The Messenger

August 2024

Dear Friends,

Over the last month, many of you have told me how helpful you found the selection of Prayers
for the Nation I shared with you in July’s issue of The Messenger. Given that our nation’s political
climate continues to present us all with challenges regarding our common future, both at home and abroad, I thought it might be helpful to offer some additional prayers this month as well.
For the Peace of the World God of the nations, whose kingdom rulesmover all, have mercy on our broken and divided world. Shed abroad your peace in the hearts of
men and banish from them the spirit that makes for war; that all races and peoples may earn to live as members of one family and in obedience to yourmlaws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, whose purpose of love embraces,the whole world, send peace upon earth, that the
nations no longer may prepare for war and that,they may try not to destroy but to understand each other. Take away all bitterness and hatred, and that men of all colors and races may learn to live in fellowship together; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, King and Judge of all mankind, look in pity upon the nations oppressed by strife, bitterness, and fear. We acknowledge our share in the sins which have brought us so often to the brink of destruction. May your goodness lead us to repentance, that we may yet be spared. Restrain the pride, the passions, and the follies of men, and grant us your grace, mercy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

God and Father of all, who made of one blood all nations to dwell on the face of the earth;
deepen our understanding of peoples of other,races, languages, and customs than our own.
Teach us to view them in the light of your,own all-embracing love and creative purpose; and
give us a vision of the true brotherhood of mankind, united under one Father. We ask this in the name of him who died that all might be one, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For the Nation
Lord God of our fathers, whose faithfulness knows no end, we pray for all who,guide and govern the affairs of our nation.
Fill them with the fear of your holy name that they may be set free from the fear of man.
Help them in every situation to know and do the thing that is right.
And overrule all their deliberations for the good of our people, and for your glory; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God and Father of us all, graciously bless this our nation, and send out your light and your
truth to lead us in the paths of justice and peace. Give wisdom to those who exercise
authority in the government of our land; remove all causes of contention and
strife among us; unite us in the service of your kingdom; and make us a God-fearing people, regarding your laws and living together in brotherly love and concord; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God bless our land; God guide our rulers;
God resolve our differences;
God revive our churches;
God forgive our selfishness
God protect our homes;
God strengthen our faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Before an election
Almighty God, you created us free to choose and made us accountable to you and to each other: give to those who will elect representatives to serve in the government of our country an urgent sense of our responsibility, a clear and unbiased judgment, and a generous concern for the good of all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that the men and women of our nation may devote themselves to the common cause, not seeking gain for themselves, but giving much and taking little; that in this time of testing we may all know the joy of service and the discipline of self-denial; for the sake of him
who gave himself for us, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen

Be well,
Be safe,
Be thankful,
for we have been richly blessed.
Father Tom+

Outreach

The Men's Group will have its monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 7 at 8:00 am, at the Country Kitchen Restaurant for a delicious breakfast and some lively
conversation. We do not have any work scheduled at this time.

THE MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men's Group will have its monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 7 at 8:00 am, at the Country Kitchen Restaurant for a delicious breakfast and some lively conversation. We do not have anywork scheduled at this time.
-- Jeff Moler,
Jr. Warden

The First Aid Kit is in the kitchen on the  wall, adjacent to the refrigerator.
• There are always fresh bottles of orange juice or apple juice in the kitchen refrigerator.
• In Case of an Emergency you can find the church address and several phone numbers at the bottom of the weekly service insert. i.e. Phone numbers for the Church, Father Tom+, the Senior
Warden and the Junior Warden.

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANTS: We are in need of a few assistants to be available to transport parishioners to and from church; or as needed .  Please let me know if you are able
to take on this responsibility.
Thank you, your parish secretary.

Parish Supper

Summer Salad & 1st Cookoff for Deviled Eggs!! August 21 @ Noon (12pm) Summer Salads is the theme for the month of August. So prepare your favorite Salad to share with your church family! ** We will also be having a special event during this month’s luncheon. Whip Up a batch of your best Deviled Eggs and prepare to share it with us! Bring a friend and we will see you there!

 The Disciple Women of the Plateau will NOT have a meeting in August. But they will greconviene for their monthly luncheon and meeting on Monday, September 9th at 12:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch and a friend!

The Mariners are the backbone of global commerce, transporting billions of tons of cargo each year,across the world’s oceans and along,our nation’s inland waterways. Their,labors greatly impact the world’s economy.

