For the Navy

This collect was used at St Stephen’s observance of the Eve of Talk Like a Pirate Day (“Piratespeakmas Eve”), on September 18th, at which time we honored the work of the Navy, the Marines, the Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine.

O Eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the . . . → Read More: For the Navy

Talk Like A Pirate Day

In a nod of ecumenism to our Pastafarian brethren, St Stephen’s celebrated Sunday, September 18th, as the Eve of “Talk Like A Pirate Day” (or as we called it informally, Piratespeakmas Eve). In addition to singing MELITA, the Navy Hymn (“Eternal Father, strong to save”), and having the “Hornpipe” from Handel’s Water Music as . . . → Read More: Talk Like A Pirate Day

The secret is: ‘Know how to live the faith’

St. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians is almost certainly the last one he wrote. He probably penned it shortly before his execution by the Emperor Nero. In it, Paul mentions he is expecting his case to be resolved in the imminent future.

Intellectually, the epistle is a bit boring. It’s simply a nice letter to . . . → Read More: The secret is: ‘Know how to live the faith’

It’s time to give Howard Burnham a fair shake!

I don’t mean to be picky, but I really donʼt think the folks who run the newsletter have given a fair shake to that great classical actor Howard Burnham, who is coming here at 7 PM on Tuesday, September 27th, to present another one of his terrific one–man shows.

This time heʼs giving us the . . . → Read More: It’s time to give Howard Burnham a fair shake!

Sermon for September 18th Trinity XIII

Here is the sermon for Sunday September 18th: Trinity 13, 2011

This Week’s Newsletter

Here is this week’s newsletter: St. Stephen’s News XXII 37

The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

Almighty and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service: Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Ninian

O God, who by the preaching of thy blessed servant Saint Ninian, didst cause the light of the Gospel to shine in the British Isles: Lead us by its brightness to become sons of a new birth, growing into thine image from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Autumn Ember Days

¶ The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday on or after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross are the traditional autumn Ember Days.

O Almighty God, who hast committed to the hands of men the ministry of reconciliation: We humbly beseech thee, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, to put it into the hearts of many . . . → Read More: Autumn Ember Days

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Almighty God, whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world unto himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy . . . → Read More: Exaltation of the Holy Cross