Matthew 17:19-21

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:19-20)
      Jesus, there are so many “mountains” that block our path; help us keep our eyes and our attention on you rather than the problems we face. Then we will be able to speak to these “mountains” with faith and belief. Thank you.

“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)
      Holy Spirit, bring us in this diocese to a common life of prayer and fasting. Help us to be disciples who live out a daily discipline of prayer and restraint. Thank you.

      Father, help us follow where your son Jesus is leading. Thank you.

A word received: I AM you shield and your hiding place.

Tuesday: 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18 Revelation 21:1-8 Matthew 17:14-21
Wednesday: 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 * 119:121-144; Malachi 1:1,6-14 Revelation 21:9-21 Matthew 17:22-27

Albany Intercessor

South Carolina–Francis Sayre

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

Grant, great Creator, that we too may love what Thou hast blessed so well: The South-land soil of Carolina.

Praise Thee, Lord, for the blue of upcountry hills, and their grassy apron falling toward the sea; praise Thee for islands and salt marshes and birds which nest in the sand; praise and thanksgiving for the fruitful earth that cherishes a magnola or laurel upon the mountain, or cotton for raiment.

Soft is the wind, soft the speech of men, gentle Thy Grace where the roots of Thy children are hid. May they in Thy goodness grow, reaching up their spirits toward heaven, until they shall have fulfilled Thy purpose for them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney

Charles Cotesworth “C. C.” Pinckney (1746 – 1825), was an early American statesman of South Carolina, Revolutionary War veteran, and delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
From his last will and testament, attested October 8, 1807.

To the eternal and only true God be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen

South Carolina: Prayer for Clergy Conference

Kendall Harmon has posted a prayer request for the clergy from the Diocese of South Carolina who will be on retreat from Nov 14 – Nov 16.

As I was praying for the clergy & diocesan leaders today, I found a number of passages from Psalm 68 coming to mind. (See below).

Heavenly Father,
Would this be a time of rejoicing and singing as the clergy in the Diocese of South Carolina gather in Your presence. May Your praises be filling their hearts and constantly on their lips. In Your mercy, would this be a time of refreshing, would they know that You are with them, bearing their burdens. Would You show forth Your power and remind Your people of Your majesty that they may declare Your awesome works, Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ps 68:3-4
3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds– his name is the LORD– and rejoice before him.

Ps 68:9
You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

Ps 68:19-20
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

Ps 68:28
Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

Ps 68:32-35
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Matthew 17:1-5 and Welcome Home Initiative reports

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; (Matthew 17:1)
      Jesus, thank you that we can have special times with you away from the crowds.

and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:2)
      Holy Father, clothe us in the light of Jesus. Help us shine forth with his light.

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (Matthew 17:3)
      Holy Spirit, thank you that even now you help us enter into conversations with Jesus and hear what he is saying.

Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:4-5)
      Holy Spirit, restrain us when we are impetuous and want to rush ahead with our own ideas and solutions. Help us to be obedient to the Father and hear Jesus.

      Jesus, you are the beloved Son of God. By your stripes we can be healed and become His children as well. Thank you.

A word received: Be prepared for my work.

Monday: 89:1-18 * 89:19-52; Habakkuk 2:1-4,9-20 Revelation 20:7-15 Matthew 17:1-13
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18 Revelation 21:1-8 Matthew 17:14-21

      Notes from the Front Line

Happy 81st Birthday Jean!

***** Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2011
From: Nigelmumford
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative YouTube

***** Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2011
From: Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2011
From: Noel Dawes
Subject: Re: Report: Welcome Home Initiative Retreat #11 from 7-9 November at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY 12834
Healing Experiences
      Pastor helps veterans overcome trauma at Greenwich retreat
      Read more: http://poststar.com/lifestyles/pastor-helps-veterans-overcome-trauma-at-greenwich-retreat/article_d0fb90fc-0cd4-11e1-9f1b-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1dbrHdgOT
      Photos at: http://poststar.com/gallery/welcome-home-initiative/collection_53b109a4-0cb8-11e1-ad64-001cc4c03286.html
Article:
      GREENWICH — The 16 veterans entered the chapel of Christ the King Spiritual Life Center to fanfare.
      It was the closing ceremonies of the 11th Welcome Home Initiative, meant to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and the former members of the armed forces who had experienced the horrors of battle, both on the field and at home, were receiving a standing ovation of support from uniformed school girls, the Greenwich Color Guard, members of the Patriot Riders and the community.
      As they made their way to their seats to the tune of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and words of “Welcome Home! Thank you!” projected on three overhead screens, some of the veterans seemed overwhelmed, with a few wiping away tears while others were smiling broadly.
      For three days, these men and one woman – some with spouses – shared painful memories, prayed together and learned about resources that could help them survive their ordeals with PTSD and thrive.
      ”Some of you came in very dejected, very broken, with obvious burdens upon your shoulders, and the joy of the Lord now is upon you as the Lord has healed you, redeemed, refreshed and set you free,” the Rev. Nigel Mumford said to the veterans seated in the first two rows.
      Personal connections
      The ordained Episcopal priest, who also is the director of healing ministries at Christ the King and head of the Welcome Home Initiative team, understands the misery these veterans have experienced.
      In the 1970s, Mumford was a drill instructor for Britain’s Royal Marines and watched a friend get shot and others blown apart by bombs.
      Then, after Mumford completed his year in combat, he received word that four recruits he believed he had led through basic training were killed.
      He said he always was fearful of losing soldiers who were his responsibility, and he blamed himself for the deaths, even though the men were killed as a result of terrorist activity.
      The death of the soldiers was the last straw for Mumford. He was so traumatized by the savages of war, he was hospitalized and couldn’t utter a sound for a week.
      He stuttered badly for six months after.
      ”(PTSD) was called ‘shell shock’ back then,” Mumford said. “I was a mess, but God brought me through.”
      Mumford has since learned the soldiers killed were someone else’s recruits.
      Giving thanks
      Part of Mumford’s healing stemmed from being thanked for his combat experience.
      ”That had a profound effect. I realized that was the main problem with the Vietnam-era veterans. They were spat at, they were called ‘baby killers’ and nobody said ‘thank you.’ To say ‘thank you’ to a veteran can change that person’s life,” he said.
      After 9/11, Mumford spent a day working at Ground Zero and said he realized God wanted him to help others who had experienced trauma. For the following three years, he counseled psychotherapists who had developed PTSD secondhand from dealing with 9/11 issues.
      During World War I in England, there were retreat houses designed for soldiers suffering from PTSD, and Mumford felt something similar was needed here.
      In 2008, the priest and two other retired military men, Bishop David Bena and Lt. Col. Noel Dawes, created the Welcome Home Initiative retreats in Greenwich to address the needs and concerns of veterans dealing with PTSD.
      PTSD background
      The condition is not always obvious to the outside observer. Symptoms can include stuttering and/or the inability to speak, chronic insomnia, irritability and sudden outbursts of anger, repeated nightmares, depression, an exaggerated startled response and the “thousand yard stare,” in which a soldier is trying to dissociate himself from his trauma.
      ”Their brain is reliving part of the battle. The problem is you can’t fight and you can’t flight. You’ve been in combat, now you’re thinking about it, and you can’t run away from the memory and you can’t fight because it’s done. You get trapped,” Mumford said. “I know people who are homeless because they can’t work. I know people who, when they are triggered, get in the car and disappear for three to five days, and their wives don’t know where they are.”
      Healing ceremony
      An integral component of the event is when Mumford prays for each veteran individually on the final morning. He said he often anoints the trigger finger or thumbs with the sign of the cross.
