St. Francis Church Biblically minded. Mission Driven.

The Right Reverend John C. Bauerschmidt--Bishop of Tennessee

The Reverend Joseph B. Howard--Vicar

Order of Worship

St. Francis Church is a community dedicated to the

transformation of lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ for
the Kingdom of God.

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
Proper 19, Year A

A congregation of the Diocese of Tennessee and the world-wide Anglican Communion

A note for visitors: We’re thankful that you could join us for worship today, and we
pray God blesses you in your time here. The service is printed in your bulletin. If you
have any questions don’t hesitate to ask someone around you!

St. Francis Church we want to encourage families to worship together. In order to

be a community where all ages feel welcome, we provide coloring materials for children
to use during worship and seek to understand the specific gifts and challenges that
children bring. We encourage you, should you feel comfortable doing so, to sit toward
the front with your children, as little-ones are often more attentive if they can see what is
happening. After the second reading, children 6 years old and below are invited to take
part in children’s chapel.

We understand that there may be times when it is best to take advantage of child care,
and nursury is provided.

In Preparation for worship: We invite you to take a few moments before the service
begins to be still, and rest from the business of your lives. Take time to breathe deeply,
and reflect upon the past week, preparing yourself to come before God in worship.
When you’re ready, you might say the following prayer or one like it in preparation for
worship.

O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and
of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of
heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled
affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; though Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

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 The Word of God
Processional: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven Hymnal 410

Opening Acclamation:
All Standing

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

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Collect for Purity:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are
hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we
may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Canticle 20, Glory to God: Gloria in excelsis S 280

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Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect of the Day:

O God, because without you we are not able to please you mercifully grant that your
Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading: Genesis 50:15-21

All sit.

Joseph’s brothers fear they will be punished for their past cruelty to him, but he declares
that God can take what was intended for evil and turn it for the good.

A reading from the book of Gensis:

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph
will hate us and pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent a message
to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died, ‘Say to Joseph, Forgive,
I pray you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’
And now, we pray you, forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.”
Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him,
and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Fear not, for am I in
the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to
bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I
will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he reassured them and comforted them.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Psalm of the day:

Remain seated

Psalm 103:8-13

8 The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, *
slow to anger and of great kindness.

9 He will not always accuse us, *
nor will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
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 nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, *
so far has he removed our sins from us.

13 As a father cares for his children, *
so does the LORD care for those who fear him.

Second Reading: Romans 14:1-12

Paul warns disciples not to pass judgment on others and urges followers of Jesus to
honor the Lord in all that they do.

A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome.

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.
Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must
not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those
who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of
another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for
the Lord is able to make them stand. Some judge one day to be better than another, while
others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who
observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the
Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord
and give thanks to God. We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If
we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or
whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he
might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother
or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before
the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow
to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then, each of us will be accountable to
God.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Children Come forward for a prayer, and then depart for Children’s
Chapel

Jesus holds and blesses the children

as their mothers bring them to him.
(Mark 10)

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Sequence Hymn: There’s a wideness in God’s mercy Hymnal 470

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Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
All stand.

Responding to Peter’s question about the limits of mercy, Jesus uses a parable to show
that all people are in need of forgiveness.

Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Peter came up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and
I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven
times, but seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a
king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one
was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord
ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be
made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and
I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him
and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his
fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said,
‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with
me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the
debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed,
and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned
him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought
me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’
And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my
heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your
heart.”

Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ

Sermon: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard

The Nicene Creed

We

believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
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 and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Announcements

The Prayers of the People

Leader: Let us pray

In our Diocese we pray for Church of the Holy Cross, Murfreesboro.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Anglican Church of Tanzania,
The Rt. Rev’d Donald Leo Mtetemela, primate.

Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;

People: That we all may be one.

Leader: We pray for those whose hearts are being prepared by grace to join in your
work through St. Francis Church.
People: Increase our faithfulness, empower us to serve you.

Leader: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
People: That your Name may be glorified by all people.

Leader: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;

People: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

Leader: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the
world;
People: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Leader: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;

People: That our works may find favor in your sight.

Leader: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
People: That they may be delivered from their distress.

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Leader: Give to the departed eternal rest;
People: Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Leader: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
People: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Leader:

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

Silence

Celebrant: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth:
Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your
will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession

Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence.

