‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 May 22

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Monday, 22 May, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (tomorrow): 6:30 PM, Mass, monthly Parish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Of the Octave of the Ascension; commemorate S. Vincent of Lerins, Confessor.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Octave Day of the Ascension; Soup and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop & Confessor, using Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, The Venerable Bede, Confessor & Doctor.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Whitsunday.

For those attending our weekly soup & study, we took some detours these past two session, but will return this week to the study of the Gospel According to S. Luke. Please read Chapter Four, verses 24 to the end of the Chapter. If you've yet to join us for this study, please do so.

Pentecost (Whitsunday) is one of the great Feasts of the Ancient Church. It was the second-most common day upon which to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, following Easter. The word Pentecost refers to the coming of the Holy Ghost, following hard upon the heels of our Lord's Ascension, His return to Heaven-above.

Whitsunday is a typical English contraction, having come from White Sunday. It was the custom to bathe (often only an annual event in English villages) on that morning, don garments of white ~ symbolic of purity ~ and parade through the Village on the way to the Church, there to be Baptised into the Body of Christ, His most holy Church. They walked through the world, this fallen, muddy, dirty in oh so many ways one, to reach that perfect, spotless, flawless one to come.

Purity ... a dead concept. When I signed-on to my computer, there was a link for the fashions at the Cannes Film Festival, which I clicked. The headline article was on a woman of whom I've never heard (perhaps an actress), who wore a hard, transparent, plastic halter, beneath which was revealed everything. Apparently, she's known for her 'daring' fashion choices. Thus, what would've gotten her arrested not that many years-ago, and well-within my lifetime, is now celebrated.

Purity ... a dead concept? In this world, under the Prince of this World, yes. However, not dead under our Prince. We not only remember Him, we know Him. We strive to live as He lead us to do. We are not pure, but strive ever for it, hoping to attain it, on His great day of coming. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Canon T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 May 9

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 9 May, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Gregory Nazianzus, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
  6:30 PM, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Feria of Easter IV.
• Thursday: 8:00 AM, men's monthly Morning Prayer &breakfast.
  6:30 PM, Mass, Feria of Easter IV, followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, SS. Nereus, Achilles, Domitilla & Pancras, Martyrs, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, The Martyrs of Uganda.

Note that this week, we've the monthly Men's Morning Prayer. Also, our Soup and Study will return after a week's hiatus. Please read from verse 24 to the end of Chapter 4 of the Gospel According to Luke.

At the recent OAC Spring Conference, there were several important events. For our purposes at S. Matthew's, chief among these was the Ordination to the Diaconate of Avery Collins. S. Matthew's, more than most parishes, has a long tradition of having Deacons on-staff, as 'twere. Once more, we deepen our position as a parish practicing the fullness of the faith Catholic.

Also at this 'Conference, I was promoted Canon by the Archbishop. Within the Parish, you may continue to call me 'Father. To use Canon is not improper, and you may, if you so wish. However, I've been Father here for nearly eleven years (this July) ~ and that has been, and will continue to be, my primary role at S. Matthew's.

The nature of what it means to be Ordained has largely been forgotten, in the modern world; even portions of His Church have blurred what have been, and should remain, clear distinctions. A man, once Ordained, no-longer exists as he has been known. When the Bishop laid his hands upon him, he died to this world, and rose first a Deacon. He has now become a new creation ~ a new creature ~ in God's Kingdom. He entered a new life, set-apart, called closer to the Christ. Obviously, the memories and associations of the man still remain, but the rest of his life will follow a path that will lead-away from the former nature, and towards the latter.

In the West (Romans and Anglicans), when you ask a man when he was Ordained, he will inevitably give the date of his Priestly Ordination. In the East, the response is the Diaconal date. This latter is the appropriate, and preferred, response, for it is in that instant (Ordination as a Deacon) when a man casts-off the old, and becomes the new. At that moment, he has entered Holy Orders, and become a Sacrament.

It can be especially difficult to make this transformation in the Parish within which one has been known as a parishioner. The notable exception to this was Bishop Mote, who served as layman, Deacon, Priest, and Bishop all in the same Parish! Just as it is the duty of the Ordained to set himself apart from what he was before, it is our duty as a parish to support him in this effort.

As Anglicans, we excel in matters of form. Thus, you may use Deacon, Deacon Collins, or Father Deacon as forms of address. The written form is The Reverend Deacon Avery Collins. These are patterned-after the Eastern forms, to better make-clear the distinction. Under no circumstances should The Reverend Mister... be used; this is an old, episcopalian practice, that at-best blurs the lines, and at-worst attempts to degrade Holy Orders. We will all slip in applying these titles, in the beginning, but it is intention, not result, that matters most.

