were simply assumed to be true. I loved serving in the Naval service for 28 years because we were all trained to wear similar uniforms and live by the standards of honor, courage, and commit- ment. Of course, the military has its problems, but for the most part people were evaluated by following these standards, their work habits, and military bearing. From my experience, most people in the military are “color blind.” “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NSV (continued)
Transcript
A G N U S D E I June 2020
Reaching Individuals and Families of the Concho Valley with the Transforming Love of Jesus Christ!
Are we in the Apocalypse? 2020 has given many indications that
we are now living in troublesome times. If you listen to some reports,
our country is falling apart at the seams. None of this is a surprise to
God. He reminds us that in this world you will have troubles and
tribulations, but be comforted, Jesus has overcome these problems
(John 16:33). No doubt such serious issues as racism exists within a
small percentage of our population. Racism needs to be addressed—
appropriately. Many of us have a visceral reaction one way or another
when we address racism. Martin Luther King wisely dreamed for a day
when people should be judged by the content of their character rather
than the color of their skins.
One way to bridge this gap as Christians is to take the time to
listen “where the other side is coming from.” I am not talking about
justifying reasons for looting, defacing, and having a license to
“retaliate” any way that we want. I am talking about addressing real
underlying issues. One young man, with whom I mentored in the
ministry a few years ago is now the traveling Canon with Archbishop
Foley Beach as the Bishop’s Chaplain. He is a reserve Army Chaplain
and a patriot. He also happens to be black and is married to a godly
“white” lady. He is one of the most talented young men in the ministry
I have been honored to know. He was jogging in a neighborhood near
his house several weeks ago and was stopped by a “white guy” and
asked what he was doing in the neighborhood. They talked for a few
minutes and the guy asked him for a blessing and prayer. Yes, people
are still pre-judged by the color of their skin and it is wrong by any
perspective. We have to fight against many prejudices we grew up
with that were simply assumed to be true. I loved serving in the Naval
service for 28 years because we were all trained to wear similar
uniforms and live by the standards of honor, courage, and commit-
ment. Of course, the military has its problems, but for the most part
people were evaluated by following these standards, their work habits,
and military bearing. From my experience, most people in the military
are “color blind.”
“I have told
you these
things, so that
in me you
may have
peace.
In this world
you will have
trouble. But
take heart!
I have
overcome
the world.”
John 16:33
NSV
(continued)
When our children were small, I used to tell them all the time that the police were
our friends. When I occasionally was pulled over for going a little over the speed limit, I
told the children that the police officer or state trooper was concerned for our safety and
wanted to remind us how important it was to be safe and watch out for others. Over
time, the young ones refrained for using slang names for peace officers and grew to
appreciate their important role in our society. The peace officers I experienced were
always kind, considerate, and professional. As an aside, more times than not I also
received a warning ticket. Not all families have the same experience. In many places,
police records indicate that a higher percentage of minorities were pulled over than their
percent population in a given area. That is one way of saying the minorities may have
been “profiled.” Interactions between peace officers and minority violators in some cases
have been harsh. In the not too distant past, people were greatly encouraged by city
officials directly and indirectly to “stay in their own part of town.” Enforcement of the law
in all places and times had not been equally distributed. Right or wrong, many people feel
“burned” by their experience of justice for all. Sometimes, a provocation or injustice of an
official unleashes a storm of emotions and occasionally foolish actions. The saying holds
true once again, “in stress, we regress.” When we regress, our higher nature often loses
control. “I’m fed up and not going to take it anymore” often is expressed in both healthy
and unhealthy ways.
I have often thought, “Why can’t everyone just obey the law? If you transgress,
you did it to yourself.” From my perspective that makes sense in many ways. But, how
would you react if you were targeted or experienced more-harsh treatment from the law
over a lifetime than others with similar behavior? Remember the adage “walk a mile in
my shoes?” Try to look at situations from another’s perspective. One of Steven Covey’s 7
habits of highly effective people states, “Seek to understand before you are understood.”
