October 2023
Spirit of the Eagle
St. John the Evangelist ACC
Spiritual Tidbits & Rector’s Reflections for
October 2023 from Father Tim
Fall 2023 has arrived and October looks to be a busy month. On the Church Ordo Kalendar we have four Trinity Sundays (1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd). Saint Luke, Evangelist & Martyr, falls on the 18th. Saints Simon & Jude, Apostles and Martyrs arrive on the 28th. Christ the King is celebrated on the 29th and we will close the month out with the Vigil of All Saints. As busy as October is looking to be, we also know the world will press us for even more of our time in November and December. So how do we slow down? Jeremy Taylor, the 17th century Anglican Bishop of Down & Connor, the Shakespeare of Divines, has a little advice that still rings true today. In his book, Holy Living & Holy Dying, he begins with, “The first general Instrument of Holy Living, Care of our Time.” He continues by saying, “He that is choice of his time will also be choice of his company, and choice of his actions. God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends.” His advice is to arise early, before sunrise, and to “think first upon God.” Early morning prayer time is a must. As our daily work begins he insists that we “be diligent in pursuance of its employment.” Our available time outside of our work should be “employed in prayers, reading, meditating, works of nature, recreation, charity, being friendly and neighborly.” Sundays must not be days of sheer idleness, we should attend Church and focus on deeds of charity. We should avoid the company of people who are “apt to talk much to little purpose,” and “never walk with any man, or undertake any trifling employment, merely to pass time away.” In the midst of our work day we should stop at intervals for short prayers to God. That said, our work should “be such as becomes a Christian; that is, in no sense mingled with sin.” Christians should “avoid curiosity, and all inquiry into things that concern them not.” Bishop Taylor wisly advises, “let not your recreations be lavish spenders of your time; but choose such which are healthful, short, transient, recreative, and and are apt to refresh you.” Toward the evening we should “examine the actions of the past day with a particular scrutiny,” we should remember our evening prayer and think upon God “at night also, let Him close thine eyes, and let your sleep be necessary and healthful.” As the Fall Season begins and the busy Holiday Seasons loom before us, I hope each of you make time to “think first upon God.” ~ Father Tim
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Is there someone in your life who is rushed and full of anxiety? Do they have their priorities confused? October is a beautiful month to invite someone to Saint John’s where they can discover the peaceful relief needed for holy living and holy dying. ~ Father Tim
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If you are Christians, be consistent. Be Christians out and out; Christians every hour, in every part. Beware of half hearted discipleship, of compromise with evil, of conformity to the world, of trying to serve two masters – to walk in two ways, the narrow and the broad, at once. It will not do. Halfhearted Christianity will only dishonor God, while it makes you miserable. ~ Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889, Scottish Churchman & Poet
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Did you know?
Did you know Saint John’s made a charitable gift to the Dayton Senior Citizens Luncheon in September? Did you know our Book of Life Club is discussing Reflection on the Psalms, by C.S. Lewis, in October? Did you know the first half of our kneelers are now being refurbished? Did you know that St. John’s was established in 1873 and 2023 is our 150th anniversary? Did you know Archbishop Mark Haverland will be at Saint John’s on the 7th of January for Confirmations and will cap our Sesquicentennial celebration?
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I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. July 8, 1723. ~ Jonathon Edwards, 1703-1758, American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and Congregationalist theologian
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St. John October Ordo Kalendar
Sunday, the 1st of October, at 10:30 AM, Trinity XVII Mass
Wednesday, the 4th of October at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sunday, the 8th of October at 10:30 AM, Trinity XVIII Mass, Maycock Baby Shower
Wednesday, the 11th of October at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sat., the 14th of Oct., at 2:00 PM, Bible Study Lineup, The Usual Suspects Club
Sun., the 15th of Oct., at 10:30 AM, Trinity XIX Mass
Wed., the 18th of October, at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sunday, the 22nd of October, at 10:30 AM, Trinity XX Mass
Wednesday, the 25th of October, at 6:30 PM, Evening Prayer
Sat., the 28th of Oct., at 3:15 PM, Reflection on the Psalms, The Book of Life Club
Sunday, the 29th of October, at 10:30 AM, Christ the King Mass, Vestry Meeting
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The greatest proof of Christianity for others is not how far a man can logically analyze his reasons for believing, but how far in practice he will stake his life on his belief. ~ T.S. Eliot, 1888-1965, Anglo-Catholic churchman, poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic, & editor
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St. John Shut-In Visits by Fr. Tim & Janet
Dropped by Kay Matthews with ‘Get Well Gifts’ on September 2nd.
Dropped by Bob & Carol Petrie’s with ‘Get Well Gifts’ on September 2nd.
Visited with Rob Ridiman at St. E’s in Fort Thomas on September 3rd.
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October Birthdays & Anniversaries
Jean Marie Centers – Birthday – October 8
Michael Griswold – Birthday – October 13
Jackson Bock – Birthday – October 14
Virginia Jackson – Birthday – October 16
Katie Craft – Birthday – October 17
Leslee Shelton – Birthday – October 24
Sheila & Ben Myers – Anniversary – October 28
Rick & Eileen Hanson – Anniversary – October 31
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Why should we want to worship Jesus well?
A life once spent is irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity… The same may be said of each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the marks which we put upon it, it will exhibit forever… Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny… How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! It is too late to mend the days that are past. The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. And at night let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked. ~ Adoniram Judson, 1788-1850, American Congregationalist & Particular Baptist Minister
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Tobias and the Archangel Raphael, feast day the 24th of October
When the young man went down to wash his feet in the Tigris River, a large fish leaped out of the water and tried to swallow his foot. He shouted in alarm. But the angel said to the young man, “Grab the fish and hold on to it!” He seized the fish and hauled it up on dry land. ~ Tobit vi. 3-4
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The seeking of Jesus Christ and the quest for chivalry combined lead directly to one place only: Anglican-Catholicism. Courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help and defend the weak and the poor. Welcome to the Anglican Catholic Church. ~ Father Timothy Butler