Order ~ God's first gift to us, in His, and our, Creation. As all things tend ~ or should ~ towards God, the order shifts; or should we say returns to its original shape, as He intended it to be. At the very least, let us serve as His tools, in this greatest of struggles, the salvation of man, and the restoration of the Kingdom. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 May 2

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 2 May, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Athanasius.
  6:30 PM, Holy Rosary, Sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Invention of the Holy Cross.
• Thursday: NO SERVICES.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Sung Matins.
• Saturday: NO SERVICES.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Easter IV.

Midday on Thursday, Avery Collins and I will be travelling to the Spring Conference of the OAC, which will be held in Eustis, Florida. There, he will be Ordained to the Diaconate, which is to say that he will be made a Deacon, in the Prayer Book usage. That Mass will commence at 4:30 PM, Thursday afternoon. Please keep Avery in your prayers, during that time, on that day, as he enters-into Holy Orders, being set-apart for the work of God, and of His holy Church.

As a result of this trip, as is noted in the schedule above, there will be no services on either Thursday or Saturday. Perhaps the greatest benefit of having more than one Clergyman in a Parish is the decreased odds of the faithful ever having to do without the holy Sacrament ~ if I happen to be out of the Parish, Avery, using what is called a Deacon's Liturgy (it is not a Mass, because nothing is being consecrated), may distribute the Host from the Reserve Sacrament, which is kept in the tabernacle upon the Altar for this and other needs. Thus, the spiritual necessities of the Parish can be better-met.

For those participating in our current class, The Gospel According to Saint Luke, we are in Chapter four. Please be certain to read and review Chapter four, from verse 24 to the end. We will next meet on Thursday, 11 May.

For those even moderately familiar with the Kalendar of the Church, you will no-doubt recall the Feast of Saint Stephen, Protodeacon and Protomartyr (proto from the Greek for primary, or first). He was Ordered Deacon to assist in serving at the table. I one heard Kirk Cameron, a sometime-actor and evangelical protestant, describing S. Stephen's role as serving food and clearing dishes at the meals after services! A real Deacon does serve food ~ the most-blessed Sacrament ~ and clear dishes ~ the holy vessels of the Altar, but he does neither in the degraded sense conveyed by Mr. Cameron.

The table mentioned in 'Scripture, of-course, is the holy Altar. When Holy Church was persecuted, Deacons took the Sacrament out from where the Priests and Bishops had consecrated it to the people, who could not gather-together in numbers, as that would attract attention, and very possible death, for being servants of our Lord.

Those ancient Deacons, then, were on the front-lines of the Faith, carrying the very body of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ, through dark streets and alleyways, bringing eternal life to those who believed. Every Priest and Bishop that has ever been, or will be, began as a Deacon, and remains a Deacon throughout their lives. The day of Ordination for a Deacon is the first day of his life-in-Christ in Holy Orders.

We will soon be blessed to have a Deacon in our midst, at Saint Matthew's. Pray thanks to almighty God for His munificence to us, in this blessing. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 April 25

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Tuesday, 25 April, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (today): 5:30 PM, Sung Mass, Saint Mark, Evangelist & Martyr.
  6:30 PM, Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Sung Mass, Patronage of Saint Joseph.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Saint Peter Canisius, Confessor & Doctor, followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Saint Paul of the Cross, Confessor.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Easter III, monthly Parish Brunch at Smoke Barbecue, on Warwick, after 10:00 service.

Alleluia, He is risen! Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia! We remain in Eastertide 'til the Feast of the Ascension, which commemorates our Lord's leaving this world, to return to His home, in the heaven of heavens above. In the meantime, let us all show-forth the heavenly grace of His crucifixion, by which we are all saved, and the joy of His resurrection, by which we are all uplifted.

As-noted above, we will have our Parish Brunch this-coming Sunday. Please jot this in your schedule, and join us! We will break the fast together, on that day.

This-past Sunday, after services were completed, and as he was mowing the lawn, young Sam Wells discovered four baby opossums in the grass, under the three Crepe Myrtles, beside the drainage ditch at the back of our property. They were fed Sunday evening, and were placed with a wildlife 'rehabber' (I'd never heard of such a thing) on Monday afternoon. They seemed in good health, and are now with experts, who will eventually return them to their native habitat.

