DEAN AND RECTOR:

The Very Rev’d. Harry Bain 242-727-1544

ASSISTANT CURATE:

Rev’d. Chitan Thompson 242-436-4102

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Sunday, August 9th, 2020 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Liturgical Colour: GREEN Proper 14

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“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:2

The Collects

The TENTH Sunday After Pentecost: Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE MINISTRY OF INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: - All: Heavenly Father, we thank you that you have awakened your church to hear again the call of our Saviour Jesus Christ to come to Him and learn from Him. Grant that as we say 'yes' to His call to discipleship, your Holy Spirit will enable us so completely to commit all the areas of our lives to His service, that in our personal, family and church lives, our work, recreational and social lives, we would act as Jesus would have acted if He were in our place; in His name and for His sake we pray. Amen.

The First Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

(In our Hebrew Bible story, Israel, once called Jacob, has settled in the land of Canaan. He sends his youngest and favourite son Joseph to assist his older brothers shepherding the flock in Dothan. Joseph’s older brothers despise him out of jealousy and at first conspire to murder him, though in the end they sell Joseph to Midianite traders who carry him off in slavery to Egypt. Joseph will one day see God’s providential hand in these actions, and ways in which evil may be turned to good.)

A Reading from the Book of Genesis, the 37th Chapter, beginning at the 1st Verse.

1Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. 12Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13And Israel said to Joseph, ‘Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.’ 14So he said to him, ‘Go

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

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see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.’ So he sent him

from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, 15and a man found him wandering in the fields; the

man asked him, ‘What are you seeking?’ 16‘I am seeking my brothers,’ he said; ‘tell me, please,

where they are pasturing the flock.’ 17The man said, ‘They have gone away, for I heard them say,

“Let us go to Dothan.” ’ So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18They saw

him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19They said to one

another, ‘Here comes this dreamer. 20Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits;

then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his

dreams.’ 21But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, ‘Let us not take

his life.’ 22Reuben said to them, ‘Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but

lay no hand on him’—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23So

when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he

wore; 24and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead,

with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26Then Ju-

dah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27Come,

let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’

And his brothers agreed. 28When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him

out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to

Egypt.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 85:8-13

(The psalmist both celebrates and prays for the Lord’s gracious favour, forgiveness, deliverance, and justice.)

8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.

9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; *righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him, *and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the

Holy Spirit; As it was, in the beginning is now:

and shall be forever, Amen.

“12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *and our land will yield its increase.”

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(In this lesson Paul teaches that the word of faith is a gift; by it we make our saving confession that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead. Without God’s grace the way of righteousness would be impossibly distant. But the faith that leads to righteousness is in our hearts and the confession of salvation is on our lips. This is true for all people, no matter what their background, and so it is essential that the Good News be carried far and wide, that all may call upon the name of the Lord.)

A Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Romans, the 10th Chapter, beginning at the 5th Verse. 5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ down) 7‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15and how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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The Epistle:

Romans 10:5-15

Romans 10:15

The Holy Gospel………………………………………………….Matthew 14:22-33

(The gospel is the story of Jesus walking on the water and his rescue of Peter after his faith fails him. The narrative has several levels of meaning. In legendary terms Jesus is like the Creator God who strides over the watery chaos monster. Matthew’s gospel stresses this revelation of Jesus’ close relationship with God, as God’s Son, and the importance of faith on the part of the disciples. A church beset by its own problems and lack of faith would be glad to perceive in this story the saving presence of its risen Lord )

A reading from the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew, the 14th Chapter, beginning at the 22nd Verse.

Glory to Christ our Saviour. 22Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ 28Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

The Gospel of Christ. Praise to Christ our Lord.

A Message From The Desk Of The Dean

How Do You Deal With Fear?

In the story of creation found in the Book of Genesis, we read where Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit, something which had been specifically denied them. Knowing that God is searching for them, they attempt to hide. It is a scene perhaps reminiscent of many of our childhoods when we had done something that we were not supposed to and we literally hid from our searching parents. Finally, God finds them, as we know that He will, for, after all, where can we go to hide from God? God asks them why they are hiding. Do you remember the response that Adam gave: “Because, I was afraid?” 5

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I think this very poignant story reminds us that fear is so basic to who we are as humans; it goes all the way back to the beginning of time. To be human is to experience fear.

Sometimes we feel like we are afraid of everything. This is called pantophobia. We are afraid of ourselves. We are afraid of people. We are afraid of the future. We are afraid of the past. We are afraid of life. We are afraid of death. We are afraid of COVID-19. Every person, every Christian, must fight their own fears. the fear of inadequacy, the fear of failing.

