Scriptures Were Written That Mankind Should Have Life

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JULY 2008

2008 PICNIC

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THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW—THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT. THE SECOND IS LIKE UNTO IT. THOU SHALL LOVE THEY NEIGHBOR AS THY SELF. ON THESE TWO LAWS HANG ALL THE LAW AND THE PPROPHETS.

Picnic Report. Over 35 brave souls went to Fillmore for a very enjoyable annual picnic during hot weather. We moved the picnic to June for cooler weather, but the weatherman didn’t cooperate. We had three active military guests: Chaplain Young, and two marines recently returned from Iraq. Captain Young is a Navy Chaplain preparing to deploy to Iraq as the Regimental Chaplain of the First Naval Construction Regiment. Reverend Bylo gave the Invocation. Reverend Pressey provided entertainment while the hungry guests waited for food. Reverend Brooks brought his appetite. Lucille Ternahan asked trivia questions. The Edmonds and crew prepared outstanding food: this year ribs were served with chicken, mashed potatoes, chili, and green salad. Tasty deserts were provided by church members. (More pictures inside)

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Moses said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and will all they soul, and with all thy might.” Deut 6:5

I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :

R ECTOR ’ S COLUMN

2

MUSIC S CHEDULE

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P ICNIC PICTURES

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P ICNIC PICTURES

5

A NGLICAN PROFILES

6

P ARENTS RESUME

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BOXES FOR TROOPS

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RECTOR’S COLUMN

SCRIPTURES AND THE LAW OF THE LAND By Rev. Pressey I angered the newspaper editor the other day when during a discussion I mentioned that Holy Scriptures underlie the foundations of our constitutional government. Using a common term, he verbally “freaked out” denouncing the idea that religion had anything to do with our government. He cited a falsehood that our Founding Fathers wanted separation of church and state. The Founding Fathers did not want the baneful influence of sectarian strife and conflict to infect government, for at that time, the country had a common root in morality, ethics and justice understood by Christians and Jews who shared a common heritage, despite denominational differences. I knew then that he had very little acquaintance with the Holy Bible for in it are precepts and ideas that lay dormant in the governance of nations until the founding of this country. How can a person dismiss the idea of the Declaration of Independence which states that all our rights are derived from our Creator. But even more astounding are the numerous laws and regulations that were promulgated by Moses and Christ over thousands of years ago. God is no respecter of persons which means that he does not place one person above another person. Justice must be done without regard to status. Man is created equal both in the Old Testament and the New. Women have equality with men. Workers are equal to masters. The foreign born are equal in God's eyes with the native born. Before the United States Constitution we are all equal before the law- or should be. Isn't it unusual that one day of rest is embedded in all our calendars. Such an idea was part of the Ten Commandments. The United States labor laws reflect both Old and New Testament language in promoting justice and fairness in the work place. Our welfare laws for the widows, orphans, and handicap coincide with biblical injunctions regarding the same. Our laws of just weights and measures originated in Scriptures. Citizenship laws by birth or naturalization parallel the ancient biblical laws of Israel where the stranger was accepted as one of Israel by subscribing to the law of the land. Certain laws regarding abnormal sexual behavior are still on the books including incest, bestiality, and crimes against minors. Guideline from the health department and even the military dictate health practices such as the consumption of animal fat and disposal of waste material. Man stealing for slavery was an offense punishable by death in Scripture. It took awhile for this error to be corrected, but slavery is now forbidden in the USA under the Constitution bringing us into biblical conformity. Tithing or what we call taxes in the modern era were to be used for feeding the hungry, the fatherless, and the widow. Elaborate provisions were made to ensure food for the poor,

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the fatherless, and the widow. Elaborate provisions were made to ensure food for the poor, an idea that is now part of our laws. The list of parallel laws is extensive. I wish that these detractors of Holy Scripture knew what they are talking about. These are just some of the Scriptural ideas imbedded in our laws including the very ideas of justice, mercy, and equality. The Scriptural illiterates know so little about what is in the Bible and make so much of bits and fragments taken out of context. Scriptures were written that mankind should have life and life more abundantly, not to make traditions and rituals unrelated to reality. By just and humane laws, society learned to live in peace and harmony.

ORGANISTS PERFORMING DURING ELENA'S ABSENCE Elena Kokhanovski will be on an educational cruise in Europe from June 15 through August 24th. Louise Bergmann, former Dean of the American Guild of Organists and backup organist for St. Georges many times over the years, has arranged for music with guest organists as indicated below on the following dates: Louise Bergmann will play on June 15, July 6 and 13, and August 3, 10, 17, 24. Russell Stevens II will play on June 22 and July 27 Christine Becker will play on June 29 and July 20. Please give our guests your support.