The vestry met last evening. Among other matters, new officers were elected; Bill Leary is the new Rector's Warden, James Deviese will remain as the People's Warden, and Charlotte Haden will remain ~ thankfully! ~ as our Treasurer, a post that she has occupied for some years, now. As you may've noticed, a number of the bricks that were tossed-into the ditch have been lifted-out, as a result of the good works of Al Scharff, and his Grandson, Aiden McReynolds, one of our acolytes when he is in-town.

There are several on-going maintenance projects about the Parish. If you've noticed something that may need doing, please feel free to jump-in and take-on the matter at-hand. You can coordinate scheduling and supplies through the People's Warden, James Deviese. If it is a larger project, he can help to arrange that, as-well.

As we approach Summer, please remember to keep your tithe current, despite vacations and other travels that often occur during those months. The easiest way to manage your tithe is to make it an auto-pay from your bank account. In this way, the Parish will have the benefit of a consistent income-stream, regardless of the season of the year. Saint Matthew's is here to serve you, and your family, 365 days per year. Your tithe should reflect your year-round commitment to our Parish, and never become a matter of only giving when you attend services. Someone is here, every day of the week, and those labours need to be supported. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 April 15

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 15 April, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Saturday in Easter Week.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Low Sunday (Easter I).
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Stephen Harding, Abt.
• Tuesday: 6:30 PM, monthly Parish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. Alphege, Bishop & Martyr.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Feria, followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Anselm, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor, with the Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Good Shepherd Sunday (Easter II).

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia! Having just emerged from Great Lent, including the travail of Holy Week, things are now, blessedly, quiet. That will change with the Feasts towards the end of May, but, for now, we can be still in our knowledge of the life and light of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ.

What are we to with the gift of freedom that our Lord has given us ~ freedom from sin and from death? We are to accept the gift, and then to live it. We achieve this by living the life that He has given us without fear.

Holy Scripture tells us not to fear the one who who can take our life, but rather fear the One who may not only take our life, but cast our soul into Hell. This not Satan ~ he may kill us, but over our soul he has no power, beyond that given to him by we ourselves. Therefore, of all Creation, we need only fear God. However, that is a topic for another 'Post.

Suffice it to say that, in this life, we've nothing to fear. Witness the Saints, more especially the Martyrs. S. Lawrence, whose Feast we've yet to celebrate, this year, when he was being roasted to death, asked his murderers if they might turn him over, as he was certain that the side closest to the flames was done. Death held no fear for him, as his greater, eternal end was already known to him.

We must strive to be the same. When in situations where death might find us, we truly should be fearless, thus calm. What can our enemies do? The World? Take our lives? Alleluia, for if they do, we shall be nearer the Christ than ever before!

If we can remain fearless in the face of Death, then nothing else may claim dominion over us. We can proceed to love and live for our Lord, without hesitation. As it has been written, so now must we do. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 March 18

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 18 March, the Feast of S. Cyril of Jerusalem. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Mothering Sunday (Lent IV).
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, S. Cuthbert, Bishop & Confessor.
• Tuesday: 5:30 PM, Mass, S. Benedict, Abbot.
  6:30 PM, Sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Blessed James de Koven.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, S. Joseph, Spouse of the BVM, followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, S. Gabriel, Archangel, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Stations of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
  5:00 PM, Stations of the Cross.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Annunciation of the BVM.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Passion Sunday (Lent V).

There are envelopes in the narthex for the flowering of the Sanctuary at Easter. Please write ~ legibly ~ in the space-provided any dedications or memorials that you wish to have included in the Eastertide bulletins. Perhaps shockingly, there is not much more time to accomplish this, so act accordingly.

Just as there is symmetry permeating the Creation, so, too, in our Kalendar, we see the symmetry of His grand design. Light and Dark, both, are ever-present. Thus, even as we come-closer to the greatest Darkness, the death of our Lord, Messias, Jesus, the Christ, we see signs of the light, have we but eyes to see them.

On three successive days this-coming week, we Celebrate first the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Lord's earthly Father, Saint Joseph. Next comes Saint Gabriel, Archangel, Messenger of the Most High God. Lastly, we have the Annunciation, when S. Gabriel reveals to Holy Mary what, and the nature thereof, will soon happen to her.

In the spirit of symmetry, of unity, of intentional design, these clear indications of the Light to come reach us nine months prior to His earthly birth. Thus, on the eve of His death, and the dying of the light, we are reminded that His birth is coming, is always coming to save us from the horrors that we not only created, but imposed upon Him. He is constantly coming to save us, just as He is constantly wounded by our sin. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 March 11

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 11 March, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent III.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Tuesday: 6:30 PM, Sung Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Sext (monastic Noonday prayers).
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Lenten Feria, followed-by Soup and Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Saint Patrick, Bishop & Confessor, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Stations of the Cross & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
  5:00 PM, Stations of the Cross.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, S. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Mothering Sunday (Lent IV).

