THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
July 30, 2023
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTIOR.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS.
Will we grow in the Spirit? This is our theme in the season of Trinity. In today’s Epistle reading, St. Paul does not mince his words: “If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh you will live.” In today’s Gospel Jesus confirms Paul’s’ teaching: “every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire”, and warns us against false preachers and teachers who encourage their listeners to give free rein to their disordered desires: they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. During the Sundays from Trinity 3 to Trinity 9, we are attending to the authentic teaching concerning our need for the cleansing of the ‘thoughts of our hearts’ from which sin and death arise, which is the pre-condition for spiritual growth. Today we consider the thought of covetousness and the healing remedies that are on offer in the Church.
THE LESSON: Romans 8 :12-17
So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 7. 15- 22
5 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.21 “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 2
PARISH LIFE NOTES
CONDOLENCES to our Rector Claude and his wife Hilary, whose mother Mary Noblett passed away in England on Friday. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with demolition of the lower hall kitchen on Saturday, August 12 starting at 10. 00 a.m. Please bring your hammers and pry bars! Contact Nat if you are able to come.
RECTOR’S VACATION: AUGUST 1-31. During Canon Claude’s absence, please direct any pastoral emergencies to Rev’d Winna Martin .
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Morning Prayer: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:30; Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.