Here follow the Propers (Collect and Lessons) for the Third Sunday in Lent, together with the weekly Parish Announcements for the week of Sunday, March 12th.
The Propers for the Third Sunday in Lent. The Book of Common Prayer 1928.
The Collect.
WE beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Ephes. v. 1.
BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whore-monger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead. and Christ shall give thee light.
The Gospel. St. Luke xi. 14.
JESUS was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
The Announcements for the Week of Sunday, March 12th, 2023.
If you are visiting us – Welcome to Christ Church Anglican, Southern Pines! Thank you for being with us. We are very pleased to have you, and hope that your worship here is a blessing to you. Please sign the guest book on the table in the narthex, and provide appropriate contact information. Include your email address in order to be placed on our parish email list: you won’t be bombarded with mail, but it’s a good way to keep in touch. And may God bless you!
Easter Lilies – Anyone desiring to purchase Easter lilies, to the glory of God or in honour or memory of a loved one, can place an envelope in the offering plate labeled “Easter Lilies,” with your name and the names of those you wish to honour, or contact Susan Saulsbury at 410-984-4401. The cost (recommended donation) is $19.
Lenten Study – “Being an Anglican”: 9:00 Sundays in Lent, except Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Don’t worry if you didn’t attend the first one, we’ll have “cheat sheets” available to catch you up!
Stations of the Cross – 5:00 Fridays of Lent, except Good Friday.
Dinner and a Movie – After having been postponed for one week, due to the diocesan Lenten Clergy Retreat attended by both Fr. Terrence and myself, we will on this Wednesday, March 15th, be viewing “Paul, Apostle of Christ,” starring James Faulkner as Paul the Apostle, Jim Caviezel (who portrayed Jesus in the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ) as Saint Luke, and Olivier Martinez as Paul’s Roman gaoler.
Dinner will begin at 5 o’clock p.m. – note the time change from the first dinner-and-a-movie! All are welcome: bring a friend – or as many as you’d like. There is no charge for this, and dinner will be provided (there are rumors Father Tom will be making chili…). We would be grateful if you would let Susan Saulsbury (410-984-4401) know if you plan to attend, so we have an approximate count. Many thanks!
Re: Clergy Lenten Retreat – The diocesan Lenten Clergy Retreat attended by both Fr. Tom and Fr. Terrence this past week was a blessed and fruitful one; in the words of Bishop Hewett, who was also present – along with our Archbishop, Mark Haverland – “Those were days made good by the Lord!” It was a blessing to have the opportunity to attend, and Fr. Terrence and I appreciate very much your understanding and support. Our midweek service of Holy Communion will return this week, Wednesday, March 15th, at 10 o’clock a.m.!
Holy Days for This Week
Tuesday, March 14th – St. Gregory the Great, Bishop and Theologian (604) Thursday, March 17th – St. Patrick, Bishop and Apostle of Ireland (461) Saturday, March 18th – St. Cyril, Bishop and Theologian (386)
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