'Another busy week for us, here at S. Matthew's. I will be out of the Parish at the beginning of the week, for several days of meetings with the Archbishop, in Myrtle Beach. Thus, there are slight changes to the schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, the Mass will not be said on either of those days.

On Friday, we will Celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick, Patron of Ireland. As Anglicans, abstinence means refraining from the consumption of red meat. We do this in-order to consume no blood, on the day when the Christ shed His blood for us, thereby honouring Him and His Sacrifice.

The Prayer Book admonishes us to do so on virtually all-of-the Fridays of the year, but particularly during Lent. The exceptions are the major Feasts of Christ Mass and the Epiphany. This opens-up a larger question about the relationship betwixt and between Feasts and Fasts.

Even during Lent, there is never any fasting on Sundays; indeed, the intervening Sundays are not counted in the forty days that compose Great Lent. This is because some centuries-ago, all Sundays were elevated to being first-class Feasts, in light of the mandatory attendance of the faithful at Church on those days.

One of the most common instances of this dichotomy is when Feasts occur during Great Lent. Whether the Feast in-question is Red or White in liturgical colour, it is not ~ clearly ~ Violet. Thus, on those days, the recitation of the Greater Gloria (Gloria in Excelsis), and the lesser Glorias, is restored. The Missal provides other liturgical clues, on those days, to remind us that we are indeed in Great Lent. Among these is the use of the Lenten Preface, and the commemoration of the Feria, the Mass that would have been said, had the non-Feast not occurred.

Now for S. Patrick. His Feast, being White in Colour, as he was not martyred, cannot, technically, be a day of fasting or of abstinence. However, this year it is not only in Lent, but falls on a Friday. What to do?

Using the rules, so-to-speak, you should be in the clear, when eating your corned beef. As a part of my personal Lenten devotions, I have for some years abstained completely from meat throughout Lent. As-such, I usually have my corned beef after Easter.

Taking an overview of these questions, there are several points that must be made. One is that eating meat ~ or not ~ will neither save nor condemn our souls. Abstinence is what is called a sacramental ~ things that we do for holy purposes, to aid us in better apprehending and living our faith. They are spiritual tools. If violating the rules for abstaining and fasting were enough to condemn us, we'd all be damned, which is not what our Lord seeks for us. He is not a legalist, in this strict, perhaps petty, sense.

The extent to which we follow these practices does not make us any holier than another person. Doing so can take us deeper-into communion with our Lord, and His holy Church; also with understanding His Sacrifice. They can help us to improve, relative to our former selves, but not in-regards to the spiritual status of other faithful.

Lastly, if health considerations make abstinence or fasting dangerous to you in any way, then all bets are off ~ don't do them. There are many, many other ways, other sacramentals, that can be used to attain the same spiritual goals that we pursue through these perhaps more common means. Regardless of the methods used, the entire point of Lent is to recognise our sins, and to draw further-away from them, and their pain, as we come nearer to Jesus, and His grace. I remain

in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

‘Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 February 25

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 25 February, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent I.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Tuesday: 6:30 PM, Mass, monthly Parish Requiem.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, S. David, Bishop & Confessor.
• Thursday: NO SERVICES.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, sung Matins.
• Saturday: NO SERVICES.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent II

PLEASE NOTE the changes to our usual schedule. I'll be attending the Spring Clericus (gathering of Clergy; usually done in Spring and Fall) at the end of the week, so we'll, regrettably, not have the Mass for a few days. Take this opportunity to say your Offices (as we all should, every day) with the free time that these changes give you.

Having had our General Convention last November, and it being a biennial event, this year there will be a Spring Conference. It is to be held at Epiphany Celebration Church, one of our parishes in Florida. The parish is in Eustis; the hotel is in nearby Tavares. A group rate has been set; the group name is Epiphany Anglican Church, and the group number is XD3OLO. The 'phone number for the Comfort Inn and Suites is 352-253-2378. The dates are 4 - 6 May, a Thursday through Saturday schedule.

Inasmuch as this is not a 'Convention, no business will be conducted. Therefore, we will not be sending official delegates. Anyone who wishes to go may do so.

On the end of the building next to the Old Point Bank branch that I use, on Jefferson Avenue, I've noticed a sign for Care Net. This is a Christian, pro-life organisation with which I am familiar. When I was Rector of S. Columba in Warrenton, in NOVA, I was active with them, along-with a number of other pastors who were ~ and are ~ friends of mine.

