GRANT, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

BE ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. 

IT came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: and so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. 

If you are a visitor:

Welcome! Thank you for being here. We are very pleased to have you with us, and hope that your worship at Christ Church Anglican was a blessing to you. Please sign the guest book on the table in the narthex, and include your email address to be placed on our parish email list: you won’t be bombarded, but it’s a good way to keep in touch. And may God bless you!

Celebrating Priest: Fr. John Taylor Brantley

Today we welcome one of our Assisting Priests, the Rev’d Dr. John Taylor Brantley, to celebrate the Holy Communion. Fr. Brantley – who is canonically resident in the United Episcopal Church of North America, a jurisdiction which is in communion with the ACC – has been licensed by our Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Paul C. Hewett, to officiate at Christ Church Anglican.

As well as being an Assisting Priest here at Christ Church, he is Deputy Headteacher at All Saints Christian Academy in Cameron, NC; Vicar of Holyrood Anglican Mission in Smithfield, NC; and Registrar at Latimer Theological Institute, a theological training program of the UECNA located in Waynesboro, VA. We are blessed to have Fr. Brantley among us!

Special Announcement: Bereavement Ministries at Christ Church

Please stand by for a special announcement regarding a new ministry opportunity, soon to be offered at Christ Church by the Rev’d Dr. Terrence McGillicuddy, also an Assisting Priest here at Christ Church Anglican: “Healing from Grief and Loss,” a Christ-centered pastoral care and spiritual direction support group for men who have experienced the loss of a loved one, friend, or family member. We offer our gratitude to Fr. McGillicuddy for offering both his expertise and his passion for this ministry to us, here at Christ Church.

Parish Surveys for the Facilities Discernment Committee

If you have not already done so, please be so kind as to fill out and return the Parish Surveys created to help guide the deliberations of the Facilities Discernment Committee, headed by Peter Seitz. It is important that we hear from as large a cross-section of the parish as possible – thank you very much!

Let us continue to worship God through our tithes and offerings.

“All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” I Chronicles xxis. 14.

We do not always or necessarily think of our tithes and offerings as a form of worship, but that is exactly what they are: in praise and thanksgiving to God for giving us both our daily sustenance and the hope of everlasting life, we return a portion of what we have been given to Him – to His honour and glory, and for the well-being of His holy Church in this place and beyond. Let us give generously, as we are able, and as He has given generously to us.

Summer can be especially challenging for parish finances, as many folks are away on vacation or visiting family. Let’s not neglect to continue to support our parish, even when we are away from it! Many thanks.

Saints’ Days and Holy Days for This Week

Monday, July 18th: William White, Bishop, †1836 (transferred from Sunday, July 17th)
Thursday, July 22nd: St. Mary Magdalene, Penitent

Father Tom’s Office Hours

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Other times by appointment. 

The Lord bless you and keep you, this coming week and always!

Faithfully,

Fr. Tom Harbold