ORGAN FUND SUCCESS!

With contributions received and pledges outstanding, the amount needed for the new organ has been reached. A very special thank you to each of you who have donated or pledged funds to purchase the new needed organ for the parish.  Thank you again.  And God bless.

Men's Breakfast & Bible Study. This Saturday May 17, 8:30 AM

The Collect. 

O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A New Song for God’s Marvelous Deeds
O sing unto the Lord a new song, for the Lord hath done marvelous things.” These words from Psalm 98 greet us this coming Sunday in the Introit, inviting us into worship with joy and wonder. What are these “marvelous things”? In this season of Eastertide, we celebrate the greatest marvel of all: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Romans 6 proclaims, “Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over him.” This is the victory of God, accomplished by His own right hand and holy arm, a triumph that echoes through the ages and into our lives today.

But the propers for this Sunday remind us that God’s work doesn’t stop with the empty tomb. Jesus, in the Gospel, promises the coming of the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—who extends His mission into the world and into our hearts. Let us reflect on four truths drawn from these readings: the victory of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, our response as His people, and the call to worship and testify to His goodness.

The victory of God is the cornerstone of our hope. Christ’s resurrection is not just a past event; it is a present reality that assures us of God’s power over sin and death. Because He lives, we too can live with confidence, unshaken by the “sundry and manifold changes of the world,” as this week’s Collect puts it. Our hearts can be fixed where true joys are found—in the risen Lord.

In our Gospel reading, Jesus speaks to His disciples about His departure: “Now I go my way to him that sent me.” Their hearts are filled with sorrow, but Jesus offers a surprising comfort: “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” The Holy Spirit’s arrival depends on Christ’s ascension, and His coming brings a twofold ministry.

First, the Spirit “will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” He convicts the world of sin because they do not believe in Jesus, of righteousness because Jesus returns to the Father, and of judgment because the prince of this world—Satan—is judged. Even now, the Spirit is at work beyond these walls, stirring consciences and pointing to the truth of Christ.

Second, for us, the Spirit is the “Spirit of truth,” who “will guide you into all truth.” He takes what belongs to Jesus and declares it to us, glorifying Christ and revealing the deep things of God. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or the life of the Church, the Holy Spirit leads us into a fuller understanding of our faith. This is why Jesus says His departure is for our good—because the Spirit’s presence is with us always.

How do we live in light of this victory and the Spirit’s guidance? The Epistle from James offers practical wisdom: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” In a noisy world, we are called to listen—first to God’s Word, then to one another. Anger and haste do not reflect God’s righteousness; patience and humility do.

James continues, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” The “engrafted word”—the gospel of Christ—has been planted in us by God’s grace. Our task is to clear away the weeds of sin and receive it with open, humble hearts.

This aligns with what we pray in the Collect: “Grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise.” Our unruly wills need God’s ordering. When we love His commands and long for His promises, we find stability amid life’s storms. True joy is not in fleeting pleasures but in God Himself.

Our response flows naturally into worship. The Offertory from Psalm 66 calls us: “O be joyful in God, all ye lands, sing praises unto the honour of his Name.” But it doesn’t stop with singing. The Psalmist adds, “O come hither, and hearken, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my soul.” Worship includes testimony—sharing what God has done for us personally. Perhaps He has brought you peace in turmoil, strength in weakness, or forgiveness in failure. These are the stories we are called to tell.  As individual evangelists, it is our duty to share our stories with the world.

So, let us go forth with the joy of Christ’s victory, guided by the Holy Spirit, living in humble obedience, and singing a new song of praise. May our lives proclaim what the Lord has done for our souls. “O sing unto the Lord a new song, for the Lord hath done marvelous things.”  Indeed He has.

Amen.

-- Fr. Chris Fish

He is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. 
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Services & Events

This Saturday May 17, Men's Breakfast & Bible Study, 8:30 AM, Breakfast, Bible study with Fr. Bragg , and great fellowship.

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland) 

Sunday School, 10:30 AM

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing (for online participation please above under Sunday Services)

Next Vestry Meeting, Monday June 2, 7:30 PM, church undercroft

Saturday, June 7, 10:00 AM to Noon, Women's Tea, Brunch & "Baby Shower" for the MaRih Crisis Pregnancy Center, church. More info contact Margot Anderson, (margotswartz85@yahoo.com)


NEW UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

As you will see in the list below, MaRiH Center has made a number of changes in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

ntsEspecially Needed

 In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and other items.

*Diapers (sizes newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
Baby bottles
*Bibs toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
Wash clothes
Hooded Towels
Spring/summer clothing: 3-6 mo, 2T
*Grocery gift cards

Food Bank Needs
The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). 

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625