The Episcopal Church of the Advent      

Dear People of Advent,

Time is ticking. I hear many of you say that “few signals are differentiating Sunday from a Monday.” Time does seem to be going fast; for staying at home during the Pandemic, “it has a lot to do with our worlds shrinking to the bare minimum. Most of the day, we are not going out or taking part in external and memorable activities.” This is not the way we lived our lives. We wish that the Pandemic goes away so that we can move on with our lives. 

At the outset, I am pleased to share this message that we received from the Bishop’s office and the Diocesan Re-Gathering Task Group that “the plan for re-entering and regathering in the Church of the Advent is approved!”  

It is good news! However, this reopening will be gradual and requires several protocols to ensure safe reentry both for the gathering for worship and opening up our buildings for the ministries. You will be notified of those plans and necessary protocols in the next few weeks.  

Secondly, you may be happy to know, having been with you for the past 15 months in one stretch (no Sunday missed), Anita, and I will be away for a week on our annual vacation. We will be visiting our children from September 3rd to 8th, returning to Florida on September 8th. Though we would love to lead the worship the following Sunday, September 13th, as a precaution after a trip, we would like to wait (quarantine!?) till September 20th. My wife is looking forward to seeing our three children after almost eight months. Kindly hold us in your prayers, as you will be in ours during this time.

Thirdly, concerning Sunday Worship in my absence, adequate plans have been made to Livestream (pre-recorded) or post on Facebook, Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The Wednesday Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. and Friday Morning Prayer at 10:00 a.m. will be live-streamed as usual.

Our office Administrator, Melissa, will also be availing of her annual vacation at the same time. We are grateful for her hard and efficient work for the past year. She deserves this time of rest. Keep her and her husband, John, in your thoughts and prayers.

During this time, parochial responsibilities of running the day-to-day parish duties will be overseen by our Senior Warden, Al Ragl, at 772 215-1664. In case of his absence, please contact our Junior Warden, Craig Bauzenberger, at 856-220-2166. 

I will be available on-call (772-708-0229), to respond to other life-threatening emergencies.

Finally, please remember, your priest will not be in town; you are all by yourself. Don’t get into trouble (kidding!). We will miss you all very much! Stay Safe and Well.

Blessings!

Father Aaron Paul Collins

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Cheers!

I trust you are well. I hope you feel supported and surrounded by love and care at this time of the pandemic. Confronted with so much uncertainty and irrationality, I have faith that you feel hopeful about the future. Advent, you are such generous, loving, and cheerful people. I love you!

Having been in lockdown for nearly six months, I hear you say, “we are ready to come back and begin again.” We all know, Communion and Community are dear to us. At this time of the pandemic, we miss them and live in an unnatural state – separating ourselves instead of being together. It is inevitable though, stay home and save lives!

I realize, the world now is quite perplexing. We no longer live in those days when life was predictable when we know what to do next. Now it is all different. We live in a complex world; we often don’t know what’s going on. It is beyond our comprehension to figure things out, and we are confused. It is a good thing. We can’t be creative if we refuse to be confused.

At this time of uncertainty, in a creative way, we all feel a vocation to be fully human. A sense of purpose in our lives, believing there is a reason for our existence.

Honest to God, I am grateful for each one of you at Advent. You own and belong to this sacred place/space. Together, we know God has placed us here with a purpose. If we hold onto that sense of purpose, we, as a church, will be able to deal with whatever life experiences await us. Even amid this pandemic and myriads of other challenges that we face, surely, there is a meaning to our lives. Let us not permit life’s difficulties to overwhelm or discourage us. Let us feel a vocation to be fully human, no matter our life circumstances.

I know, we don’t decide what our vocation is, we receive it. It always originates outside of us and comes with a promise:

“Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

These words are prophetic. The prophet Isaiah addresses this to the brokenhearted, the people who were taken into captivity by Assyria and Babylonians. Amid those captivities, the prophet says, cheer up, all is not gloom. God, in His unfailing Love, will restore and bring an abundance of blessings!

There is an unfailing Love because there is an unfailing God. Let us hold on to a vocation to be fully human and feel the sense of a purpose beyond ourselves.

