Deacon's Mass
is a Communion service, officiated by a Deacon, with elements of Bread and Wine previously consecrated by a priest or bishop.
The Order of St. John the Beloved offers Morning Prayer at Mercy House hermitage Monday and Tuesday at 6 am, and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 am.
Bishop/Abbot Jim has given permission for us to have a Deacon's Mass with Morning Prayer. We are excited!
So now, we'll have Morning Prayer with Communion Tuesday at 6 am and Friday at 7 am. All are welcome. Join us and receive Christ in Communion.
br. francis
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday worship and stuff
We had great worship at CSF today. Clare brought tacos and they were good. We also discussed liturgies to use during Sunday morning Eucharist. Our fellowship and lunch together was good.
Shirley and I went to Lake Hefner this evening at sundown and did evening prayer there, and some walking. Had a nice drive after, including a Sonic stop (!) for slushes. Nice day.
Hope yours was good, as well.
br. francis
We had great worship at CSF today. Clare brought tacos and they were good. We also discussed liturgies to use during Sunday morning Eucharist. Our fellowship and lunch together was good.
Shirley and I went to Lake Hefner this evening at sundown and did evening prayer there, and some walking. Had a nice drive after, including a Sonic stop (!) for slushes. Nice day.
Hope yours was good, as well.
br. francis
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday Thoughts
What a blessing it is to do the work He has given us to do, to the best of our ability. What a blessing to have relationship with Jesus Christ and to have His Word the Bible, and the Spirit, to guide us.
My Monday work continues. I pray yours is going well.
Thank our God that he is with us today.
br. francis
What a blessing it is to do the work He has given us to do, to the best of our ability. What a blessing to have relationship with Jesus Christ and to have His Word the Bible, and the Spirit, to guide us.
My Monday work continues. I pray yours is going well.
Thank our God that he is with us today.
br. francis
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Saturday 7/21/07 Musings, meanderings, prayer
Shirley is at work; I go in a bit later. Athalia and I have done Morning Prayer together and are sitting together in the office at the computer. JMT Songs of Worship 1 & 2 is in the player. We're enjoying a quiet day at our hermitage.
We have been in prayer and are beginning to look for rent houses so Clare can move near us, as to begin community (ala JMT's Brothers and Sisters of Charity Little Portion Hermitage and the L'Abri Switzerland communities' "model"). If you know of a rent house near us, email me and we'll have a look--br.francis@yahoo.com.
While some in the Church are pursuing faithful priests and congregations with threats and litigation, others are continuing to be faithful--affiliating with bishops in other provinces of the Church, some keeping their property, some forced to leave it. Yet we know that the Church is the redeemed PEOPLE that our God has called out, not buildings. Buildings are good, especially those which have worship space that draws our hearts heaven- and God-ward. But again, unfortunately, many will be forced to leave them as they seek another bishop to pastor them. It is a sad day in the Church when faithful believers in the past have given funds to build, and apostates legally take it away from them. But such is the present reality. Let us be in prayer for these who continue to be faithful, no matter the consequences.
We should be encouraged, however, as our God is again sifting, renewing, and reforming a part of His Church. New bishops are being consecrated to shepherd the faithful. As in days of old, false teaching is being withstood, and in accord with the canons of Nicene, God's people are seeking other bishops who are faithful to Christ and His Word to shepherd them. Reorganizings of the Church are happening, and these groups or provinces look good to me.
It is not the practice of the Order of St. John the Beloved or The Communion of the Holy Trinity to make public negative statements about a part of the Church by name. It is is our position that because we are a faithful part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, that we are to be that--to welcome those who are searching for a place to be, to encourage those who are in the midst of trial, to stand with those who are faithful in prayer and words, and to pray concerning our place in the Church. Our belief and practice regarding this is that our God is good and faithful--and, as I was taught repeatedly in our studies in Bible college (back in the dark ages)--God has and will always have His remnant until Christ returns. He is building a Church, a people for Himself, and Matthew wrote that "the gates of hell cannot stand against it." We know this, and chose to not be negative concerning another part of the Church insofar as our emphasis (i.e. you won't see us slam goups by name in our blogs--God has called others to do so, we believe). This does not mean that we won't state when something is wrong (see above)--it's just that our emphasis is to offer Christ and for people to be a part of His family, the Church, and the life that He and His Church bring.
