Reformed Evangelical Synod of America

Archive for October, 2009

Francis, born in 1182, was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. He lived a carefree life and aided his father until 1201 ,when he joined a military expedition against Perugia. He was taken prisoner and spent a year as a captive. Upon his return to Assisi in 1203, Francis returned to his life until a serious illness led to a spiritual crisis. In 1205 Francis left for Puglia to enlist in the army of the Count of Brienne. In Spoleto, a strange vision made him return to Assisi, deepening his spiritual awakening.

Eventually, Francis’ call came into focus when, in a vision, he was given a mission to ‘rebuild the Church’. At first he focused on the small chapel where he received the vision, rebuilding it while, at the same time, laying the foundations for his future life as a mendicant. Others gathered around him, and soon a community was formed. In February 1209 he heard a life-changing sermon which called him to a life of total poverty and oneness with all creation, which stood in stark contrast with many of the clergy and monks of his own day.

Francis’ example strongly affected Clare, who, facing an arranged marriage to a man she did not truly love, elected to surrender her life to Christ’s service by following a path similar to Francis. While Francis’ followers travelled widely, Clare and her sisters lived quiet lives in enclosed communities, devoting themselves to prayer, nursing the sick, and works of mercy for the poor and neglected.

Francis died in 1226. Clare lived until 1253. Both remain cherished examples of selflessness among the many who today are members of or are influenced by the various orders of the Franciscan family.

COLLECT
Most holy God, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of your blessed servants Francis and Clare, we may, for love of you, delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy, serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Thank you.

Below are areas in which we request your prayers:

Father Rob Lyons is the Chaplaincy Manager at Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, a Level 1 Trauma Center. He and his wife Kristen are expecting a child in October and they hope to plant a church in the Indianapolis area soon. Pray for his daily ministry, his family, his church plant and his indispensable labors on behalf of the founding of the Reformed Evangelical Synod.

Deacon Greg Elsbernd on the Lord’s Day October 4th (the commemoration of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi) will take solemn vows upon the commencement of his ministry in Cincinnati, OH. His ministry will be known as the St. Francis Hermitage and consist of a ministry of intercession, service to the poor, and evangelism. Pray for him as he takes these vows connected to his ministry and he seeks to establish a faithful witness to Jesus Christ in this major urban area. We pray his labors in Cincinnati will be blessed to the spiritual help of many people.

Mr. Jerry Grigsby is an applicant seeking ordination to the diaconate. Pray for his ministry in nursing homes and as he considers how the Lord may use him further in that area. He is also in the Cincinnati area. Pray for him in his studies and application process.

We also ask your prayer for the Lord to raise up women who will help establish a similar order for the spiritual formation of women for confirmation, service and the order of Deaconess.

Mr. Michael Pilkinton has been involved in extensive studies in apologetics and has a vision for creating Christian video for evangelism and discipleship. Pray for him as he enters a time of spiritual formation for future ministry.

Bishop Chuck Huckaby Please continue to pray for St. Andrews Church in Lawrenceburg that the Lord will draw together a people to praise His Name. Pray for men who are approaching the synod about possible affiliation. Pray for the financial resources necessary to pursue the local work of the church and the work of the Synod.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.

Cordially in Christ,

+Chuck Huckaby

Reformed Evangelical Synod of America

Remigius was elected bishop of Rheims at the age of twenty-two. He is chiefly remembered for having baptized Clovis, king of the Franks, on Christmas Day in 468. Clovis’ conversion drastically changed the history of Europe, for through Remigius, the Franks were won to the catholic faith as opposed to the doctrines of the Arians.

COLLECT
Lord God, by the teaching of your faithful servant and bishop Remigius you turned the nation of the Franks from vain idolatry to the worship of you, the true and living God, in the fullness of the catholic faith. Grant that we who glory in the name of Christian may show forth our faith in worthy deeds. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The ancient kingdom of Armenia was the first country to become Christian, and it recognizes Gregory as its apostle. Armenia was a buffer state between the powerful empires of Rome and Parthia, and both of them sought to control it.

Gregory was born about 257. When he was still an infant, his father assassinated the King of Parthia, and friends of the family carried Gregory away for protection to Caesarea in Cappadocia, where he was reared as a Christian. About 280 he returned to Armenia, where he was at first treated severely, but eventually by his preaching and example brought both King Tiridates and a majority of his people to the Christian faith.

About 300, Gregory was consecrated the first bishop of Armenia. He died about 332. Armenian Christians to this day remember him with honor and gratitude.

COLLECT
Almighty God, it is your great joy and desire to be glorified in the lives of your saints. You raised up your servant Gregory to be a light in the world, and to preach the Gospel to the people of Armenia. Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.