Reflection from our Co-Pastors - Thursday Oct 22

Reflections from our Co-Pastors

October 22, 2020

Ephesians 3:14-21

Saint Paul blesses us with a beautiful prayer this morning:

"May God grant you to be strengthened with power through God's Spirit in the inner self… that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… that you may have the strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breath and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

He continues, by telling the Ephesians that God's plan is to unite all things in Christ, particularly, all people in Christ. Through Christ's crucifixion and his forgiveness of sins, all people are on equal footing before God. There is no longer any divine preference, for Christ has broken down the dividing walls. The cross of Christ creates a "new humanity," a way that does not privilege one national, denominational, or ethnic group above another.

With Christ's resurrection, Jesus now possesses immeasurable power to eradicate the oppressive influence of all spiritual forces that have held people captive.

And the two signs that God's plan is being realized are the presence of the Holy Spirit and the unity of the church, the people of God.

Although Paul speaks to the Ephesians more than 2000 years ago, his words resonate with us this day. His prayer serves us well at a time when we are seeking strength, peace, hope, and the presence of God during these turbulent times.

Our three parishes take a big step forward to realize God's divine plan by breaking down the dividing walls between Catholics, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, thereby creating greater unity in God's church--the people of God--each and all.

Please join us Sunday, October 25, at 10:30 am, and witness our part in furthering God's kin-dom on earth.

AMEN

Reference: 'Introducing the New Testament' by Mark Allan Powell

Schedule of

Sunday Services

Oct 11 - Deacon Rosean; 5:00 p.m. via ZOOM

Oct 18 - Father Michael; 5:00 p.m. via ZOOM

Oct 25 - Faith Partners (3-Church) Service at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Nov 1st - Father Teri at 11:00 a.m. via zoom with a virtual event following. (See Weds' email for details)

Nov 8 - Pastor Jane; 5:00 p.m. via ZOOM

Nov 15 - Father Michael; 5:00 p.m. via ZOOM

Nov 22 - Deacon Rosean; 5:00 p.m. via ZOOM

Prayer Requests and Service Links

For Mike - son of Ann Russell, who had to evacuate due to the fires. For Lauren Roob entering into new cancer treatment- friend of Rosanna Bateman.

Healing prayers for Dianna Padilla, sister of Lisa Jones, who underwent surgery for cancer. For Liz and Ken Zornes and family, friends of Sandra and Dick Life, whose daughter is struggling with addiction.

For Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe. For Dona Bosse - community member and Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother. For Dani - Niece of the Cloyds and Mary Crosby –

parishioner and Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll. For Dani - Niece of the Cloyds and Mary Crosby – parishioner. For Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll. And Leo Six – father of Michael Six, Mike Gudim, Margie Weitz, Suzanne King, Robert Browell.

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For peaceful repose for the souls of those who've passed and comfort for the families.

For Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones.

Bob - Husband of Joyce Dehaven,

friend of Cathy Engel

David Heyman - member

Teri Kent - member

Pat DeMuth -sister of Jim DeMuth, member

Bill McClellan - Father of Jennifer Pfeister, member

Father of Julie Shoenbauer, member

Edwin White - brother in law of Pastor Jane

Bill, Greg, and Calvin -

friends of Deacon Rosean

And for Ted Boltz and comfort for Fr. Frank Quintana and family - an ECC Pastor of St. Oscar Romero, ECC in Albuquerque.

Our Service Recordings and More

View our Oct 18th Sunday servic e celebrating the 28th Sunday in ordinary time. You can also access a printable document of the entire service to assist with prayer. Here is Father Michael's homily.

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during our hiatus from celebrating together, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection

with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com

Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal

What are our partners in ministry here up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin

Click here to visit the Mary of Magdala, ECC website