Blood of Jesus washes away Sin

                                    PALM SUNDAY    2017 CCQF

 

Okay.  We just heard a very sad story of Jesus being crucified on the cross.  Does anyone know why Jesus was crucified and murdered on the cross?

·       That’s right.  To forgive us of our sins.

·       Sin is Jesus’ enemy, because sin causes pain in our lives—like hurt feelings, upsetting our parents, fearfulness,  guilt, lying, stealing, fighting; but sin also causes diabolical pain throughout the world---like war, world hunger, poverty, torture, killing innocent people, sexual  abuse, and more.

So, if we want to be forgiven of our sins, what do we have to do?  

·       We have to tell Jesus we are sorry, and then poof! We are forgiven.

 

Now I have a little demonstration to show just how quickly Jesus forgives us of our sins.   ( Help?)

·       Okay—we have a bowl of water here.  Here is a piece of paper, which represents my sins.  Now let’s see if we can wash away my sins with water.

·       Okay, now we are going to add some red food coloring in here to represent the blood of Jesus.

·       Parents, this water is perfectly safe (drink some)

·       Okay—now let’s put this new sin paper, and see if Jesus can wash away my sin.  

·       Yes.   Jesus forgives sins instantly, if we ask Him.   If that is great, then shout “Thanks be to God”

Now, we have a short song that we’re going to teach you about this.  Choir willsing it first, then we will sing it.

SONG:

Now, in a moment, I am going to invite all of you to make a witness that you are grateful for that Jesus forgives your sins.

·       Children: We are going to give you some pieces of paper  with the word “sin,” written on it, to represent your sins.  And then we’re going to put them in the red bowl, and watch them dissolve—which represents how Jesus dissolves our sins when we ask him.

·       Adults & teens—we are going to invite you to join us .  Please open up your bulletin to the inside back cover.  Now take off your sin papers and hold them.  At the appropriate time, we are going to make an offering of this symbol of our sins, by placing them in bowls of red water.  There are bowls up on both sides of the balcony; and there are 2 bowls up here in the front pew.  For those wishing to make this offering, I invite to come up clockwise---so that we don’t have a traffic jam.

·       Why would you want to do this?  This is a powerful symbol to  ourselves, to this church, to the world, and to God that you appreciate Jesus’s sacrifice to demonstrate our gratitude. 

·       Week after week we tell Jesus we are sorry from the comfort of our pews. We remain anonymous.  But by making this symbolic offering---if you mean it—you will touch the heart of God, and you’ll receive His gratitude.

So, let us begin with a prayer. Please repeat after me:   Lord Jesus,// by this symbolic offering// that we now make,// we will give you the honor, glory, and praise// that you deserve;// because your blood was not shed in vain.// AMEN

civility: A Sermon

Civility: A Sermon

The Rev. John Donnelly, Christ Church Quaker Farms, Oxford, CT.  Feb.19, 2017

The follow is an exert from a column by Leonard Pitts, Jr, which is entitled, “Whatever happened to that quaint relic called ‘Civility’”?

Can we be candid here?  The public is a bunch of rude, obnoxious jerks.  Yes, there are  exceptions. I am not such a bad guy and you, of course, are a paragon of civility.  But the rest of them? A cavalcade of boors, boobs, buns & bozos.

So, it is small wonder that the tale of Steven Slater has hit a nerve.  Slater, a flight attendance for Jet6blue, got into it with a women who cursed him when he asked her not to stand up and retrieve her bags while the plane was still taxiing.  At some point, Slater was apparently hit in the head; his attorney says the woman slammed the storage bin on him.

This is much is for certain: Slater went to the plane’s public address system and, as quoted by one witness, declared, “To the passenger who just called me a ___  _____, I ‘ve been in this business 28 years and I have had it.”  He then grabbed a beer from the service cart, deployed the plane’s evacuation slide, slid down to the tarmac and drove home.  He was arrested soon after.

