The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

 

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

 

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,

 

“For your sake we are being killed all day long;

we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Rom. 8:26-39)

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters of St. Andrew's, it is my sad duty to inform you that Kathy Charvat, Rick Clarke's wife, passed into the nearer presence of Our Lord this morning.  "Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her."

 

I will inform you as to arrangements when they are finalized.  Please do keep Rick and his family in your prayers.

 

--Fr. Jason

 

 

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and

courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to

come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those

without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great

goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with

those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ

our Savior. Amen.