In God’s Love,

Father Paul Collins

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Trust you are doing well, and enjoy living your life despite the issues and challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic. I do believe life enjoys you as well. We miss seeing you.

I agree life is full of challenges and adventures. As we live through these days of uncertainties, anxiety, and the unknown, I pray that we as a church will maintain our joy and fidelity in following Jesus Christ, our Lord who has promised to be with us:

"Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age"

(Matthew 28: 20b)

As I look back, since March 2020, the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic has been creating havoc all around the world. I read and watch social media; much has been changed in the world today. Church buildings are closed, and there is no in-person and corporate worship. We are urged to maintain social distancing and to wear a facemask. Either partially or entirely, we are in lockdown. Sure, much has changed.

To my surprise, however, there is one thing that has not changed at Advent. The love you share among you, the heart that you have for the people outside your walls, the support that you extend to your church, and your deep faith and trust in God remain the same. That’s what Anita and I have been observing and experiencing during this Pandemic at Advent. It is a good thing, and this is the way to go.

I very sincerely acknowledge, at Church of the Advent, that there are grace and love. Let us give thanks to God for the tremendous gifts God has given us through each other at this time of the unknown and adversity.

Let us hold each other in that Love of God and then focus on the great and exciting future God has in store for Church of the Advent.

Please remind yourself that each one of you will always hold a special place in our hearts and prayers! Days are indeed hard, and harsh realities surround us. Let us not give up on our church nor people, nor our faith. Muster the courage and brave the future. “The future does not belong to the faint-hearted, but the brave” (Ronald Reagan).

Be Brave!

Every Blessing,

Father Aaron Paul Collins

• Stay at least 6 feet from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Practice wearing masks, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water at least 20 seconds.

Dear Sisters and Brothers at Advent,

Grace and gratitude fill our hearts as we close another month in 2020. As you know, we are still in the clutches of the pandemic, and coronavirus continues to spread, new cases are ever on the increase. A cloud hanging over, and yet there is no definite word about our reopening and reentry plans. Let us keep on keeping social distancing and wearing masks in public places. Stay at home and save lives.

Amidst harsh realities and unclear circumstances, your church remains faithful in offering worship and prayers online. Let us stay grateful for those members of our parish who stay behind the screen and do hard work to make our live streaming of worship better and beneficial to all of us.

This Sunday, you will appreciate a young family participating in our worship. Amber and David Cook will read the lessons and do the Prayers of the People. It is their wedding anniversary. Also, their youngest daughter’s First Birthday – we will have the joy of singing for her. Please join us online!

Please keep in your prayers all those who are not well and needing medical assistance. I ask every one of us to pray for our friends Bill and Nancy Junk fervently. Bill would appreciate our good wishes and prayers at this time.

These are challenging times. It is hard for us to live in uncertain times, surrounded by unanswered questions echoing all around us. As your priest, I am so thankful to all of you for extending your monetary support for the upkeep of the church and paying the bills and salaries for the staff. If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact Sue Harrington, our Treasurer, or Al Ragl, our Senior Warden, or Melissa.

Again, please be assured of our intercession and blessings on all your behalf. You are in our hearts; we love you. You are in our minds; we think about you. You are in our prayers; we pray for you. May God bless your day and keep you in good health!

Father Aaron Paul and Anita Collins

Trust you are doing well and enjoy living your life, and I trust life enjoys you as well.

I understand, as individuals, church, nation, and the world, we are in deep distress, and surrounded by uncertainties. It is altogether a new reality. Coronavirus Pandemic impacts our living and poses a challenge to new experiences in life.  

In our spirituality, we discern God’s grace and love differently. We are called to live to the moment. Let us remember, and today begins a new life. Yesterday is over. Last week, even last month and year’s events have come and gone. Wipe things out. Get a fresh start. Today, let us begin a new life and be steadfast in our faith. Is that simple? 

No, we are human! When we face challenging times, it is difficult to remain steadfast in our faith and stay in a relationship with God. I agree! Nevertheless, the Word of God exhorts us that these are the times when we must press toward God with a most tenacious spirit. Look at what Jude says,

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith

and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love

as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

(Jude 20-21)

Jude is the tiniest book in the New Testament. Traditionally, the authorship of this book is assigned to Judas, the “brother of James.” He writes to place Christians on their guard against the activities of certain despicable persons who are cleverly undermining the godly character of the Christian community and inducing them to slip further and further away from their relationship with God.