To concede the obvious: Yes, it was a dumb stunt.  He’s lucky no one on the ground was injured by the slide.  But still...it seems to me  that the episode speaks more pointedly to the growing incivility in all our daily lives.”

Now I read this column while we were in San Francisco several years ago.  I read it the same day that we were caught in a horrible downtown traffic jam.  I kept trying to change lanes so that I could get off at my exit—but no one would let me in. L  I couldn’t believe it.  To be honest, despite the bad rap about New Jersey drivers, I never have trouble in switching lanes.  I find that people understand that we are all in this traffic jam together, and that most drivers are happy to let you head of them in line.

BUT NOT IN CALIFORNIA!!! No way! They see you trying to switch lanes and they put their foot on the accelerator, just to make you move out of the way.

After this happened about 5 times in a row, a bunch of 4 letter words were beginning to form in my mouth.  But, my family was with me, so I just bit my tongue.  Instead, I yelled a lot.

Recent polls report that three quarters of Americans are disturbed and annoyed by the increasing amount of disrespectful, rude, and uncivil behavior throughout our land.

Let’s review this for a moment:

1.      It used to be that it was an exception when children openly defied their parents and teachers.  Now, it’s a national pass time.  Such defiance is how kids can become popular.

2.      In the past, our television heroes were Superman, Gunsmoke’s Matt Dillion, and Dr. Quin, Medicine Woman. Today, our television heroes include

·        The drug dealer hero from “Breaking  Bad”;

·        Dr. Dexter, who murders people each episode;

·        “The Real promiscuous wives from wherever”;

·        And Lucifer, the loveable devil.

3.      Children used to bully other children on the playground.  Now, they will anonymously post lies and attacks on social media so that the whole school can laugh at the joke.  Unfortunately, these vicious pranks have had some utterly tragic results involving suicide.

However, the rude behavior , which most pollsters say upsets most Americans is the use of cell phones in public places.  You can be minding your own business at a restaurant or a store, and the loudest voice you hear is some wind bag talking on his/her cellphone, as if by yelling, their party will be able to hear them better; unaware that he or she is annoying everyone else.

Of course, America’s most uncivil activity is politics.  It is a shame, but civil discourse about the issues that impact us all seems almost impossible, not just in Washington, but even in daily conversations that you and I might have.  Such discussions can degenerate into name calling, personal attacks, interruptions, shouting, and demonization.

WHAT ARE GOOD PEOPLE TO DO?

I have been influenced on this topic by Stephen Carter, who is a Yale professor and an advocate for renwed civility in public life. Carter defines civility as , “the sacrifices that we make for the sake of living together.”  Carter says that we all need to make sacrifices in our speech and behavior for the common good.  It’s a question of not thinking about our own rights and freedom, but focusing our manners, our behavior , and our language in a way that expresses consideration and respect for all people.

To many abuse our freedom of speech and freedom to act, without taking responsibility for the hurt that we may inflict upon others.

Do you know that apparently the term “incivility” is based on an ancient Greek word meaning, “Not to be a citizen.”  All inconsiderate, indifferent, and rude behavior & speech weaken our institutions and our relationships.

Recently I received a birthday card which encouraged me about this.  The cover of the card featured a large birthday cake with about 150 candles, all over the page.  The inside of the card read, ”The more birthdays you , the more you glow.”  I believe that it is up to us adults, of all ages, especially Christians, to lead the way.  Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Even though we disappoint & hurt Him by our own inconsiderate speech and actions, He forgives us.  He died on the cross and rose from the dead, that we might show the world that we are Christians by our love.  And the civility that Jesus  wants from us involves not just doing no harm; but making sacrifices for the good of others.

A number of years ago , there was a wonderful movie called, “Pay it Forward.”  In the movie, a ten year old boy does random acts of kindness for the people he meets.  The recipients were so touched, that they wanted to pay him back. But the boy said, “Don’t pay it back. Pay it forward.  Be kind to someone else>”  Well, the recipients were so touched that they went and did as they boy suggested; and soon, random acts of kindness caught on.  People were surprised and delighted by the unexpected kindness shown them, that they went and did likewise.