      ”It’s more than therapeutic. The Bible says, ‘Thou shall not kill,’ and a lot of veterans beat themselves up; they think they’ve broken one of the Ten Commandments. Also, in the Bible, it says, ‘There’s a time to kill and a time to heal’ – and we have to reconcile that, particularly with certain denominations that are so locked on to that. The burden and guilt takes so many lives,” Mumford said.
      Vietnam veteran Joe Yeager traveled from Utica for the three-day retreat. He said he has been plagued for 30 years by gruesome images of a man who had the top of his head blown off and his eyes sucked out with an M79 grenade rifle.
      Yeager had participated in numerous counseling programs through the Marine Corps but said he either left in the same condition he started or had only “superficial” healing.
      ”At the military, they told me how to cope, but they couldn’t get to the root of the problem. Here they encouraged me to go back into that situation and ask where Jesus was. I saw him in the heavens. They said when you see (the images), see Christ. It takes the power (of the memory) away. I’m not dwelling on it, you know what I mean?” Yeager said. “I see tangible stuff I can use. I’ll see how it pans out.”
      Bryan Ashley-Selleck, 43, came to the retreat with his fiancée, Marcy Smith. The Middlebury, Vt., man is disfigured on one side of his face from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had not only been haunted by the Gulf War but by memories of abuse that began when he was a toddler.
      Ashley-Selleck said he managed to graduate from high school and enter the Marine Corps. He married and had two children, but then he “lost everything.”
      ”There was anger, all that anxiety, and the combat part of it just reared its ugly head. I was homeless, I was eating food out of a garbage can. I lost my job, I lost my wife,” Ashley-Selleck said.
      He slowly started to get back on track, returning to church, and he met Smith a year ago. Smith said attending the retreat with her fiancé was “crucial” to their relationship.
      ”I have no experience of abuse myself or in my family, and we’ve had things come up that have been difficult to deal with, like anger and frustration and learning what the source of that is. I’ve had to learn a whole new world I’ve never been exposed to. I’ve always known God is there helping us all the time, but even sometimes in that difficulty you can find yourself turning away from God, that this person is your enemy,” Smith said. “This (retreat) helps tremendously.”
      Shared experiences
      For Ashley-Selleck, the highlight of the Welcome Home Initiative was sitting in a circle with other combat veterans and discovering their common bonds.
      ”They had the same PTSD issues. You just don’t walk in the street and talk to someone about that and have them understand it right down to a ‘T’. I came to tears and let some things out, and I don’t even know these guys,” he said. “You don’t get that from a counselor you’re paying 120 bucks an hour to.”
      ”God tells us that those who have been comforted by him are then able to give that comfort to others and that’s what happens between these men. They really were healing each other through a mixture of confession, what happened, of crying out for help and being open to receiving help,” Smith said.
      Ashley-Selleck said that even though he has a religious foundation, it’s not necessary to benefit from the retreat.
      ”That’s the thing about this place, they don’t preach to you, they don’t push (religion) on you, but I really believe when they leave here, it’s stamped onto them,” he said.
      Helping veterans
      It costs about $15,000 to put on a retreat, Mumford said, but veterans or their families are never charged for their participation. Private donations, however, are accepted.
      Mumford, who is also the author of “Hand to Hand from Combat to Healing” and “The Forgotten Touch,” has just released a third book, “After the Trauma the Battle Begins,” which is an outgrowth of his work with PTSD sufferers.
      He has appeared at the Pentagon to speak about his Welcome Home Initiatives, and the chief of staff of the British Army, who reports to the Queen of England, wrote the forward to his new book.
      Mumford cautioned that attending the retreat is just one ingredient to the healing puzzle; there are those who may also may need a therapist and prescribed medication.
      He also suggests PTSD sufferers read his book.
      The Welcome Home Initiatives have drawn veterans to Greenwich from as far away as Hawaii and Japan, and the program has been duplicated in England and Australia.
      Mumford hopes to make a documentary video other churches can use to hold such retreats in their own communities.
      ”We really need to pay attention so that we don’t pass on PTSD to our children. There could be a new generation of traumatized children because their mummies and daddies have gone off to war,” Mumford said. “We need to be very compassionate and acknowledge these men and women. If we can love and thank them, it can change someone’s life.”