The Challenges
Mariners encounter many dangers and difficulties unique to their profession. For mariners, working conditions remain remarkably similar to what they were when SCI was founded in 1834: piracy, limited access to shoreside services, and isolation. The needs of the average seafarer have also evolved with the growth of maritime commerce. Today’s marinerworks in a relentless environment, experiencing problems relating to 21st-century technology, economic demands, and security concerns.
The Institute
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) serves the hardworking men and women laboring on the world’s oceans and inland rivers. With their work, these individuals fuel the global economy and make our way of life possible as they spend months at sea or on rivers away from their families, friends, and homes.
With close relationships to governments and industry, SCI has shaped its support services to meet the challenges facing today’s mariner. From the provision of hospitality services at our Centers to operating the world’s only full-time and free legal aid program for merchant mariners, training mariners on world-class simulators used in SCI’s maritime education centers, and even delivering handknit holiday gifts for mariners, SCI provides an indispensable array of services for our hard-working Mariners.
Gift Collection
The centerpiece of SCI’s Christmas gift for mariners,a handknit scarf and hat, comes in a cheerful package containing a handwritten card, information detailinghow mariners can reach us, and a variety of Christmasgifts. For the items that accompany the knitting, SCI
relies on donations from individuals and groups from around the country.
Take a look at the list below. You can find most of these things at the local supermarket. Although they seem small, these carefully selected gifts make a big difference in the lives of those who receive them.  Warm the hearts of mariners working away from
home on Christmas Day with gifts of
• Unscented, Colorless Lip Balm
• Unscented, Hypoallergenic Hand Lotion

• Sealed Packages of Holiday Sweets
• Books or Activities like Sudoku,
word searches, or playing cards
• Facial Tissue
• Microwave Popcorn
• Chewing Gum
• Handmade Christmas Cards
Wooly Gifts from Knitters
Mariners would probably not freeze without the hats and scarves made each year by SCI volunteers, but they might be seriously heartbroken. You see, mariners the world over have come to view the knitted gifts received at Christmastime as a sign of appreciation for their hard work. The hand-knit items
SCI distributes give mariners a warm embrace at a stressful time when so many find themselves a great distance from home.
Get Involved
The Seamen's Church Institute
in New Jersey gives all people that work on the water ways a scarf and a sweet for Christmas.
So, get to knitting! Calling all knitters! Dig out the yarn and a couple design patterns and show us yourknitting pizazz!
Carole would like to send a box at the beginning of September so it is time to start knitting. There are a few different patterns on the board so help yourself,
if you don’t have a few snazzy ones already. The patterns are very easy, it is a great past time while you are watching television or especially when it is so hot
outside. If you have any questions call Carole Staples

From the Rectory
Numbers.
I never particularly liked arithmetic or mathematics, but I've shared my passion for words many times, so maybe it's time to do a little figuring. Not necessarily, addition, subtraction, or “gazintas” — no algebra,mgeometry, or calculus. — just simple counting.
It's something we do all the time! We count the days until our next birthday / anniversary / day off or vacation, right? We count down the last few seconds of the year to ring in the new one. We count the number of roses in a bouquet, or how many places to set for a dinner party. We count our golf strokes or how many wins the Vols have going into play-offs. Sometimes counting is a practical exercise: we count how many items are in our buggy so we can use the Express Lane at the supermarket. We count our pennies so we don't overspend. We count our stitches in knitting, but (speaking solely for myself) our crafting is still cattywampus on occasion. I love the hymn “Count Your Blessings.” One of the,songs in “White Christmas” is,Irving Berlin’s “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” —these are both delightful reminders of God's gifts to us. (In case you weren't aware, the Cumberland County Playhouse is going to present “WhiteMChristmas” this fall! And bonus,sneak peek — the Cumberland,County Community Chorus has a “White Christmas” medley planned this season as well). There's a quote that really makes me think: “What if you woke up this morning and had only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” I know you've heard Father Tom's sermon with the story about the granddaughters praying at Thanksgiving — naming every pet, both of their sisters, parents, grandparents… so sweet and innocent, and yet wise beyond their years. Let's be honest, I know I would have very few possessions, opportunities, friends, etc. if everything

I neglected to be specifically grateful for vanished. a daunting thought!
Years ago, I began practicing an attitude of gratitude - thankful for bills, dirty dishes, and whatnot. That simple shift made me realize that everything is a blessing, even if it seems like a curse. Who are we to question God's grace? That realization contributed to my having a more positive outlook on life, and I sincerely believe, to even more blessings! I have a
testimony of tithing, as do many of you: it's definitely a part of the blessings I count.

