Today's Saint (Nov. 11): Martin of Tours, Bishop & Confessor

Martin was born in Hungary around 316. Like his father, he became a soldier in the Roman army. However, from an early age, he always wanted to become a Christian, and he found that to do so he could not continue being a soldier.

As a result, he was imprisoned, and after many struggles with the military he was discharged. At this low point in his life, upon meeting a naked beggar at Amiens, Martin tore his own coat in two and gave half of it to the beggar. Shortly after this, he had a dream in which he saw Christ wearing the cloak he had given away.

Along with Hilary of Poitiers, Martin built the first monastery in Gaul at Liguge. At the request of clergy and people, he was ordained bishop of Tours. He died around 397.

"Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall make ruler over all his goods." (St. Matt. 24). (From the day's communion, page E 135, The People's Anglican Missal).

The day's propers

Catholic Encyclopedia article

Jazz Blog Update - Pianist Russell Schmidt

We've posted a "spotlight" article on our Jazz blog about Russ Schmidt, pianist.

Russ will be playing with the Vici McDermitt Trio at this month's Sunset Concert on November 21, 2009, and will rejoin with Vici, Dwight Killian and Rob Moore at the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass.

Click HERE to read the jazz blog's article, and don't forget to get your tickets... they're available online or at the Church on Sundays.

This beautiful thing called "Forgiveness"

Is it EVER too Late?

Can a rose bush blossom in the Fall and Winter seasons? Can people blossom in the late and "fallow" seasons of their life?

Some would say No to both questions; however, to do so would be to belie both nature and God's Saints - His holy people.

The above picture was taken last Friday evening at dusk, and although more clear rose bush pictures have been offered in the past on the blog, none testify more vividly than this one that yes, Fall is also a time to blossom and be beautiful.

As it is with the roses, so too with you and me.

Allow yourself to be cared for by Mother Church, and to be, watered, strengthened and nurtured by the sacramental ministry of the Church.

And as sure as the roses blossom late in their annual cycle of life, you and I can do so, also!

Today's Saint (Nov. 7): Willibrord of Frisia

Willibrord is considered the apostle of Holland. He was born in Yorkshire, England, in 658 and died in 789. He received his education in Ireland, culminating in his ordination to the priesthood.

Most of his work was as a missionary in France, Denmark, Holland and Luxemburg. He provided the catalyst for the future missionary activity in these lands which, over time, led to their conversion. He destroyed pagan idols, freed slave boys and taught them the Christian faith, and built churches and monasteries.

Even though the pagan ruler Radbod of Frisia destroyed many of Willibrord's churches and killed innumerable priests, it only served to embolden Willibrord to evangelize other neighboring lands. Willibrord's preaching and ministry were very effective, due to his devout study of scripture and prayer life.

"Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he hath great delight in his commandments." - Psalm 112. (From the day's tract, page F 23, The People's Anglican Missal).

The day's propers

Catholic Encyclopedia article

Food Ingathering Sunday

Sunday is our monthly/formal "Food Ingathering Sunday." As usual, the foodstuffs will be donated to the Old Town Mission in Cottonwood, which serves the low-income and homeless population of Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley communities.

This month, how about putting together a "client grocery bag" for your contribution? Here's what could be in it: Bag of Rice or pasta, together with cans of pinto beans, vegetables, soup, fruit, tuna or chicken, and finally the old standby, peanut butter.

Please be generous.

"Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

- 1 John 3:17

November's " Jazz at the Church" spotlight: Vicki McDermitt

In sixteen days we'll have the Vicki McDermitt trio doing a concert at the church. It'll be a Sunset Concert, beginning at 4pm on Saturday, November 21. Making ready for the event, here's a bit about Vicki, taken from the Music Serving the Word website…

"Vicki McDermitt is a respected artist with a reputation for handling a broad variety of musical styles. Her career began at an early age, singing in church, and then moving early on into the jazz arena, where she has had the privilege of working with some of the country’s top musicians. Living in LA she worked as a session singer and was heavily involved in musical production work for television.

"In addition to her busy music and ministry schedule, Vicki also serves as staff vocalist at Mayo hospital where she offers “private in-room accapella” concerts to the most seriously ill. “I believe all musical sounds are created by God and should be performed in praise to Him”, says McDermitt. This belief and passion is evident wherever – and whenever – Vicki sings.

"Whether she is on a jazz concert stage, ministering at women’s conferences, singing in local church settings, or offering her voice to a patient who needs hope and assurance… people experience a quality of excellence that radiates warmth, love, joy and enthusiasm.

"'My calling is to use music to remind others of the relentless love of God,' Vicki says. 'The opening can be as subtle as a jazz ballad, or as direct as a hymn of the church. I’m always looking for an appropriate way to plant the reminder that no matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, God is seeking you out for relationship. Music is the gift that breaks down walls and opens the heart to hear the words. The result is indescribable joy.'

"As a member of Music Serving the Word Ministries team, Vicki often performs with one of our ensembles, as well as offering individual jazz and/or gospel concerts, and other ministry venues."


Vicki's album - "Vick McDermitt: Jazz for the Soul" - is the background music for our jazz home page, so be sure to take a listen to the piece, "In the Wee Small Hours." And after you listen, think about who you'll bring with you to the concert, and then buy your tickets for this GREAT event and evening at Saint Luke's!!