We are always in prayer concerning another province or group He may be leading us to affiliate with in some way, whether full communion or a concordat. We welcome fellowship, prayer, and dialogue with other groups. Our leading from the Lord is not only to conduct worship services of our own, but to worship and serve with Christians of all denominations and groups, as we are all part of one Church the Lord Jesus is the Head of--it is His desire that we be in unity as much as is possible.
We stand in fellowship with you who are faithful to Him and His Word, and pray for you in every part of the Church, for God's blessing and strength to stand and to serve. Amen.
br. francis
Shirley is at work; I go in a bit later. Athalia and I have done Morning Prayer together and are sitting together in the office at the computer. JMT Songs of Worship 1 & 2 is in the player. We're enjoying a quiet day at our hermitage.
We have been in prayer and are beginning to look for rent houses so Clare can move near us, as to begin community (ala JMT's Brothers and Sisters of Charity Little Portion Hermitage and the L'Abri Switzerland communities' "model"). If you know of a rent house near us, email me and we'll have a look--br.francis@yahoo.com.
While some in the Church are pursuing faithful priests and congregations with threats and litigation, others are continuing to be faithful--affiliating with bishops in other provinces of the Church, some keeping their property, some forced to leave it. Yet we know that the Church is the redeemed PEOPLE that our God has called out, not buildings. Buildings are good, especially those which have worship space that draws our hearts heaven- and God-ward. But again, unfortunately, many will be forced to leave them as they seek another bishop to pastor them. It is a sad day in the Church when faithful believers in the past have given funds to build, and apostates legally take it away from them. But such is the present reality. Let us be in prayer for these who continue to be faithful, no matter the consequences.
We should be encouraged, however, as our God is again sifting, renewing, and reforming a part of His Church. New bishops are being consecrated to shepherd the faithful. As in days of old, false teaching is being withstood, and in accord with the canons of Nicene, God's people are seeking other bishops who are faithful to Christ and His Word to shepherd them. Reorganizings of the Church are happening, and these groups or provinces look good to me.
It is not the practice of the Order of St. John the Beloved or The Communion of the Holy Trinity to make public negative statements about a part of the Church by name. It is is our position that because we are a faithful part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, that we are to be that--to welcome those who are searching for a place to be, to encourage those who are in the midst of trial, to stand with those who are faithful in prayer and words, and to pray concerning our place in the Church. Our belief and practice regarding this is that our God is good and faithful--and, as I was taught repeatedly in our studies in Bible college (back in the dark ages)--God has and will always have His remnant until Christ returns. He is building a Church, a people for Himself, and Matthew wrote that "the gates of hell cannot stand against it." We know this, and chose to not be negative concerning another part of the Church insofar as our emphasis (i.e. you won't see us slam goups by name in our blogs--God has called others to do so, we believe). This does not mean that we won't state when something is wrong (see above)--it's just that our emphasis is to offer Christ and for people to be a part of His family, the Church, and the life that He and His Church bring.
We are always in prayer concerning another province or group He may be leading us to affiliate with in some way, whether full communion or a concordat. We welcome fellowship, prayer, and dialogue with other groups. Our leading from the Lord is not only to conduct worship services of our own, but to worship and serve with Christians of all denominations and groups, as we are all part of one Church the Lord Jesus is the Head of--it is His desire that we be in unity as much as is possible.
We stand in fellowship with you who are faithful to Him and His Word, and pray for you in every part of the Church, for God's blessing and strength to stand and to serve. Amen.
br. francis
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Oh, man!
I worked a lot of extra hours in the past couple of days. So when I got up this morning, I wasn't too keen in following my normal routine--making breakfast for Shirley, Athalia and myself (yes, the cockatiel usually gets some........! :) ).
Shirley said she'd make breakfast. Oh, man! She picked up two flavors of pancake and waffle mix--they rock! It's Kona Coast Hawaiian Style Coffee Chocolate Chip pancake and waffle mix, and Kona Coast Hawaiian Style Almond Amaretto pancake and waffle mix.
The almond amaretto was good, but the coffee chocolate was AWESOME!!!!!!! It says on the can, "We've combined roasted coffee & rich chocolate for the ultimate pancake experience." Ultimate is the word. Man, this stuff is awesome. I'm a cereal and toast man, sometimes eggs, but I could eat this all the time! If you like chocolate and coffee, you'll love this.
Where'd Shirley get it? At Ross, the clothing store. Never went into a Ross 'til I was with Shirley. They have a lot more stuff than clothes. That's where we buy our coffee now, too.