Minister and People:

Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our
Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the
Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

All stand

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

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 y The Holy Communion y
Offertory music selected by the musician
All stand for the Doxology: Hymnal 380 (last verse)

Celebrant: All things come of thee O Lord.

People: And of thine own have we given thee.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the
grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the
company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

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The Sanctus: S-130

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Please stand or kneel at this time, as best helps you to pray.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we
had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of
us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a
perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took
bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and
said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of
me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them,
and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed
for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the
remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son,
the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may
faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and
at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed by thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
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as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

ON RECEIVING COMMUNION:

All baptized Christians who are in love and charity with their neighbors are welcome to
receive communion. If you do not wish to receive, you are invited to come for a prayer
of blessing—simply cross your arms over your chest to let the servers know that you will
not be receiving.

Prayers before receiving can be found on pages 337 (the Prayer of Humble Access)
and 834 in the Book of Common Prayer (the red books available under your chairs).

Communion music: There is one Lord Taize

Post-Communion Prayer

After Communion, the Celebrant says:

Let us Pray

The minister and people together, pray:

Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The Blessing

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The Recessional: Crown him with many crowns Hymnal 494

Christ Enthroned

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Celebrant says the dismissal
People: Thanks be to God.

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A Note on Today’s Readings
Proper 19, Year A

Welcome to St. Francis Church. We continue to read from the section of Matthew’s Gospel,
which deals with God’s forgiveness and our role in extending His forgiveness to all people.
Peter asks Jesus how many times he is to forgive someone who wrongs him. In a parable,
Jesus explains that God’s forgiveness of us lays on us the obligations to forgive our
brothers and sisters unconditionally.

In Genesis, we have the example of Joseph, who finds it within his person to forgive his
brothers, despite the atrocities they perpetrated on him as a boy. He also provides us with
an example of the way in which unexpected events can work for good in God’s purpose.
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In our final reading from Romans, Paul calls on Christians to refrain from judging one
another. The differences between the ways various ones of us follow Christ are to be
accepted. Our responsibility is to love God and each other.

We are a community marked by faith and obedience to God’s Word. Our life reflects our
relationship with God and our relationships with each other. We are to be a community
marked by acceptance of all and by forgiveness. Not a gathering of perfected saints—we
are, rather, a gathering of sinners who have known God’s love and forgiveness and who in
turn extend that love and forgiveness to all people.

From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman.

Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.

Good News Daily

Volume VIII September 14–20, 2008
( Number 37
Sunday, September 14
Job 38:1, 18-41 Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. (v.1 NIV)

If you remember back to the beginning of the book of Job, it is interesting to see the irony
in the great winds. One was the source of Job’s tragedies, killing his sons and daughters.
Another was the place from where God speaks. After the first storm, Job was drawn into
a heavy debate with his friends about why these catastrophes happened to him: was it
Job’s sin or not? He calls on God relentlessly to answer the puzzling question of why these
things have happened to him and not to those who lead wicked lives. Then God appears
out of the great whirlwind of a storm. Aged and haggard from the turmoil, Job has no
where to look but up and exclaim, “God, it’s about time you showed up!”

It is significant to note that God did not come to Job after the storm was over but spoke
right out of the middle of the rains, the lightning, thunder and the howling winds; in other
words, right smack in the middle of life. In a barrage of questions God gives a “tour” of
creation. God does not humiliate Job but reassures him that everything, all of his life
circumstances, are still under God’s control, including him.

It is not easy to accept sufferings and trials in life. Life’s answers can be extremely
complicated. Sometimes “stuff” happens to us. Sometimes a lot of “stuff” happens to us!
We are only left with one thing to do—let go, throw our arms up, look up to God in heaven,
and accept that God has divine plans for our life. His plans may seem mysterious, but they
are always wise and always perfect. He just begs us trust Him and trust in His big picture.

The next time you are in a violent storm, remember God’s challenge to Job and know who
is in control of all creation at all times.

Psalms 24, 29; Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 5:21-26

Monday, September 15
Acts 15:36—16:5 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them on the next
mission trip, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them
in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp
disagreement that the two parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. (vv.37-
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40)

I once heard it said the greatest crimes against the Kingdom of God are crimes against
love. Crimes against love undo all that we speak about, and what we hurt most is Jesus and
his mission here on earth. How sad, after serving well together, these giants of the faith,
Paul and Barnabas, come to a point where their disagreements made it so they could no
longer work with each other. It makes me wonder, in a world of many denominations and
factions of believers, what message we Christians send to the world!

