Saint Valentine is a Christian martyr who lived in the third century. Little is known about his life, and there are several conflicting accounts of his story. However, he is most commonly remembered as a priest who performed Christian marriages in secret at a time when the Roman Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage, believing that single men made better soldiers. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, he was arrested, imprisoned, and eventually executed.
Before his execution, he prayed for the daughter of his jailer and she was healed of blindness. Before he was killed, he wrote a note to her encouraging her to stay the course with Jesus. It was signed, “Your Valentine”. February 14th is said to be the day of his death. That note began the tradition we know today.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the details of his life and death, Saint Valentine is widely recognized as a symbol of love and devotion, and his martyrdom is remembered as a testament to the power of love and integrity and the ultimate sacrifice that they can entail. That’s a far cry from the modern commercialism of Madison Avenue. For Christians, Valentines Day can be a time to reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ and to show love to others in a selfless manner, especially to our significant others.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… (Ephesians 5:25 ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34 ESV)
Last Updated: 03/22/2023 by Charlie Vensel
Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer Class Saturday, March 11, 2023
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a great resource for all Anglicans. Not only does it set out the orders of service for The Holy Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, and many more, it also has prayers to be used throughout the day via the Daily Office: Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, Evening Prayer, Compline, and others.
These are suitable for individuals and groups of all sizes to use, and they can be led by anyone. The BCP can help you maintain a rhythm of prayer and devotion in your life and simultaneously joins you to millions of Anglicans around the world doing the very same thing.
This class will primarily focus on the Daily Office. To register, please click here.
NOTE: You will need an ACNA Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you need to purchase one, you may do so here. Please contact Charlie+ for more information.
Last Updated: 02/16/2023 by Charlie Vensel
Women’s Daytime Bible Study Begins Wednesday, March 1, 2023
The Women’s Daytime Bible Study will meet each Wednesday morning over 8 weeks from 10:30AM-11:45AM in the Fellowship Hall, March 1-April 26, 2023. Verlee and Holley will be leading this study by Erin Davis, called 7 Feasts: Finding Christ in the Sacred Celebrations of the Old Testament.
Please click here to sign up.
From Erin Davis’ website…
It’s hard to know when you read about the Feast of Booths why exactly it matters for your life. What in the world is the Feast of Trumpets supposed to be teaching you? And, in this case, the text itself doesn’t tell you. You need a resource, a guide that can help you understand the cultural significance and how these feasts relate to the rest of the Bible.
That’s exactly what Erin Davis does in this new 8-week Bible study, 7 Feasts. Topics include: The significance of these feasts and why God wanted His people to celebrate, how each of them point to Jesus and His work in redemption, and why all of this matters for our lives today.
Last Updated: 02/14/2023 by Charlie Vensel
Happy Valentines Day Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Before his execution, he prayed for the daughter of his jailer and she was healed of blindness. Before he was killed, he wrote a note to her encouraging her to stay the course with Jesus. It was signed, “Your Valentine”. February 14th is said to be the day of his death. That note began the tradition we know today.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the details of his life and death, Saint Valentine is widely recognized as a symbol of love and devotion, and his martyrdom is remembered as a testament to the power of love and integrity and the ultimate sacrifice that they can entail. That’s a far cry from the modern commercialism of Madison Avenue. For Christians, Valentines Day can be a time to reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ and to show love to others in a selfless manner, especially to our significant others.
Last Updated: 02/17/2023 by Charlie Vensel
Annual Parish Meeting Sunday, February 19, 2023
Calling all members. Christ the King Church is having our Annual Parish Meeting in the Fellowship Hall after the second service on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
We will review the 2022 financials, highlight the ministries we we support outside the congregation, report on the successes of the ministries inside our congregation, talk a bit about where we might need some help, hear a little bit of Charlie’s+ heart for the fall and beyond, and of course, a Q&A session.
There will be ample food available to make a satisfying lunch.