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‘Weekly Posts.
Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 February 11
Today is Saturday, 11 February, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Sexagesima.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Kentigern, Bishop & Confessor.
- Tuesday: NO SERVICES.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, The Martyrs of Japan.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feria, followed by Soup & Study.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Theodore the Tyro, Martyr, with the Gregorian Canon.
10:00 AM, sung Stations of the Cross.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.- Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Quinquagesima.
From this point forward, our schedule will only add labours upon labours, 'til we reach the ultimate expression of Christianity, and of His love for us, The Feast of the Resurrection, commonly called Easter Day. However, this-coming Tuesday will provide a brief respite, as services on that day are cancelled. It being the Feast of S. Valentine, and the modern custom being to have dinner with one's special other, the Church will clear the way for love and romance on this evening, by setting no obligations for attendance.
We have, after an unknown period, but likely over a year!, finished our study of The Practice of Religion, by The Rev'd Fr. Archibald Campbell Knowles, late, long-time (fifty-four years!) Rector of The Church of S. Alban the Martyr, Olney (North Philadelphia). This-coming Thursday will be an open-question session. Please join us for Mass and supper, and bring any question on any aspect of Holy Church! This will be a fun evening for all; the following week we will begin a study of the Gospel according to Saint Luke.
As you no-doubt have noted in the schedule above, we have added the Stations of the Cross to our Friday morning round of services. In two-week's time, on Friday, 24 February, we will add a 5:00 PM opportunity to walk the Via Dolorosa (the way of pain) with our Lord, on His way to death, thence to eternal life, for us all. These will last until Friday, 31 March.
Before we reach this change, there are special dates approaching. In just-under two weeks, on 21 February, we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday. A pancake supper will be cooked and served by the men of the Parish. Food will be served from 5:30 ~ 7:00 PM. For a modest donation, you can eat all that you can eat! The funds raised will benefit the Altar Guild. It is well-known that the ladies of Saint Matthew's have a difficult time coming to Church without bringing food, but on this one night, the men have things well in-hand. Please don't bring anything but your appetites, and enjoy the opportunity to dine without cooking or cleaning!
The following day, of-course, is Ash Wednesday. We will make this observance twice; the first at 12:30 PM, and again at 6:30 PM. The order of service will be the same for both ~ the Great Litany; A Penitential Order for Ash Wednesday; the Imposition of Ashes; and the Mass of the day. This is the official commencement of Great Lent, though we will have been under lesser Lenten Discipline, if you will, for several weeks by then, throughout the -gesima Sundays.
PLEASE HELP! Everyone must immediately begin bringing-in ALL blessed palm-Crosses and fronds from your homes. Your Clergy will burn these, in-order to make the ashes necessary for Ash Wednesday. Between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, there should be NO palms in your homes. This is fitting, if you contemplate the Season. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder,
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 January 27
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 2 January, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria.
- Sunday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany IV, Parish Annual Meeting & potluck.
- Monday: NO SERVICES.
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM, sung Evening Office.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Noonday Prayers (Sext).
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feast of the Purification of the BVM, Commonly known as Candlemas. Supper and Class to follow.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Blasius, with healing of throats, with Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Gilbert of Sempringham, Abbot.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Septuagesima, Institution of Vestry, Altar Servers, Altar Guild at 10:00.
There is much happening this week, of which we need to be mindful. Tomorrow, of-course, will be our Parish Annual Meeting. There will only be the one service at 10:00 AM; after the Mass, EVERYONE WILL REMAIN IN THEIR SEATS, and we will hold the meeting then-and-there. Once it has been concluded, we will adjourn to the Parish Hall for our luncheon. As-ever, our goal is to finish in less-than thirty minutes (the meeting, not our meal)!
Early Monday morning, I will leave for Seven Corners, to buy the candles that we will use in our services, over the course of the coming year. I will also retrieve Bishop Nalls' order, and drop it with him, in Amherst. I'll return from Amherst on Thursday, so that I ~ and the candles ~ will be here for the evening Mass, wherein all of the candles will be blessed. The Purification is a Red Letter Day in the Prayer Book ~ everyone should be in-attendance.
As-listed above, the services during my absence are noted. Of-course, we will also say the Mass for S. Blasius, and invoke him as we pray for the Blessing of Throats. This is a timely service, given the cold-and-flu season, and everyone is enjoined to attend this service, as-well.
A week from tomorrow is Septuagesima Sunday. It has become the Custom of the Parish to institute lay-ministers in their offices on that Sunday, and so we will do again. The Vestry, Altar Servers, and Altar Guild should all be present for this event. The Institution will take-place at the 10:00 service.
Septuagesima is an important turning-point in the life of the Church. It marks the end of Epiphanytide, and the beginning of pre-Lent. Yes, Lent is now approaching. The Altar and hangings will turn Violet ~ the Priest's vestments will darken to Sarum Blue, for this preparatory season.
Let us take as-much of the light of Epiphany with us into Pre-Lent as we may. Though it will perforce dim as we go further into ourselves, being extinguished (in this world) on Good Friday, its presence, and our remembrance thereof, can sustain us through the long, dark, night of the soul to come. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, S. Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 January 21
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 21 January, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany III.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Raymond, Confessor.
- Tuesday: 6:30 PM, monthly Parish Requiem.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Conversion of S. Paul.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, S. Polycarp, Bishop & Martyr.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. John Chrysostom, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor, with Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria.
- Sunday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany IV, Parish Annual Meeting and pot-luck.
Please remember, and write in your calendars and planners, that next Sunday, 29 January, Epiphany IV, is the Annual Parish Meeting. All voting members must be in-attendance at this meeting. We will elect the next class of vestry members, approve the annual budget, and the usual necessaries. There will also be a pot-luck luncheon, after the ONE SERVICE on that day, at 10:00 AM.
After an unfortunate, recent posting on the internet, some good, Christian folk were left with the impression that the OAC were in-discussion with the Church of Rome, concerning unity. Archbishop Gordon thereafter made a video, wherein he made it very clear that we are not going to Rome, as 'twere, nor are we going to Eastern Orthodoxy, nor any where else ~ we are remaining as Orthodox Anglicans, the Western Orthodox, our Ancient heritage. That issue having been laid to rest, let us examine some of the underlying questions that are thereby raised.
