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Our inherent dignity as people created in the image and likeness of God originates not from what we do or how we appear on the outside, but rather from our relationship with God. Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that Paul uses the metaphor of the body to flesh out his theology of the baptized in his letter to the Romans. Because, just as the human body is composed of many different components, so is the body of Christ, the Church.

We all know that when the human body is functioning properly, with no aches and pains, we feel good about ourselves. However, even the tiniest soreness or discomfort can have a negative impact on one's sense of well-being. In the same way, for the body of Christ, a seemingly insignificant thing can bring significant distress. In Sunday's reading from Corinthians, the apostle Paul tells us that "if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share in its joy." To put it another way, the fight for one is the battle for all of humanity.

As a result, as Christians, we will never be able to remain unmoved by the struggles of others. The Gospel, at its very core, bears witness to God's profound and personal identification with humanity, which is made possible by the mystery of the Incarnation. As a result, being a Christian is bearing testimony to this relationship. In the same way that Christ identifies with mankind in all of its troubles, we are expected to reach out to those in need in the same way that we would rejoice and give thanks with those who are joyful.

In our faith, we participate in Christ's ministry, which is so eloquently represented to us in the words of Isaiah, which we read in our Gospel this morning. In the same way that Jesus recognized himself as the one anointed by God to bring joyful news to the poor and sight restoration to the blind, declare liberty to prisoners, set the oppressed free, and proclaim each year acceptable to the Lord, we ourselves are anointed to accomplish the same.

Let us Pray,

Dear Jesus, help us to spread thy fragrance everywhere. Flood our souls with thy spirit and life. Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that all our lives may be only a radiance of yours. Shine thru us and be so in us that every soul we come in contact with may feel your presence in our souls. Let them look up and see no longer individuals but only Jesus. Amen.

Blessings in Christ,

Mo. Allison+

The bowl season always motivated our Abbot to retell stories of guts, gore, and glory. “Centuries ago, at the Roman Coliseum, it was always the Lions chewing up the Christians. And later, during the Dark Ages, our win-loss record for The Crusades wasn’t too hot either. But in spite of the odds, Christianity always prevailed over evil through faith, prayer, courage, and commitment. ” So, he continued, "again, the playoffs are upon us in college and in the pros.

What does it teach us? What is our Christian Playbook against Team Satan, and the forces of evil? We should take time to prepare through prayer, worship, and recruitment of the willing. Spreading the faith is our strongest offense. And like those spectacular athletes on the gridiron, each with their own talents for passing, blocking, and running; we must use our talents to help others. Yes, feeding the hungry, clothing and sheltering the poor, and caring for the sick is a primary goal. And lastly, we must use our assets to support the Lord’s work through our church and outreach ministries.

This is the playbook of good stewardship. Make this our New Year’s Resolution: Use our God-given gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure to win one for Jesus. He is our Coach, we are his players, and the game of life awaits.

God Bless!

"For we do not walk by sight, but by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7). A Christian's life can be described in one word: "faith," which is synonymous with trust. Prayer is the most profound manifestation of our dependent confidence in God. The Lord once told a tale to demonstrate "that men should always pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). Jesus told about a widow who persisted in her efforts to persuade an unfair court to grant her plea. The story underscored how certain it is that a just and gracious God will hear His children promptly. "However," the Master added, "will the Son of Man truly find faith on the earth when He returns?" (18:8) (Luke 18:8).

In this verse, faith is identical with prayer. When we pray, there is no supernatural evidence that God hears us. We rely solely on the promises contained in His Word. Thus, prayer is the pinnacle of our faith.

Prayer is important to a disciple of Christ's life. Devout Christians who have a strong, trusting, and unflinching faith "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

As prayer is an intrinsic part of our life as Christians, it is critical to our church's activity. The earliest instance in which we read of a local church uniting, "they remained steadfast in the apostles' message and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). After Herod assassinated the apostle James and arrested Peter with the intention of killing him, "Peter was therefore imprisoned, but unceasing prayer was offered to God for him by the church" (Acts 12:5). When the Lord's angel miraculously freed Peter, "he went to the house of Mary, John's mother, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12). When Paul said his final farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus, "he knelt and prayed with them all" (Acts 20:36).

The apostle Paul felt inspired to write a letter "to the saints in Ephesus, who are faithful in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:1). He encouraged them fervently to pray "always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being alert to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may openly proclaim the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19).

A few years ago, religious advertisements proclaimed, "The family that prays together stays together." It was a means of showing the importance of faith in the Lord in maintaining a marriage. However, prayer with and for our spouses and children expresses the love that unites us.

And so is the case with the church, the Lord's family (Ephesians 3:14-15). On the eve of His ascension, the Master told His disciples, "that you love one another as I have loved you." If you have love for one another, everyone will know that you are My disciples" (John 13:34-35). Thus, love for one another is the primary characteristic of the Master's disciples.

And prayer with and for one another expresses and deepens that love. One man who has since moved and another who is still here are both known for praying specifically for members of the congregation who are experiencing difficulties. Occasionally, the prayers are lengthy.

 "Greet your friends by name," the apostle John urged Gaius (3 John verse 14). The majority of Romans' sixteenth chapter is devoted to personal greetings. These are personal demonstrations of affection and care. When we remember one another by name in our common prayers, we demonstrate the love that links us together as a family in the Lord.

"Pray without ceasing" is a demand addressed specifically to everyone of us. Nonetheless, we should and must pray with and for one another in order to strengthen our mutual love and invoke God's blessings. As a result, we will remain united as God's family.

A new edition of Forward Day by Day, Daily Devotions for Disciples, for February, March, and April, has arrived. Copies both large and small print may be found in the narthex. Please help yourself. We would also be glad to mail you a copy. Call the church office 609-368-5922 or email saintmarysstoneharbor@gmail.com

Under orders from Emperor Diocletian, in 304, the giant politico-military machine of the Roman Empire went to work to rid itself of the troublesome subversives called Christians. Many children were the innocent victims of this efficient blood purge. Agnes of Rome is a famous example.

She was reared a Christian, and though just a young teenager when the persecution began, Agnes wished to witness for the faith. A Roman official was attracted to her and might easily have saved her life. He offered her jewelry and many pleasant gifts if she would renounce the Lord and her parents and worship the Roman gods. Infatuated by the innocent girl, the official then attempted to seduce her. She resisted and he became enraged. He had her tortured and publicly stripped and abused. At the culmination of this hideous ordeal she was killed with a sword.

The Roman world was stunned by the story of Agnes" suffering, much as our world was stunned by The Diary of Anne Frank. In the next generation, when Christianity was made legal, a shrine was erected in her honor in Rome, and the Song of Mary, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), was sung in thanksgiving for the witness of young Agnes. God had indeed “brought down the powerful from their thrones” and “lifted up the lowly.”

Grant that we may share her pure faith in you. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Almighty and everlasting God, you choose those whom the world deems powerless to put the powerful to shame: Grant us so to cherish the memory of your youthful martyr Agnes, that we may share her pure and steadfast faith in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

The 2022 Flower Chart is now posted on the bulletin board in the parish hall. Altar flowers are a wonderful way to honor loved ones throughout the year. Choose a date on the chart and fill in the name of who you would like remembered and by whom. A donation may be sent to the church office. Flowers may be removed after the service and taken home or delivered to a shut-in.

Susan Dowling on January 22nd, Ruth Ann Handley on January 22nd, and Cynthia Schweickhardt on January 28th!

Zeke & Dianne Boldt on January 21st!

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January 20th and continues weekly: Holy Hour Devotion at 3 PM (chapel)

January 23rd: Following the service, Annual Meeting

Feb. 5th: Examen, meditation, and prayer. A service of Hope and Healing with the laying on of hands at 5:30 pm (chapel)

February 12th: Vestry Mini-Retreat 10 am–2:00 pm

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR on our website for all activities taking place throughout the week.

Sunday 9:00 AM Live on Facebook

Services, studies, and service bulletins may be accessed on our website: www.stmarysstoneharbor.org