Bulletin Week January 15, 2017

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                                    From the Pastor’s Desk

handsOn Wednesday of this week (January 18), the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins. This observance, which began in 1908, recognizes the sad divisions that exist among Christians and the need there is to work together that Jesus’ prayer, “that all of them may be one” (John 17:21) will come to fruition soon.

This year’s theme is, “Reconciliation: The Love of Christ Compels Us.” Elsewhere in today’s bulletin you will find a list of scripture passages which the coordinators for the observance of the week have asked all Christians to read, reflect and pray on asking one basic question each day: “How does the Word of God in this passage challenge me to work for reconciliation and unity with fellow Christians?” As your pastor, I want to encourage you to do this for the week that begins on January 18 and concludes with the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul on January 25.

As part of the observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, you are invited to join Bishop Estevez at Saint John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church (3850 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL) for a celebration of Vespers. Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos will preside and host this sacred liturgy. Again, if you are free, I want to encourage you to attend.

Even though inter-Communion (receiving Holy Communion in other Christian churches) remains unavailable to us, nonetheless, we are called to accept Jesus’ invitation to pray together for the unity of our churches. I hope that you will make this priority in your prayer during the observance.

Love,
Father Tom