Isn’t it amazing how God can redeem all things? He took the infighting of two brothers
in Christ and doubled the missionary efforts for His Kingdom. Through his grace, they
kept focus on the mission set before them, and God provided a way for them to continue
in ministry without grudges and without setting themselves up to be in fierce competition
with each other. We know God’s redeemed plan worked because, later in life, Paul writes
favorably about Barnabas and Mark and the fruit of their ministry.

As we serve the Lord with others, may we stop often to confess our failures. May we also
raise our hearts in thankful praise that the Lord is able to take even our deepest divisions
and still further His kingdom.

Job 40:1-24; Psalms 56, 57, 58; John 11:55—12:8

Tuesday, September 16
Acts 16:6-15 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bythnia, but
the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to
Troas. (vv.7-8)

Paul wanted very much to take the Gospel to Asia (Turkey), but as much as he tried, the
Lord prevented them from going. It was as if the door was slammed in his face. It was not
until the door was closed tight that Paul learned through a vision that he was to head west
into Europe. He was head strong to go in one direction, but God wrenched him in another.

It is often said in our family that when life takes some pretty sharp curves and dips, when
it filled with a number of surprises, jerks, turns, and thrills then we have been on Mr.
Toad’s Wild Ride. Many of you may have ridden on this great ride at Disney World. Paul
must have wondered at times about the ride he was on. It was not always easy and he
endured a great number of hardships. Yet one thing is clear: his life was wholly yielded
to the Lord and it was most satisfying. In the middle of all the twists and turns he could
honestly say that he had no regrets about strapping in with God for the ride of his life.

Have you had a door shut in your face? It may be God protecting or redirecting you.
Perhaps He is preparing you for another adventure. God will not waste our willingness to
be used by Him. Wait for Him to open the right door. Who knows? It might be a stroll in
the park—or it just may be Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Whatever, God is in control. He will lead
us and bring joy and blessings to our lives as we follow Him.

Job 40:1, 41:1-11; Psalms 61, 62; John 12:9-19

Wednesday, September 17
Acts 16:16-24 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the
jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them
in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. (vv.23-24)

Imagine having to look over your shoulder because you are studying a Bible or worshiping
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in church. Imagine the worry you might feel knowing that if you are caught, you could be
jailed, beaten, or even have your loved ones taken away from you.

There are an estimated 200 million Christians throughout the world who are a part of
the persecuted Church. These people of God suffer the constant abuse and hatred of
individuals, religious groups, and even governments—China, Sudan, and Indonesia, to
name a few. It is easy for us sleep peacefully every night, never thinking about them,
because we simply do not own the same experience. This is not comfortable to think about.
Yet, somehow, we must wake up from our slumber and be aware of what the Church is
undergoing. We have to pray daily for courage for those who will face persecution. We
have to find a way to speak against those oppressive regimes where atrocities still happen.

My heart is heavy when I hear about religious persecution. Maybe you feel helpless like I
do at times. I am reminded that I serve a powerful God who hears our prayers and honors
our actions. Let our hearts cry out and pray for the persecuted Church. Let us do this for
others, as we would want them to do so for us.

Job 42:1-17, Psalm 72; John 12:20-26

Thursday, September 18
Psalms 71 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. (v.14)

I was given beautiful Gerber Daisies last week at work. Unfortunately, I forgot to take them
home over the weekend. When I returned in a few days, I saw they desperately needed
water and were drooping over in the most sad-looking way. It made me think about the
Christian life and ask the question: Do we live like “droopy Christians”? Are we people who
live with the hope of Christ inside of us or do we “droop”?

In our daily lives, I think some of us fall into the temptation of being a “don’t haver,”
rather than a “do haver.” “Don’t havers” are sad inside. They are always looking at what
they don’t have. On the outside “don’t havers” are often complainers, but on the inside
they live in self-pity. Maybe they do not want to be sad but they do not know how to get out
of their rut, because deep down they do not feel worthy of God’s love and do not believe
their life is significant in the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, “Do havers” know what
they have as Christian. They are focused, looking ahead. They are in the habit of recalling
the goodness of God and understand what God has done for them. “Do havers” have hope!