According to this verse, we stay in a relationship with God by building ourselves up. When our going becomes tough, and our situations are beyond control, we need to reflect on what God has already done and how He has demonstrated Himself faithful.  God’s faithfulness is great, and “His mercies…are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). And in faith and prayer, we are encouraged to stay in a relationship with God.

Indeed, prayer is the key that opens us to the gracious presence of God. It leads us to be in an intimate, transformative relationship with God. Prayer is the means and medium to express our dependency upon God. God is not looking for long eloquent prayers. He already knows the cry of our hearts. It is like any other conversation we have from time to time with our dear ones, to affirm our love and relationship. Prayer is a conversation with God that extends appreciation, affirms, and encourages our faith. The Apostle Paul reminded us in Romans 8:1 that God does not condemn us but loves us beyond what we can imagine or comprehend. 

May God continue to give you grace and abounding courage to rejoice, and may God bless us all. Even in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, let us celebrate life!

Father Paul Collins

Dear People of God at Advent,

Typically, during the summer months, we expect things to slow down a bit, and there is enough time to relax, travel, vacation somewhere with our families and friends, get some much-needed rest, and get ready for the startup Sunday in the fall!

Unfortunately, this summer so far is crowded by anxieties and uncertainties. The global pandemic – coronavirus chaos continues through much of the world. As you know, the number of cases for the COVID 19 virus is rising in our county. Predictions are that this pandemic could last until 2021. It might even infect 60 to 70% of people. The bottom line, it's going to get worse?!

As I write this weekly message, dear people of Advent, along with the leaders of our parish and the broader community, the Diocese of Southeast Florida, we wonder how these new realities will impact our church's reopening in-person worship and ministries.

As a servant of Christ in your midst, I encourage you to trust God and don't despair. Always pray and never give up. At the same time, let us remind ourselves that prayer is not a means of coercing God to do what we want. It is allowing God to work this out in His time and according to His will. In His time, He makes all things beautiful:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28)

Somewhere I read recently, "A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset." Keep your spirits up, stay safe and healthy. Always wear your masks, eat, and sleep well. Stay at home, and say your prayers. Make that phone call or write an email that you have been procrastinating who knows that might encourage the ones who are alone and housebound and feeling lonely at this time. Certainly, Sue Harrington will appreciate a check from you towards the support of the church. Read your Bible, and other books of your interest, and write down your thoughts. Send your new ideas to the office, and we will publish them for the benefit of our parishioners. Indeed, a beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset!

Again, please be assured, Anita and I are delighted to be in your midst, and you're in our hearts and prayers. We love you!

EVERY BLESSING!

Father Paul and Anita Collins

My dear fellow citizens,

This our great nation, the United States of America, was born on July 4, 1776. We as a family are happy to be part of the excitement that this day brings to us, and wish you all, a happy 4th of July.

The United States of America is the greatest nation with the most diverse and innovative people on earth. It is a nation with strong and varied convictions and beliefs. It is a nation bound together by the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence: “...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Does this not reflect the scripture?

American values such as the self-reliance, free enterprise, and equal opportunity have become the exemplar around the Globe. American power and influence used over hundreds of years to preserve peace among the nations of the world. America, as the leader, internationally continues to promote economic and social justice, hoists the flag of freedom and human rights, protects the clean environment, and alleviates human suffering.

In the words of Alexis de Tocqueville, “America is a land of wonders, in which everything is in constant motion and every change seems an improvement ... No natural boundary seems to be set to the efforts of man; and in his eyes what is not yet done is only what he has not yet attempted to do.” Surely, we live in a nation where there is no limit on human innovation, and America is indeed a land of opportunity.

As a privileged and grateful nation, on this day of Independence, in a true spirit of patriotism, thank God for all who laid their precious lives to get us where we are today, despite the troubles and challenges that we face as one nation. Pray for all men and women in uniform defending the ideals of this nation and continue to offer our intercession for all who are in authority, especially Donald Trump, our President, and Ron DeSantis, our Governor.

Happy 4th of July!