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THE ANGLICAN

St. George’s Annual Church Picnic

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Fran Henry with Marines who recently served in Iraq. Mrs. Bill Henry’s father was a General of Marines. St. Georges was especially honored to recognize these fine non-commissioned officers at the picnic.

Chaplain Young, CAPT, USNR, (RIGHT) converses with Steve Hurst, while in the chow line.

Elise Pressey (left) invited our young Marine guests. Also pictured: Lisa Evetts (top) and Mariettta Ayre-Smith (Front)

Rev. Brooks converses while Rev. Ternahan gets down to eating the excellent food.

Reverend Pressey thanks the Edmonds and their friends for hosting the 2008 St. George’s Church picnic.

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PROFILES

BY REV. JOHN BYLO Thomas Becket, a towering figure of medieval English Church lore, was no less so in life. Born about 1118 of a knightly family, he completed his education in London and Paris by the time he was 22 years old and entered into employment as an accountant for the sheriff of London. In 1143, Archbishop of Canterbury Theobald, apparently impressed with young Thomas, took him into his household and confidence. Within 5 years Becket earned a living for himself at churches in London and Kent and paid positions at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and at Lincoln. In 1154, at the age of 36, Theobald ordained him deacon and immediately appointed him Archdeacon of Canterbury; a position by which he became known in the royal court. The following year he was made chancellor of England. An extraordinary relationship grew up between Henry II and Thomas. It was said that they appeared of ‘one mind’ and that the King was guided by him as by a ‘master’ in matters of state; a situation in which Thomas became the originator of all reforms brought forth by the young Henry. Thomas represented the King in missions to France, appearing more than regal in his state visits and in commanding military forces on horseback at the forefront of operations in combat against the city of Toulouse; a war which he directed, won, and negotiated the treaty of with the King of France. With these successes, Thomas returned to England in 1162, an able and popular officer of the crown and was raised to the see of Canterbury vacated by the death of Archbishop Theobald. At first, Thomas tried to avoid the appointment knowing that Henry’s ecclesiastical policy would clash with his own, but he was persuaded to accept the position by a high church official. He was elected Archbishop on the 23 May 1162. On 2 June he was made priest in Canterbury Cathedral and the next day he was consecrated Bishop of Winchester. The life of the deacon-chancellor, though un-clerical, had always been both pious and blameless. On the 23 July 1163, at the council of Woodstock, Thomas’ destiny was laid. Beginning then and continuing for the next 9 years, high drama, a heightening clash of wills, deception, and finally treachery followed. The King, single-mindedly pursuing his unquestioned authority and money; the Pope, himself exiled yet seeking to maintain the authority of the church in England; and, in the middle, Thomas zealously and stubbornly pursuing what he saw as the right thing to do; all these forces conspiring together to act out the tragic close of Thomas Becket’s life. During this struggle, the King labeled Thomas a traitor, confiscating church property and placing large fines on Thomas’ own property. Thomas, in return, refused to acquiesce to the King’s demands, threatened his own bishops with censure, if they cooperated with the King, and excommunicated Henry’s officers and associates of the court. Thomas fled to France for a number of years and when he returned, under a promise of reconciliation, he was martyred in his own church by the Henry’s knights. The Pope immediately canonized Thomas and the English people immediately accepted him as a saint whose relics possessed healing powers. This belief in the healing powers of St. Thomas is well documented in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Thomas Becket was a zealous, able, and stubborn man who believed himself to be a champion of the people and a priest of God, though his talents may have crowded his vision. Standing before the altar in Canterbury Cathedral just before the first of three mortal blows were struck, he said; “To God and the blessed Mary, to the patron saints of this church and to St. Denys I commend myself and the church’s cause,” and with a bowed head awaited their attack. In the history of the Anglican Church, Thomas provided an example of duty and service, however unwise may have been his methods. He is remembered as one who was a martyr for God and as a man who was faithful until the end.

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PARENTS RESUME POSITION TITLE : Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma, Old Girl Dad, Daddy, Dada, Old Man, Old Boy JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekendsand frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: The rest of your life. RESPONSIBILITIES : Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

T HE A NGLICAN S T . G EORGE ’ S A NGLICAN C HURCH 6300 Telephone Rd. Ventura, CA 93003

805 642-9697

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W OMEN Shown are ladies of St. George’s Anglican Church assembling some boxes of desired items to make the service of our men and women in Iraq more comfortable. The other members of the group not present have been involved in assembling the contents of these boxes. The parcels include paperbacks, food and non-food items. A number of St. Georges parishioners have relatives serving in Iraq. As a church with many veterans, we try to maintain contact with current servicemen and servicewomen.