I saw this phenomena within my own life, a number of years ago when I was a hospice chaplain.   Our office was located in a state hospital for the mentally and physically handicapped; and it was not a happy place.  Some of the employees called it “the kingdom of darkness. “Indeed, I was surprised that on my first day, no one smiled, no one looked  up when passing me, and no one greeted me.  Well, this went on for a while, until I decided that I was just going to get into everybody’s face with kindness.  As they looked down at the floor while passing me, I’d say, “Hello.  Hope you have a good day.”  I greeted people in the hallway of my office on a daily basis, and soon they began to greet me back.  I began to see more smiles.  While, my floor became down right friendly.  Now, I am sure that this was not due to me alone—but my contribution certainly helped.

So, you , to, can see this, even if you are considerate to perfect strangers.  They may be grateful, or not; besides, you will probably find that Jesus will be the one to pay you back.

"ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, MARCHING AS TO WAR”—STATE OF THE PARISH ADDRESS

"ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, MARCHING AS TO WAR”—STATE OF THE PARISH ADDRESS  (abridged)

             By the Rev. John Donnelly, Rector, Christ Church Quaker Farms, Feb. 12, 2017

Throughout the Bible, God’s word uses the symbols of “warfare” to describe the conflict between good vs. evil.  Indeed, Jesus , Himself, said, “I came not to bring peace, but a sword.”

So, with this as the background, I can now deliver my annual State of the Parish Address for CCQF.  The State of the Parish is that CCQF won the Battle of 2016. WE WON THE BATTLE!!!! How so?

1.      Sunday attendance was up some in 2016 over 2015, as we joyfully worshiped our Savior and King.

2.      The Good News of Christ’s amazing love was preached from this pulpit, every Sunday & studied in our Sunday School, Youth Group, & Small Groups, thereby equipping us to fight the good fight through the love of Christ.

3.      Over the past year we have lost some good friends who moved away and left us; but we gained some new friends, too. Indeed, 6 newcomer families made pledges of close to $10,000 to our annual ministry in 2017.

4.      Indeed, the total # of pledges, to date, rose from 55 in 2016 to 60 in 2017.

5.      We have a wonderful # of soldiers in the army of God’s love, who cheerfully serve the people of this congregation. We reach out to parishioners in need through our healing ministry, prayer chain, home communion visitations, repast ministry, and short term counseling through your rector.

·        Many of you serve on Sunday mornings on our Altar Guild, Ushers, Choir , and the like.

·        Fellowship activities are hosted by the ECW & Kid and Family Friendly Ministries; along with all of you who host coffee hour.

·        During the past year, our Building & Grounds Committee served us by upgrading our water system & overseeing the renovation of the floor in our Parish Hall.

6.      But, our cheerful service is not limited just to our own church—but we have taken God’s love into the world to help the needy. Your support of Spooner House Dinners, the foodbank, ECW outreach, the Youth Mission trip, the Chapel on the Green, the Kenyan orphanage, Shady Knowles’ worship, ETO, and much much more shows that Christ Church is shining the Light of Christ’s love into the world.

So, we had some major victories for the Lord in 2016; but in addition to thanking all of you, we need to thank the one who deserves thanks and praise, our Mighty Warrior, Geenral Jesus Christ, our Lord. He won the victory over death & the grave, and enables us to share in his victory here on earth.

So, as we look ahead to the Battle of 2017, we are in good shape. However, we do face some challenges in 2017 and beyond.

1.      Since we ban the process of congregation renewal & revitalization back in 2011, we have seen substantial growth in all program areas, including Stewardship.  Indeed, annual giving was around $95,000/year in 2011; now it is $135,000 in 2017.  That is incredible growth, of which any church would be proud.  However, Stewardship continues to be challenge because yearly, we spend more than we take in.  Thankfully, we do have some reserve funding. Such stewardship growth is a multi-year process, requiring patience, work, and a growing commitment by all.