Shirley is an amazing woman and an awesome, wonderful wife. She is God's best gift to me, after Himself. I can't say enough good about her or thank our God enough for her. She is great!
Bishop/Abbot Jim presented my (brief!) paper on stem cell research tonight, I fielded a few questions, and then Sr. Clare M.D. (yep, you read right) took it from there. We uphold life--we take the Biblical stand. It's wrong to create life for the purpose of destroying it, even if the motive is to help someone else. That sci-fi plot has been oft used and it isn't new. Next week: Bishop/Abbot Jim teaches on the mechanics of the Eucharist/mass, and will field questions. Join us if you're in the area.
God's blessings.
br. francis
I worked a lot of extra hours in the past couple of days. So when I got up this morning, I wasn't too keen in following my normal routine--making breakfast for Shirley, Athalia and myself (yes, the cockatiel usually gets some........! :) ).
Shirley said she'd make breakfast. Oh, man! She picked up two flavors of pancake and waffle mix--they rock! It's Kona Coast Hawaiian Style Coffee Chocolate Chip pancake and waffle mix, and Kona Coast Hawaiian Style Almond Amaretto pancake and waffle mix.
The almond amaretto was good, but the coffee chocolate was AWESOME!!!!!!! It says on the can, "We've combined roasted coffee & rich chocolate for the ultimate pancake experience." Ultimate is the word. Man, this stuff is awesome. I'm a cereal and toast man, sometimes eggs, but I could eat this all the time! If you like chocolate and coffee, you'll love this.
Where'd Shirley get it? At Ross, the clothing store. Never went into a Ross 'til I was with Shirley. They have a lot more stuff than clothes. That's where we buy our coffee now, too.
Shirley is an amazing woman and an awesome, wonderful wife. She is God's best gift to me, after Himself. I can't say enough good about her or thank our God enough for her. She is great!
Bishop/Abbot Jim presented my (brief!) paper on stem cell research tonight, I fielded a few questions, and then Sr. Clare M.D. (yep, you read right) took it from there. We uphold life--we take the Biblical stand. It's wrong to create life for the purpose of destroying it, even if the motive is to help someone else. That sci-fi plot has been oft used and it isn't new. Next week: Bishop/Abbot Jim teaches on the mechanics of the Eucharist/mass, and will field questions. Join us if you're in the area.
God's blessings.
br. francis
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Birthdays
Great time today. Good worship, including blessing of the parish's new drum kit--a red Mapex, a donation from St. Timothy Church. Nice sounding kit--I loved playing it. What a blessing. And celebration of the Abbot's and Clare's birthdays. Olive Garden was very good.
Join us Wednesday, if you're in the area.
Peace of Christ to you,
br francis
Great time today. Good worship, including blessing of the parish's new drum kit--a red Mapex, a donation from St. Timothy Church. Nice sounding kit--I loved playing it. What a blessing. And celebration of the Abbot's and Clare's birthdays. Olive Garden was very good.
Join us Wednesday, if you're in the area.
Peace of Christ to you,
br francis
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Prayer of St. Bonaventure
(from the St. Augustine Prayer Book)
O Fairest Lord Jesus, transfix the affections of my inmost soul with that most sweet and healthful would of Thy love, with true, serene, most holy, apostolic charity; that my soul may ever languish and melt with entire love and longing for Thee. Let me ever desire Thee, and faint for Thy courts, and long to be dissolved and to be with Thee, the Bread of Angels, the Refreshment of holy souls, our daily and supersubstantial Bread, Who hast all sweetness, and every pleasurable delight. Thee, Whom the Angels desire to look into, may my heart ever hunger after and feed upon; and may my soul be filled with Thy sweetness.
May I ever thirst for Thee, the Fountain of life, the Fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the Fountain of eternal light, the Torrent of pleasure, the Richness of the House of God. Let me ever compass Thee, seek Thee, stretch towards Thee, arrive at Thee, meditate upon Thee, speak of Thee, and do all things to the praise and glory of Thy Name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with readiness and affection, with perseverance even unto the end.
And be Thou ever my hope and my whole confidence; my riches, my delight, my pleasure, and my joy; my rest and tranquility; my peace; my sweetness; my food and refreshment; my refuge and help; my wisdom, my portion, my possession, and my treasure; in Whom my mind and heart may firmly and unchangeably be fixed and rooted, henceforth and forever. Amen.