If you are “drooping” today, hold your chin up and start again. Recall our hope. We
have hope in Christ’s victory over sin, hope that we can never be separated from His
love, hope in His sufficiency to guide us in every aspect of our life. We have hope in His
righteousness. We have hope in His promises for He sees us forgiven and will bring us to a
maturity of faith. We have hope that we will live forever with Him in eternity. Think about
the victories—we have been given everything! Live in hope and let the Lord restore you
with the joy your salvation.

Job 28:1-28; Psalm 70; Acts 16:25-40; John 12:27-36a

Friday, September 19
Acts 17:1-15 “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here,
and Jason has welcomed them into the house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees,
saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” (vv.6b-7)

This is the essence of our Christian faith: Jesus came to be king over the world and
king over our hearts. That is the heart of our faith, the center of our proclamation, the
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foundation of our lives.

The phrase “Jesus is King” brings confidence and hope for those who proclaim it and the
wrath, the fire, of those who reject it. Let’s face it: when Jesus thought about you and me
2000 years ago, he was on a mission from his heavenly Father to redeem all mankind. He
took his role very seriously and he was a troublemaker for the world. So it will be for us,
too, if we take our role as Christians seriously. We are at risk of be labeled troublemakers if
we proclaim that Jesus is our King and he is the only way, truth, and life.

Think of culture today as it speaks about religion. Our culture is very comfortable with a
religion that that teaches us peace, unity, and comfort. Unfortunately, I fear that culture
has invaded the American Church and we have grown accustomed to being peaceful and
comfortable. We have grown accustomed to our lighthearted Sundays, family dinners, and
a quiet, joyous religion free of conflict. Certainly Jesus came to bring joy and peace, but he
also came to bring division. Faith divides. People will despise and mock us for believing in
Christ alone. We can see it in our workplace and even in many of our churches.

Remember the apostles who have gone before you. “The apostles left the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day
after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and
proclaiming the good news that Jesus in the Christ” (Acts 5:41-42). Count it all joy that you
should suffer for Christ’s sake.

Esther 1:1-4, 10-19; Psalm 69; John 12:36b-43

Saturday, September 20
Acts 17:16-34 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the
whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they
should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and
find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him, we live and move and have
our being. (vv.26-28a)

It is important to read, in context, why the apostles write certain things at certain times.
Remember that Paul lived in a time where the Greeks were fearful of offending their gods.
If you visit the Ancient World you will find altars everywhere. They were built to appease
their gods so they would not be destroyed by rains or sickness or other calamities. The
Greeks lived in constant fear. This portion of Paul’s speech to the philosophers highlights
there is one God who intentionally made mankind and intentionally set us on course for
life. He is not one of those semi-human gods of the Greeks who are fickle and did not care
if people found them or not. But the God of the universe is omnipresent. We live in him.
We move in him. He is all around us. Our God wants us to know him. He orchestrated the
whole universe and the whole of our lives, so that all we have to do is reach out and seek
for him.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when seek me with all your heart.” He
made it easy for us. We just have to reach out to him. God wants us to know him! We are
important to Him. It is His heart’s desire that we reach for Him. He is there.

Esther 2:5-8, 15-23; Psalms 75, 76; John 12:44-50

by Robin Jagoe
Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP
P. O. Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790

19
 Bishop of Tennessee
The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt

Vicar
The Rev. Joseph B. Howard

Mission Council
Ralph Eddy
Linda Palmer
Thom Chittom
Shelley Sircy
clerk: Nanci Frey

Accompanist
Thomas Duffy

Schedule of Ministry:
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard Reader: Thom Chittom
Acolyte/Crucifer: Adam Waltenbaugh/Rachel Frey Prayer Station: Linda Palmer
Oblationers: Chalicist: Shelley Sircy
To check the schedule online, visit:
http://stfrancis-tn.net and go to congregational resources-->schedule

To get in touch with Fr. Jody for any reason, you can reach him at 615-440-6492 or via email at frjody@stfrancis-tn.
net.
_______________________________________________________________________________

St. Francis Church

Biblically minded. Mission driven.
812 Meadowlark Ln
PO Box 697
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Phone: 851-0790
http://stfrancis-tn.net

Cover Image: Death and burial of Jacob, by Virgil Solis

Christ Enthroned: Icon written by Robert Lentz

Wood cuts from: Pitts Theological Library Digital Image Archive

Color images from: Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN, https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-search.pl

CCLI License No. 2334637 Oneliscence.net No. A-714717