Father Paul Collins

The First Sunday after the Pentecost is celebrated as the Trinity Sunday. Trinity, what does it mean? The Episcopal Church in its Articles of Religion (BCP – 867) says there is one living God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in the unity of this Godhead, there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

The doctrine of Trinity is one of the baffling areas of Christian theology. For some, it is "the incomprehensible jargon of the Trinitarian arithmetic." To understand this apparently baffling theology, we need to engage with the biblical texts which bear witness to the words and works of God. However, the Christian Scripture does not set out the doctrine of the Trinity. It only bears a point of reference to a God who demands to be understood His function in a Trinitarian manner. For example, the Apostle Paul speaks of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the familiar words of "the benediction/grace" in 2 Corinthians 13:14.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, 

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Here is a very early, already beautifully balanced "Trinitarian formula." Significantly in Paul's order, Christ comes first since through his gracious work, we came to know the love of God. Nevertheless, Paul's focus in this verse is on the three nouns: grace, love, and communion. Grace, love, and communion relate to personal beings who are called by different names (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Doesn't it mean that God of love and peace comes to us as three persons within one God? Karl Barth is right when he says, "Trinity is the Christian name for God."

Let me make a point. Pauline's understanding of Trinity is doxological, as well as theological. Because it is doxological, we say it in the benediction (the blessing) in the context of our liturgical worship. Because it is also theological, we use them in defining the functional aspect of God. God in His function creates the world; the God who created the world also redeemed the world. The God who created the world, redeemed the world, lives in us directing His path. So, it is ontological (being) as well as functional (becoming).

For me, the Pauline phrase, "be with you all" in 2 Corinthians 13:14 at the end of the benediction, is very significant. Christ's grace, God's love, and fellowship through the Holy Spirit cannot but bring all Christians together into a lasting communion with one another in the Church. 

Therefore, let me say that the foundation of our community and the core of our Christian faith is Trinity; God in three persons is One! In the Trinity, there is a beautiful unity!

It is amazing that the unity that evolves in God is not uniformity. Through diversity, we discern and discover unity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today, as a nation, we face significant and difficult challenges to our unity. Our peace is shattered, so also is our hope. The killer virus – COVID 19 is still on the rampage threatening normal lives; and increasing unrest among all communities with peaceful protests, and riots, demanding equality for all. We are worried. At this juncture, it is our plea. Let us give God a chance and pray for the peace:

Loving God, please grant our nation peace of mind and a loving spirit. Guide our leaders and give discernment to do the right thing at this time of a harsh and chaotic situation. Give strength and clarity of mind to people everywhere to seek after God's love, peace, and purpose and walk the path that embraces one another. That we all may strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being through triune God: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Father Aaron Paul Collins

Dear People of God at Advent,

Time is ticking! We are well into the middle of May. Who would have thought that the six weeks of Easter tidings after the resurrection of Christ, would become part of the unwelcome season of the COVID–19 pandemic. Today, we find ourselves living through a period of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, or, for short, a VUCA season. But, not all is lost! The fleeting appearances of the risen Christ have been sustaining us all the way. Now, we see the signs of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel.

We are pleased to inform you that the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, under the leadership of The Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton, has given us the directives to a phased approach of four seasons to imagine Reentry. This document helps us to imagine how to plan for the future of our Parish.

You may be glad to know, as directed by the Diocese, we have formed a Re-entry Planning Committee, a separate group whose sole task is to be focused on this process of Reentry.

Soon the Committee will be put in action and work with the Bishop, Rector, Vestry, and bring out for our Parish "A Roadmap to Reopening." Melissa, our Administrator, is working on sending a copy of this document, "On Being Faithful," to each of us.

Of course, you, the very loving people of Advent, have been through ups and downs, tears and joy, successes, and challenges. In our short time with you, we understand that you are a resilient community. However, the challenges ahead of us are significant. We are beginning to wonder about the " new normal" that is currently emerging. Nevertheless, God on our side, we are confident to be where God wants us to be. With God, we envision a better future on the horizon, full of glowing possibilities for our Parish, for our Nation, and the whole world.

Hang in there and take it easy! God will bless each one of you with more excellent health and nourish your life with new possibilities and opportunities in Christ Jesus, who has promised to be with us always!

Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Every Easter blessing!

