From Deacon Ron Reno:
Thank you Father! We were blessed with the full Eucharist by Father Andrews. Father and his wife Anneliese make this journey from Fort Collins, Colorado. They are part of our church family and we must remember to thank God whenever they can come. Traveling mercies and good weather make this journey possible. The opening hymn “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Stuttgart was wonderful and the organ postlude “Meditation on Stuttgart” by Broughton was well done! It is such a blessing to have the choir we have, and the great joy they bring this Chapel. Father also used anointing oil on our newest member Robert Sutherlin. Robert has been coming for the last three weeks and decided to swim the Tiber to join us. May God bless Robert.
Advent began last Sunday and there are four Sundays in Advent prior to Christmas. For us this is the Advent season. Advent has two themes for
our preparation for His first coming. We also have an ancient expectancy and ardent desire of the Messiah’s second coming. For us the Christmas season begins the night before Christmas (Christmas Eve) and continues and includes the Sunday after Epiphany.
A thoughtful explanation of the season was given by Pope Pius XII. “With the coming of the birthday of the Redeemer, the Church would bring us to the cave of Bethlehem and there teach that we must be born again and undergo a complete transformation; That will only happen when we are intimately and vitally united to the Word of God made man and participate in His divine nature, to which we have been elevated.”
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” KJV Isaiah 7:14
Have a thoughtful Advent season along with this anticipation of Christ’s birth. Saint John’s bulletin and freshman artwork are included, Blessings, Deacon



Continue to pray for traveling mercies for David in India, Annaliese and Father Andrews as they travel. This picture was taken by Annaliese. It shows the beauty that God has given to us to enjoy. God bless, Deacon
get out today or tomorrow and enjoy the beauty that God has surrounded us with. As the trees turn, put yourself under one and see the light filter through the leaves and take a moment to thank God. Our busy lives sometimes take us away from seeing the beauty around us; try to take 10 minutes every day in the quietness of outdoors, hear the birds singing and watch the ever-changing cloud formations. Prayers at those times will have a special meaning for you and your soul. God listens.
the Presanctified Gifts this last weekend. Nick led MP and we are blessed to have him. I have attached the bulletin for Trinity 16 if people would like to see the music from that service. I especially loved the anthem the choir sung before the announcements and the homily was given. “O Lord Give Thy Holy Spirit” by Thomas Tallis was especially reverent and well done. We are so blessed to have the talents of Nick, Julia, Julie and Lynda in this choir. They sing for the glory of God and that is our main purpose here.
Attached are the homilies for Trinity 15 and 16 by Father Andrews. We are also blessed to have Father Andrews as our Priest in charge. Father will be here either October 14 or October 21st. Bishop Ashman also will be coming soon to visit us. We must pray for traveling mercies for these Holy men. These are modern men who continue to fight the good fight and keep the faith given to us by Jesus. Blessings, Deacon
this last Saturday for a visit. We were blessed with having the Holy Eucharist; thank you Father for your leadership and love for us. God’s children also gathered after church in festive brunch. It was a blessing to do the Gloria as a Scottish Chant and the closing hymn “Holy Father, Great Creator” was a nice “old school traditional” touch. This mission church is blessed to having such a wonderful choir and God loving people doing God’s work on this earth.
Good news! Vestry members Lynda Wiiliams, David Sopscak, and I met with the new College of Saint Mary President Heather Smith this morning. We had a very cordial meeting, discussed many things, and found that CSM and Heather are very glad we are there with this mission church. We have common goals and the of love of God doing His work on this earth. We have been approved to continue use of this wonderful chapel for as long as we need.