Our Lord referenced His one flock, His one Church. His shepherds were to feed and tend the faithful ~ one body in-, and of, Him. Sadly, since the Great Schism, we've done nothing but break it into further pieces.
This does nothing, however, to relieve us of our responsibility to restore what we've broken, to work-towards the reunion of Christendom. As His love for- and towards us is eternal, so are His commands. He left us One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We sundered it; we must work to undo our sinful damage to His Church.
The obvious objects of our attention and labour, the other two branches of the Undivided Church, somewhat shockingly, are those with whom reunion seems most unlikely, if not impossible, in earthly terms. The current occupant of the Chair of Peter is a published, on-record, marxist and heretic ... no reunion there. The Eastern Orthodox, if pressed on the point, do not consider us to be Christian ... not an open door.
Interestingly, we have many things in-common with some evangelical Christians; many of their leaders have, especially in the last fifty-years, warmed to the idea of sacraments, of ancient worship, and other things that we've always held-close. Again surprisingly, at-least to me, the vast majority of American evangelicals, if-not American protestants on the whole, are thoroughly infected with Calvinism. Thus, another seemingly impossible hurdle to cross.
We've a clear command from the Christ. We can see no possible (to our minds) way of fulfilling it. What to do? PRAY! Pray without ceasing. Just as Holy Church has prayed for centuries for the conversion of the Jews, so too we should pray for reunion with our Christian brothers and sisters in Eastern Orthodoxy, and in the Church of Rome. Do not forget to pray for reunion with all protestant and evangelical Churches. Pray daily; pray now!
It is hoped that everyone has adopted the daily, 9:00 PM prayer sessions recently begun at S. Matthew's. The list of intentions that has been passed-out is a starting point. If you wish to add to them, please do so! Share your added intentions with the rest of us, so that the power of prayer, which can lift us to overcome our sins, to restore that which no mortal can correct, will unite us all with one voice before our Lord. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, S. Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 January 14
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 14 January, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Hilary, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany II.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Marcellus I, Pope and Martyr.
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM, S. Anthony, Abbot.
6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Peter's Chair.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feria of Epiphany II, Soup and Supper to follow.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, SS. Fabian & Sebastian, Martyrs, using the Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany III.
Generally, the second Tuesday of each month is when we sing the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. This-past Tuesday, however, several of our regular folk were out-of-town, so we said the Mass, sang the 'Office, and transferred the 'Benediction to this week. Please join us as we celebrate this seldom-seen office on Tuesday evening this-coming.
Our Annual Parish Meeting will take-place this month, on Sunday, the 29th. There will be one service on that day, at 10:00 AM. After the Service, we will have the Parish Meeting and a pot-luck luncheon. We do a fairly good job of keeping them brief, but could always do better. Let us pray for peace, harmony, and brevity to prevail.
Continuing our discussion of prayer, there will be an insert in the bulletins tomorrow, containing an out-line for our new daily prayer program. Each night, at 9:00, we will all stop whatever we're doing, take-out our wee prayer-sheet, and pray the intentions thereon printed. In this way, the entire Parish can pray together, with one voice, to God our Father. There will be slots for individual intentions as-well.
The time of prayer was chosen as one that, hopefully, offers the best opportunity for all of us to pray as one. Early- or late bed times, early- or late dining, should not be affected at the 9:00 hour. That is the hope, and for the wisdom and success of this, we also pray....
Our Morning- and Evening Offices were adapted by Thomas Cranmer from the eight monastic prayer offices that were in common usage in his day, and had been for some centuries. All who are ordained in Anglican Churches are required ~ not suggested, but a must ~ to say these two offices every day of their lives. What many don't realise is that this obligation is also presumed to apply to the laity, by the very inclusion of these prayers in the Prayer Book. Indeed, it is expected that you will say your Morning Office before coming to Mass on Sundays. This is demonstrated by the provision of lections that complement the teachings of the Scripture readings for the Mass on that day.
Another great secret of the Prayer Book is that there is not one setting for the Morning- and Evening Offices, nor are there two settings for each. THREE settings for each of the Daily Offices are to be found in the Book of Common Prayer. The full-form Order for Morning is to be found on p. 3; the second, shorter form is found on p. 587, while the last, most brief form, is on p. 592. For the Evening Office, the corresponding services are found on pp. 21, 589, and 593, respectively.
The latter settings are found in the Family Prayer section, at the back of the Prayer Book, where few souls ever go. Thus, even in the rush and whirl of family life, Holy Church provides ways to speak with God. Pray we may, pray we must, lest any day, we turn to dust. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 January 10
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Tuesday, 10 January, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:
-
Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, Of the Octave of the Epiphany.
6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, of the Octave.
- Thursday: 8:00 AM, Men's Morning Prayer and breakfast.
6:30 PM, Mass, of the Octave, Soup and Study to follow. - Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Octave Day of the Epiphany, using the Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Hilary, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Epiphany II.
Passing-through Epiphany, there is a respite from the greater Feasts and Observations of Holy Mother, the Church. In our Parish life, the next important date is that of our Annual Parish Meeting, on the Twenty-ninth of this month. On that Sunday (Epiphany IV), there will be one service, at 10:00 AM. Afterwards, there will be both a pot-luck luncheon, and the annual meeting. We will cover the usual items (budget, vestry elections, etc.), hopefully in a brief span. Please mark this date on your Kalendars, or calendars, as the case may be.
Speaking of Kalendars, we still have some available, though we've sold nearly two-thirds of those we had printed. As time passes, and orders grow, this will become a notable income-stream for the Parish. Please get yours today, if you've not already done-so. They also make wonderful, teaching gifts.
I am in-touch with many Clergy, and some few Bishops, scattered-across Holy Church, in our own Jurisdiction and elsewhere. In a number of cases, there are Parishes, and, indeed, the entirety of the OAC, that are growing quite nicely, even dramatically. The Clergy in those places all credit the same factor ~ prayer.
Whilst we at Saint Matthew's do a brilliant job of maintaining the liturgy and ceremonial of the Church, the interior life, that of contemplation, meditation, and other ascetical practices may be falling-short. This is, unfortunately, not uncommon in Anglo Catholic circles ~ to emphasise one aspect of the Faith at the unintentional overlooking of others.