Consider this a challenge to offer a verbal or a written thank you to the people whose actions make your day a little more pleasant. Honestly, they don't expect your recognition or even acknowledgement, and gratitude benefits both parties. Have you ever individually thanked the church secretary, the pastor, the vestry members, or the musicians? What about the clerk ringing up your purchases? The postal worker delivering your mail? The waiter who serves your lunch? How many others with whom you interact every day deserve a word of appreciation?
How about writing a letter or email, or calling someone who now lives a long way away, someone
from the past who would be truly surprised to receive a friendly “thank you” for something they did which you appreciated, even if it happened years ago. Make it a habit to express a sincere “thanks” to anyone who has an impact on your life, no matter how small it may
seem to you. On this note, have you thanked God for all the blessings of THIS day? And for His past blessings?
Gratitude, and its expression, is something to think about and, hopefully, incorporate as we go forward day by day, continuing to receive blessings and benefits from the actions of so many. I know I'll try to do more to live with a grateful heart.
So, thank you for reading this!

Getting Schooled
By Lee Ellen Glazier
Most of us have at one time or another, taught a child to say, "Thank you" for a gift or some thoughtful action. Most of us have, on occasion, written a thank you note. This is becoming a lost art, one which we might like to resurrect.
There are many people around us who have offered a gift or performed an act of kindness for us. Yet we have become complacent, not even recognizing what
they do to make our lives better and more comfortable, to the point we don't even think to
express gratitude.
Recently, I read an article which said a thank you, even though long-delayed, can create happiness and,satisfaction for the recipient. How often do we takesomeone else's graciousness for granted?
Consider this a challenge to offer a verbal or a written thank you to the people whose actions make your day a little more pleasant. Honestly, they don't expect your recognition or even acknowledgement, and gratitude benefits both parties. Have you ever individually thanked the church secretary, the pastor, the vestry members, or the musicians? What about the
clerk ringing up your purchases? The postal worker delivering your mail? The waiter who serves your lunch? How many others with whom you interact every day deserve a word of appreciation?
How about writing a letter or email, or calling someone who now lives a long way away, someone
from the past who would be truly surprised to receive a friendly “thank you” for something they did which you appreciated, even if it happened years ago. Make it a habit to express a sincere “thanks” to anyone who has an impact on your life, no matter how small it may
seem to you.
On this note, have you thanked God for all the blessings of THIS day? And for His past blessings?
Gratitude, and its expression, is something to think about and, hopefully, incorporate as we go forward day by day, continuing to receive blessings and benefits from the actions of so many. I know I'll try to do more to live with a grateful heart.
So, thank you for reading this

My Daily Prayer
We all have routines. Routines are a guiding force that keeps us moving forward and sets the pace for success each day.
For me one of those is my daily prayers. For me prayer is the guiding force that starts and ends my day.
I can complete the tasks of the day more efficiently if I pray and somehow no day runs well if I veer from this routine.
I am at peace in knowing that God is guiding my steps. Steering my life and causing me to be a more fruitful person, with his guidance, I can manage whatever the day has ahead for me.

Here is the prayer that starts my day off to be a great SUCESSS!
Father in heaven. I come to you at this time to thank you for the restful sleep, that no harm has come to us.
I thank you for this food and ask that you would bless it that it would nourish my body. I thank you
for my many blessings and ask that you would be in my life making decisions for me. Help me to have a happy heart, and a happy thought, to look for the good in all people. To only speak kind things, that if I have nothing to nice to say, I say nothing at all. I pray that you would be with each of your children guiding their steps and keeping them safe. I pray for those who are sick that that would be healed and for those who are hungry that they would be fed. I thank you for my many blessings in Jesus name. Amen.
Do you have a prayer that starts your day off to be a great Success?
If not I recommend arming yourself with the Whole
Armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-20.
Another of my favorite things to help make each day a success.
I actually can’t help but go through the motions of physically putting on the whole armor and somehow that makes the day seem extra special. Almost likeinvisible armor that protects me from a fall.
I pray you too have God guiding your day and making each new one a blessing!
~~ Vandy L. Fink
Parish Secretary