The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.
Psalm 111:10
Understanding and the Fear of the Lord
We can gain so much when we take time with the Psalms. Having a good commentary can help, especially when we can catch the energy behind words we only read in translation from the Hebrew and Greek.
Those reading Psalm 111 in Hebrew would immediately recognize it as one of the eight Acrostic or Alphabetical Psalms. Here each stanza begins with a letter of the Hebrew Alphabet (just like many children’s books in English begin: “a is for apple, b is for ball”.) Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, offers 8 verses for each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet leading to a Psalm of 176 verses!
Here, the Psalmist uses the alphabet to praise God for all that God has done. God’s compassion, care, persistence, and deliverance all catch the Psalmist’s eye. We, in turned are asked to respond as we study, marvel, and rely on God’s deeds of power.
The final verse is one that often brings people to me with questions. “Are we really supposed to fear the Lord?” What kind of God demands fear? We are not the first generation to ask this question.
More than 1,000 years ago in Andalusia, the great Jewish scholar, Bahya ibn Paquda, living under Muslim rule in what we now call Spain wrote the first Systematic Ethics text in Arabic using Biblical texts as well as non-Jewish philosophers. Bahya felt that many Jews paid attention only to the outward observance of Jewish law, "the duties to be performed by the parts of the body", without regard to the inner ideas and sentiments that should be embodied in the Jewish way of life, "the duties of the heart".
He observed that many people disregarded all duties incumbent upon them, whether outward observances or inner moral obligations. A century later, the great Jewish scientist and philosopher Maimonides would suggest that the fear of God was a positive commandment, the feeling of human insignificance deriving from contemplation of God's "great and wonderful actions and creations.”
As summer wanes, perhaps we can turn our hearts to offer alphabetical praise for God’s goodness to us. God’s protection, provision, and power are evident all around (and that’s just the letter P). Returning to our outward observances and our inner moral obligations can re-orient us as we turn to the season of school, work, and harvest. It might even lead to a better understanding of God’s love for us and all creation.
Peace,
Mark +
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Important Worship Update
In response to the recently updated CDC guidance on increasing cases of COVID-19, Christ Church leadership has revisited our mask policy. Effective immediately, out of an abundance of caution, masks will be required for indoor worship services and large gatherings. As conditions change with the evolution of the pandemic, this policy may be revised.
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This Sunday's Worship Service
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Please pray for: Robin Pender, Camilla Parrott, Anna Sisson, Dian Rowe, Danny Brown, Scott & Lynn Clark, Sharon McCain, Lynne Benton, Susan V., Kayla, Bill & Margie Campbell, Nancy King, Kevin Parks, Chalk Jewell, Tommy Pham, Michel Sipes, Susan Fralic, Juan Mendoza, Susan Fralic, Jack Wright, Bob Dean & Family, Bob Hutchison, Carol Holland (RIP)-Caroline Aland & Family, Bob Willis, Chris, Deny, Wes Sawyer, Mackenzie Brewer, Shirley Grail, Mary Coursey, Kathy Blodgett, Mark Mangin, Kevin Soibel, Chris Tracy, Suzi Lyman (RIP)-Greg Lyman & Family, Ron Ingham, Lisa Pike
Prayer Requests can be sent to prayer@ccpki.org
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Serving Chart
Serving In Person for Sunday, August 15th
Lectors: Jeff Pike, Carole Katrinic
Eucharistic Minister: Liza Hamill
Ushers: Jordan Swonger, Bill Vanderbok
Greeters: Susie Reckord & Colleen Minahan
Altar Guild: Betsy Sipes, Tom Christensen, Lynne Shand, Patti Snyder
Recording the Online Service
Readers: Goldey Vansant, Helen Vansant
Eucharistic Ministers: Liza Hamill & Charlie Mead
Serving In Person for Sunday, August 22nd
Lectors: Mike Parker, Betsy Sipes
Eucharistic Minister: Jim Lipsner
Ushers: Eric and Linette Hummel
Greeters: Caroline & Tim Aland
Altar Guild: Sally Lewis, Maria Jones, Eileen Shreve, Anne Tyler
Recording the Online Service
Readers: Bob Thompson, Dottie Wilson
Eucharistic Ministers: Dick Sells & Lois Vanderbok
Serving In Person for Sunday, August 29th
Lectors: Kathy Sells, Adele Sadiq
Eucharistic Minister: Verna Downey
Ushers: Bob Rosekrans, Charlie Schwan
Greeters: Maria Jones and Molly Cannon
Altar Guild: DeeDee & Kevin McCracken, Carole Tulip, Gini Wathen
Recording the Online Service
Readers: Tom Christensen, Betsy Sipes
Eucharistic Ministers: Mike & Ruthanne Herold
If you are unable to serve, please find a replacement
and contact the Parish Office.
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Important and Fun Events Coming Up Soon!
