Finding the TRINITY in the Book of Common Prayer
by The Reverend Gavin G. Dunbar
If one considers the doctrine of the Trinity in the historic Prayer Books, there is much material that speaks of this doctrine, and either reflects or is derived from the critical formulation of this doctrine in the 4th and 5th centuries. These texts can be specified as follows:
* The ancient baptismal formula, based on Matthew 28:18: “I baptize thee in the
Name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost”
* The ancient baptismal symbol, known as the “Apostles’ Creed”, which despite
its medieval emendations, reflects the earliest (pre-Nicene) stage of
Trinitarian doctrine
* The Great Doxology known as Gloria in excelsis, a strophic hymn based on
Luke 2:20.
* The 4th or 5th century strophic hymn Te Deum laudamus
* The “Nicene” Creed--a text first promulgated by the Council of Nicea in 325,
but expanded at the Council of Constantinople in 381.
* A version of the 4th century doxology known as the Gloria patri: “Glory be to
the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen”.
* The collect for Trinity Sunday: “grace, by the confession of a true faith, to
acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine
majesty to worship the Unity”
* The 5th century “Creed of Saint Athanasius”. Though it was not composed by
Athanasius, but originated long after his death in the monasteries of southern
Gaul, its name reflects loyalty to the Athanasian theology of Nicea. Though
omitted altogether from the American Prayer Books and Articles, and rarely
used in other provinces of the Anglican Communion, it remains a historic
touchstone of Trinitarian doctrine.
* The Collects (and numerous other prayers). Most of them, addressed to God, are
(or are meant to be) offered “through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord” who
liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world
without end”. Those addressed to Christ have a similar Trinitarian ending.
(The formula, “through Jesus Christ our Lord” is a contraction that was meant
to be expanded by the priest.)
* The hymn, Veni Creator Spiritus, used at ordinations, which ascribes divinity
to the Holy Spirit in unity with the Father and the Son.
* The first Article of Religion, together with the next five, which expand it,
affirm the ancient Trinitarian consensus as the basis of the Reformed
theological developments.
* “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship
of the Holy Ghost be with us all.” This Trinitarian benediction (2 Corinthians
13:14), is used at the end of Morning and Evening prayer and the Litany.
* The final blessing at Solemnization of Matrimony: “God the Father, God the
Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless preserve and keep you….”
(Adapted from Mandate, The Magazine of the Prayer Book Society)
PARISH NEWS
Our 2009 Very exciting Bible School was a glory and praise to our Lord and King! We had 40 Courageous Kids, 11 Guides, 11 Bible Story Teachers and two Music helpers with the Music Director. We also had 11 children actors and actresses. Plus, most teachers were dressed in Bible costumes as we went back in time through a time machine to Old Testament days.
Our theme: Courageous Kids “Stepping Out for Jesus”
Theme verse: “Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, (as Queen Esther did to save her people the Jews), in life, (as Daniel did in the Lions’ Den), in love, (as Miriam showed love for her baby brother Moses), in faith, (as David did against the giant Goliath), and in purity” (as King Josiah, who became king at only 8 years of age, followed godly advise of holy priests and served God). I Tim. 4:12 Bibles and story books were given to the children by our church, some individual parishioners, and friends.
Retirement Farewell Party was given for retiring Secretary, Holly Ardizzone, on Sunday, July 12, during coffee hour. She had been our Church Secretary from May 1991 through May 2009. Thank you, Holly, for your many years of service to Christ’s church here at St. Andrew’s. We wish you many enjoyable years of retirement and may God continue to bless you!
The Anglican Church in North America
The first Provincial Assembly of the ACNA took place June 22-24, 2009. Bishop Robert Duncan was consecrated as the Archbishop of the new Province. More information about the ACNA may be found at the REC website: www.rechurch.org
Woman’s Guild Meeting
The ladies will be meeting after church, August 23, 2009, to plan the meal for the Bishop’s visit. This meeting will take the place of the September Guild Meeting.
Episcopal Visit
The Rt. Rev. Royal U. Grote, Bishop of the Diocese of Mid-America, will be with us Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, Labor Day weekend. Mark your calendars now and plan to be here to represent our church. A catered luncheon follows in the Parish Hall.
Preschool Open House
The St. Andrew’s Preschool will have its annual Open House for parents and their children on Sunday, August 23, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Preschool starts up again Tuesday, Sept. 8.
5th Sunday Pot Luck
After church August 30th
Rally Day Picnic & Sunday School Kick-Off
Sunday School resumes Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. for ages two to adult. We will have the Rally Day Picnic after church that day on the church grounds or inside the Parish Hall if it rains. Plan to be here and sign-up to bring food. Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, and drinks are provided.
Missionary of the Month
Please pray for our Mission Pastor, Rev. Olugbenga (Olu) Olajide & his wife, Oyeronke (Oye), and family as they serve the Lord at the Church of the Pentecost, a new mission work of the REC.
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Happy Birthday!
Aug. 1 - Anne Robertson
Aug. 7 - Rev. Frank Levi
Aug. 7 - Florence Auman
Aug. 18 - Adam Sellers
Aug. 22 - Robby Robertson
Aug. 24 - Joan Reagan
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It’s Not Impossible
by Helen Kitchell Evans
Are you saying it’s impossible
To live a Christian life?
Are you saying it’s impossible
To overcome your strife?
Are you saying it’s impossible
To go the better way?
Nothing is impossible
If you take Christ each day.
Volunteer Prayer
by Kay Hight
If I have made one person smile that
would have been solemn
If I have helped one person walk that
would have sat alone
If I have been a friend to one person
that would have had no one
Then I have given the greatest gift there
is to give, the gift of time and love.
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