Lord, as in Roman times, there is a power of evil at work in the world, and it is an active force against all that is good and lovely and true. As in Roman times, we see it when wars break out, when authority at all levels is exercised in a tyrannical manner, when global corporations and governments exercise authoritarian controls to enhance power and wealth at the expense of individual freedom. We see it with pathological uses of biotechnology to control and reprogram the human genome contrary to natural processes. Lord, give us the faith to see that this power of evil does not have the last word. Love does. Decency does. Truth does. Honor does. Free exchange of information does. Keeping your word does, even when not advantageous. Lord, as in Roman times, give us the strength to fight tyranny exercised in the shadow of the Law and to preserve individual freedoms in our time. Amen.
Tim Reiniger
​As Portland's oldest Christian church, we are the authentic Anglican Christian community in Portland and the surrounding area! Authenticity is at the core of everything we do as we build a friendly, vibrant, Christ-centered community sharing and celebrating the goodness and love of God! We invite YOU to join our community on this adventure of faith! Our campus is located in Portland, and our parish family members come from communities throughout all of Southern and Mid-Maine.

Our regular Sunday schedule is:  10:30 a.m. Sung Eucharist every Sunday and 9 a.m. Spoken Eucharist first and third Sundays. ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85063528228?pwd=WWpDZzYxeDNtNXhWM2kvaG1SOWNpdz09

PARISH NOTES & EVENTS
 
St. Paul's Anglican Church is a warm congregation that celebrates the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to historic and authentic Christian witness grounded in Scripture. We stand for traditional, biblical ethics and moral truth.

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER : John 16:16-22
“your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you”

1. This passage is part of John’s narrative of the Upper Room discourse, chapters 13-17.

2. The phrase “a little while” v. 16, 17-19 is cast in opposites, first they will not see Jesus, then they will. The phrase “a little while” appears four times in John, 7:33, 12:35, 13:3, and 14:19.

3. What Jesus says confuses the disciples. At this time they could not understand that he is speaking of the time between the crucifixion and his Resurrection.

4. Jesus contrasts two reactions to what is coming: THE WORLD = JOY. The world will be exultant when Jesus is executed. The romans will be rid of him as a nuisance. The Jewish authorities will have their vengeance. 

5. On the other hand, the disciples will be devastated = LAMENT, WEEP, “SORROWFUL”

6. “The world,” Gk kosmos, is used generally negative, like the world did not know him, 1:10.

7. The world hates Jesus (Jn 7:7) and his followers (Jn 15:18 and 17:14).

8. But the world will be judged (9:39 and 12:31). Those who hate Christ will pay a heavy price.

9. The “prince” of the world, Satan, also will be judged (12:31 and 16:11).

10. Jesus assured the disciples their mourning would be turned to joy. This is like other times in scripture God turns the grieving or suffering of his children into rejoicing.

11. See, for example, Esther 9:22; Is 61:2-3; and Jer 31:13.

12. Jesus is the “lamb of God” who has conquered “the world” 16:33; 1 Jn 5:5 Because he has, we can be assured of sharing in that victory. Not because of our merit, but because of his.

13. Today we contend against the world, the flesh, and the devil. But Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus will return for us at last.

OUTREACH AT ST. PAUL'S
Ukraine Relief: The International Anglican Fellowship is accepting donations marked “Ukraine Relief” that will then be wired to a responsible host agency in Poland for Ukrainian refugee relief efforts.   When banks in Ukraine are secure IAF will connect with an Orthodox Church there to help with relief efforts on the ground. 

Address all checks marked "Ukraine Relief" as follows: 
International Anglican Fellowship
P.O. Box 42
West Seneca, NY  14224 
Stroudwater Food Pantry
Donations of breakfast cereal, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, tuna, ramen noodles, canned goods and empty egg cartons can be left in the marked box in the Parish Hall.
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Volunteers also needed!

More info: https://stroudwaterfoodpantry.com/

Sermon Podcast

To Listen to sermons preached at Saint Paul's, go to anchor.fm/saintpaulsportland

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Anglican Church in America
Classical Christianity Engaging the World
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Diocese of the North Eastern United States
The Right Reverend Alexander Henderson Webb, Bishop
The Most Reverend Brian R. Marsh, Bishop Emeritus

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Our small group meets for Bible study Wednesdays @6:30. Zoom is ​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86085869749