AOC Two

              This is an idealistic hymn written by a Unitarian minister, Frederick Lucian Hosmer (1840-1929). In many Unitarian hymns, as in this one, an appeal is made for the salvation of the whole world and to the brotherhood of man and Fatherhood of God in a sense of common salvation. There is no general salvation. Salvation is an act of the grace of God working by faith in the hearts of His people. Though it would be a most glorious event to have all nations become one in Christ, that cannot happen under the present world and political economy. God’s elect are separate from the world, and must remain so. Only when Christ returns and the Kingdoms of this world are One in Him can such a sentiment be realized. However, there are many beautiful sentiments of spiritual value expressed in the hymn. The tune is  INVITATION  by Frederick C. Maker, 1905. This hymn is number 534 in the 1940 Church Hymnal.   Thy ...

Happy First Sunday in Lent! The AOC Sunday Report can be downloaded  RIGHT HERE ! Before we get started, I'd like to direct your attention to a couple of significant quotes: On Lent If a man will but fast from his sins, he may eat what he pleases. Robert E. Lee American General and Patriot   On Lent The best way for most of us is to fast from our sins and to eat what is good for us. Robert E. Lee American General and Patriot   We have a great sermon today from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as Revs Jack, and Bryan.  Each is different, each is great.   Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon can be viewed on video here ->  https://youtu.be/h_NNvx8cK30   Today’s Collect recalls Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness and asks that God give us the strength to focus our being to allow us to follow His Will.  Paul writes to the people of Corinth asking them to come togetther to further God’s Plan and not theirs.  ...

Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video here ->  https://youtu.be/h_NNvx8cK30   Today’s Collect recalls Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness and asks that God give us the strength to focus our being to allow us to follow His Will.  Paul writes to the people of Corinth asking them to come togetther to further God’s Plan and not theirs.  In the Gospel Matthew relates the story of Jesus’ temptation by the Devil.  There is more to it than you might think.  There is much more to this story than meets the eye.  Great stuff and it all comes together, listen or read to understand how. THE EXHORTATIONS. ¶          At the time of the Celebration of the Communion, after the prayer for the whole state of Christ’s Church, the Priest may say this Exhortation. And  Note , That the Exhortation shall be said on the First ...

The First Sunday in Lent. The Collect.   O  LORD  who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.   And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:   The first day of Lent, commonly called Ash Wednesday. The Collect.   A LMIGHTY  and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   ¶  This Collect i...

N OW  do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness .   (Luke 11:39)               Pride of appearance is important, but it can also be deceptive. A physician wears the attire of the clinic, a construction worker that of the work site, and the soldier the uniform of his branch. But if an enemy wears that uniform, he may be shot as a spy.  We all should dress according to our purpose. Not only should our dress suit our purpose, but it should also serve as a badge of respect for the feelings of others. When I see the sloven and unkempt attire of the streets of America, I feel that such is disrespectful to the dignity of others. One of our most successful battle commanders of the Second World War was General George S. Patton, Jr. He was a stickler for proper military dress. His opinion was a soldier would behave much more like a profes...