(from the St. Augustine Prayer Book)
O Fairest Lord Jesus, transfix the affections of my inmost soul with that most sweet and healthful would of Thy love, with true, serene, most holy, apostolic charity; that my soul may ever languish and melt with entire love and longing for Thee. Let me ever desire Thee, and faint for Thy courts, and long to be dissolved and to be with Thee, the Bread of Angels, the Refreshment of holy souls, our daily and supersubstantial Bread, Who hast all sweetness, and every pleasurable delight. Thee, Whom the Angels desire to look into, may my heart ever hunger after and feed upon; and may my soul be filled with Thy sweetness.
May I ever thirst for Thee, the Fountain of life, the Fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the Fountain of eternal light, the Torrent of pleasure, the Richness of the House of God. Let me ever compass Thee, seek Thee, stretch towards Thee, arrive at Thee, meditate upon Thee, speak of Thee, and do all things to the praise and glory of Thy Name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with readiness and affection, with perseverance even unto the end.
And be Thou ever my hope and my whole confidence; my riches, my delight, my pleasure, and my joy; my rest and tranquility; my peace; my sweetness; my food and refreshment; my refuge and help; my wisdom, my portion, my possession, and my treasure; in Whom my mind and heart may firmly and unchangeably be fixed and rooted, henceforth and forever. Amen.
Bonaventure, monk, bishop, reconciler
Today is Bonaventure's feast. I particularly like Bonaventure, for a couple of reasons.
He was Franciscan in the generation after Francis. The order had divided by this point--into those who observed complete poverty and owned nothing, and those who were university professors and owned a few things, necessarily books.
Bonaventure was of the second group, which said they were living the spirit and heart of Francis, and that in their calling, books and few other possessions were necessary.
The order was on the verge of division, and Bonaventure effected a reconciliation. One may now be Franciscan in the observance of poverty in two ways--one way is owning nothing. The other is owning nothing in our hearts, and living in the knowledge that all we own belongs to God, and that we are just stewards of them. We own or are stewards of things; they don't own us.
His theological writings are useful and good, but that isn't the other reason I like him. His contemporaries noted his personal characteristics: gentle courtesy, compassion, accessibility, and humility. He served as the Minister General of the order, and when in 1273 was nominated cardinal-bishop of Albano, and was commanded to not refuse, he had the papal messengers wait while he finished the dishes in the friary of Mugello (near Florence). He told them to hang the miter on a tree branch because his hands were dirty. He also nearly effected a reconciliation between the Eastern and Western churches.
We named our chapel/library/music room after him, thinking it fitting. (The Oratory of St. Bonaventure, "Bonny" room for short, the altar with the reserved Sacrament being called the "Bonny Altar.") The brother has the heart we wish for us, and for all Christians.
We thank our God for his heart and example, and pray to be like Him, as he was like Christ. Bonaventure, pray for us.
br. francis
Today is Bonaventure's feast. I particularly like Bonaventure, for a couple of reasons.
He was Franciscan in the generation after Francis. The order had divided by this point--into those who observed complete poverty and owned nothing, and those who were university professors and owned a few things, necessarily books.
Bonaventure was of the second group, which said they were living the spirit and heart of Francis, and that in their calling, books and few other possessions were necessary.
The order was on the verge of division, and Bonaventure effected a reconciliation. One may now be Franciscan in the observance of poverty in two ways--one way is owning nothing. The other is owning nothing in our hearts, and living in the knowledge that all we own belongs to God, and that we are just stewards of them. We own or are stewards of things; they don't own us.
His theological writings are useful and good, but that isn't the other reason I like him. His contemporaries noted his personal characteristics: gentle courtesy, compassion, accessibility, and humility. He served as the Minister General of the order, and when in 1273 was nominated cardinal-bishop of Albano, and was commanded to not refuse, he had the papal messengers wait while he finished the dishes in the friary of Mugello (near Florence). He told them to hang the miter on a tree branch because his hands were dirty. He also nearly effected a reconciliation between the Eastern and Western churches.
We named our chapel/library/music room after him, thinking it fitting. (The Oratory of St. Bonaventure, "Bonny" room for short, the altar with the reserved Sacrament being called the "Bonny Altar.") The brother has the heart we wish for us, and for all Christians.
We thank our God for his heart and example, and pray to be like Him, as he was like Christ. Bonaventure, pray for us.
br. francis
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Rain
It was 22 (?) days of rain here in OKC and in a lot of other places. Then we got a break. We were glad.