Father Paul Collins

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It is a joy to write to you, especially as we approach Mother's Day weekend. Before I say something about it, I want to hear that you are staying safe, sheltered in a safe place, and healthy during these terrifying and uncertain times. You all are in our minds, hearts, and our prayers!

Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us, so we are in no hurry to reopen. Nevertheless, we are trying everything to stay connected and help you to have the church experience during this time.

Meantime, I want to express my gratitude and adoration to the vestry and the wardens - Al and Craig. Sue Harrington, the treasurer, Melissa, our Administrator, Jill, our bookkeeper, and the lay ministers for all their strenuous efforts to keep us going.

We await to receive directives and documents from the Bishop. As we discern and explore the path to reentry and regathering during and after the COVID - 19 pandemic. You will be informed, well in advance, of the careful steps that we will be taking with the advice of the Bishop and our church leaders, and medical experts.

Let me remind you that this Sunday, May 10th is Mother's Day. We will again be live streaming our worship. We will honor and appreciate all our women in our liturgy.

All women are lovely creatures of God. God has blessed women with the capacity to bring life into the world. Primarily, it's splendid to acknowledge mothers for their love and nurture.

We will offer thanks to God and honor all women who nourish life through their words and deeds. Women who birth beauty and love, women who strive for world peace and reconciliation, power, and justice in all places and every home and, especially at the Church of the Advent.

I may be wrong in my theology, but this is how I feel about our mothers: God can't be everywhere, so He created mothers. Mothers mean the whole world to us.

Let us take this opportunity to communicate words of love and gratitude to all our women and mothers. No hugs and kisses (social distancing)! Instead, genuinely offer praises and prayers on their behalf:

Loving God, we thank you for our mothers,

who gave life to us, and who care for us.

heir self-sacrifice and love blessed and blesses us evermore. 

Grant us grateful hearts so that we remain thankful 

and be a blessing to the world. Amen

Many blessings – Stay home and be safe!

Father Paul Collins

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

A Cheerful greeting to each one of you from the Church of the Advent!

It is our first Easter with you at Advent. Though the times are hard, and the passage is tough, we rejoice for the opportunity of being your priest both to walk with you and help you walk through this tough phase in life and rough path in our living. It is a hard time for everyone. We are all in this together. You are in our hearts – we love you; you are in our minds – we think about you; you are in our prayers – we pray for you!

Of course, our journey through the sacred season of Lent amid Coronavirus Pandemic has taught us some in-depth spiritual lessons. Some lessons are beginning to emerge. Some are crystal clear - like we all need God, the sheltering love of our families, and our community. We are all connected physically, too, as evidenced by the spreading of the virus around the world. At the same time, none of us ever thought that we would be bound up with so much uncertainty and fear of death all around us.

Cheer up! It is Easter! Jesus rose from the grave, Alleluia! As you know, Easter celebrates the resurrection and new life in Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through 

the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

Apostle Paul in Philippians 3 recognizes the “power “in the resurrection. He writes, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” At this time of daunting fear and powerlessness, we all need power. The power of the resurrection can transform us from all odds of life and give us new hope and possibilities.

Let us move forward, trusting in the transforming power of risen Christ our Lord as we continue to experience the tragedies, trauma, social distancing, financial, and economic distress of the Coronavirus crisis. Let us be confident of this one thing, the wounds of the Risen Jesus always touch us and transforms our wounds and fears, and the scars and fears of the millions and millions of people of the world.

I encourage everyone to participate in the Easter Sunday Liturgy virtually through live streaming. The Easter Offering Envelope is here if you would like to send in your Good Friday and Easter Offerings! Thank you so much for your generous and thoughtful support to the church of the Advent by continuing to mail in your pledges and offerings.

Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Happy Easter, Everybody!

Father Aaron Paul and Anita Collins

Dear Friends and Family of Advent,

Greetings to you from the Church of the Advent!

The Holy Season of Lent is coming to an end, and we are all set to step into the holiest days of the year. This Sunday, April 5, is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Palm Sunday celebrates the Zion’s King Jesus, who triumphantly entered into the city of Jerusalem, the very religious and political power center of the world.  

The Prophet Zechariah, several hundred years before Matthew, saw this was coming and had prophesied about this day and said,

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!