Over and over again the message of the Bible is fear not. When Abram took his family to the Promised Land he feared that he was turning his back on everything he knew, his security for the unknown. God spoke to him: Fear not Abram, I am your shield and your reward will be great.

When the Jews stood at the Red Sea and could see Pharaoh’s chariots coming on the horizon, they cried out that they would all be slaughtered. Moses said to them: Stand still, fear not, and see the salvation of the Lord.

When the angel of the Lord came to Mary and said that she would bear a child, she trembled with fear. What would become of her? Said the angel: Fear not Mary, for you have found favour with God.

How should we deal with fear?

First, I would say to you that we must confront our fears. We pay a price when we don’t deal with our fears.

Simon Peter is out in the boat crossing the lake of Galilee after a long day with the crowds. Earlier that day he saw Jesus take the bread and fish and feed 5,000 people. Now he is stepping out of the boat into the storm trying to imitate his Master walking on the water. Tempestuous Peter tempting the storm. He’s successful for a moment but the situation gets the best of him. Fear rises and his body sinks.

Over and over again the message of the Bible is clear: Fear not, fear not. Over seventy times this is mentioned in scriptures, more than any other human emotion. Did you realize that? So if you have your fears, you are not alone, trust me. Paul, writing to the young disciple Timothy said, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.

Once we have grasped this most basic understanding, then we can go about dealing with our fears. That is the first step. Confronting our fears. Seeing that they are there and putting in their place the Spirit of God who replaces them with a sound mind of love and power. We are not powerless in the midst of the storm. We have the Spirit at our side. I can hear God whispering in Peter’s ear: Quit letting your imagination magnify your fears. The storm is furious but I am greater still. Harness your imagination don’t let it harness you.

So first we must confront our fears, walk out of the boat to Christ. And second, we must understand that too much doubt can sink us. I can see the other disciples in fear of the storm that is torturing the boat, in fear of the ghost walking on the water, exhausted from a long day feeding the masses…. Peter, you can’t do that. We don’t know who that is out on the water. It’s a hallucination. It’s the devil. God knows what it is but Peter you can’t do that.

But Peter does. I don’t know for how long but Peter walks on the water toward Jesus. Peter said Lord if it is you, you can make me to walk on the water with you. Do you see that? Peter’s walk on

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the lake is not the point. The point is he wants to confirm that this ghost on the water is Jesus. Jesus can make him walk; a ghost will only make him wet.

Peter knows that the Lord can sustain us. Even in the midst of the storm, even in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, when there is nothing but uncertainty. He will take care of you. But I want you to know that faith is a risk taking enterprise. It does not come in a perfect package. I often find myself caught midway between faith and doubt. Peter gets caught between Christ and the crests of the waves. He doubts his walk. He fears the storm. And he falls beneath the waves. This is a great tale of what the church can accomplish if we put our faith in Christ but it’s also a story about our weaknesses.

But here’s the good news. If we sink, if we take our gaze off of Christ, if waves seem destined to engulf us we can call on our saviour and his grace will pull us through.

I don’t know what storm of life will come your way this week, or what storm you may be enduring at this very moment. But I know this: even as the storm rages around you, if you will listen very carefully with your heart, you will hear a gentle voice calling to you, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." And in time the storm will pass. And Jesus will still be there.

Thirdly, we must remember that regardless of what happens, God will be with us. He has promised that he will never leave us or forsake us. Wrote the Psalmist: When I am afraid I put my trust in you. Well, let me ask you. Where else are you going to go? Another Psalm says, ‘the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear.’ Friends, Our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God does not change. If you get a bad medical report where are you going to go? God is going to be the same. Nothing has truly changed.

There seems to be no limit to our fears. Many of the fears that we grapple with, the fear of rejection, abandonment, failure, separation, loss, are but manifestations of the one ultimate fear, and that is the fear of death. How do we overcome fear? By Faith. It is the only anecdote that will exorcise the demons of fear that can haunt us. I think it is telling that when Peter stepped out onto the lake, walked on the water, became terrified and started to sink, Jesus later asked him why he doubted. Why didn’t his faith carry him across the water to Jesus’ side? It was fear. Fear crept in and doubt began to rise and Peter began to sink.

That is the story of our life isn’t it? In the boat we are safe but we on occasions are willing to brave the storm and walk on water and do the impossible through our faith. It is then we suddenly realize the wind is in our face and the storm is raging, it causes fear and doubt creeps in. Our faith is fragile isn’t it?

My Friends, in life, there are storms but God is with us. That is our great salvation and hope. I want you to know that God cares if you are immobilized by some fear in your life. But there comes a time when, like everything else, you must place your fear at the Foot of the Cross and then lean back into the arms of an ever loving and gracious God. Then we too can echo the words of the old hymn: “Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; he will take care of you.” Keep the Faith and God Bless You all!

Dean Harry Bain

My brothers and sisters in Christ, just when it seemed that the sun was beginning to shine, clouds appeared again. We are grateful for the seven weeks of worship within our house of prayer, but due to the second wave of infections we must once again suspend all Sunday and weekday services.

Let us continue to practise, promote and reinforce the protocols such as staying at home if you do not have to go out or if you have cold or flu-like symptoms; wearing a mask to cover both nose and mouth, social distancing; constant washing/sanitizing of hands; sanitizing highly-touched public surfaces; building immune system by using vitamin C, etc.

As we ride out this storm together, we remember that the church’s operations and obligations remain the same. We know that you love your church and are committed to its mission and ministry. In that regard, we are proposing three options with regards to your financial support:

1. For those who wish to tithe electronically: Online contributions can be sent to FCIB Christ Church Vestry Account #1247357; Transit #09120 (Branch - Parliament & Bay Streets)

●If you are a customer of FCIB, it will be a third party transfer. Any other bank, it will be a domestic transfer to FCIB Christ Church Vestry Account #1247357; Transit #09120

●Please select that you want the sender’s information to be shared so that our parish records can be updated as well.

●If you are not an FCIB Customer and do not have the option to share the sender’s information, kindly email a copy of your transition or the details of the receipt to: christhurch_offering@yahoo.com

Members who have not received an email acknowledgement of their electronic offering are asked to telephone the Parish Office.

For those who wish to pay over the counter:

You can deposit over the counter to FCIB Christ Church Vestry Account #1247357; Transit #01920 (Branch - Parliament & Bay Streets)

If neither of these is possible:

The office will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for any pastoral matter and to receive stewardship contributions.

Let us together continue to exercise committed and responsible Christian Stewardship in this matter. We continue to pray for an end to this pandemic and for our strength in the Lord as we navigate these unchartered waters.

We thank you for your loyalty and commitment to God’s church. Remember stewardship is a way of life and in all things we give God thanks. Let us continue to observe safe health practices and be constant in prayer as we seek God’s favour.

Dean Harry Bain 8

OUR STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

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CATHEDRAL LIFE

THANK YOU: The Trustees of Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund express their thanks to Mr. Edward Williams and family for a generous donation to the Endowment given in memory of his dear wife, Mrs. Esther Williams, whose years mind is August 16th.

CONDOLENCES ARE EXTENDED TO: The family of Mr. Howard Darville. Mr. Darville, who attended the 9:30 a.m. service died on the morning of August 4th. He was a close friend of Mrs. Alice Martinborough and family.

MEMBERSHIP DATABASE: The Realm Membership database is missing a great deal of telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, anniversary dates, etc. Members who have received the invitation to join Realm are urged to log-on, view their profiles and do amendments wherever necessary. Going forward, dates for birthdays and wedding anniversaries will be downloaded from Realm for the weekly bulletin. If you have not received an invitation to join Realm, please contact the Parish Administrator. Membership Registration Forms can be downloaded from the Cathedral’s website.

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Christ Church Cathedral Zoom Bible Study Is Still On

This Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87866477322?

pwd=NmFQOHdrMnc5aVAybXlIR1lhSjlZUT09

Meeting ID: 878 6647 7322

Password: 003367

The Bible Study will be on Matthew 15:21-28

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE: Please be advised of the costs of the Niches in the Columbarium. Only a limited number are available. H D W Small $950.00 (6½ x 11½ x 6½) Medium $1,350.00 (10¼ x 11½ x 6½) Large $1,450.00 (10½ x 11½ x 12¾) X-Large $1,750.00 (10½ x 11½ x 14½)

NEW BOOK RELEASE: Rev’d Angela Bosfield-Palacious announces

the release of her new book, “A Reflection A Day From Genesis To

Revelation”. Persons interested in purchasing a book ($12.00) should

contact Rev’d. Bosfield-Palacious at 393-9000 or 359-3149 or Email:

angelapalacious@gmail.com. Copies of the book are also available at

the Parish Office.

August 9th — August 15th

August 10th: Charles Newbold III

Dimaggio Hanna

August 11th: Gavin Cassar

T. Crystal Fountain Ronald Gordon

William ‘Bill’ Tizard Mary Wilkinson

August 12th: DeAntonique Knowles

Jeffrey Thompson

August 13th: Desiree Johnson

Natasha Turnquest Ianthe Tynes

August 15th: Kyhiesha Treco

Birthday Prayer: Watch over Your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them

wherever they may be; strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when they are discour-

aged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may Your peace which passes all

understanding abide with them on the anniversary of their birth, and all the days of their lives,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 10

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August 9th — August 15th

August 11th: Terrance ‘Terry’ & Patricia ‘Patty’ Fountain

August 13th: Kermit & Cheryl Campbell

Wedding Anniversary Prayer: O gracious and ever-living God, You have created us male and

female in your image: look mercifully upon this/these couple(s) who have come to you seeking

your blessing and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may

honour and keep the promises and vows they made; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lives

and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

MEMBERS: Doreen Campbell, Michael & Verona Cartwright, Leonard ‘Lenny’ Cumberbatch,

Ancilleno Davis Sr., Krystle Davis, Gretal Ford, Derek Griffiths, Hazel Halkitis, Alice Jones,

Ernestine ‘Teenie’ Jones, Andrea Knowles, Carrie Knowles, Bertram Knowles, Jess Knowles,

Rosanna Lundy-Curry, Alaina Mortimer, Romaine Nixon, Christopher & Nakeisha Pickstock, Delglica

Rahming, Dave Roberts, Emerald Sands, Henry Sawyer, Alma Thompson, Frankiemae Thompson,

Bishop Gilbert Thompson, Paul Thompson Sr., Angela Treco, Kyhiesha Treco and William Tizard.

THE RECOVERING: Catechist Neville Smith, Naomi Bethel, Don Campbell, Payton Dean, Patricia Ferguson, Stella Pinder and Cmdr. (Ret.) Leon Smith.

Often we ask for persons to be placed on the Sick List and forget to have them removed as necessary. For additions to and deletions from the list, kindly contact The Cathedral’s Office.

PRAYER FOR THE SICK: Lord Jesus Christ, in the days of your flesh, the sick were brought to you for healing: hear us as we now bring to you in our prayers those who are ill, in body or in mind. May your presence be with them to relieve suffering and distress and to restore them to fullness of life, for your great love’s sake. Amen.

PETITIONS FOR THE SICK AND THOSE AT HOME

HOSPITALIZATION: Please Note! If you are admitted to hospital, sick at home for any length of time or travelling abroad to seek medical attention please let your Clergy know. Remember it is your responsibility to notify your parish Priests on such occasions. You can only be ministered to, when and if it is known that you are not well. The Clergy should also be notified when you are leaving the hospital.

IN CHRISTIAN MEMORY: Always remember to pray for the repose of the souls of the Faithful Departed. Pray for those who have died recently, those whose anniversaries of burial occur this week, for those interred in The Columbarium and for those who for whatever reason have no one to remember them with love and prayer.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT: When planning your bequests and memorials, prayerfully consider including The Cathedral Endowment Trust. This will help your church now and in the future.

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ITEMS NEEDED FOR

SOCIAL OUTREACH

All Purpose Flour

Canned Tuna

Cooking Oil

Corned Beef

Evaporated Milk

Loose Corn

Noodles

Rice

Sugar

Tea Bags

Vienna Sausages

Bath Soap

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

August 10th – August 16th, 2020

Morning Prayer Evening Prayer Monday Psalm 89:1-18 Psalm 89:19-52 St. Laurence, Judges 12:1-7 2 Samuel 13:23-39 Martyr & Deacon of John 3:1-21 Acts 5:12-26

Rome, 258

Tuesday Psalms 97, 99 & 100 Psalms 94 & 95 St. Clare of Assisi Judges 13:1-15 2 Samuel 14:1-20 Abbess 1253 John 3:22-36 Acts 5:27-42

Wednesday Psalms 101 & 109:1-30 Psalm 119:121-144 Judges 13:15-24 2 Samuel 14:21-33 John 4:1-26 Acts 6:1-15

Thursday Psalm 105:1-22 Psalm 105:23-45

Judges 14:1-19 Samuel 15:1-18 John 4:27-42 Acts 6:15-7:16

Friday Psalm 102 Psalm 45 Judges 14:20-15:20 Jeremiah 31:1-14 John 4:43-54 John 19:23-27

Saturday Psalms 113 & 115 Psalms 45 & 149 St. Mary The 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Zechariah 2:10-13 Virgin John 2:1-12 Acts 1:6-14

Sunday Psalm 118 Psalm 145 Judges 16:15-31 2 Samuel 17:1-23

Mark 5:25-34 2 Corinthians 13:1-11

Readings: Sunday, August 16th, 2020 Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

Liturgical Colour - Green Genesis 45:1-15

Psalm 133 Romans 11:1-2, 29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

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