Now is the time, particularly with Lent commencing next month, to expand our awareness and practice of prayer. If the Church is not facilitating Faith, then it is failing. With this in-mind, we will be taking-on several new prayer-disciplines. This coming Sunday, there will be prayer-notes available to all. These notes will be an order of prayer, by topic, for each of us to pray, outside of the usual services. Furthermore, we will all do this at 9:00, every evening, in our homes, or wherever we may be. Thus, it becomes possible that the entire membership of Saint Matthew's will be praying, and praying-over the same things, at the same time, as one body of believers, as one body in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
It has been the custom of the regiment, in our Parish, to not-only say the Stations of the Cross twice each Friday in Lent, but at times even in Pre-Lent. This Lent will be different. We will say the 'Stations at 12:10 PM each day, but the usual 5:00 PM time-slot will be dedicated to prayer. This is going to be a great stretch for Anglicans, as this will be open ~ audible ~ prayer. As we each pray in-turn, all will hear the prayer, and be able to pray it also. If one prays aloud for healing for Lisa, the rest will pray silently for healing for Lisa. If the need for the prayer is personal, merely say the name, and we will all pray for the name, God already knowing the nature of the intention.
If you cannot get to the Noon singing of the 'Stations, please see me, and another time WILL be found. Perhaps we can combine the time on Friday evenings, and pray after the 'Stations. That combined service would still be well-under an hour. I commend you to your prayers, and I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Cowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 December 31
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 31 December, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): NO SERVICES.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, the Feast of the Circumcision.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Octave Day of S. Stephen.
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, Octave Day of S. John.
6:30 'Rosary, Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Octave Day of the Holy Innocents.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Vigil of the Epiphany, followed by Soup & Study.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feast of the Epiphany, with the Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 'til at-least 11:00 AM. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, of the Octave of the Epiphany.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 PM, Mass, Epiphany I.
Please note that there will be no services, this-evening. Otherwise, we are returned to our usual schedule. We are well-into the new Christian year; the secular will very-soon commence, as-well.
This is the half of the year which focusses-upon the life of our Lord. We have have anticipated His arrival; we have experienced His birth. We have, and shall, walk His path, following Him, all the way.
We've already sold half of our kalendars; please pray that we shall sell them all, the better to support S. Matthew's in all of our works. In the very near future, we'll have a new prayer-tool in our arsenal. Stay-tuned for further details.
The Epiphany is amongst the most ancient of our Feasts, having been noted by S. Clement of Alexandria (d. c. 217). It was one of the three Great Feasts of the Church, alongside Easter and Pentecost. It originated in the Eastern Church, where it was, and remains, associated with the Baptism of our Lord. They still bless the baptismal waters on this day; there, the Feast also retains some connexion to the Nativity.
In the West from at-least the Fourth century, it soon lost its baptismal reference, but came to be associated with the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, in the person of the Magi, as-is borne out by the Homilies of S. Leo the Great on the Theophania (an alternative name of the Feast). In the Mass and the Office of the Feast, the Magi were given chief place, though the original connexion with the Baptism was emphasised during the Octave. The blessing of the water became attached to the rites of Holy Saturday.
One of the secondary associations is the miracle at Cana. 'Another is the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. In England, the sovereign makes offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in the Chapel Royal on the Feast.
Thus, we, too, will come to recognise in the tiny babe the Saviour of the World. Now is the time, soon is the hour. Prepare the way of the Lord, and sing-forth His praises with joy! I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 December 17
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 17 December, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Ember Saturday in Adventide.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Advent IV; decorating the Parish for Christ Mass after the 10:00 service.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Feria.
- Tuesday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Monthly Parish Requiem.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Thomas, Apostle & Martyr.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feria, followed by Soup & Study.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feria, using the Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 11:00 PM (Midnight Mass), First Mass of Christ Mass, Christ Mass Eve.
- Sunday (One Mass Only): 10:00 AM, Feast of the Nativity, Christ Mass Day.
The Ordo Kalendars are here! They are only fifteen-dollars a pop, despite increasing costs all-around us; last year they were 'fourteen. Please see Charlotte or myself to get yours.
Please note that tomorrow, Sunday, 18 December, after the 10:00 service, we will decorate the Parish for the imminent Christ Mass-tide. The supplies and decorations are all laid-out in the Parish Hall. We will enjoy snacks and fellowship as we further prepare for the Coming of our Lord. As noted-above, there are several changes from our usual schedule of services. We've sporadically done the Vigil of the Nativity; this year, however, it falling on a Saturday, it was decided to omit it. Thus, on Saturday, 24 December, one-week from today, the only service will be the First Mass of the Nativity (Midnight Mass). This service will commence at 11:00 PM.
On Sunday morning-next, it being Christ Mass Day, there will only be one service, at 10:00 AM. There will be no coffee-hour, as folks will, no-doubt, wish to return to their homes, to be with their families (all of whom should have joined them at Church, that morning!). Monday, 26 December, we will return to our usual schedule of services.
Repent! Repent ye, while there yet remains time! This sentiment, in one form or another, has echoed throughout the Church, from before the earthly days of our Lord, back-into the Jewish times that preceded them. Repentance is, in a sense, a slippery concept ~ there is always more time for repentance ... until there isn't.
Even with the correct, historical interpretation of Purgatory as that middle-place betwixt and between physical death and our triumphal entrance into Heaven, there is time for amendment of spirit after death, and before our Lord's second, final return. However, with His return, Purgatory (all of the graves) shall be emptied, their occupants sorted-into the resurrections of righteousness and damnation. Thus, even the opportunity afforded by Purgatory for remedial action shall come to an end.
Here on Earth, we now stand at a lesser-such juncture. Advent, one of the two, great penitential seasons of the Church, is coming to a close, in-anticipation of the Lord's coming to save us, and further anticipating that second, last, great coming at the end of days. Repent, whiles ye may.
Are you ready for Christ Mass? We are, all of us, always ready for joy, and celebration. Beneath the surface-statement of readiness, lies the more profound question ~ have ye prepared for the coming day? If you've not confessed your sins to the Father, do it now. If you are in-need of sacramental confession, with the Priest, schedule it now. Make use of the remaining days of Advent, make use of the time that God has given you, for time, most assuredly, will end. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 December 10
Beloved of the Lord:
To-day is Saturday, 10 December, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Of the Octave of the BVM.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Gaudete (Rose) Sunday, commemorate the Octave.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, of the Octave.
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr.
6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Ember Wednesday in Adventide.
- Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's Morning Prayer & Breakfast. 6:30 PM, Mass, Octave Day of the Conception of the BVM, followed by Soup & Study.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Eusebius, Bishop & Martyr.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Ember Saturday.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Advent IV.
It is a great relief to be back home, and once more, with all y'all, back in our usual schedule of Services. Much good and important work was accomplished in Myrtle Beach ~ perhaps the pinnacle of life in Holy Church, the creation of a new Bishop, and more than this, we had two Consecrations! Now, we will shift our focus to the Season; where we are in our walk with our Lord, both literally in our lives, and figuratively in our annual tracing of His steps through our adherence to the Kalendar of the Church.
This year, the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord (Christ Mass) falls on a Sunday. Thus, the First Mass of Christ Mass will be on Saturday evening, 24 December. This is our usual Midnight Mass, which will commence at 11:00 PM. The following morning, as-opposed to our usual Sunday rota of 8:30 & 10:00, there will likely only be one Mass, at 10:00 AM. Please make note of these times.
Be certain to invite EVERYONE that you can to join us. This a time of great joy and celebration, which we are called to share with all whom we may. Our faith, and His love, should be particularly on-display, during this Season in the life of His Church.
As the Season of Death (Winter) descends slowly upon us, we'd ought to take-advantage of the gathering silence to think, reflect, and feel ... about Life. This most astounding gift from our Father is, in many ways, truly fleeting. In the midst of the rushing years, we are free, by His design, to do as we may. Other forces may impinge-upon us, other people may approve or attack us, and yet, even in these moments, what happens, the manner of our interaction or response, remains the result of choice.
Likely, everyone who is reading these words has made the greatest choice, that of Jesus, the Christ, as their Saviour. However, this is only the beginning. Our Lord followed His choice to sacrifice all for us all to ~ and through ~ the grave. We must be willing, at the very least, to sacrifice for others ~ doing whatever is necessary ~, to bring them to the foot of His Cross; to His Church, to His Sacraments.
In this Season of Death, essential to the Season of Rebirth, let each and every one of us assist others in the establishment, reawakening, the very birthing of their faith in our King, Jesus, the Christ. Now is the time, this is the place, for the in-gathering to commence. Bring all to Him, that He may save all. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 December 7
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Wednesday, 7 December, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Wednesday (today): 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, sung Mass for the Conception of the BVM.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, of the Octave of the Conception of the BVM.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, of the Octave.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Advent III, Commemorate the Octave.
It has been a very busy season, of-late. The Spiritual Warfare retreat was interesting, eye-opening, and quite a marathon ~ two twelve-hour days, followed by a half-day of lectures and practicum. It will take time and much prayer to discern all of it.
Yesterday, on the Feast of S. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor, the Orthodox Anglican Church held its first Consecration in ten years; more than this, two Canons were Consecrated during the liturgy. The Reverend Canon Charles Hart Nalls, Rector of Church of the Epiphany, in Amherst, Virginia, and The Reverend Canon Joshua Adam Arena-Gilliam, Rector of Church of the Resurrection, in Landis, South Carolina, are both now Bishops, heirs to the Apostles, and Princes of His Church. The growth that we've experienced over the last two years occasioned this happy event.
S. Matthew's was well-represented in the ceremony. I served as the Master of Ceremonies; Jim Elsnau served as the Cantor, and Avery Collins was the lead-Crucifer for the processions. Our Parish made substantial contributions, and helped to make the occasion a success.
We've suffered several acts of vandalism at the Parish over the last week. It is concerning, though nothing that can't be repaired. The vestry will soon meet, to address this and other items of business.
We live in perilous times. Domestically, this level of societal upset has not really been seen since the upheavals of the 1960's, or perhaps the Great Depression before that. Discomfiture for some, and true suffering for others, is all about us. What are we to do?
Remain steady. Continue to live the lives that we have lived, as good Christians. Protect ourselves and our own, love and serve others, as best we may, and pray God for insight, peace, His mercy, and His justice.
God is, or should always be, that one note of clarity, that one element of flawless constancy, that one thread of perfect peace that runs throughout our lives. We run, stumble, fall, rise, fight, run, stumble, fall, etc. He remains ever-fixed above, waiting for us to join him there. He is always there for us, as we must strive to be for others.
Suffering is a guaranteed aspect of human life. S. Paul converted this to good use, at the very least making of it a sacrifice of praise to God, and at best, honouring our Lord, Jesus, the Christ, by distantly emulating His sacrifice, His pain, His suffering, all given for us. As He did, so we must do; as He was, so must we be. These will carry us through all things. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 November 30
Beloved of the Lord:
To-day is Wednesday, 30 November, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Wednesday (today): 12:10 PM, Sung Mass with incense, Feast of S. Andrew, Apostle & Martyr.
- Thursday ~ Saturday: NO SERVICES.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Morning Prayer (Said at 8:30; Sung at 10:00).
- Monday-Tuesday: NO SERVICES.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
(Usual service schedule resumes, from this day forward.)
PLEASE take close note of the service schedule, printed-above, as there are a number of variations from our regular rota. My usual trip to Oregon over the Thanksgiving holiday was quite nice, though the return flight was severely disrupted, forcing me to return to the Tidewater at Midnight on Saturday, not my preferred arrival-time, considering Sunday services.
I will be departing for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after the Noon service, today. There will be a Spiritual Warfare conference from Thursday through Saturday. Monday this-coming, several men will be Consecrated as Bishops for service in our South American Dioceses. Tuesday morning, the Reverend Canons Charles Hart Nalls and Joshua Arena-Gilliam will be Consecrated for service as Bishops in our domestic Church, the former as Suffragan to Archbishop Gordon, the latter as a Missionary Bishop for Spanish-language Churches, including those throughout South America. These are the first Consecrations for the American Church in a decade; thus, a great and important day in the life of Holy Church.
