Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23:6
A Most Familiar Song of Trust
Next to the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23 is probably the most often repeated text in all Holy Scripture. The BCP offers it as a choice for Baptisms and Funerals and it shows up regularly in Daily Evening Prayer on Saturday nights.
Psalm 23 may be so familiar that we actually lose its narrative power. We are told it is a Psalm of David and the first part describes God’s observant care. As a shepherd, the Lord makes sure we want for nothing. Green pastures and still waters allow for our nutrition. We are revitalized and set on the right path (or perhaps the path of righteousness). The center of the psalm brings in looming shadow and death. Now the Shepherd is addressed directly: “You are with me” with rod (for defense) and staff (for guidance). In the final section there is a banquet spread. We are anointed (a sign of hospitality) and our cup is filled to overflowing. Now we are pursued, not by death, but by goodness and mercy. Wanderers no more; we dwell in God’s house.
This text has meant so much to so many that Psalm 23 represents the only words offered in three different translations. The Rite One Burial Service includes ten Psalms brought over from the 1928 BCP. These texts, (pages 471-79) which date back before 1540, are the work of Myles Coverdale, a reformer who worked alongside William Tyndale to produce the first Bible in English. 70 years before the Authorized Version (we say the King James’ Version), Coverdale was the version of the Psalms printed in the BCPs of 1549, 1552 & 1559.
The BCP was made illegal during the English Civil (1642-51) by the Puritans who saw no need for any text other than the Bible. It wasn’t until 1662 that a revised BCP was approved. The King James Version was now the normative translation for readings, but since the laity had been using Coverdale’s psalms in secret, it was decided to keep them.
Over the next 300 years, most American Protestant churches used the KJV in worship but the Coverdale Psalms held the day in the American BCP. When the 1979 version of the BCP was printed, it was decided to include the KJV version of the Lord’s Prayer in the Burial Service (page 476 at the bottom of the page).
Finally, in 1979 along with the other 149 Psalms, Psalm 23 was translated afresh, using a version that does not match any other modern translation.
Whatever translation you use, remember that God is our caring provider. God does not eliminate darkness or death; but God protects and feeds us. Through divine shepherding we hope to live forever surrounded by lovingkindness and mercy. That’s worth a page or two of ink and a great number of our braincells!
Peace,
Mark +
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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A cleanup of the Broad Creek Cemetery is scheduled from 9:00 to 12:00 on Monday, October 12. A small group of volunteers could use a little extra help. If you can bring a gas or battery driven weed whacker, blower or small saw, that would be great. Jeans and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. We hope to see some new faces there!
Contact Charlie for more information
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Christian Formation
Winnie and I enjoyed greeting all who came by the church circle on Sunday for the animal blessings in honor of St. Francis. We love the stories of St Francis so much that we are continuing with them this week on “Lessons with Lisa.” Winnie and I went on a walk to search for all the St. Francis statues and other mementos present in and around our church. Check out our walk on “Wednesday with Winnie.” In the midst of all the school and work zooming please take time out of each day to enjoy and give thanks to God’s beautiful creations all around us. Peace, Miss Lisa O
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Blessing of the Animals
We blessed 20 animals last week in our Drive-In Pet Blessing.
We raised $107 for Saving Future Feral Cats and
$150 for Chesapeake Cats & Dogs.
Thanks for your support!!
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Please pray for: Angela & Trent, Camp Wright, Chris, Scott & Lynn Clark, Shannon Cole, Jane Coppage, Wendy Costello, Corie Davis, Bryan Dalheim (RIP), Bob & Laura Dean, Deny, Paul Dorr, Jim Ewing, Jim Gallagher, Dave Grapes, Rick H & Family, Rita Hadlock, Ronald Hartman, Carol Holland, Jim Hoverman, Clint Hoxter, Charles Jewell, Anne Jones, Josette, Rowan & Lyla, Jeff Kolbeins, Mike Kratzer & Family, Olivia Marguerite, Sharon McCain, Toinette McDowell, Doug McMillan & Family, Bob Meile, Faith Miller, Bob Moore, Camilla Parrott, Al Peppel, John Perkins, Gail Renborg, Rick & Christina, John Riley, Jeff Rouse, Adele & David Sadiq, Judy Schubrook, Dick Sells, Kirsten Shelek (RIP), Anna Sisson, Ian Vansant & Family, Kathy & Roger Whitehead, Candace Williams, Bob Willis, Lee Wilson (RIP), Jack Wright
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This Sunday's Worship Service
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CHOIR UPDATE
We will continue to offer anthems on our weekly video services. Please consider signing up to provide music one or more Sundays. This is open to all members and friends of the congregation. Also, if you have a friend or family member who is a musician, please consider inviting them to participate. The sign up for the fall is here.. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45AAAD2CA1F49-christ
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Pause, Ponder and Pray Returns
Tuesday Night Bible Study
Ever wonder who picks the Scriptures we read on Sundays? Ever thought about where a sermon comes from? Ever wished you felt more comfortable with your bible? Pause, Ponder and Pray is for you.
We have begun gathering around our screens and looking at the Sunday Scriptures. We talk about who wrote them down, why we read them, what they meant to the first hearers and what they mean to us. Along the way we share stories from the lives of God’s people and our own stories of doubt and faith.
Come as often as you like. Bring your questions, and an open heart and mind. If getting on to Zoom is an issue, call or email the church and one of our tech team will assist you. You can invite friends to join in. It’s an interactive learning experience!
Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
**Watch for an email invitation via Constant Contact or you may contact the parish office for the Zoom link.
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Daily Evening Prayer with Fr. Mark
For more than 30 years I have marked the end of my workday with Evening Prayer. During COVID, I went back to praying alone; but I now believe I can safely offer prayer in church again. We’ll meet in the Narthex (the gathering space just inside the church doors.) Come in through the Shand Hall doors. Sign in, Masks and Hand sanitizing will be required.
If you have a smart phone, please go wherever you get your apps. Download the free app from Mission St Clare. It’s really easy and will allow us to share prayer without books. If you prefer, bring your own BCP or I can loan you one of ours to carry. I hope to share the service on Facebook Live in the coming weeks, but first I need to get my rhythm back.
Join me any day Monday to Thursday at 5:00 pm for Daily Evening Prayer.
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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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Virtual Run 4 Shelter: October 16th – 18th
Haven Ministries will be hosting a Virtual Run 4 Shelter to benefit our Housing Programs including the Emergency Shelter and Food Pantries. This is an opportunity to get outdoors and run or walk by yourself, with family and friends or create a team and support our services!
A virtual run or walk is like a traditional run —friendly competition, t‑shirts, a finish line, and selfies! But, you pick the route and choose what time to participate!
Registration is $25 for adults • $15 for youth and includes an event T-shirt. Business and Team Sponsorships are available for $100 and includes your name on the event T-shirt. T-shirts will be available for pick up evenings October 12th – 15th from 5 – 7pm at Haven Ministries Headquarters:
206 Del Rhodes Avenue
Queenstown, MD 21658
410-827-7194
Online registration is open through September 27, 2020. Paper registration forms are also available at Our Daily Thread Thrift Store, Hope Warehouse and Haven Ministries headquarters.
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Christ Church Parish Kent Island| 410-643-5921 | office@ccpki.org | ccpki.org |
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