More focus needs to be given to underlying issues. Civic policy needs to have incentives
to reduce cycles of poverty, substance abuse, and fragmented families. Churches can and
must take a role in shaping the problem and assisting with solutions.
When I listen to or read the current news it appears that “the two sides” are not
even talking the same language or addressing the same concerns. On one hand, rule of
law, public safety, and respecting people and property are cornerstones of our society.
Much of this comes from our Biblical heritage. We have to live together and there must be
rules. Paul commands us to follow and obey civil authorities (Romans 13:1-7). If civil
authorities are unjust, our society allows for non-violent civil disobedience. Condoning
violence is not Christ-like for either the authorities or those protesting. To do so would be
falling into stereotyping, dehumanizing those on the other side, or even using events to
further a personal or political agenda. Make a personal goal to meet and form new
friendships with others from a different culture or race—then pray for each other. You
will discover that you have much more in common than you previously realized.
Christ died for all of us and loves us with an everlasting love. To love when others
don’t expect it speaks volumes. Words have power. Please be careful to voice your posi-
tion so that words are not unnecessarily hurtful or easily taken out of context. We can be
firm, but we musts be fair. We must also listen with love to others. Pentecost celebrates
the outpouring of the Spirit to diverse cultures and personalities. The Spirit came to heal,
transform, and to manifest the Kingdom of God. Living in the Spirit, should we do less?
No matter the time in history—even the Apocalypse—the love and peace of God in our
hearts is meant to inspire and heal others. Let’s listen to the Lord!
Fr. Hal+
Holy Eucharist and Bible Study
For those who are interested in following the Romans study on Facebook on Wednesdays, this study will continue, now live at 4:00 PM.
We will have a Revelation study for those attending the Wednesday 6:30 PM service.
We will have a study of the Gospel according St. Mark on Sunday mornings at 9:15am in the Parish Hall.
Please continue checking your Facebook feed for words of encouragement, our Wednesday online bible study, now at
4:00pm and of course our Sunday morning virtual worship which we will continue to livestream on
Facebook beginning at 10:30am.
Please look for us on Facebook at Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd
FOURTH OF JULY
CELEBRATION
The back parking lot of the church is the gathering place for our folks to watch
the fireworks on Independence Day. You can see the display from Lake
Nasworthy and all without the hassle of traffic and crowds. Watch for details on
this year’s celebration, and plan to participate as we celebrate the Fourth of
July! The sun sets at 8:50 that Saturday evening so we anticipate gathering
and sharing a hot dog picnic beginning at 8:00pm.
ACGS Worship Guidelines
1. We will not have Nursery services available or individual Sunday School
classes. We will resume these ministries when meeting together in small
spaces is appropriate.
2. Hand sanitizer will be available prior to entering the nave seating area).
3. Bring your own mask if you desire to wear one. If you would like to
wear a mask and do not have one, a mask will be given to you.
4. Alternate pews will be roped off to ensure proper distancing. The ropes
will be shifted to the other pews for the second service.
5. Family members may sit together.
6. The Eucharist will be offered in a manner which respects the sacrament
and communicates our concern for this special time. Please follow the
guidance of the ushers. One line will be formed in the center aisle (with
proper social distancing). You will be served the Bread from the center
aisle. You may go either to the right or to the left to receive a small cup
for the Wine. No one will kneel at the communion rail at this time.
7. Tithes and offerings will be collected in designated areas. Offering plates
will not be passed among the congregants.
8. We will not physically “pass the peace” (shake hands or hug during the
greeting time).
9. Congregational singing will be minimized. When we do sing, if you are
not wearing a mask, please sing with the service bulletin an arms’ length
or less in front of your mouth.
10. Choir will resume only after all restrictions are lifted.
11. We will not be serving refreshments after the service.
12. You will be encouraged not to visit in the narthex where we normally
gather after services, but to visit in the open air outside with proper
social distancing.
13. In June we will resume Wednesday night Eucharist and Bible Study in
person following similar guidelines in the church nave (seating area).