2.      Another challenge that we face is the rapid rate of change within our culture and society.  This “Future Shock” results in a “psychological sense of insecurity, fear, and resistance, when people perceive that there is just too much change in too short a time.”  This rate of change has overwhelmed people and institutions, leaving many dazed and confused. As our world changes, we of the church need to discern how God is leading us to serve Him in this ‘brave new world.’  This is the purpose of the Vestry’s Long Range Planning Committee, which is asking for our input. As a part of this long range planning, the Vestry is seeking your input so that we can best assess how we are doing now, so that we can make plans for the future.

THANKSGIVING SERMON 11.20.16

                            THANKSGIVING SERMON    11.20.16

Our Gospel tells the  story of the story of 10 people who had lepersey—all who were miraculously healed by Jesus.  While this was perhaps one of the greatest healing miracles of his ministry, but it was an event lost to most. It came and went like a Thanksgiving turkey supper, because most of those healed never returned to thank Jesus.

Now, why is that?  Why wouldn’t they return to thank Him?  Well, this is not scriptural—but I have some ideas on my own.

1.    The first man did not return to thank Jesus, because he didn’t think he would fit in with the disciple crowd.  He saw them as  too unconventional and pushy about their faith. So, he kept away from them.

2.    The 2nd healed man was afraid that Jesus and his associates would ask for money in return for his healing; so he sneaked away without anyone seeing him.

3.    The 3^rd person was afraid that his friends might see him hanging around the Jesus crowd, and he was afraid that his friends would ridicule him for being a Jesus freak.  He did not want to draw attention to himself.

4.    The 4^th person was mad that Jesus had only healed him, and not the world. “Bet you won’t heal my sister!”she yelled at Jesus.

5.    The 5^th man was mad that Jesus healed him.  He had made all his income by begging.  He liked living off of charity.  Now everyone knew he was healed. He was going to have to go out and get a real job for the first time in his adult life.

6.    The 6^th woman believed that Jesus had not healed her; rather , she claimed that she had healed herself with lots of sunshine, exercise, good organic food; and dietary supplements.  Therefore, Jesus deserved none of the credit.

7.    The 7^th person wanted to go watch a football game, because all the big games were coming up, and he didn’t want to miss any of them.

8.    The 8^th person didn’t return to give Jesus thanks, because he was too busy with his job, his family, his finances, and other pressures.  Instead of thanking Jesus, he decided to take a nap.

9.    The 9^th person was so happy, that he went to see Jesus, but stopped at a bar on his way. After a couple drinks with his friends, he forgot all about Jesus.

Now, none of this is scriptural—but I will tell you what is: What is scriptural is Jesus’ grave disappointment in not being thanked.  Have you ever noticed the large # of pictures of Jesus—where he is not smiling?  He’s always got a serious of melancholy look on his face.  Why does he look so sad?  Because most people do not really thank him for all that he gives to us.  Who knows—Jesus could have performed any more miracles in the past, or even in our time, but if no one gives Jesus the credit, it is as if they had not occurred.  Oh, some people may feel some since of gratitude in their  heart—but gratitude not expressed doesn’t do any good.

Thanks givng which touches the heart of God is expressed in public—like the 10^th person in today’s Gospel.  This man was a Samaritan, half breed, whom had faced hundreds of years of racism at the hands of the Jews. He wasn’t supposed to even be seen in the company of Jews, like Jesus.  But that man shouted out his gratitude in a loud voice. He wanted one and all to know that He was grateful to Jesus.  And Jesus, on his part, was greatly moved.

Too many Christians take Jesus for granted. We receive and receive, but most of the time...9 out of ten times, we do not express our gratitude in front of someone or in public. But when we do make an intentional –visible expression of our gratitude—Jesus is touched.  Jesus smiles, And Jesus multiples and expands the blessings that He gives us…because He wants others to know just how generous He can be for them.

