St. Matthews Newsletter- March 2004
St Matthews Newsletter - June 2004
On Sunday, June 6 we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity. Why do we believe in the Trinity when the word can nowhere be found in the Holy Scriptures? The Bible does, however, portray God as being made up of three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit.) Yet, we read in Scripture that there is only ONE GOD! (Deut. 6:4) (1Cor.8:4) Some people try to illustrate the Trinity by citing such examples as an egg, having shell, yolk and white, or water having three forms, liquid, solid, and steam. Someone has pointed to a man who is himself a father, himself a son, and himself a husband. This person has three titles, functions and purposes, but he is still one person. None of these comparisons is adequate, of course, because the Trinity is a mystery and one that we shall never understand until we meet the Holy Persons of the Trinity in heaven. In the meantime, we accept that God the Father is fully, completely God; God the Son is fully, completely God; and God the Holy Ghost is fully, completely God. Even though the Bible contains no specific definition of the Trinity,
there are many scriptural verses that support our belief: In Deuteronomy
we read "Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one.!"
(Deut. 6:4). After Jesus was baptized by John, a voice from heaven was heard, saying "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased. (Matt. 3:16-17). Elsewhere Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30) and "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9). And yet again, "He who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. (John 12:45). One of several verses concerning the Holy Spirit is found in Chapter
5 of Acts, ". . . . you have lied to the Holy Spirit . . .you have
not lied to men, but to God." Perhaps the most definitive of all
references which link the three persons of the Trinity is found
in the Gospel of Matthew. As Jesus is departing this earth for reunion
with the Father in heaven, he said, "Go therefore and make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matt. 28:19). CHOIR NOTES The Choir is happy to welcome back several members who have been away due to prolonged illness, and also several new members. With us again are Eileen Ouazanni and Gloria Zimmerer. Recent additions to the group are Brenda Angall, Mary Keesling, Ken McDonough, and Rob Thibodeaux. Still on the sick list is Mauri Sampson, whom we miss very much. We're also thankful to have Lou Anne at the organ again. Director Claire Peacock and husband Darel are on an extended vacation trip around the country and we look forward to their return near the middle of June. Soprano Audrey Kreig and husband Adrian are also traveling and their itinerary will take them to Switzerland, England and other European stops. Let's keep them, as well as all others who are traveling, in our prayers for a safe and happy vacation.
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