Holy Trinity Ocean Beach

Today, following a worship service where our rector had to announce to the congregation the news of an unfavorable legal ruling against us and St. Anne's Oceanside which effectively evicts us from our place of worship and transfers ownership of our property over to the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, a parishioner asked Father if he had personally chosen today's readings to correspond with the news or if it really was the selection prescribed by the Lectionary.

Our priest could only explain, "it's a God thing."  Indeed.

Today's Epistle reading (bold emphasis mine).

Hebrews 10:31-39
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 

For yet  "in a very little while, he one who is coming will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back."

But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

 

   (read more...)

Prayer request:  A ruling is expected to be announced today here in San Diego (Friday, 6th) regarding a judge's decision granting or denying summary judgement in two joined property cases.  Plaintiffs are The Episcopal Church of the United States and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

Congregations affected by this ruling are St. Anne's Anglican Church, Oceanside and Holy Trinity Parish, Ocean Beach (my church home), both located here in San Diego.  The decision will affect the ministries of at least 5 clergy and approximately 400 active parishioners.  (read more...)