St Francis Day: This morning we give God thanks for the powerful witness to God’s love and peacemaking in the life of our Brother Francis.
Afghanistan: In Search of Peace. This Tuesday, Oct. 6th 7:00 pm following Evening Prayer, we will have a discussion of the current situation in Afghanistan on the eve of the eighth anniversary of the beginning of the Afghan war. Come and learn and let’s see what we can do to become peacemakers in the way of Jesus and Francis.
Eccelsia: Marcus Garvey Park: Sundays at 2:00 pm. St. Mary’s is the lead congregation on the first and third Sunday each month. Today we need volunteers to help make bag lunches after the 10:00 am service. Many thanks to all helping to make this new Church a powerful witness to the love of Jesus in our city.
Episcopal Church Women: Prayer Committee: will meet next Sunday, Oct. 11, and Ms. Bonnie Phelps will be the presenter. The full meeting for the Episcopal Church Women will take place on the fourth Sunday of the month (October 25th). Please see Ms. Glenda White, President of the ECW, for more information.
St. Mary’s Saturday Homeless Outreach: Our program to reach out to the homeless in Harlem needs more volunteers. We prepare about 60 bag lunches between 12 noon and 2:00 pm and then go out on the streets from 2:00 pm until about 3:30 pm. If you can help or know others who may volunteer, please speak to Glenda White, Janet Dorman or Lysander Puccio.
Harlem African Burial Ground: There is beginning to be progress in commemorating
the Harlem African Burial Ground, where at least a dozen early African American members
of St. Mary’s are interred. We are working with the Elmendorf Reformed Church and the next meeting will take place there on Oct. 15th at 4:00 pm, 171 East 121st St. Come help to remember our ancestors so that their legacy may live for future generations.
Vestry Meeting: Saturday, October 17th at 9:00 am. All are invited.
NYC Redeemers’ Coalition: Thursday, Oct. 22nd at 11:30 am, St. Ignatius, 87th Street & West End Ave. in “The Other Place” (Basement). On Oct. 22nd a new law will take effect that places a 5 cent deposit on bottled water containers. This is an important step in taking care of our environment and is some of the good work accomplished by the New York City Redeemers’ Coalition. Remember: ‘Redemption is for Everyone!’
St. Mary’s Choir in Concert! Sunday, October 25th at 2:00 pm, come for an inspirational Autumn concert of St. Mary’s many talented musicians as they raise their voices in God’s praise. Bring your family, friends and neighbors as we enjoy new music from one of the most renowned choirs in the neighborhood. St. Mary’s Choir will travel to New Hampshire in early November to share their gift of song with the Plainfield Community Church.
Mariam, Mark and Marx: A monthly bible Study and current events discussion group; next meeting Thursday Oct. 29th at 7:00 pm. Call Jim White (201) 956-5356 for more info.
Men’s Monthly Prayer Group: Saturday, Oct. 31st ay 8:00 am. All men welcome!
Readings for October 4, St. Francis Day
OCTOBER 4: Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1226
COLLECT
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING: A reading from the Franciscan Rule of 1223
I counsel, warn, and exhort my brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ that when they go out into the world they shall not be quarrelsome or contentious, nor judge others. But they shall be gentle, peaceable, and kind, mild and humble, and virtuous in speech, as is becoming to all. They shall not ride on horseback unless compelled by manifest necessity or infirmity to do so. When they enter a house they shall say: “Peace be to this house.” According to the hold Gospel, they may eat of whatever food is set before them.
I strictly forbid all the brothers to accept money or property either in person or through another. Nevertheless, for the needs of the sick, and for clothing the other brothers, the ministers and guardians may, as they see that necessity requires, provide through spiritual friends, according to the locality, season, and the degree of cold which may be expected in the region where they live. But, as has been said, they shall never receive money or property.
Those brothers to whom the Lord has given the ability to work shall work faithfully and devotedly, so that idleness, which is the enemy of the soul, may be excluded and not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotion to which all temporal things should be subservient. As the price of their labors they may receive things that are necessary for themselves and the brothers, but not money or property. And they shall humbly receive what is given them, as is becoming to the servants of God and to those who practice the most holy poverty.
The brothers shall have nothing of their own, neither house, nor land, nor anything, but as pilgrims and strangers in this world, serving the Lord in poverty and humility, let them confidently go asking alms. Nor let them be ashamed of this, for the Lord made himself poor for us in this world. This is the highest degree of poverty which has made you, my dearest brothers, heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven, which as made you poor in goods, and exalted you in virtues. Let this be your portion, which leads into the land of the living. Cling wholly to this, my most beloved brothers, and you shall wish to have in this world nothing else than the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Refrain:
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121 Levavi oculos BCP, p. 779
1. I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2. My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3. He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4. Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5. The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6. So that thesun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8. The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.
SECOND READING: Galatians 6:14-18
14May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body. 18May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank* you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.* 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