Grateful Christians are also known as disciples—who express their gratitude by taking a stand for Jesus in public. So, if we were to describe what grateful disciples look like, who like the 10^th man who was healed, what might that look like.

1.    Public gratitude might look like John Carson. John arrives before anyone at church on Sundays to plug in the coffee pot. By the time I arrive before the 8 am service, the heat is on, the lights are one, and John greets me with a “Good morning.  Jesus loves you . I know because Jesus loves me.”

2.    Karendale Waskiewitz is a smiling greeter for our Grades PreK -3 Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings. She welcomes them, gives them a hug, and gives them an original picture for coloring—one that she has drawn herself.

3.    Between the 8:00 & 10:00 am service, there is another group that thanks God through song. As I am sitting in my office preparing for the 10am service, I hear the choir rehearse with such commitment and faith, which is so touching.  They rehearse prior to each Sunday service, thanking God in song and smiles, as you come through the door.

4.    You can see other grateful people in the altar guild, the ushers, the acolytes, the readers, the Vergers,  Greeters, and the Ministers of Communion.  Instead of sitting , they are so grateful that they serve in the  service.

5.    Other grateful people demonstrate their gratitude by just showing up. I agree with Woody Allen that 90% of life is just showing up for worship and to receive communion.  This is especially true of our children, who receive  communion with such eager expectation.  On the night Jesus died, Jesus invited us to receive the bread and wine as the sacrament of his presence, and in gratitude for his life, death, and resurrection. By demonstrating your faith in this way, He is touched.

Today, we are going to offer another opportunity for each of us to publicly express our gratitude to Jesus, by making an offering of our 2017 pledge cards at the altar.  Each year, as we do this—heaven takes notice, because these pledge cards are an outward and tangible expression that we are grateful for what Jesus has given us, and we are grateful for what he will give us in the future.

CHURCH KITS--PARTIAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

This morning’s sermon is called: Church Kits—partial assembly required.

 

Let us pretend  that we are not the people of Christ Church. Rather, we are a group of people, living in a different place who have no church---and we would like to start one.  So, we have called the diocese, and the diocese and their representative tells us that he has 2 different church kits to choose from:

 

The first is the “fancy church kit.”  This kit is full to the brim with all sorts of things.

·       We need lots and lots of $, because fancy churches cannot live without a river of cash, so that they can keep their churches fancy.

·       For that, you need lots and lots of people.

·       You need fancy worship, with expensive vestments, gold & silver communion ware

·       [An expensive CEO Bishop to watch over you]

·       [Lots of state of the arts electronics, so that everyone can hear & see your dazzling worship.]

·       A very complex music program, with a new state of the art pipe organ, and a paid choir of 20-30 people

·       And to house all this, you need a huge multimillion dollar stone church, with a state of the art water system, newly renovated on the inside and out.

 

So, we could choose expensive fancy church kit, or we can choose the Free church kit?  Now, this box is mostly empty.  But there are a few items in here:

·       Rock—Jesus is the rock of our salvation, and He  is the rock upon which his church, his people, are assembled.  You see, back in the days of the early church, as described in today’s readings—the church did not refer to the building.  The term church, translated from the original Greek, means “assembly.”  So, during the time when the Christian church was the most powerful, the first 3 centuries AD, there were not church buildings.  Those came later.  But the church, the people, were built on the rock---Jesus Christ, the church’s true foundation.

·       Next, the Holy Spirit—the Holy Spirit is the power of God in our day and time, which focuses in building up people to their ability to know, love, and serve God.  Too many modern churches are so obsessed with their fanciness, that they neglect the Holy Spirit.  A church without the Holy Spirit is a dead church, trying to cling to its fanciness, yet neglecting Jesus the rock and the Holy Spirit.

·       Next, of course, is the Word of God—which is God’s means of communicating to us in our day and time.

