WEEKLY MESSAGE from Fr. Ripp Hardaway
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Focus
In the gospel this week, we get the incredible story of Peter, who actually takes a step or two on water. I love this story for several reasons. Peter is just such a reactionary person. The "speak before you think" kind of guy. And as much as I am called to be careful with my words, especially as a priest, I envy him. He is also quite brave and acts without thinking at times as well. There is this raw genuineness that pours forth from his very being that I so admire.
One of the easy lessons in this story is when Peter is so focused on Jesus, he is then able to walk upon the stormy waters. As he takes his eyes off of Jesus and focuses on the chaos, he starts to sink. I have seen this in so many people, including myself; it is seemingly something none of us escapes.
One of the ways this diversion of focus occurs most readily is when we have an ailment. With the internet at our disposal, we find that simple things such as a dilated pupil are signs of a stroke, and we freak out. A particular pain is the evidence that we have cancer. The possibility of cancer means that we are at stage 4 and on the verge of death or that our loved one is surely a goner. We go into what I call the abyss. This deep dark hole, full of gloom, in which no light or hope shines. Suddenly we are drowning in our chaos. We lose our minds, lose sleep, curse God, and all order is lost.
The great news for us is that just like Peter, we also often cry, "Lord, save me!" When we admit our need for God's help, repent, and return to the Lord, God's hand is right there. "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?'" Easy for Jesus to say, but for the rest of us, it is part of our humanity. It seems that it takes many of these sinking spells before we learn to focus on Jesus, who will empower us to walk on water during the greatest storms.
In Christ,
Ripp Hardaway
Rector
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THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN'S Updates and Announcements
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE Live Streaming on Facebook
10th Sunday After Pentecost
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Holy Eucharist Rite II led by
Fr. Ripp & Rev. Lucy
Sunday, August 9 at 8:45 a.m.
Devotions for Families with Ms. Cheryl
Sunday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m.
Children's Chapel with Ms. Cheryl
Sunday, August 9 at 2:00 p.m.
Noonday Prayer
Monday-Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
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Flowers for the Altar
Flowers were provided by the flower guild for the glory of God.
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Holy Eucharist Rite II led by Fr. Ripp & Rev. Lucy on Sunday, August 2, 2020 |
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OUTREACH Volunteer and Serve the Community
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Requesting Humanitarian Aid for Migrants in Texas | DWTX
Click here to read Bishop David Reed's recent blog post regarding this ministry from July 17, 2020.
The diocesan Immigration Ministries Coordinator, Flor Saldivar, has received an urgent request from the network of immigration agencies in South Texas regarding the imminent release of Haitian women and their children from detention centers by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These are families who have entered the legal immigration process and who will eventually join sponsors or family members in the United States.
The immediate need is for temporary housing for up to two weeks. Accommodations do not need to be in a private home, but can be a reservation in a motel or Airbnb as well, funded by donations from individuals, non-profits, and faith communities. From past experiences with migration and refugee ministry, we know that the release of detainees by ICE can happen somewhat unexpectedly, without much information ahead of time about the location or date for their release. Often, local officers don’t know how much notice they will get.
Lifting up our hands in prayer is another. On Friday, August 7th at 7:00 p.m. our diocesan Immigrations Ministry is organizing a prayer vigil to begin an ongoing Migrant Cycle of Prayer for those impacted by the crisis at our border and invites all churches and individual parishioners to join in prayer for immigrants and refugees; for Customs and Border Patrol agents; for the 40 or so stations and detention centers within our Diocese; for people held in detention centers and the people who work within them; and for everyone who serves in ministries to care for all involved.
After the initial prayer vigil, the Immigrations Ministries will host weekly online gatherings for fifteen minutes of prayer, led by a rotation of diocesan clergy and inspired by a Cycle of Prayer laid out by Episcopal Migration Ministries.
If you would like to assist in providing this basic human need directly, please contact Flor Saldivar at immigration@dwtx.org for more information.
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CHILDREN, FAMILY, & YOUTH MINISTRIES Updates & Resources
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Camp Outreach Angel Projects Available for a $20 Donation |
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NURTURE MINISTRIES Christian Education & Fellowship
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND DWTX Announcements & Updates
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2020 Vestry Members
Linda Lund, Sr. Warden; Don Greer, Jr. Warden; Jim Whitcomb, Treasurer
Janet Guillen, Bruce Howard, Carol Lenker, Adrian Quintanilla, and Tori Smith
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