Upcoming Trip to England

In lieu of normal posts this week, I wanted to give a sneak peek at an upcoming series on this blog. Next week (Aug. 1) I'm beginning a two-week trip to England, designed as both a mini-sabbatical and a work trip to present an academic paper at a patristics conference. Along the way, I'll be seeking out two of my favorite things in the world--birds and old churches! My trip will include a walking pilgrimage to Canterbury, a stopover at the old anchorite-church of Julian of Norwich, and visits to upwards of fifty different churches and cathedrals which tie into the story of English Christianity through the ages. I'm hoping to post about the journey as I go, at least in the way of uploading some pictures and a pilgrimage itinerary, so keep your eye out for that starting toward the end of next week.

A Prayer from Michael Botting

Eternal and most merciful Father,

We praise you for calling your Church

Out of the darkness of sin

Into Christ's marvelous light

And exalting us to sit with him

As kings and priests.

Grant that our worship may be acceptable,

Our living holy,

And our witness effective.

This we ask in the name

Of our great High Priest,

Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Sermon: The Plans He Has for Us (Jer. 29-31)

 

The Plans He Has for Us (Jer. 29-31)

(click here to listen or right-click to download)

The Evangeliad (29:39-42)

(Click here for an introduction and previous installments of the Evangeliad)

Section 29:39-42 (corresponding to Matt. 20:13-16; )

The owner replied with calm and with grace,

'Friends, how did I wrong you in any way?

Did you not agree to work for this price?

So take what is yours, and let it suffice.

For I choose to give to each one the same,

Regardless of how long they've worked for my name.

Aren't I entitled to give what is mine?

Does my grace grieve you and make you repine?'

Thus the last ones are first, the first ones last,

Not counting toil or time that has passed.

For the goodness of God is not fixed by you,

But lavishly granted to all He will choose."

Photo of the Week

This grace was given to me [...]:

To make everyone see

The plan of the mystery

Hidden for ages in God,

Who created all things,

So that through the church

The wisdom of God

In its rich variety

Might now be made known...

- Ephesians 3:8-10

Quote of the Week

"The truly wise talk little about [religious debates in Christianity] and are not given to taking sides on doctrinal issues. When they hear people advocating or opposing the claims of this or that party in the church, they turn away with a smile such as men yield to the talk of children. They have no time, they would say, for that kind of thing. They have enough to do in trying to faithfully practice what is beyond dispute."

- George MacDonald

A Prayer from Paul VI

Make us worthy, Lord,

To serve our fellow men throughout the world

Who live and die in poverty and hunger.

Give them through our hands, this day their daily bread,

And by our understanding love,

Give peace and joy.

Amen.