Now it's back again. Can't cut the grass with our mower, so we've hired someone. Now it's raining again, and the grass remains high--the guy can't cut it due to the rain. I've never lived anywhere where the grass was so high.
I should be thankful--we could have the drought they say was here before. The rain does wash the earth and make things grow, and that's good. Except the grass part.
Mercy House--in the jungle. :)
br francis
It was 22 (?) days of rain here in OKC and in a lot of other places. Then we got a break. We were glad.
Now it's back again. Can't cut the grass with our mower, so we've hired someone. Now it's raining again, and the grass remains high--the guy can't cut it due to the rain. I've never lived anywhere where the grass was so high.
I should be thankful--we could have the drought they say was here before. The rain does wash the earth and make things grow, and that's good. Except the grass part.
Mercy House--in the jungle. :)
br francis
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Sunday 7/8
We had great worship today. The music was good, Abbot/Bishop Jim spoke on humility (Scripture doesn't teach we're to command God, for instance--He commands us), and our time of receiving the Lord in Eucharist was very special today. Yours truly made chili dogs, Clare supplied chips and salsa and queso, and Ivy made up a delicious fruit dessert. Fellowship was good, too.
Next week, we celebrate birthdays--so we go out to eat after church (wherever the birthday people choose--probably Olive Garden).
It's nap time at Mercy House. Join us Wednesday if you're in the area. Blessings.
br francis
We had great worship today. The music was good, Abbot/Bishop Jim spoke on humility (Scripture doesn't teach we're to command God, for instance--He commands us), and our time of receiving the Lord in Eucharist was very special today. Yours truly made chili dogs, Clare supplied chips and salsa and queso, and Ivy made up a delicious fruit dessert. Fellowship was good, too.
Next week, we celebrate birthdays--so we go out to eat after church (wherever the birthday people choose--probably Olive Garden).
It's nap time at Mercy House. Join us Wednesday if you're in the area. Blessings.
br francis
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Saturday 7-7-7
In So Deep band isn't rehearsing the third Saturday in a row. : (
Shirley is working. (I work later.) Been reading a blog and looking at Stryper's website, and listening to some of their new stuff. They've reunited (minus bass player Tim Gaines) and have a great new album Reborn. Robert Sweet's voice has, I think, improved with age (I liked it in the day, I just think he sounds better now--see what you think). The live album they released is worth a crank, too. Oz Fox has live video on his site of him with Bloodgood (he's playing with both bands). Worth a look--it rocks!
I'm ready to work on the Christian rock band I've been threatening to do. I think I have a guitarist. Bassist? Vocalist? Keyboardist? In OKC?
I pray your worship is good tomorrow. Join us if you're in the area.
br. francis
In So Deep band isn't rehearsing the third Saturday in a row. : (
Shirley is working. (I work later.) Been reading a blog and looking at Stryper's website, and listening to some of their new stuff. They've reunited (minus bass player Tim Gaines) and have a great new album Reborn. Robert Sweet's voice has, I think, improved with age (I liked it in the day, I just think he sounds better now--see what you think). The live album they released is worth a crank, too. Oz Fox has live video on his site of him with Bloodgood (he's playing with both bands). Worth a look--it rocks!
I'm ready to work on the Christian rock band I've been threatening to do. I think I have a guitarist. Bassist? Vocalist? Keyboardist? In OKC?
I pray your worship is good tomorrow. Join us if you're in the area.
br. francis
Thursday, July 05, 2007
4th
Shirley and I had a great 4th. We spent a couple of nights and a day with brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew. Saw Ratatouille--fun movie, especially for a guy who likes to cook. The fireworks show we caught was great. Good time with the family, and thankfulness to God that, even with its flaws, we live in the greatest country in the world.
Hope your Independence Day was as good as ours. If you're in the OKC area, hope to see you Sunday at 10 for Eucharist or tomorrow at 7 for Morning Prayer.
The peace of Christ to you.
br. francis
Shirley and I had a great 4th. We spent a couple of nights and a day with brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew. Saw Ratatouille--fun movie, especially for a guy who likes to cook. The fireworks show we caught was great. Good time with the family, and thankfulness to God that, even with its flaws, we live in the greatest country in the world.
Hope your Independence Day was as good as ours. If you're in the OKC area, hope to see you Sunday at 10 for Eucharist or tomorrow at 7 for Morning Prayer.
The peace of Christ to you.
br. francis
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