Lo, your King comes to you;

triumphant and victorious is he,

humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

A vast crowd, according to Luke, the “whole multitude of disciples,” joined in the procession, and they began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen. Crowds spread clothes and tree branches across the road to show their adoration:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

At that moment, it looked for all the world, as if the King had arrived in force to claim his rightful throne. Matthew puts it, “When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” (21:10). Pharisees, the so-called guardians of the Jewish status-quo, exclaimed in alarm, “Look, the whole world has gone after him!” It is evident, the modern world today asks, why was he riding on a donkey instead of a horse?

Unlike the Presidential motorcade with the flashing lights, the all-black-convoy, and the emergency vehicles, the King of Zion led the entrance procession on a donkey with no earthly splendor. Christ chose to ride on a donkey, a symbol of humility and service.

Also, the Gospels recount how the followers covered Jesus’ path, spreading their cloaks on the road. Others cut palm branches from the trees, spread them on the road, and went ahead of Jesus shouting, “Hosanna.” A cry for help – Save us, Lord, we are perishing!”

However, what one cannot understand is how with such a crowd throwing themselves at his feet one week, how did Jesus get arrested and killed the next?

Yes, there was a smell of triumph on Palm Sunday, but not the kind of victory that might impress Rome and not the type that impressed crowds in Jerusalem for long, either.  What manner of King was this, we wonder! Jesus is the King with a difference. He is the savior of the world and compassionate Christ. Wherever you are in life, there is a place for you in Christ and His kingdom. God loves you, no exception!

Holy Week is a paschal journey in its significance, a journey to Easter. It is possible, in this hard and most difficult times, we might have drifted away from our trust in God, relied on our strength, broke down, and failed miserably. Here is a call to return and rejoin the paschal journey with Christ to a new life. 

Holy Week helps us to find our way back to God. God does not require a pure heart to join His passion. Henri Nouwen says,

"God does not require a pure heart before embracing us. Even if we return to God because following our desires has failed to bring happiness, God will take us back.  God’s love does not require any explanations about why we are returning. God is glad to see us home and wants to give us all we desire, just for being back."

To mark our return to God let us join virtually in the following services which will be live-streamed as follows: 

Palm Sunday, April 5 at 10 am

Maundy Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 pm

Good Friday, April 10, 12 noon).

Let us join in the paschal journey with Christ and follow Him from the very beginning to the very end. Then we will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday (April 12 at 10 am). We will celebrate the new life, which the resurrection of Christ brings to all of us. New times demand new expectations, even as new hope is on the horizon!        

Wishing you all a blessed and holy season of the Passion and the Paschal Journey with Christ,

Affectionately in Christ, 

Father Paul Collins

April 3, 2020

Anita and I share the pain and sorrow of the millions. It is heartbreaking and mind blogging, to see humanity in millions staggering and struggling all around the world—coronavirus taking a toll on humanity—189,500 cases in the U.S., with 4,076 deaths.  

Coronavirus triggers fear among young and old. Today, almost everyone in the world is experiencing life as more stressful, more disconnected, socially distanced. On top of it all, economic hardship, today, paralyzing the morale of families and individuals alike. According to CNBC, "Coronavirus job losses could total 47 million, the unemployment rate may hit 32%." These are by far unimaginably large numbers in the history of the United States. 

It is indeed a very tough passage. We are bound up with so much uncertainty, despair, dismay, and fear of death all around us. How can anyone be hopeful about life?  

Amidst the harsh realities all around us today, we are entering a new month. It is the first day of April. The world may say, "it is a fool's day." But we say it is a suitable day to dream big dreams and intercede for the world. Here is the promise that comes from God who made heaven and earth:

I hereby command you: 

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

(Joshua 1:9)

Let us in one spirit and accord wish and pray that this deadliest virus goes away, and life returns to normal to the millions. It is exciting, "Once the virus goes away, and if we play our cards right and keep everything intact, then everyone will go back to work, and everything will be fine." It is a good thing!