THE VESTRY
MEETING
The regular monthly Vestry meeting is Monday, June 22 at 6:00pm in the Parish Hall.
In addition, the Liturgy of the Word will continue on Facebook Live beginning
at approximately 10:30 AM if you prefer to shelter in place. For those who are
interested in following the Romans study on Facebook Live on Wednesdays,
this study will continue live at 4:00 PM. We will have a Revelation study for
those attending the Wednesday 6:30 PM service. Please remember, if you
are not feeling well Facebook Live is the preferred way to worship with us.
Also, just because we can come together to worship, doesn’t mean that YOU
should. We each have individual circumstances and convictions. We respect
your choice.
Daughters of the
Holy Cross will meet
on Monday,
July 6th at 6:00pm
in the Parish Hall.
Psychology and Jesus: Coping With Changing Times
Part 1 of 2
In two short months social isolation became the "new normal.” Because of a worldwide pandemic we were asked or forced to give up old routines: shopping inside a store or mall, haircuts, family gatherings, social contacts, and the fellowship of church worship to name a few. Schools closed, the economy plummeted, more than 36 million people lost employment and income. Our way of life imploded.
Return to the old ways of our culture seems more remote with each passing day. We now wear masks in public places, wash hands, wipe surfaces, cook and eat more at home, watch reruns on TV, drive less, and tune in to Facebook for Sunday services. We isolate elder-ly and infirm loved ones, forfeit contact with grand children, avoid airplane travel, and consid-er those around us with suspicion, not knowing who may be carrying the terrible virus which might make us the next statistics. Added to our vocabulary are words such as novel corona virus, Kawasaki disease, the murder hornet and giant Hokkaido gypsy moth.
Psychology helps to a certain degree in calming our mental and emotional concerns. God is always prepared to support us spiritually. First, let us note guidance from a therapist: ultimately we look to God for reassurance and hope.
Cognitive Therapist and anxiety disorder specialist Shala Nicely, LPC made three recommendations for coping during this pandemic in a video interview with Victor Yalom Ph. D.
1) Accept anxiety. By not pushing anxiety away, we can deal with it positively. If we name and claim the anxiety, it shrinks in intensity to a feeling we can manage. While this may seem to be a paradoxical approach, it is a very effective coping skill.
2) Tolerate uncertainty. Every day presents us with unknown experiences. We already have the mental muscles, strategies and capacity to handle new issues, problems, and challenges. Tap into your already-existing skills.
3) Be self compassionate. Adults and even children often become cornered in unrealistic self expectations, piling on goals or assumptions which are unhealthy and trying to solve new problems with old solutions. Be gentle with yourself.
We never know what tomorrow will bring or when our lives will end. We do know for certain that our God is sovereign, supreme, majestic, abounding in grace and mercy. God is in control. He has a plan and a purpose for each of us. We are His children, made in His image to obey and serve Him. His love is sufficient in all situations. His love for us is complete (John 3:16). He tells us in His Word 366 times that we have nothing to fear. Jesus assures us after His resurrection that, “...I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
Here is my prayer: Father God, I trust You alone. I believe when You say, “Be still and know I am God.” I know I am weak, prone to fear and worry. Satan uses these ploys to destroy my faith in You. And he is a liar, not my friend. I hear the voice of my good Shepherd, calling me closer to Him. He bids me place all burdens on Him. He promises rest within the shelter of His care. His presence comforts me in every storm. He offers life eternal in His Father’s kingdom. Therefore, I fix my eyes on the Healer, Jesus Christ, who abides in me. I shall walk by faith, in His strength and promise. I am His forever, purchased and ransomed in the blood of the Lamb. In Christ alone I pray. Amen
Jean Stinnett
The deadline to place an announcement in the weekly bulletin is
Wednesdays at Noon and the deadline for the Parish Newsletter is the
third Friday of the month. Submissions should be sent to Jenny at the
Reaching Individuals and Families of the Concho Valley with the Transforming Love of Jesus Christ!
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