·       And finally, a sense of communion community.  Many Christian churches offer the sacrament of communion; but they lack the inclusive and warm sense of community.  The early church, as described in today’s readings, met in homes with small groups, where people gathered for bible study, friendship & prayer.  They met over dinner, and shared the communion bread and wine as part of their meal.  Consequently, they were all personal friends---but with an extra seat at the table for visitors and guests. 

 

This is the church described in our church history reading today—a church where the people were known for their love of God and one another.

 

You see, the life-beating-heart of the local church  is and always has been found in  relationships.  We are talking about real relationships where we are personally known, loved, and appreciated.

 

Now, those type of relationships are not possible in a crowd of 50 or more during Sunday worship:  Too many people; and the focus is primarily worship, not friendship.  So, Jesus modeled the right size of group where such friendships are possible—and he chose 12 or smaller. He also said that whenever 2 or 3 people gather together in His Name, that he will be present to them in a unique & wonderful way, that is different from the way he is present to a group of 2 dozen or more.

 

This is what happens in small groups.

 

Why is this important to all of us? There is an earthquake going on in church life in our country—and several things are happening.

·       One, churches without small groups are declining and dying. Large churches with small groups are growing, but large churches with small groups are declining and dying.

·       Small & medium size churches, which aspire to be fancy churches, are declining and dying, if they do not have small groups.

 

You see, institutionalized religion is no longer as popular as it once was. In the US, we have 90% of people who believe in God, and 45% who claim to be connected to a church.

·       So, religion is less important to folks; but relationships -relationships with Christ and one another—such relationships  are what many people need and want.

·       That is why CCQF has had so much success with our Small group program over the past 4 years.  Last year, 60 adults participated in our fall Small Group program; this year, 50 have signed up already; and that is about half of our yearly average  Sunday attendance. 

·       This percentage is almost unheard of. Many churches are happy if 20 or 30 % participate, but very few have 50 % or more.  Whether or not you personally choose to participate in small groups, that is one ministry which keeps our church firmly built on the rock of Jesus Christ.

 

So, please consider whether or not this vital program is for you. It could add fire to your faith and relationships, as it has for others: Would you please take out the Small group flier in your bulletin—open it up, looking at the far right section.  There are some testimonials that I would like to share with you:

 

WHAT DO I APPRECIATE ABOUT SMALL GROUPS?

·       Michelle Macisco writes, “…the sharing and the felling comfortable enough to share myself.”

·       Marilyn Stebar appreciates the seeing newcomers to our group feel accepted & welcomed; and seeing everybody praying out loud.”

·       And finally, Mr. anonymous says, “I think that this Small group has been marvelous.  I am so glad that I came.”

 

Meanwhile, let’s get back to the church kits.  Which one should we choose?  Well, ever since the Protestant reformation in the 16^th century –the Anglican Episcopal Church has offered us the opportunity of using all the riches of the free church kit, and the best of the riches of the fancy church kit.

·       You see, as long as Jesus is the foundation of our church---then we can use wonderful music, colorful vestments, and even bishops to bring glory to God and to inspire us. 

·       We believe that standing on the rock of Jesus, the riches of our Anglican tradition bring beauty, reverence, mystery, and richness to our worship, as we follow God’s command to give Him thanks and praise.

  

Thanks be to God. Amen. Alleluia!!!

Episcopalains Together In Oxford (ETO) Our Kids in Kenya

Episcopalains Together In Oxford (ETO)

Our Kids In Kenya

The Rev. Ellen Donnelly

From today’s Gospel: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…..Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.”

We understand that faith isn’t about what we think or feel; it’s about what we do, how we live our daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.  This passage from Matthew reminds us that it’s also about how we treat those in need; we need to look at them not as a problem but as an opportunity, an opportunity to minister to Jesus himself.  The problem, of course, is that there is so much need all around us that it can be too overwhelming to do anything at all.

That’s why I rely on God-incidence, the believer’s version of coincidence.  If we have our eyes open, we can so often see that God is opening doors for us, while maybe closing others.  And that is how I try to identify which people in need to help – the ones God is giving me eyes to see.  From that point of view, I’d like to share a little with you today about my experience over the years with a small orphanage in a little town in Kenya.

