An amazing weekend at St. Simon’s. The ordination to the Priesthood of our Curate, the Reverend Forbes Sirmon, on Saturday was really awesome! Joyous and beautiful and the Holy Spirit showed up and “Made him a Priest”! I had the privilege and honor of preaching and really had a fun and holy time with that!

Today we had wonderful services, although we also took time to remember those murdered in cold blood for simply being Jewish on Saturday in Pittsburg. As the preacher today also, that was one of those change-the-sermon-at-5am moments. Like I suspect most if not all preachers, I sure am weary of having to deal with such senseless slaughter and evil as took place at the Synagogue in Pittsburg. It is heart breaking.

All these sermons are posted on our website, usually by Monday afternoon. www.stsimons-fwb.org, if you want to take a listen.

Father Forbes was Celebrant today for the first time ever and he did a wonderful job. Playing with holy fire is exhilarating and dangerous and wonderful, welcome to the college of Presbyters, Forbes!

Then this afternoon we had a really great Trunk or Treat event, with around 80 folks, adults and kids, very cool trunk decorations, fun games, great costumes and, of course, HOT DOGS! It was a beautiful afternoon and evening right there on the Sound, and near the end, the Blue Angels (who are stationed in Pensacola), flew right over us, on their way back to their home base (Zoom in). I bet your trunk or treat didn’t have that! We were reminded of our blessings during a time when people are hurting and afraid, or still recovering, right down the road from us, from Hurricane Michael. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.

Suffrage’s B from Evening Prayer was the right one for this weekend, for all those suffering, all those afraid, all those seeking answers, all those searching.

That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, 
and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in 
the communion of all your saints, 
entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,

We entreat you, O Lord.

The first lesson has some wonderful advice for all of us. Say one of the offices, MP or EP, and beeeee sure to read Ecclesiasticus. Then comment here on what you think about it. I wonder what the buzzz will be?

Prayers with special intention for someone dear to me. This prayer was included in the Mission St. Clare EP tonight. Sometimes the daily office makes me weep.

Pray For Those Who Need Continuing Care

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all persons who have become ill, weak, distressed, or isolated. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and increase their faith and their assurance of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect for Sundays

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

It’s Sunday y’all! I hope you are worshipping today. If you are in the Ft. Walton Beach area and looking for a church home, we would love to have you join us at St. Simon’s.

TODAY AT ST. SIMON’S our in-depth look at the prayer book and the daily offices continues during our 9:30 Christian Education hour. Join us in the Parish Hall and bring ALL your questions!

And don’t forget it’s ORDINATION WEEK! How often do we get to host and participate in the ordination of a Priest? Hope to see you at 2pm on Saturday as Forbes Sirmon, Jr., our Curate, will be made a priest. Fun reception with live music to follow!

Sunday –Pray for our worship services and all who will attend. Pray for the Altar Guild and all Worship Leaders and Acolytes. Pray for the choir and music director and organist.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

This prayer by St. Augustine is often cited as a favorite of those who say Compline as a later in the evening office.

I love it also. Keep watch O Lord. We have many in our parish who are ailing or recovering or just struggling. Hear their prayers. May God hear yours as well.