Please pray for the safe travel of all attending these meetings and events. Please pray for the success of them. Please pray for me, a sinner, as I and others from our Parish represent Saint Matthew's, taking vital roles in all of the foregoing. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 November 7
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Monday, 7 November, in the year of our Lord 2022. The long-anticipated week has arrived. Much work has been done, anticipating this event, and more remains before the actual commencement of the 'Convention. 'More on that below; the scheduled services are as-follows:
- Monday (today): NO SERVICES (carpets are being cleaned throughout the Church).
- Tuesday: 12:00 Noon Restoration of the furniture
5:30 PM, Mass, Octave Day of All Saint's.
6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Theodore, Martyr.
General Convention commences with Clergy meetings and registration.
- Thursday: 6:00 PM, Abbreviated Evening Office; Mass, Feria of Trinity XXI.
- Friday: 8:00 AM, Abbreviated Morning Office; Mass, S. Martin, Bishop & Confessor.
11:30 AM (+/-), Noonday Prayers.
4:30 PM, Evening Prayer. - Saturday: 9:00 AM, Abbreviated Morning Office; Mass, Feria of Trinity XXI.
11:30 AM, Noonday Prayers.
General Convention concludes at lunch.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XXII, Comm. S. Britius, Bishop & Confessor.
As may be seen, a very busy week has begun! No services today, regular schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday, 'Convention scheduling Thursday through Saturday, and returning to regular schedule on Sunday, will be the pattern for the week. We held the last organisational meeting this-past Saturday, and scheduled volunteers for various tasks. MORE VOLUNTEERS are always welcome! We can never have too many hands on the work.
Tuesday (tomorrow) at Noon, we will be returning all of the furniture to the Parish Hall, which was removed yesterday by those who attended the 10:00 Mass. ALL HANDS ON-DECK to make this a simple, quick task. Do not forget to cast your votes in Tuesday's elections. We represent our Lord, thereby. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 October 29
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 29 October, in the year of our Lord 2022. Tempus fugit! The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XIX.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, The Feast of Christ the King, commemorate Trinity XX.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Vigil of All Saints.
6:00 ~ 800 PM, Trick-or-Trunk. - Tuesday: 5:30 PM, sung Mass with incense, All Saint's Day.
6:30 PM, Holy Rosary and Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 & 6:30 PM, the Observation of All Soul's Day.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, S. Winifred, Virgin & Martyr, commemorate Octave of All Saint's, Soup & Study to follow.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, S. Borromeo, Bishop & Confessor, commemorate Octave.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 10:00 AM, Final planning / volunteers meeting for the General
Convention of the OAC.
5:00 PM, Holy Communion, S. Elizabeth, Mother of S. John Baptist, commemorate the Octave. - Sunday: 2:00 AM ~ TIME CHANGE!!!!!! Fall-back.
8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XXI, commemorate the Octave.
Please note that, as-per usual, the Mass for All Souls will be said twice, in-order to facilitate maximum attendance. This is one of the very few days on the Kalendar that have such a provision. PLEASE give your lists of names to be remembered and prayed-over to me tomorrow, or no-later than Trick-or-Trunk on Monday, 31 October. Hand-written lists are acceptable, but please make-certain that they are legible. Only Christian (first) names are required.
Speaking of Trick-or-Trunk, the Parish will make its trial-run, as-noted above, this-coming Monday, 31 October, at 6:00 PM. The City mandates the hours for this event, which will be from 6:00 'til 8:00 PM. Essentially, we will park our cars so that they are accessible to passersby, trunks open, from which treats will be dispensed to the wee, costumed wanderers that pass-by the Parish. Volunteers may costume themselves if they wish; please, nothing evil (witches, warlocks, demons, axe-murderers, etc.).
Saturday, 5 November, will see the volunteers meeting for the General Convention of the OAC, which will be held here over the 10th - 12th of November, Thursday through Saturday of that week. ALL ARE WELCOME to attend this meeting. Yes, that means you, gentlemen ~ your talents and numbers will be most welcome in this project of our Parish. Assignments will be made on that day, duties explained, and so-forth. Any final or overlooked details will also be addressed. All help is gratefully accepted ~ volunteers will not be required to pay the registration fees for attending the sessions!
Sunday, 6 November, cometh the time-change! We Fall-back, so 2:00 AM becomes 1:00 AM, magically giving us an extra hour of rest. There is, apparently, some legislation currently in the Congress that has, I believe, already passed the 'House, and, if passed by the Senate, will eliminate the changing of the clocks thenceforth. We shall see what we shall see, in this matter.
As-mentioned in previous 'Weekly Posts, two Priests will be Consecrated to the Episcopacy (made Bishops) less-than a month after the close of the General Convention. The Rev'd Canons Charles H. Nalls and Joshua Gilliam will be Consecrated on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, 6 December of this year. Good Shepherd Parish in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will host the Consecrations. Canon Nalls has reserved a block of rooms for the event, the information for which is as-follows: Hampton Inn Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach, at USD 99.00 per night. Breakfast is included. Code should be OAC; it is 1.3 miles from the church. Be sure to tell them if you only are staying for one night or more than one. +1 (843) 916-0600.
October has nearly ended. At the end of November, we will witness the arrival and commencement of Adventide. This, of-course, marks the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, the Christ. As we draw-near to the end of Trinitytide, let us not forget the lessons taught us during that half of our Church year, devoted to the life of the Church, and her understanding of the Son of God. We will see the genesis, the very living of them, in the world, through His life, in the Seasons that are soon to come. I remain
in His Service,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Rector, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 October 24
Beloved of the Lord:
To-day is Monday, 24 October, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Tuesday (tomorrow): 6:30 PM, Mass, Monthly Parish Requiem.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feast of Bl. Alfred the Great, King & Confessor.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Vigil SS. Simon & Jude, Apostles & Martyrs. Soup and Study to follow.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, SS. Simon & Jude, Apostles & Martyrs, with the Gregorian Canon. Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XIX.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 PM, Mass, Christ the King (Comm. Trinity XX)
It will be very busy for us, between now and the end of the calendar year. A week from today will be All Hallow's Eve, also known as the Vigil of All Saint's. On that evening, we will have Trick-or-Trunk at the Parish. This consists of sitting at your car, with treats for the tots in the open trunk. The City apparently sets the schedule for this; it will run from 6:00 'til 8:00 PM. 'Costumes at your discretion, preferably Christian-themed ones if you decide so to do.