The story starts in 2002, when a new family joined our church in New Jersey – mom, dad, and 5 kids.  They had come to the United States from Kenya to provide better educational opportunities for their children, and the dad was an priest from the Anglican Church of

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Kenya, none other than Brother David Esipila, whom many of you know.  It so happened that at that time I was working with the Missions Committee of our church to identify new outreach opportunities that the whole church could get involved in, and I invited Brother David to join us.

That’s when we learned about the huge number of orphans left by the AIDS epidemic all over Africa in the 90s.  We also learned from David about a small orphanage in his home town that he had helped to found.  It had fallen on hard times when the American church that had been supporting it bailed out.  Our hearts were touched by the plight of this particular group of people in need.  A God-incidence, do you think?  And so the outreach ministry we called Our Kids in Kenya was born in 2003.

At that point there were 25 children in the orphanage, ranging in age from infants to high schoolers.  For many, it was the only family they had ever known.  The orphanage provided not only food and shelter but medical care, Christian fellowship, and education at the local schools.  The latter was of great importance because at that time, as is still mostly true today, public schools were not free; in Kenya, as here at home, education is the key to a better life.  And in all this, Brother David was our direct contact with the orphanage.  Without his help, we would never have been able to navigate the complex culture and customs of Africa.

I’m happy to say that our St. Michael’s family adopted Our Kids in Kenya enthusiastically.  Our kids made cards in Sunday School to send to the orphans.  Families “adopted” an orphan and provided monthly support.  We held fund-raisers and collected school supplies, clothing, and other necessities.  We had a monthly prayer service in which each

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child was prayed for by name and according to their needs.  They were truly OUR Kids in Kenya.

In 2009, recognizing the limits of our resources, we made a decision not to accept any more children into the orphanage, but to support the 22 current children until they graduated from high school.  After Fr. John and I left St. Michael’s in 2011, the OKIK Committee carried on as best they could, but in 2015, the new Rector decided to drop support for the orphanage.

Fr. John and I were appalled; once again an American church had abandoned the orphanage.   But, once more, God opened a new door.  Our Episcopalians Together in Oxford (ETO) Outreach Committee was at that time looking for outreach projects that our 2 churches could do together.  By the way, your representatives on that Committee are Bob Knapp, Michelle Masisco, and Fr. John.  All of us were moved by the plight of the few remaining orphans, who had had the rug pulled out from under them.  We felt that it was a God-incidence that this opportunity was presented to us, and we agreed that we would do our best to finish out the promise that St. Michael’s had made years before, to support the remaining kids until they graduated from college.

In my experience, God-incidences always work out if you see them and seize them.  By the grace of God, we have been able to raise so far this year over $7000, which has provided support for the orphanage from March through September, with a little left over.  Today, there are only 6 remaining kids out of the original 22.  Four of them are seniors in high school who will be graduating in December of this year and moving out of the orphanage to begin their lives.  We are so proud of these 4, most of whom have lived in the orphanage all their lives. 

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In January, we will close the orphanage building (which is rented); the remaining 2 kids will board with a woman Brother David knows.  We will continue, by God’s grace, to provide support for them until they, too graduate – 2 years for 1, 4 years for the other.

So now we are in a position of needing to raise enough money to see us through December.  That is the reason for our fund-raising Steak Dinner, which is described on the flyer in your hands.  I hope many of you will take the opportunity to join in supporting Our Kids in Kenya by buying tickets to the dinner – and, of course, enjoy and delicious meal and Christian fellowship into the bargain.  Why not invite a friend or relative as well – every dollar counts as we try to make good on our commitment to Our Kids in Kenya.

May God bless you for your generosity.  And remember that “whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for Me.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sermon preached @

Christ Church Quaker Farms on Sept.4, 2016

& St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, September 11, 2016