Greetings!
This week we are glad to welcome The Right Reverend Jeffrey S. Johnson, Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States (of which this parish is a member).  He graciously accepted our invitation to participate in providing perspectives on our lives in Christ.  You will find below his first  commentary on the Feast of St. Peter and what it means for us. Also, a bio of the Bishop is included in this issue.

The Collect. 
O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 The Epistle. Acts xii. 1-11
The Gospel. St. Matthew xvi. 13-19  

The Feast of St. Peter & Trinity II
by The Right Reverend Jeffrey Johnson,
Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the
Mid-Atlantic Sates 
 
Finding Hope and Purpose in Chaotic Times: Lessons from St. Peter
We are living in chaotic times—wars, rumors of wars, social unrest, and widespread uncertainty. The saying, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), rings true; the early church also faced Roman occupation, religious tensions, and frequent persecution. The era of St. Peter shares notable similarities with our own. By looking at St. Peter’s life, we can find valuable guidance for today.

St. Peter: An Imperfect Leader Used by God
St. Peter’s journey was filled with fear, doubt, and failure—most notably, his denial of Jesus and his struggles to lead under pressure. Yet, Peter’s story shows that God calls and uses imperfect people for great purposes. If we humbly surrender to God’s will, He can use us, too. Peter adapted, took risks, and found hope amid adversity. His leadership required courage, flexibility, and a willingness to change—qualities we all need in uncertain times.
 
Navigating Division and Seeking Guidance
St. Peter faced deep divisions within the early Christian movement, especially regarding the inclusion of Gentiles and the requirements of Jewish law. These debates led to conflict and confusion, as seen when St. Paul confronted Peter (Galatians 2:11). This was no doubt a very uncomfortable event. Ultimately, the early church sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit to resolve these issues (Acts 15:6-29). Today, we also need to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction as individuals, parishes, and a diocese.
 
Bold Faith and Confession
One of Peter’s defining moments was his bold confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” challenges each of us. Do we have the same faith as Peter? Do we know what we believe and why? If we do, are we living out our faith through our words and actions?
 
Love in Action
St. Peter dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel and serving others. He demonstrated agape love—love expressed through action, not just feeling. While not all of us are called to be evangelists, we are all called to share God’s love and the Good News with those around us—friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family.
 
The Urgency of God’s Invitation
The Gospel lesson for Trinity II (Luke 14:16) is a parable about God inviting everyone to His great banquet. His invitation is open to everyone—even those often marginalized by society. The master’s anger at the excuses and his determination to fill the banquet hall show the urgency and seriousness of God’s invitation. There is a limited window to accept; those who refuse, or delay may miss out entirely. The servants are sent out repeatedly to bring in guests from everywhere, showing that believers have a responsibility to invite others into God’s kingdom, ensuring that “God’s house will be full.
 
A Challenge for Today
Reflecting on St. Peter’s life and the Gospel message, we are challenged to examine our priorities. Are we open to sharing Jesus with others? Are we making time to extend that invitation to others? Sharing our faith can strengthen our personal beliefs, help put our focus on serving others, lift us out of discouragement, renew our purpose, and shift our focus from temporary concerns to eternal truths. In these chaotic times, this is exactly the perspective we need.
 
May God the Holy Spirit open our eyes to see those around us who need to hear His message of love. And may He empower us to speak boldly like St. Peter to the honor and glory of His Kingdom.
 
All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Meet Bishop Jeffrey S. Johnson
 
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey S. Johnson is our Bishop and is also the Rector of All Saints Anglican Church in Saluda, VA.

Bishop Jeff read for orders in the Anglican Catholic Church after studying at Regent University School of Theology and The Bishop Harry B. Scott School of Theology.  Ordained to the priesthood on April 28th, 2012, he was installed as Rector of All Saints Anglican Church on January 12, 2014.  After being elected Bishop at the DMAS Synod in June 2024, then Bishop-elect Johnson was consecrated as the DMAS Bishop Ordinary on October 12th, 2024.

Prior to being ordained, Bishop Jeff was an Air Force intelligence officer, diplomat, and operational planner for 25 years. He retired as a colonel in 2005 as the commander of 70th Operations Group—a unit of 3,000 Air Force personnel serving at the National Security Agency at Ft. Meade, MD.  Following retirement, Colonel Johnson continued supporting military intelligence operations as a Principal in Booz Allen Hamilton.  After leaving Booz Allen in 2013, he was an executive in several small businesses and currently with Adaptive Cognition that provides cutting-edge solutions through artificial intelligence.
 
While Bishop Jeff grew up in Louisiana, Texas, and Germany, he has deep roots in Virginia. His ancestors came to the Northern Neck in the mid-1600s, were married at Christ Church, Saluda, and one served as an Anglican priest along the Piankatank River and Poquoson in the late 1800s.
 
Bishop Jeff and his wife Leslie have been married for 45 years and live in Yorktown, VA. They have a son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.  
Services & Events
 
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 is on recess and will start again in September

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

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

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday September 21, Church Picnic at Fort Hunt Park after combined 10 AM service, invite friends and neighbors too:  Great BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages and so much more (additional details forthcoming

 UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

MaRiH Center has made some changes and additions 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.)

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

*Diapers ( newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
*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
Baby Food (make sure not expired)

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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