There will be a general meeting for everyone willing to volunteer for the approaching General Convention. It will fall on Saturday, 5 November, at 10:00 AM, in the Parish Hall. Men and women are both encouraged to attend ~ tasks are available for all to do. Please mark this in your calendars, everyone! REMEMBER, volunteers are exempt from any fees associated with the 'Convention.
After the 10:00 Mass on Sunday, 6 November, we will empty the Parish Hall of all tables, chairs, and other moveable furniture, save-for the refrigerator. The carpets there, and in the main body of the Church, will be cleaned Monday morning, 7 November. As-such, there will be NO MASS on that Monday.
The General Convention will commence on Thursday, 10 November, at 2:00 PM, with a meeting for the Clergy. There will then be the opening of registration, at 4:00 PM. We will go non-stop from there through Noon on Saturday, when luncheon will have been served, and the faithful will begin to depart for their home parishes.
Friday, 11 November, will be ALL HANDS ON DECK! Saint Matthew's is responsible for saying the Mass that morning, at 8:00 AM. If you sing or serve, please be here no-later-than 7:30 AM. This will be sung, as we do at 10:00 every Sunday, with the addition of incense. We will hold a practice for this service.
Per the custom of the Regiment, there will be no Mass on Thanksgiving Day, as I will be on the other-side of the Continent. Morning prayer will be said at 10:00 AM, that we may offer thanks to God for our many blessings, and, in-particular, for our families, and their well-being, on that day. Also, being set in the morning, we aim to not interfere with the many preparations for the grand meal!
Once we've cleared all of the preceding hurdles, there remains one majour event on our Kalendar for the year. On the Feast of S. Nicholas, 6 December, the faitful will gather in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There, The Rev'd Canons Charles H. Nalls and Joshua Gilliam will be Consecrated to the Episcopacy, for greater service to God's one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, within the Orthodox Anglican Church. A block of rooms has been reserved ~ it is suggested that reservations be made sooner-than-later, as the block is not large. This a pinnacle event, in the life of Holy Church, so as-many-as possible should attend. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 October 18
Beloved of the Lord:
To-day is Tuesday, 18 October, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Sung Mass with Incense, The Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist & Martyr.
6:30 PM, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Frideswide, Virgin.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XVIII, followed by Soup & Study.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Hilarion, Abt., Comm. S. Ursula & Companions, Virgins & Martyrs.
- Saturday: 9:00 AM, Holy Communion & Vestry Meeting. 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XVIII.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XIX; monthly Parish Brunch after 10:00 AM Mass.
Please note that our next monthly ~ or so ~ Parish Brunch has been scheduled for this-coming Sunday, 23 October, after the 10:00 service. There will be no coffee hour on that day, after that service. We will meet at The County Grill, on 17, in York County. They prefer to reserve the side-room for parties of no-less than a dozen, so let's all turn-out for this fun event.
This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will also be the Fall Greek Festival, sponsored by our Brothers and Sisters in Christ of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Inasmuch as the Fall version does not cover Sunday, there are no plans to have a group outing from S. Matthew's. However, we can all go singly, enjoy some wonderful food, and support their Parish.
Over the last few years, we've been growing quite a list of to-do projects. Fortunately, the occasion of the General Convention has provided the motivation to focus our efforts in this regard. In-addition to the previously-published lists of achievements, this week we've moved most of the excess furniture out-of the Parish Hall, and disposed of the pew-front that has resided in the main hallway these last several years. We've far fewer projects to go than we had when we started this work, thanks be to God, and we anticipate the completion of all of them before the 'Convention begins, on 10 November.
The other majour event laying before us is the Consecration of two new Bishops for the OAC. These will be the first new Bishops in over ten years. The OAC has always striven, most appropriately, to not have a superfluity of men in Episcopal Orders, as has plagued many of the other Anglican Churches. Thanks to our recent, rapid growth, the ministry of these new heirs to the Apostles will be much-needed.
The Consecrations will take place less-than a month after the General Convention, on The Feast of S. Nicholas, Bishop & Confessor, 6 December, AD 2022. The location will be the Pro-Cathedral of The Good Shepherd, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Rev'd Canons Charles H. Nalls and Joshua Gilliam will be made Bishops; Canon Nalls as Suffragan Bishop to the Archbishop, and Canon Gilliam as the Missionary Bishop for Spanish-speaking ministries. Bishop-elect Nalls has arranged a block of rooms in Myrtle Beach ~ please see me for the details, if you plan-on attending. It is hoped that as-many of the faithful as may will attend this joyous event.
We are blessed to be a part of a thriving, loving body of Christians in the Orthodox Anglican Church. We are in the right place. Let us do all that we can to support the work of our Lord, in Word and in Sacrament, in this Church, at this time, the better to worship and adore our Lord, Jesus, the Christ. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 October 4
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Tuesday, 4 October, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled Services are as-follows:
-
Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Francis of Assisi, Confessor.
6:30 PM, Holy Rosary, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, SS. Placidus & Companions, Martyrs.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, S Bruno, Confessor, with Soup & Study following.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Sung Mass, Holy Rosary of the BVM, with Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Bridgit, Queen & Widow.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 PM, Mass, Trinity XVII, Comm. SS. Denys, Rusticus, Eleutherius, Martyrs.
The Blessing of the Animals went well, this-past Saturday. It was followed by the blessing of the new S. Francis statue in our front garden. We had some invited guests in-attendance, which made it even better. A video has been posted on Facebook, and our YouTube page, I believe.
We are continuing our work on improving our Parish. The contractor has finished all of his work. Yesterday morning, we donated all of the things that we've been storing for a rummage-sale to The Needs Network, a local charitable thrift-store, which benefits the homeless and the otherwise needy. It was quite a pile, when rooted-out from all of the corners where it had been tucked. As you may imagine, this has de-cluttered several spaces within the Parish, including our Hall. These projects will continue.