August 29, 2021
Please come to Tim and Caroline Aland’s gracious home at noon for a gathering around the pool! We are especially excited to see families with children, so they can connect and begin to envision a re-booted Christian Education program. All are welcome to join in the conversation and share a simple lunch.
September 12, 2021
Please join us at Camp Wright for a 10:00 worship service in the amphitheater, followed by DIY picnics! Our beloved pot luck lunch is not feasible this year, so we are inviting everyone to bring their own picnic and enjoy fellowship and fun. Outdoor games and activities for children will provide many smiles!
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DONATIONS NEEDED!!
The Grasonville Food Pantry serves 10 to 12 clients each Tuesday and Friday. This critical resource primarily serves seniors who do not have transportation, or the ability to leave their area for groceries. Grasonville is a bit of a food desert for those who do not have transportation or mobility.
During the height of the pandemic, Christ Church Kent Island received deliveries of food from the FDA and the Maryland Food Bank. Lately, we have not received these deliveries, but the need continues. Our supplies are rapidly dwindling, and we need your help!
Please consider adding a few items to your grocery cart every time you shop and dropping them off once a month or at Sunday service for our Grasonville sisters and brothers. A cart is located at the church where we will gladly receive your donations. Items such as pasta sauce, pasta, canned meat or fish, canned vegetables and fruits, hearty soups, rice and cereal are most needed. Remember that financial donations can also be placed in the wooden box in the blue shopping cart. As always, we appreciate any and all donations!
For information, contact Juanita 410-310-0139 or foodpantry@ccpki.org
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Race and Reconciliation Book Discussion |
You are invited to read Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, and discuss it with a group of parishioners on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 7 p.m. CLICK HERE TO JOIN. Feel free to invite friends to join us in the discussion.
Caste describes racism in the United States as an aspect of a caste system – a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by notions such as hierarchy, inclusion and exclusion, and purity. Wilkerson does so by comparing aspects of the experience of American people of color to the caste systems of India and Nazi Germany, and she explores the impact of caste on societies shaped by them, and their people.
Caste has been included in several lists of best books of 2020, including the Washington Post, Time, and NPR. The New York Times described the book as "an instant American classic and almost certainly the keynote nonfiction book of the American century thus far." To hear Wilkerson talk about this book, click here or here. For more information, contact Dottie Wilson at 615-478-2366.
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The Return of our Music Ministry-Mark Your Calendars!
Gary Van Essen, Minister of Music
I am excited to let you know that we are planning for a full return for our Music Ministry this fall. Highlights include:
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The return of our Praise Band beginning on Camp Wright Sunday, 9/12. After Camp Wright Sunday, the Praise Band will continue to lead worship services approximately once a month!
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The return of our Parish Choir, beginning on Sunday 9/19. The Parish Choir will lead worship services each week!
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Special concerts and events, including a Broadway Cabaret (Saturday, 10/16/21 at 7 p.m.), the return of the Westminster Ringers (Saturday 12/11/21 at 7 p.m.) and a concert by a Tyler Canonico, a phenomenal young organist (Friday 3/25/22 at 7 p.m.). You can get more information about these concerts by visiting the concerts page (under “ministries” then “music”) on our website!
As always, new members are welcome in our Parish Choir and Praise Band. We are working within health guidelines and the recommendations of the CDC and American Choral Directors Association to ensure everyone’s safety, so some parts of our Music Ministry might look a little different this year but our praise will remain the same. Feel free to contact me (music@ccpki.org) if you have any questions or suggestions.
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Sign up Now for Fall
EfM Class
Every one of us is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. We start in September and meet once a week until May. As lay people we face the challenging task of interpreting the richness of the church's faith in a complex and confusing world. We need a theological education that supports our faith and teaches us to express our faith in day-to-day events. The EfM program is preparation for the ministry to which we all are called. EfM is a four-year program: Old Testament, New Testament, History, and Theology.
We are now recruiting for the Fall where we will do both Zoom and In-person meetings (we hope for in person!). For more information, please contact one of our mentors: efm@ccpki.org
Adele Sadiq (410-924-3313), Bluette Blinoff (610-212-6366), Ann Sieracki (302-547-5692), or Connie Clark (502-235-9674)
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Ways to Support Christ Church
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Electronic Giving: Click Here
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Text to Give by texting CCPKI to 73256
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Bank: Have your bank send a check or make an ACH transfer
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By Check: CCPKI 830 Romancoke Rd. Stevensville MD 21666
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Our Daily Thread Thrift Shop has opened at its new location – 1521 Postal Road (former location of Sears).
You are encouraged to come by and check out the new facility.
Our Daily Thread is looking for some additional volunteers. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Liz Bazzell at 410-353-0455 or stop by the store and offer to help!
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Christ Church Parish Kent Island| 410-643-5921 | office@ccpki.org | ccpki.org |
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