I stopped-by their office, yesterday, and introduced myself and Saint Matthew's to them. I got a few brochures, and will put these in the Parish Hall. Please look at them when next you're in the Parish.

They have periodic meetings with local clergy, to keep us informed of their projects and initiatives. I'm going to begin attending these. Among other things, they've recently purchased their own building, which they are currently remodelling. Perhaps, through gathering volunteers from our midst, we can contribute to their efforts to refurbish and move-into their own facility.

There are a number of us at Saint Matthew's who are passionate about combatting on-demand abortion in our Country. As a Parish, we have recently begun to make a larger presence for ourselves in social- and electronic media. Whilst these things are truly important in this age, we must also establish a larger presence and ministry in Newport News, and its environs. We are the chief, if not the only Anglo-Catholic presence in the Seven Cities; we must find every way, and use every opportunity, to let people know that we are here.

Lent is a Season of death ~ we must die to sin (how much of ourselves must go this way is known only to God and us) and rise to righteousness in Him. It seems highly appropriate that whilst in death we think of life; thus, let us look at ways in which we may better serve in the war against death, and provide life for infants, the most innocent amongst us. I remain

in His service,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish

Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 February 18

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Saturday, 18 February, in the year of our Lord 2023. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Saturday (today): 5:00 PM, Mass, Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Quinquagesima.
• Monday: 10:00 AM, Mass, Feria.
• Tuesday: 5:30 - 7:00 PM, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! (No services today).
• Wednesday: 12:30 & 6:30 PM, ASH WEDNESDAY; Great Litany in Procession, A Penitential Office, Imposition of Ashes & Mass.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Mass, Vigil of S. Matthias, Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Feast of S. Matthias, Apostle & Martyr, with the Gregorian Canon.
  10:00 AM, Stations of the Cross.
  Immediately following, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
  5:00 PM, Stations of the Cross.
• Saturday: 5:00 PM, Mass, Lenten Feria.
• Sunday: 8:30 & 10:00 AM, Mass, Lent I.

BRING YOUR PALM CROSSES AND FRONDS TO THE PARISH, ASAP!

PLEASE NOTE the changes to this week's schedule, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday, being Shrove Tuesday, will be a fun gathering, filled ~in good, Saint Matthew's tradition ~with food. Five dollars per-person (children under twelve eat for free) will gain you entrance. The funds raised will benefit the Altar Guild; fitting that the men raise money for the women's ministry. Do remember that the men are fully responsible for the meal, ladies, so do not bring extra foods, or feel compelled to help with the cleaning, etc. The supplies are already laid-in, and only await the griddle, and everyone's appetite!

Ash Wednesday will begin all of the further customs and observances for Great Lent, not already commenced on Septuagesima. Abstinence, fasting, attending more than your usual round of services, and more besides, must now draw our attention, away from the world, unto Christ. 'More on this below.

Next year will mark thirty years since I began studying for Holy Orders. In that time, I've been in many places serving the Church, and have seen much. Throughout all of this space, I've never seen such flux in Anglican Churches in the United States, omitting, of-course, the Episcopal Church. Realignment and instability, failures in leadership, leadership uncertain as to which way to lead their flock, and on it goes.

We are blessed to have leadership that strikes no uncertain note. Our Lord is Jesus; our mission is service to Him, through extending salvation to all whom we may. We bow before Him, surrendering all that we have and are, rejoicing in the opportunity to do so, and teaching others the to do same. Pray for our Bishops and Clergy, that they may never lose this Way!

Shrove Tuesday is our last joyful gathering for some time to come, Ash Wednesday following hard upon it, the very next day. Come Wednesday, when our sins are physically laid-upon us in the character of Ashes, we will begin the Lenten process. Our obligation is to tear-away ~rip, shred, cut, peel, scrape, burn and purge ~all of the delusions and illusions with which we cover ourselves, or that others place-upon us. All of the niceties, all of the falsehoods, all of the vanities that infect us must be done-away, dropped and left-behind on the ground, like so much discarded skin, as we walk, stumble, and crawl, over the rough and rocky path, completely exposed, naked to His eyes, towards His Cross.

BRING YOUR PALM CROSSES AND FRONDS TO THE PARISH, ASAP!

I remain in His praise,

The Rev'd Fr. T. L. Crowder

Pastor, S. Matthew's Parish

Weekly Post. Anno Domini 2023 February 11

Beloved of the Lord:

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