Albany Intercessor

New Hampshire–Francis Sayre

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

O God, how hast Thou favored Thy children who are given to perceive Thy splendor upon the wooded terrain of New Hampshire!

For hemlock and spruce and sweet maple dancing down the valleys;
for granite uplifted, unmoved, eternal;
for myriad lakes like eyes in the forest where shines the image of the lively sky;
for the silent peace of snow, the cool verdure of summer, and autumn’s gorgeous praise:
Accept our thanksgiving for Thy abounding glory.

May our lives too reflect Thy grace: As free as a deer upon the mountain, yet humble enough to seek Thy way and no other. So shall we dwell with Thee and one another, taking the place in Nature’s harmony which Thou hast appointed to be our blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest

The fruitfulness of Israel

Leviticus 20:22 (AMP)
You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out [as it did those before you].

Leviticus 26:3-5 (AMP)
If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them, I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit. And your threshing [time] shall reach to the vintage and the vintage [time] shall reach to the sowing time, and you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely.

When Jews began resettling their historic homeland in the late 19th century, their first efforts were directed towards reclaiming the mostly semi-arid land, much of which was rendered untillable by deforestation, soil erosion and neglect. Rocky fields were cleared and terraces built in the hilly regions; swampland was drained, and systematic reforestation begun; soil erosion was counteracted, and salty land washed to reduce soil salinity. Since Israel attained its independence in 1948, agricultural production has expanded 16-fold, more than three times the rate of the population growth. More than 40 percent of the country’s vegetables and field crops are now grown in the Arava and Negev Deserts.
Israel is one of only two countries in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees. Its forests are all hand-planted. When the pioneers of the State arrived, they were greeted by barren land. Since 1901, more than 240 million trees have been planted.

Father, we thank You for the fruitfulness of the land of Israel. Amen.

John Langdon

Langdon was an early supporter of the Revolutionary War and later served in the Continental Congress. After being in Congress for 12 years, including serving as the first president pro tempore of the Senate, Langdon became governor of New Hampshire.
He was a Signer of the Constitution.

In the name of God, Amen. I, John Langdon, . . . considering the uncertainty of life and that it is appointed unto all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say-First: I commend my soul to the infinite mercies of God in Christ Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father, who died and rose again that He might be the Lord of the dead and of the living . . . professing to believe and hope in the joyful Scripture doctrine of a resurrection to eternal life . . .

Will of John Langdon

Matthew 25:14-15, 24-30

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” (Matthew 25:14-15)
      Father, please help each of us in our several callings use the gifts and talents you have given us.

      Holy Spirit, we ask that you show forth your gifts and fruit in every congregation of this diocese.

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Matthew 25:24-30)
      Jesus, please help us take seriously to heart the cost of not using the gifts you have given us.

A word received: Give thanks for all that I have done for you.

Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Habakkuk 1:1-4(5-11)12-2:1 Acts 28:14b-23 Luke 16:1-13
HC: 90 or 90:1-8,12; Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10; Matthew 25:14-15,19-29
Monday: 89:1-18 * 89:19-52; Habakkuk 2:1-4,9-20 Revelation 20:7-15 Matthew 17:1-13

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2011
From: Noel Dawes
Subject: Report: Welcome Home Initiative Retreat #11 from 7-9 November at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY 12834
Welcome Home Initiative — 11th Retreat (7-9 November 2011)

———- +++++ ———-

Please take/make the time to read this report thoroughly – it will bless you!

———- +++++ ———-

We apologize to all our prayer warriors and readers for the lack of updates during the Retreat. For various technical reasons we don’t fully understand, we were unable to gain access to the internet from the Spiritual Life Center. Rather than spend time sorting the problem out we felt it was more effective to concentrate on ministering to the combat Veterans who came, trusting that you were keeping us in prayer anyway.

———- +++++ ———-

This report is a series of thoughts, prophetic words and personal testimonies (we have permission from each of those telling their story). We hope you will get a meaningful and coherent understanding of how God was so powerfully at work during this Retreat. At the end of the report is a link to some excellent and very meaningful photos of the Retreat taken by a local newspaper. We believe an article will be published in the Glens Falls Post-Star on Sunday, 13th November. See http://poststar.com/lifestyles/pastor-helps-veterans-overcome-trauma-at-greenwich-retreat/article_d0fb90fc-0cd4-11e1-9f1b-001cc4c03286.html

———- +++++ ———-

From: Nigel Mumford, Thu, 10 Nov 2011

The eleventh Welcome Home Initiative (thirteenth in all, two off site) closed yesterday. It was the best one yet. You could actually see God healing several of the Veterans. I want to thank all who came to the closing and all who prayed for us. The general consensus: Brilliant! God bless you, Fr. Nigel+

———- +++++ ———-

From: Susan LaDuke, Tue, Nov 8, 2011
Day 1 Summary (Mon, Nov 7th, 2011)

Today the eleventh WHI Retreat at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center started. It is thirteenth over all (Retreats were held in Colorado Springs in Sep 2010 and Xenia, OH in Aug 2011).

Fr. Nigel Mumford and the WHI team welcomed the participants, giving everyone the opportunity to introduce themselves in a relaxed and open atmosphere. One combatant testified how at a previous WHI the Lord told him to surrender his weapon, a knife he carried in his pocket since returning from Viet Nam. He was obedient and gave his knife to Fr. Nigel .The next day when he went home he felt the Lord speaking to him again to surrender all 14 of the guns he had in his home. Once again he was obedient to the Lord. He spoke today of how powerfully he was healed and how his life had changed since that time.

After a wonderful dinner, we all met again the Oratory Chapel where Fr. Nigel talked about PTSD, giving a little picture of what is to come tomorrow as the Veterans get to tell their story and look for Jesus to come into their traumas and heal them.

~ Please pray for protection over us all, for ministering angels and for the peace of God to cover us.

~ Please pray for the hearts of the participants to be open and transparent to the Lord so that the healing He desires for each one can be completed.

~ Pray for the gifts of the Spirit needed to minister to these men and women be released to the team. Pray especially for wisdom and clarity as well as words of knowledge as needed.

~ Pray for the team members as well as the 17 participants.

———- +++++ ———-

From: Nigel Mumford, Thu, 10 Nov 2011
Welcome Home Initiative Testimony – Veteran set free….
Dear Souls,
We have seen an absolute miracle on the thirteenth Welcome Home Initiative (WHI).
      Joe (named used with permission) is a totally different man…he has been set free. I had him in my small group. He sat next to a Brigadier General who was also on the program. Listening to their stories… Off the charts! Joe was a point rifleman… The Brigadier General led 8,000 men, from the front. They both sat next to each other at the closing… Both holding hands and weeping. This WHI was the most powerful ever… My small group was filmed for the documentary… Joe even agreed to be filmed… Now that was amazing. Joe is a Messianic Jew and told me he had been to many programs to be healed. He told me that he never got healing, part of the root of the anger! At the end of this program, he realized that Jesus has healed him…I am so moved… Joe even harassed me during my first talk… He was so very angry at the start. Now you can see his healing – it in his smiling face… At the start, he even kept a hat on with the sun visor over his eyes… It has been amazing. The really neat thing is that his journey has been documented… Joe was interviewed several times during the program. Without his hat to hide behind!
      The team and I are so honored to be used for healing of these haunted men and women. Jesus came to set the captives free… and that is what the WHI is all about.
      Thank you for making this possible through your prayers and donations.

God bless you, Fr. Nigel+

———- +++++ ———-

GOD BLESS US ONE AND ALL! (Tiny Tim in ‘A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens)
WELCOME HOME THIS VETERANS DAY 2011
(Testimony used with permission from the originator, who was attending his second Retreat)

Once again this Ministry has blessed my life far more than I could have ever imagined.

Briefly, I have not felt better in my life spiritually, physically, and emotionally since August in Xenia, Ohio.

Through Jesus, Marcy and Bryan and all of you I know it is OK to let someone into my life if God would bring that person along in my journey of healing (totally unexpected). The FEAR of that (person) is gone replaced by HOPE. I told myself after my wife died (six years ago), I would never trust myself in a relationship let alone the possibility of marriage again. Fr. Nigel you said, “Do not let the past form your present or your future.”

At breakfast on Wednesday morning, Marcy asked me if I had anyone in my life and I told her no. And then she said to me, “it is OK”, (three words), then the subject changed. During prayer on Wednesday, Bishop Derek leaned over and part of his whisper to me were three words, “It is OK” (I was in the small group with Bryan and Bishop Derek).

When I gave my life to Jesus at ALPHA in 2005, it was at the invitation of a friend who said to me, “This will help” and walked away. Three words again that have profoundly changed my life.

Today, I believe the choice is His, not mine.

God bless you all, David (Bulldog) Coleman

———- +++++ ———-

From: Nigel Mumford, Fri, 11 Nov 2011
Subject: Daily quote
      I see so many rejected souls, carrying the burden of real and perceived rejection upon strained backs. So rejected are some, that they indeed reject others. So the cycle of rejection runs down the hill, gaining momentum… Christ is here to place His hand on the handle bar and stop that rejection in it’s tracks. What can I do, you might ask? Try reaching out. Offer six words that might change a life. “How may I pray for you? Fr. Nigel Mumford+

———- +++++ ———-

From: Nigel Mumford, Sat, 12 Nov 2011
Subject: Quote of the day
      God introduces me to souls that have been battered and torn. So many craving the love of God but not really knowing that He is here. Souls, timidly starting to dare believe that God is still in the business of healing. So, OK here’s the thing: Ask the Lord to pour his love into your heart and see what happens! Fr. Nigel Mumford+

———- +++++ ———-

From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+, Fri, 11 Nov 2011
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative
“The Welcome Home Initiative is not just a pat on the back. It is a life time gift.” Fr. Nigel Mumford+

———- +++++ ———-

“After the Trauma, The Battle Begins, Post Trauma Healing” Fr. Nigel Mumford’s latest book. “This book is a must read for anyone dealing with trauma, especially if he or she is a combat Veteran” ISBN 978-1-61468-024-6. Paper back, 243 pages, $18.00+ S&H ($6 USA – $11 UK) available from www.nigelmumford.com or your favorite book shop.

———- +++++ ———-

See photo collection of WHI at http://poststar.com/gallery/welcome-home-initiative/collection_53b109a4-0cb8-11e1-ad64-001cc4c03286.html?mode=image&photo=1

Albany Intercessor

Virginia–Francis Sayre

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

Renew Thy grace, O Thou ruler of destiny, upon the Commonwealth of Virginia, that she may ever rejoice in the dominion of Thy Providence. Bless the gracious land where Thou hast unfolded such a measure of Thy purpose for mankind.

For each step on the highway of history we lift our thanksgiving: For those who wrested welcome from the wilderness; who planted peace along the inland avenues of the sea; who saw Thy glory upon the mountain heights and likened it to freedom. Praise be to Thee, mighty Lord, for the sturdy quest which generation by generation sought out the noble mark of independence and distilled that brave wisdom into the instruments of a nation’s governance.

Cherish, O Father, that generous spirit which has raised up such leaders of liberty; and sanctify to Thy people still the vision of Thy great design for them and for all men; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest

President George Washington

”Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou hast this day prescribed in Thy Holy Word…direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. Bless, O Lord, all the people of this land.”

Cited in W. Herbert Burk, ed., “Washington’s Papers”, pp.87-95

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, November 12, 2011, 9:25 – 10:30 a.m. Bob Baker, Torre Bissell and Mark Pasko.

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina
H–indicates received a hat
M–indicates received mittens
G–indicates received gloves
S–indicates received a scarf

Steve (man) — He helped set up the prayer table and then I prayed that he would be able to start his own business and prosper.

Ray (man)

+Angel (man) and +Pam (woman) — She asked prayer for her mom.

+HG Blaney (man) and +HG Crystal (woman) — He asked prayer for a job.

+Marion (man) — He asked prayer for “a beautiful day.”

+G Chris (boy) — He asked prayer that he would “have a safe walk.”

The Bus Driver — slowed, honked, and waved to us. He previously gave me a note asking for prayer for: 1) A Christian helpmate, equally yoked. 2) Present my body a living sacrifice, flee all sexual lust. 3) Faith and patience, wisdom

+Ray (man) — “That I will be saved at the end.”

+G Donovan and +G Shaquille

+G Joseph — “Virtue.” And +G Paula — She had just lost her job.

G Debra (regular) — Her father Berry is being wearned off the breathing machine. She also ask prayer for her mother Elizabeth.

+GH Mark (young man) — “That I will stay out of trouble.”

+H arlene — She asked prayer for “good health and freedom.”

+M Cathy

+Simone — She is pregnant and due January 10th. We prayed for a safe and easy delivery and a strong and healthy and normal child. She had her first “baby shower” when we gave her a baby hat and mittens.

+HM Kim and her baby HM Cassidy — She drove up and parked right in front of us. She said she had been to the prayer table before. I remember the times I had seen her “working the street,” usually high on whatever she was using. She did not appear to be on anything now, but there were clear effects of the stuff she had used in the past. She seems on a better path now.

++Anthony (man) — He is at the City Mission. Last week he got a bag of crosses to hand out to children in the hospital.

Eric (Elder at the Macedonia 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St.) We prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the congregation this morning and that people would be newly won to Jesus. He asked prayer for a “Family Health and Wellness Day” at their church on Swan Street on November 19th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

+G Pedro asked prayer for his wife +H Iris to have good health. They have come to the prayer table in the past.

Altars of the patriarchs

Noah
–Site unknown (Genesis 8:20)

Abraham
–Shechem (Genesis 12:6-7)
–between Bethel and Ai (Genesis 12:8)
–Hebron (Genesis 13:18)
–Moriah (Genesis 22:2)

Jacob
–Shechem (Genesis 33:20)
–Bethel (Genesis 35:1)

The known patriarch altar sites are located in the land historically called Judea and Samaria, but named the West Bank by Jordan. From 1948-1967, the land was under Jordanian rule. In 1967, it was occupied by Israel. It remains under Israeli military control but, for the most part, has not been annexed. In 1988, Jordan ceded its territorial claims to the PLO.

Father,
We see through a glass darkly and do not fully understand what happens in the spiritual realm when an altar to You is established. Are portals opened? Are they everlasting?
We do know this: Your Son Jesus was a carpenter, and He said, I am the door. We speak the name of Jesus over the patriarch altars of the West Bank.
‘I am the door,’ be the door.
‘I am the way,’ be the way.
‘I am the truth,’ be the truth.
‘I am the life,’ be the life.
O, blood-covered door-way-truth-life, be in Shechem, Bethel, Ai, Hebron, and Moriah. Be present in the land of Your birth. Amen.

Matthew 16:21-28

From that time Jesus began to show to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. (Matthew 16:21)
      Jesus, thank you for what you have knowingly suffered for us. Help us recognize that the hart times we go through can bring forth great fruit for other people.

Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22)
      Holy Spirit, please help us see past the surface of things to Jesus’ larger purposes.

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:23)
      Jesus, please forgive us when we offend you by not being mindful of what your father is doing and wanting for us.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)
      Father, please help me daily take up the cross you have for me to carry.

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
      Jesus, help me let go of my agenda and live for yours.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
      Help me, Holy Spirit, to daily understand what is for my real profit. Help the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church understand that their grabs for power will never profit them.

“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his father with his angels, and then he will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)
      Holy Spirit, please help me do the work you have given me to do.

“Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28 )
      Jesus, thank you for the glimpses you have given us of you and your kingdom.

How easy it is
for me to live with you, Lord.
How easy it is to believe in you
when my mind reels from not understanding,
or when my mind weakens–
when the most intelligent people cannot think
beyond the evening and do not know
what must be done tomorrow.
You convey to me the
lucid assurance that you exist,
that you will see to it that not all paths
toward good will be closed.
At the peak of earthly renown
I look back with amazement at
that road which by no stretch of the imagination
I could have devised–
A remarkable road through despair
which has led me here
where I too have been able
to send mankind
reflections of your rays–
As for what I
won’t have time or ability for–
This means that you have
reserved it for others.
      Prayer
      Alexander Solzhenitsyn

A word received: Pray for those who are troubled in spirit.

Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Joel 3:9-17; Revelation 20:1-6 Matthew 16:21-28
Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Habakkuk 1:1-4(5-11)12-2:1 Acts 28:14b-23 Luke 16:1-13
HC: 90 or 90:1-8,12; Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10; Matthew 25:14-15,19-29

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative
      ”The Welcome Home Initiative is not just a pat on the back, it is a life time gift.”
Fr.NM+

Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote
      I see so many rejected souls, carrying the burden of real and perceived rejection upon strained backs. So rejected are some, that they indeed reject others. So the cycle of rejection runs down the hill, gaining momentum… Christ is here to place His hand on the handle bar and stop that rejection in it’s tracks. What can I do, you might ask? Try reaching out, offer six words that might change a life. “How may I pray for you?
Fr. Nigel Mumford+

Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Quote of the day
      God introduces me to souls that have been battered and torn. So many craving the love of God but not really knowing that He is here. Souls, timidly starting to dare believe that God is still in the business of healing. So, OK heres the thing: Ask the Lord to poor his love into your heart and see what happens! Fr. Nigel Mumford+

***** Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011
From: Susan Plaske
Subject: Cathedral Prayer Report
We have three weeks of prayers to offer, starting with the most recent November 9, 2011 A warm and windy but, Sunny Wednesday 12 Noon – 1:00PM, Hilda Hardy and Deacon Sue
Deborah – healing of bulging disk and relief of pain which has been constant for 2 weeks.
Brian – a veteran stopped, visited and prayed with us, he was in town visiting his niece.
Dave – (Trinity Church) for the Family of Monica Yost, for Comfort and peace .
Sharon – Praise and Thanks giving for God’s work in Jim’s life and that he was able to return to work. We prayed for continued blessing and success at work and with his health.
Dave – good results from tests and restoration of health.
David – for healing and relief of pain in his spine and back.
+ Woman who wants to quit smoking – for God’s help with breaking the addiction, the knowledge of his love for her and for healing.
+ Sue – Colitis for relief of symptoms, healing comfort from any anxiety.
Hilda – For peace and grace in her work situation and new position.
Michael – prayed for his son Adam who is handicapped and is starting college, for God to guide his choices and to lead him and assist him in his College life.
Paula and David prayers for grace God knows the details
++ Sue for daily prayer that problems with her late mother’s estate get solved soon and in the family’s favor.
Sue was thankful for previous prayer and said she felt so much better and was greatly encouraged. ” You have a way with words”.
Hilda commented as we all know, it’s not us but the Holy Spirit speaking through us!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cathedral of All Saints Prayer Table November 2, 2011 Cold but, Sunny Wednesday Noon til 1:00PM Beth Collum, Deacon Sue, Hilda Hardy and Thor the dog.
Milton (Inventor) – Stopped by to give praise and thanksgiving for prayers answered. His invention has a patent and has been accepted. He was thrilled at the blessing of God.
Graham (Organist) – Prayers for his concert.
Sue – For comfort for Wendy’s family in the death of her sister
Sue M – Wellness and encouragement for medical issues she is facing. She thanked us for asking her to pray.
Sharad – Prayer for guidance for others
+ David on his way to the Cathedral.
Linda – prayer for healing for her foot that had surgery.
Bob – Prayers in general, and praises for Margaret’s healing from Cancer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oct. 26, 2011 Cathedral of All Saints Prayer Table Rainy , Cool Noon – 1:00PM Beth Collum, Deacon Sue, Hilda Hardy
Douglas – Praise and thanksgiving for employment, provision for him and his family.
Ernie -For peace for those in the partk (Occupy Albany) that all would find jobs and shelter.
Grace – For the Unemployed for provision for food and shelter.
Graham for His Organ Concert.
Bob – Healing from Cold and for Margaret.
Linda – for healing for her foot.
People we continue to pray for : Michael for his marriage, for Teriqua for healing, for Linsey for healing, for Phyllis, for Vera and George. And from Brother Ken Thanks giving for God’s grace and wonderful love for us.

***** A picture of Jean Bissell (probably taken after she came back from Pakistan). She will be 81 on Monday, November 14th.

Albany Intercessor

New York–Francis Sayre

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

Praise be to thee, O God, for courage to dream and strength to build.

Thanks be to Thee for empires won and kingdoms yet to come; and for lakes and coursing rivers on which has passed the commerce of a continent.

Bless, Lord, these generous valleys and ancient hills; and the harbor at their edge where ocean and earth are married in so great a portal, where ebbs and flows the rhythm of exchange between the Old World and the New.

Grant only, O Father, that those who are posted at such a gate, may match to their tall towers the hope of their spirit; and ever to keep open the sacred path to a country wider than their own; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest