Sunday Services

Sunday School - 9:30 am

Holy Communion - 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, 10:30 am

Morning Prayer - 2nd and 4th Sundays, 10:30 am

Thursday Services

Evening Prayer 7 PM weekly

Reaching out to the least, the lonely, and the lost

Holy Communion Service at Friendship South

2nd and 4th Sundays, 2:30 pm

Thoughts from the Lectionary for the Third Sunday after Easter

From the Gospel Lesson: St. John 16:16-22

Vs. 22 "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."

Christ here instructs his confused disciples on His saying in verse 16 of the passage. He elucidates utilizing the example of a woman giving birth describing the initial anguish and pains of childbirth and then the joy that comes after the pain. He is speaking of course of His soon coming execution at Golgotha, the scattering and sorrow of His disciples, the rejoicing of those who had him crucified, and finally the turning of the tables as the disciples tears are turned to joy as Christ rises from the dead.

Oftentimes we have difficulty in our lives. We as Christians at times go through what Bunyan described as the Slough of Despond or the Dark Night of the Soul. During these times we must remember that our Savior is alive. He lives forever to make intercession for His children. Remember His pain. Remember His victory over death. Our tears will no doubt fall at times but we can rejoice in the morning light of the resurrection knowing that the victory belongs to Christ.

Blessings,

Fr. Duane+