For several days prior to the Blessing of the Animals, the sounds of a creature trapped above our ceiling in the Sanctuary had been plain. Having held that service, I couldn't see allowing something to die up there, and so, investigated. As it turned-out, it was in the wall betwixt the sacristy and the Sanctuary. As I began to remove the sheetrock, bit-by-bit, working down from the ceiling, I thought that I saw a round head at the bottom of the space, and thought that I might be rescuing something exotic, like a Saw Whet owl. After removing the last piece of wallboard, I heard some scrabbling, and what should pop-up and look me in the eye but a squirrel, alas, who jumped out over my shoulder. After some herding, he streaked-across the front lawn to the trio of Crepe Myrtles by the drainage-ditch, where he'd clearly been before.
The imaginings ~ phantasies ~ that we develope in our minds are an endless wonder. I supposed that I was saving a lovely bird, of some-sort, and was, frankly, perhaps uncharitably, disappointed when I discovered that it was merely a squirrel, for which breed I've never held much sympathy. This certainly reminded me that we must always be cheerful givers ~ cheerful workers of His will, and Word. Though my joy dimmed upon discovering the squirrel in the wall, I'm certain that the squirrel's joy was boundless.
We should never underestimate the benefits of the actions that we commit in His name. Despite they're not always being what we hope, or imagine, those who receive the benefit of them know no such dimming, but only a growing appreciation for His mercy, and love. Let us always be bringers of the light, that His glory and honour may ever be magnified. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 September 24
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Saturday, 24 September, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Saturday (today): SERVICES CANCELED.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XV, Commemorate Blessed Launcelot Andrewes, Bishop & Confessor.
- Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XV.
- Tuesday: 6:30 PM, Requiem, Parish Monthly.
- Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Wenceslas, Prince & Martyr.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, S. Michael & All Angels, Soup & Supper to follow.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, S. Jerome, Confessor & Doctor, with the Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Remigius, Bishop & Confessor.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XVI, Commemorate Holy Guardian Angels.
In less than two months, we will be hosting the General Convention of the Orthodox Anglican Church. It will run from the Tenth through the Twelfth of November, Thursday afternoon through Saturday Noon. The agenda will be published this-coming week. Please keep your schedules open, in-case your help is needed.
OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE is the Friday-morning Mass, set for 9:00 AM. This will be done, with the exception of the part of the Deacon, only using Saint Matthew's staff. All servers, singers, and other Altar Crew MUST be here on that day, at that time. We will put our best foot forward at the 'Convention.
Thanks go out to all who had a hand in preparing for the recent visitation of Archbishop Gordon and Jan to our Parish. I think that everything went very well, and that a good time was had by all. There were copious amounts of home-made victuals for the luncheon. Our repair and remodelling projects are almost all-complete. Giada McReynolds was Confirmed in the Sacraments of Holy Church, and our steeple, and recently-gifted statue of S. Matthew, were blessed by the Archbishop.
Please continue, or commence if you've not yet done so, to pray for the growth of our Parish, numerically. We've many gifts of God already, here ~ a solid budget, a choir, an organist, a good cadre of servers for the Altar, and a core-group that can achieve virtually any task. We've men studying and considering Holy Orders. We say the Mass, daily! We offer a depth of variety of other services that, in all likelihood, cannot individually be found in any other Parish in Virginia, much-less collectively. It has taken us years so to do, but we have built an ideal Anglo-Catholic Parish.
All that we now need is to fill our pews, in-order to teach and spread the Faith even further afield, in The Tidewater. Sherri Fosdick has graciously accepted the position as Chair of the Growth Committee, and is well under-weigh in making and executing plans that cross evangelistic, advertising, and outreach boundaries. Uniting all of this will be a renewed and integrated electronic presence for the Parish. We shall go forward boldly, into places we have never been, proceeding in the name of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ.
Pray. Pray fervently. Pray from broken and contrite hearts. Pray now. Pray unto ages of ages to come. Amen.
In His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 September 19
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Monday, 19 September, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
-
Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, Bl. John Colreridge Patteson, Bishop & Martyr.
6:30 PM, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XIV.
- Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, SS. Maurice & Companions, Martyrs, followed by Soup & Study.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Linus, Bishop & Martyr, with the Gregorian Canon.
Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. - Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Our Lady of Ransom.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XV, Commemorate Bl. Launcelot Andrewes, Bishop & Confessor.
Yesterday, we Celebrated the Feast (Transferred) of Saint Matthew, our Patron, and hosted Archbishop Gordon and his wife, Jan, for his official visit to our Parish. Giada Philomena McReynolds was Confirmed as a Communicant Member of God's one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church by the Archbishop. Additionally, he blessed a statue of S. Matthew, donated by the Jordans. Lastly, he blessed our new steeple. A truly wonderful potluck was held in the Parish Hall, with many favourite dishes on-hand. It was a beautiful day, inside and out, with good liturgy and lovely singing, accompanied by our organ in full-form. As we've been praying, there were over thirty souls in-attendance!
There will be little rest in the aftermath, as we are continuing our preparations for the General Convention of the Church, which we will host here, at S. Matthew's, over the 10th - 12th of November. This will be a Thursday afternoon through Saturday Noon affair. The official schedule will soon be released. Be prepared to assist as-needed for the various duties we will fulfill as the host parish.
In the meantime, our annual Blessing of the Animals will take-place on Saturday, 1 October, at 10:00 AM at the Parish. There will be treats for our canine and feline guests, and light refreshments for the humans. We've begun circulating flyers in the Hilton neighbourhood. Please take some from the table in the narthex, and post them where you live and work.
On 6 December of this year, the OAC will Consecrate two Bishops to the service of our growing Church. The Rev'd Canons Charles H. Nalls and Joshua Gilliam will be raised to the Episcopacy at the Pro-Cathedral, Good Shepherd Parish, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Canon Nalls will be Consecrated as a Suffragan Bishop, while Canon Gilliam will be Consecrated as a Missionary Bishop to Spanish-speaking ministries. Never having participated in the proliferation of Bishops, as-have many Anglican bodies, these will be the first Consecrations in ten years for our Church. If the current growth maintains, The Archbishop has indicated that there may be another Consecration before the end of AD 2023.
All of these good things, in both our Parish, and in our greater Church, are the by-products of faith. What if the first, best, mayhap the only method by which the faithful communicate with God? Prayer.
If we expect good things to happen within our Parish, we mut pray for them. I asked that we pray for at-least thirty souls to attend our services every Sunday. The very next Sunday, we had over thirty. This is not to say that all things for which we ask in prayer will arrive that suddenly, or will maintain without variance. The point is that they can, if our prayers are sincere, heartfelt, and for the betterment of His Kingdom.
Let us continue, unceasing, in prayer. We must all become, if we are not already, prayer warriors. For most of us, the World is darker now than it has ever been in our lifetimes. Our primary defence against the Dark is prayer. Our only sure method of overcoming it is prayer. Pray ... pray as-though your lives depend-upon it. They very well may. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 September 13
Beloved of the Lord:
Today is Tuesday, 13 September, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
- Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, Feria.
6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Sung Mass, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Ember Wednesday.
- Thursday: 8:00 AM, monthly men's Morning Prayer and breakfast.
6:30 PM, Mass, Seven Sorrows of the BVM, Soup & Study. - Friday: S. Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr, Ember Friday, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Hildegard, Virgin; Stigmata of S. Francis; Ember Saturday.
- Sunday: 10:00 AM, one Mass, Trinity XIV, Edward Bouvarie Pusey, Confessor ~ Archbishop Gordon's official visit.
Commencing this past Sunday, and continuing into the future, we will pray for our Parish at every Mass and Service. Not only is this most appropriate, it is hoped that this will inspire each of us to pray for Saint Matthew's, daily, in our private devotions. Inasmuch as we are dependent, at-least in-part, upon attendance at our services for our works, and our survival, I encourage everyone to make this the intention of their personal prayers. Let us begin by praying, every day, for an average Sunday attendance of thirty souls. I know of Parishes wherein these prayers have yielded wonderful results. Let us demonstrate our faith in our Parish by doing the same.
This Sunday will be the official visit of Archbishop Gordon to Saint Matthew's. There will be only ONE MASS on that day, commencing at 10:00 AM. EVERYONE should be with us, no exceptions. Please feel free to bring friends, family, and those in-search of a church home with you. For those who serve at the Altar (Choir, Servers, and Clergy), there will be a practice on Wednesday, 14 September, at 4:00 PM.
Our renovations are proceeding at a slightly slower pace than anticipated, but this is rarely a surprise in these matters. The interior work has been finished, per the tasks we asked the contractor to complete. Our own tasks are also proceeding apace. We are de-cluttering our church, and ordering what remains. If you see something that needs doing, please feel free to jump-in and do it!
Our recently-held Clericus for the Clergy of the Church was a success. Much fellowship was had; liturgical and clerical standards were discussed; and a new Deacon was received from one of the other Anglican jurisdictions. Parishes and Clergy from across the Anglican Diaspora in the United States are looking at us as a refuge from the power-politics and distractions found in so many churches, these days. As we pray for the growth and success of our own Parish, let us not forget to pray the same for our greater Church, that our shield and strength may endure.
Perhaps you will remember when the Disciples went to our Lord, after having found and failed to expel a demon inhabiting a person. He, of-course, accomplished the task. They asked Him why they had been unable to do so; He replied that this sort of demon may only be expelled by prayer and fasting. Thus, we are taught that all things, including the most difficult, may be over-come by prayer and fasting.
On several occasions, our Presidents have called for national days of fasting, usually in moments of crisis, when all other solutions seemed fruitless. And yet, how often do we fail to resort to these most powerful tools, when we face a peril, or even a simple need? We must learn, or re-learn, how to be prayer-warriors ~ to pray as simply as a child, with the devotion of a hermit, and the power of a saint. In this way, we shall well-serve our Lord, Jesus, the Christ, in these things wherein He has called us to serve, if not to battle. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish
‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2022 September 6
Beloved of the Lord:
To-day is Tuesday, 6 September, in the year of our Lord 2022. The scheduled services are as-follows:
-
Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, Feria of Trinity XII.
6:30 PM, Holy Rosary, Sung Evensong. - Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Evurtius, Bishop & Confessor.
- Thursday: SERVICES CANCELLED.
- Friday: 9:00 AM, Sung Matins.
- Saturday: SERVICES CANCELLED.
- Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Trinity XIII, Commemorate SS. Protus & Hyacinth, Martyrs.
We are now in a busy period, which will take us to the end of this calendar year. In two-day's time, Avery Collins and I will depart for Black Mountain, South Carolina, to attend the Fall Clericus of the OAC. The theme of the Clericus is Meet Your Mother, Mary. September having no-fewer than four Marian Feasts, this is a most timely topic.
As a result of the Clericus, there will be no services on either Thursday (including the monthly men's Morning Prayer and breakfast) or Saturday of this week. The time will remain the same for the Friday service, though the service itself will be changed, of-course. The Sunday schedule, as-always, will remain intact.
Archbishop Gordon will make his official visit to Saint Matthew's in less-than two-week's time. He and his wife, Jan, will be here not this Sunday, but the next, 18 September. On that day, we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Matthew, transferred from its proper date to a Sunday, as-is our custom. There will be one service, at 10:00 AM. He will bless and dedicate our new steeple, and will Confirm Giada McReynolds. After the service, there will be a pot-luck luncheon, in the Parish Hall.
We are also just-over sixty days from the General Convention. In-light of both The Archbishop's visit, and the 'Convention, we are making a number of improvements to our building and grounds. The interior renovations are largely complete. Those on the exterior should be completed before his visit. We will also be cleaning carpets, and de-cluttering, in the mean-time.
A state of homogeneity within a Parish can be both boon and bane. To the good, unity of spirituality, outlook and expression can create an island of calm in our lives, which is ~ in-part ~ what Holy Church had always ought to be. On the bad, we can feel ourselves too free to comment on the socio-political events and trends of the day, which can be off-putting to new members and visitors. Generally-speaking, these things do not concern us, here. Our salvation, and all that it entails, is what we come here to be about, and we must be wary of straying too far outside these bounds.
I've personally witnessed visitors to our Parish, upon hearing someone making strident social commentary during the coffee hour, leave our midst, never to return, even-though they'd visited several times. Some issues, which directly contravene God's law and ways, are appropriate to be discussed. However, whilst in our Church, the best and most fit conversation is our faith, and how we may employ it to love and bring EVERYONE with us, to God's grace, and His Heaven. I remain
in His praise,
The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder
Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish