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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, July 25, 2010 7:00 am

Until Something Better Comes Along

No doubt you have started out at the supermarket, filling a cart, when you come to the realization that before you is a preferred product and you will now need to dispose of the other. So you put the no-longer-needed thing in a wrong place on the shelf or hidden out of the cashier’s sight off the rolling belt at the checkout.

How much of life is lived “until something better comes along”?

• I’ll go to the party until something better comes along

• I’m at this job until something better comes along

• I’m with this person until something better comes along

• I’m in this church until something better comes along.

Is it conceivable that I’m with this god until something better comes along?

There is a critical juncture in Jesus’ ministry when many turn away and leave Him. At this point He turns to the Twelve and asks “Do you want to leave, too?” Peter answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” [John 6:67-68.]

The 12 disciples had committed to Jesus and there was no turning back. As a follower of Christ we realize that our tendency to drift along and to dabble now must end or we will not be following Him.

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, July 18, 2010 7:00 am

A. I.

As a parent and pastor I have held to the opinion that being smart is not enough.  I believe in applied intelligence.  It is not enough to have the answers, or the knowledge, or even the wisdom, it all has to be applied.  I call it A.I. or Applied Intelligence.

What good is it to be the smartest person in the class but not to be able to apply what you know through words and, especially, through action?  Who cares if you are “the brain” at work if you can’t demonstrate it?  What does it mean to have knowledge of the scriptures if it doesn’t show itself in the way you serve God and others?

Jesus said “Why do you call me Lord but don’t do what I say.” [Luke 6:46] The Apostle James said, “We must be doers and not just hearers of the Word”. [James 1:22].

Which leads me to explain why I have chosen for the next seven weeks a preaching series on the Book of Revelation.  There has always been interest in the subject of the Apocalypse.  In recent years the “Left Behind” series has sold dozens of millions of copies.  Any book store – Christian or secular – has shelves full of writings on the End of the World. 

Since the book of Revelation speaks of the end of the world although it was written nearly 2000 years old and “the end has not yet come”, what is the purpose of studying it and applying it to the lives of the followers of Christ?  This question is particularly answered by studying chapters two and three, the letters to the seven churches.  Each church receives an epistle from the glorified Christ calling them to put into action what they know.  It is interesting that five of the seven churches are severely criticized.  Only two are commended for living up to what they believe.

Regardless of whether Jesus returns this year or in a later century, there is still so much for us to know and to apply.  Let’s read God’s word together and put it into practice.  It is called applied intelligence.

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, July 11, 2010 10:00 am

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

A generation ago a classic western was filmed called “The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly”.  The phrase is still in use in popular parlance.  I am using it here in relation to a preaching series that begins next Sunday, at St. Paul’s, on the seven churches of the Book of Revelation. 

These seven churches receive messages from the Lord Jesus.  Only two churches are praised and not corrected.  The other churches receive affirmation, but each is also criticized – in a couple of cases quite severely.  Therefore, the seven churches are “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”  We will be looking at one church per week for the next seven weeks beginning July 18 with the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7.

It is interesting that the Lord’s message to each church concludes with the same warning, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”.  We will let the Lord examine us and affirm us where we may be affirmed, and correct us where we need to be corrected.

Let us grow in the knowledge of God and His Word as we commit to the life of faith – following Him!

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By admin, July 4, 2010 10:46 pm

The Fourth of July: Independence Day

Here is a big holiday, one that makes me think about how our faith relates to our citizenship as Americans.  There is much to be weighed about our nations’ beginning and how we have lived out the Christian faith for over 300 years.

Frankly, if we lived in 1776 it would be difficult to decide our allegiances.  As Anglicans with a duty to obey the King, ours would be a mixed response to the violent overthrow of the government.  Over 30,000 Anglicans fled the colonies to live in Canada.  Of course, there were faithful ones who chose to remain here and fight.  Many of the patriot leaders were Anglican Christians.

Today, we find ourselves desiring to be faithful to Christ and His teachings and to be loyally committed as citizens of our country.  We love our nation and its heritage.  Yet, we also find disagreement about public policies and we know how very imperfect our government is.  If it can be said we are , or were, a Christian nation, it must also be said with humility that we are not what we were meant to be.

I think this fact leads us to see the need to pray.  We look at the way things are and we cry out to God to have mercy upon us.  We see all of the advantages our nation possesses and we see our need to be faithful stewards of what God has given to us.  In prayer, we remember our faithful forbearers who have dearly loved liberty and pain its price, even with their lives, and we thank God as we ask for help to serve others.

Americans are flawed like all people,  but we are also a blessed people who have a history of service to the nations of the world.

The Collect from the Book of Common Prayer for July 4^th helps us pray:

“Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn:  Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace;  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.”

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, June 27, 2010 10:48 pm

Outreach

Outreach is something the Lord Jesus calls His followers to do.  It is just part of the Christian faith to live for others.  Archbishop William Temple once said that the Christian faith is the only group in history that exists for the benefit  of those outside itself.

Outreach at St. Paul’s has always been of highest value;  our mission statement “to know Christ and to make Him known” reflects the essence of outreach.  Everything we do is measured by how well an activity helps us to know Christ and to share Christ.

For three weeks this summer a service to children and their parents will be held at St. Paul’s.  It is called Camp Mighty Mind.  The founders, Aileen Tisser, MA, PT and Cindy Freedman, OTR, approached us to host this camp for children with special needs.  When they heard we would welcome the camp and would like to minster in the name of the Lord, their response was emphatic:  “That’s  the one missing component!  Yes, please come and pray for us.” So, each day of the camp will begin with chapel and each child will receive the laying on of hands for healing.  There is a need for volunteers to help with the chapel.  If you are interested, please call the church office.

Please pray for this unique opportunity.  The camp will be held at St. Paul’s beginning on July 26 and ending August 13^th.

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, June 13, 2010 7:00 am

Summer Outreach 

Due to circumstances over which we have no control, there will be no more mission trips for this summer.  However, domestic mission opportunities abound! 

One of the greatest ways to see God work in parish life and in our community is through the Vacation Bible School.  This year the theme is Baobab Blast .  [The Baobab tree is the center of community in the African savannah where it grows.]  We plan to come together as the body of Christ, welcoming guests and serving them as we Know Christ and Make Him Known.  There is always need for more helpers.  Perhaps you would like to help with snacks in the kitchen?  Or with Fr. Alex who is leading games.  Or with Meg Newton in one of our classrooms.  Sometimes the greatest need is simply a person to show kindness to a child who might be having a difficult day .  Debbie de la Rivera, our coordinator, will attest that some of our greatest helpers come on Friday night to help serve dinner and clean up afterwards.  Last year there were nearly as many volunteers as campers.  I often meet people in the community who tell me their children are still singing last year’s songs. 

So if you can make time in your schedule during the week of August 16 through 20, call the church office and register to assist.

By the way if your children or grandchildren are planning to come, or if you have a neighbor you think would enjoy VBS,  register them soon!  We are filling up quickly.

As your rector, I charge all members of St. Paul’s to be in prayer about Vacation Bible School!  Pray for the Lord to bless the children through teaching, worship, and fellowship.  Pray for safety, good health and good weather, and for the joy of the Lord to increase greatly!

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, June 6, 2010 7:25 am

Expressions

When you look around the nave of St. Paul’s, you witness the visual creations of highly expressive individuals!  Some thirty (30!) artists have painted/photographed/expressed their thoughts and these thoughts have been hung on the wall.

My experience of expressing myself in art goes a long way back to being the son of an artist and musician.  My mother was highly expressive!  I remember fondly seeing her paint, watching her sculpt, listening to her play music.  I never thought much about expressing myself in such ways.  Sports seemed like a better fit for me.

Yet my parents brought me to a Christian Camp where being creative was encouraged.  It set me free to express myself.  Once I became a believer in the Creator, creativity flowed.

I had a high school teacher who thought I could write very good poetry and she helped me get it out of myself.  More recently, my daughter Susannah has believed that there is visual art inside me and she has helped me get it out.

There is creativity in every one of us.  It is just a matter of discovering it and releasing it.  Knowing the Creator and beholding his work also helps!  So, my question to you is, “What is in you?” and “How can you express it?”

Your Brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

By the way:  A good scripture for reflection these days is the following: 

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;

 the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

² Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge.                                    Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV)

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, May 30, 2010 7:00 am

Just the Start of Summer?

Is Memorial Day just the start of summer – albeit a start which is unofficial, three weeks before the solstice?  Surely many of us gladly celebrate the last weekend in May as a three day splurge of relaxation, recreation and feasting (did someone say “barbeque”?)

It is always good to go to the root of things, and the root of Memorial Day is found in remembering the dead who served in the military service for our country.  Earlier this month was Armed Forces Day when we remember and give thanks for those who serve their country and their families.

It will be good this week to think about the sacrifices that have been made – especially those who laid down their lives for us.  Our lives can be improved by such thoughts and prayers.  Memorial Day could be not only the start of summer, but the start of a change of heart for our nation.  I would like to offer you this prayer that comes from the great soldier and first President of our country, George Washington:

Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.

Grant our supplications, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Let Memorial Day be a day of thanksgiving.

Your Brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Christopher P. Leighton, May 23, 2010 7:00 am

What a Day; What a Season

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the third major Feast Day of the church year, on a par with Christmas and Easter.  Today we celebrate the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.  It is the first day of the season called Pentecost which will run until the first Sunday of Advent, some six months away, November 28. 

A glimpse at the titles from Scripture shows the third member of the Godhead as follows:

One Spirit (Ephesians 4:4)

Seven Spirits (Revelation 1:4;  3:1)

The Lord The Spirit (II Corinthians 3:18)

Eternal Spirit  (Hebrews 9:14)

Spirit of Glory (I Peter 4:14)

Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2)

Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4)

Holy One (I John 2:20)

Spirit of Wisdom and of Understanding (Isaiah 11:2)

Spirit of counsel (Isaiah 11:2)

Spirit of knowledge (Isaiah 11:2)

Spirit of Might (Isaiah 11:2)

Spirit of the Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)

Spirit of Truth (John 14:17)

Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10;29)

Spirit of Supplication (Zechariah 12:10)

Not only is God the Spirit endowed with such titles, just consider his works:

•  It is through the Spirit one is born again (John 3:3-8)

•  The Spirit lives in us (John 14:17;  Romans 8:9, 11)

•  The Spirit seals us as God’s own (II Corinthians 1:22)

•   We are baptized in the Spirit (Matthew 3:11)

•   We are filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

•   The Spirit guides us (Galatians 5:16, 25)

•   Through the Holy Spirit we are empowered (Romans 8:13)

•   The Spirit teaches us (John 14:26; 16:13; I John 2:20, 27)

Wow!  Now you know why so much emphasis is placed on His person and work.  What a day, what a season we are entering!  What a God we worship:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Be Blessed,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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By Fr. Daniel Morgan, May 16, 2010 7:00 am

IT IS WELL

In 1871, Horatio Spafford tragically lost his son, and in October of that same year the Great Chicago fire destroyed almost all of the real estate investments he held.  Spafford was a wealthy Chicago Lawyer who was a devout Christian man and good friends with D. L. Moody. 

In 1873, Spafford sent his family on a trip to Europe for a much needed respite after enduring such tragedy; he would join them later after completing some work.  Days later he received word that the ship his family was on had sunk; his four daughters were lost at sea and only his wife survived.  As he traveled the long boat journey he penned this song:

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 

When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,  

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:            It is well (it is well),with my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, 

Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, 

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!  

My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more, 

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:  

If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life  

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,  

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,  

Even so, it is well with my soul.

While I have never experienced tragedy of this magnitude, the recent days have been filled with great sadness as we approach our departure from St Paul’s. I think of all that I could say, all that I want to say and this song sums it up well.  IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!  No wind, rain, colliding ships, or anything the enemy attempts, can undo what the Lord has planted in me over the past eleven years.  Nothing can take away the joy that I have had teaching, challenging and leading you, or the growth that has happened in you over the past eleven years.  This is because:  "the favour of the Lord God is upon you and His goodness surrounds you like a shield."(Jan Nel).

Psalm 30:5 says: "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." This is God’s promise to us if we will always see him in the storm, if we would choose to trust and follow him through the storm. His favor far outweighs any momentary sorrow. Will you trust Him with me for the future? Will you become a lover of His word and a doer of His will? Will you revel in His joy and peace.  If so, you will face any challenge life can throw you with this refrain:  “BE IT CHRIST HENCE TO LIVE; IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!”

Be Blessed,

Dan

The Rev. Daniel C. Morgan

Rector-elect, All Saints Church, Dale City VA.