October 30
“Almighty God, in whom is no darkness at all, Grant me your light perpetually…
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters[a] beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9 For the people of those regions[b] report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters[a] beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9 For the people of those regions[b] report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
Blessing the Costumes
At Palma Ceia this past year and this year, everyone is invited to wear a Halloween costume to church on the Sunday before Halloween on October 30, 2022
Sarah Phelps reminds us that these costumes do not threaten our faith and speaks briefly about the history of Halloween and our belief in a God who ultimately triumphs over evil, fear, and death. Then she offers a blessing:
Holy God, giver of life, we know you are ruler over all things that make us fearful. You triumph over the evils in our world, and you raise your people to life again after death. As the One who created us, we know it makes you glad to hear us laugh, and to watch us play. So, we ask you to bless all here today who have dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Bless all who will go out “trick-or-treating” this week. Let their laughter and the wholesome fun they enjoy be a sign to all who do not know you, that your Love reigns over all things in heaven and on earth. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Rev. Sarah Phelps
Sarah serves as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
At Palma Ceia this past year and this year, everyone is invited to wear a Halloween costume to church on the Sunday before Halloween on October 30, 2022
Sarah Phelps reminds us that these costumes do not threaten our faith and speaks briefly about the history of Halloween and our belief in a God who ultimately triumphs over evil, fear, and death. Then she offers a blessing:
Holy God, giver of life, we know you are ruler over all things that make us fearful. You triumph over the evils in our world, and you raise your people to life again after death. As the One who created us, we know it makes you glad to hear us laugh, and to watch us play. So, we ask you to bless all here today who have dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Bless all who will go out “trick-or-treating” this week. Let their laughter and the wholesome fun they enjoy be a sign to all who do not know you, that your Love reigns over all things in heaven and on earth. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Rev. Sarah Phelps
Sarah serves as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Prayers for Halloween
The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Sometimes that means finding prayers for all situations. However you celebrate “All Hallows Eve,” here are three prayers to use at church or home.
A Classic for All Hallows Eve
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
– Traditional Scottish poem
Prayer Appropriate before Trick-or-Treating
Almighty God, in whom is no darkness at all:
Grant me your light perpetually,
and when I cannot see the way before me,
may I continue to put my trust in you;
that so, being guided and guarded by your love,
I may be kept from falling,
this day and all my days,
through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
– By William Knight, Printed in Prayers for all Occasions, Forward Movement
For Thanksgiving and Safety
All praise to Thee, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light.
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings.
– From the Hymn by Thomas Ken
Source: Buildfaith.org
PCPC Children's Ministry
3501 W San Jose St
Tampa, Florida 33629
3501 W San Jose St
Tampa, Florida 33629