The Readings for this Sunday

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Isaiah 50:4–9a

Our first reading tells of the servant who speaks for the Lord and suffers persecution, but still trusts in God’s help and vindication. This is the third of the “servant songs” which come from a period late in Israel’s exile. The servant might be thought to be the faithful of Israel, the prophet himself, or another historical or idealized figure. The people are weary and tired of the Lord’s calling, but the servant steadfastly continues. Christians have long perceived in these words a foretelling of Jesus’ mission.

Psalm 116:1–9

An offering of thanksgiving and praise by one who has been rescued from death.

James 3:1–12

In this New Testament lesson the community is reminded that one who instructs others will be held to a high standard, and such a position should only be aspired to by those well-formed in faith. Of particular concern are habits of speech. The tongue is compared to a small rudder able to control a large ship at sea. There is great danger in an uncontrolled tongue, and many forms of careless speech are enumerated. The Christian must learn self-discipline in order that God may be glorified.

Mark 8:27–38

In the gospel Peter recognizes that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus then describes the true nature of the ministry of the Son of Man and what it means to follow in his way. The passage reminds us that during Jesus’ lifetime and afterward there was speculation about his role. Some saw him as a kind of reembodiment of John the Baptist or another prophet. Peter is called “Satan” because his words are a temptation to turn away from the suffering and death which come before resurrection. Disciples must also learn that the true self and true life are found by those who will let themselves be lost for the sake of Jesus and the gospel.

Note: Introductions to the Readings are from the book  Introducing the Lessons of the Church Year, 3rd Ed.  (Kindle Edition) by Frederick Borsch and George Woodward.

Music in Worship

We're singing without accompaniment this Sunday.

Let us make a joyful noise.

~Fr Dan

Collect for Proper 19

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. ~BCP 233

A Prayer of Self-Dedication

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ~BCP 831-32

Do you have a prayer request?

A small group of us pray daily.

We will add your request to our prayers.

Use our Prayer Request Page to make your request known.

Mysticism and Serving Others

British author Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) was a Christian mystic. Sometimes she prayed so sincerely and deeply that she experienced spiritual mysteries no ordinary person might understand. 

Such an experience progresses from entering into God’s presence to sensing a deep awareness and almost indescribable unity with him. It’s being lost in wonder and love as you feel God’s strongest presence (see 2 Corinthians 12:2-4). 

Yet Underhill came away from her prayer time energized to take a portion of God’s love to visit the elderly, the ill, the poverty-stricken and neighbors in need. She was like Mary, “who sat at the Lord’s feet” in the mornings, and like Martha, meeting people’s physical and friendship needs in the afternoons (see Luke 10:39, NRSV). 

Underhill found time to pray often, write many books and articles and also serve human needs.

A valuable resource for the elderly on the Hill (especially after the disruption of the Cranston Fire):

Riverside County Office on Aging: Do not hesitate to call ASAP if you (or a neighbor) needs assistance in the following areas: 

a. caregiving assistance

b. medical assistance

c. assistance with Medicare/Medical

d. food assistance

e. medical equipment

f. safety and well being of an elderly individual (see also the APS post below)

g. assistance with in-home health care

h. and much more...

Phone Number for Riverside County Office on Aging

Aging and Disability Resource Connection

951-867-3800 or 1-800-510-2020

Please Note: The person in need of assistance must call or if the individual is unable to call due to a health condition, a family member and/or advocate may call for that person. However, the family member and/or advocate must be present with that person when they place the call. 

~Rev. Patricia

The Bishop's Committee met on Tuesday, August 14, 2018

at 10:00 AM in the Sunday School Room at St. Hugh's

Next Meeting: Tuesday, Sep. 18, 2018 at 9:30 AM

Financial Information through July 31, 2018 (August Financials in progress):

Budget | Actual Year to Date | Difference

The Bishop's Committee:

If you have questions you contact any of the members of the Bishop's Committee: Jacque, Jim, Terry, Julie, Robyn, or me. ~Fr. Dan

New: News, notes, and links to the work being done for the glory of God by our Diocesan Family.

Where are we in the process of electing our next bishop?

Reference Checking Bishop Candidates

Report of the Bishop Nominating Committee on 8 August 2018

The nominating sub-committees have continued to work faithfully over the last month; here are their latest progress updates as of July 31, 2018.

The work of the listening session-survey, profiling, nominating and screening sub-committees has been completed and the members of those teams participate in other work as required.

Reference Checking: This new sub-committee was established as the bishop nominating committee (BNC) decided to follow an emerging best practice of doing reference checks prior to discerning who would be invited to come to the discernment retreat in early October.

The reference checking sub-committee completed in-person and phone interviews on multiple references for all candidates. Those conducting the reference checks reported to the BNC at an all-day meeting at Good Samaritan, UTC on July 30 in support of discerning discussion.

Through open and honest conversation, in prayer, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the BNC discerned and identified candidates to continue in the process and be invited to the discernment retreat. Shepherds were selected from the BNC who will assist each candidate on the path going forward. The BNC looks forward to personally meeting candidates at the discernment retreat and getting to know them in greater depth.

Online Interviewing and Retreat: The discernment retreat with all candidates and the entire nominating committee is scheduled for early October. Exercises are being designed which will allow us to interact with and observe the candidates in a variety of settings, from large group activities to individual interviews.

Educating and Communicating: We continue to support other sub-committees in sending diocesan-wide announcements, links to sub-committee documents, and regular progress reports.

Timeline

Even more information

See also the Diocesan Facebook Page

“I have found that among its other benefits,

giving liberates the soul of the giver.” 

Maya Angelou

Your gift to St. Hugh's makes a difference. It is always the right time. Donate to the mission and ministry of St. Hugh's. Your gifts--of time, talent, and treasure--make it possible to be present in Idyllwild so that we can both invite and then "enable questioning, open-minded people to discover for themselves, the significance of Jesus Christ."



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www.sthughsidyllwild.org