In the spirit of optimism, I invite you to adhere to the directives put out to stop the spread of the virus: "Avoid social gatherings in groups more than ten people. Avoid eating and drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts - use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options. Avoid discretionary travels. Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. "

As parents, today, we are in tears; it is tears of joy amidst the pain of sorrow for our son Andrew who left us this morning around 6:00 a.m. to become a Software Engineer at Boeing, St. Louis, Missouri. Please join us in giving thanks to God for this beautiful opportunity for Andrew. Please keep him in your prayers that things will go well for him all the way.  

With every blessing, we remain,

Yours in Christ's Love,

Father Paul and Anita Collins

Dear Friends,

Trust your journey of Lent is off to a great start, and going well for you. As of always, you all are in our thoughts and prayers, especially during this Holy Season of Lent.

You may be glad to know, the first Wednesday of our Lenten Study Series went very well, and we had around 40 people attending the study. The study was well-received, and the soup and salad supper was delicious and sumptuous. Thank you for all those who contributed towards the supper.

The next one on "Hinduism" will be on Wednesday, March 11 @ 6 pm. We will have the Hindu Priest from West Palm Beach, Swami Vishnu Sharma, making the presentation. Please make it a point to attend this study and also invite your friends and neighbors.

This Sunday, March 8, we will have the joy of baptizing Baby Malia Marie Natiello. Your presence will be a great blessing to the child as well as her parents, grandparents, and her extended family and friends.

Finally, you will have heard of the death of George Beckwith, who died a few weeks ago on February 17. The funeral mass (celebration of Life) will take place, April 4, at 1 pm at Church of the Advent. The family of George invites us all to the reception following the service at the Parish Hall.

Anita and I ever remain in love for you, the very loving people of Advent, and looking forward to seeing in church Sunday!

With love and blessings,

Father Paul and Anita Collins

Dear People of Advent,

The Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2020, was remarkable. For those who were there, you know how actively we all participated in the business of the church. For those who missed it, we missed you. Amidst the presentation of reports from various parish committees and officers, a lot of good-will thoughts and appreciations were expressed for a job well done.

One of the highlights of the Annual Meeting was the election of new members to the vestry. We are pleased to inform you that Michael Higgins, Jim Lammie, Elaine Lavallee, and Victor Lugo were elected to serve on the vestry.

Last Saturday, February 15th, the newly constituted vestry met and elected the following officers for 2020:

• Al Ragl, Senior Warden
• Craig Bauzenberger, Junior Warden
• Sue Harrington, Treasurer 
• Elaine Lavallee, Clerk
• Kathryn Bass, Chancellor

We are confident that the vestry will model Christ, demonstrating the Servant Leadership, and will serve our Parish well. I encourage all of us to hold our spirit high and let us place our faith in the one who called us and made us a church in this place. Of course, with the new leadership in place, we see new energy and enthusiasm emerging in the life of our parish. It is indeed a real deal!

Again, please note that the newly elected members and the leaders of the vestry will be Installed and Commissioned this Sunday, February 23rd. Please hold them in your prayers. Also, this Sunday is one of the very significant feasts in our tradition. We will have Lorrianna Colozzo sing that awesome and beautiful confidence in the darkness song, “The Servant King” by Graham Kendrick. Trust, it will be a blessing to listen to this song.

Finally, since Ash Wednesday is right around the corner, I wanted to make sure you saw our recent email about the Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:00 p.m., and Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes on Wednesday, February 26th at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

We are looking forward to seeing you at church Sunday!

Every blessing,

Father Paul Collins

Dear People of God,

Tomorrow, February 14, is Valentine’s Day. It is that time of the year when we celebrate LOVE in its different manifestations and manners. As a matter of fact, ‘being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.’ A church family is a garden of loving relationships.

As we celebrate the love and friendship in our lives, let us be reminded of God’s love. His love goes far beyond all manners of earthly Love. It is His love that gives and gives with no expectation of return.

Of course, God knows all our brokenness. He knows all our hurts, denials, rejections, and sorrows in life. God has a loving heart for all of us, for God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that we may have abundance of grace and life.

The Apostle Paul celebrates this self-giving life (love) of God and writes to a church that is divided and in need of unity and love:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not become angry easily. Love does not remember wrong done against it. Love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth.

Such is the love of God, which never fails! As we recognize and celebrate love in our loved ones on this Valentine’s Day, let us open our hearts and open them up anew to the love of God. Happy Valentine’s Day!

We look forward to seeing you and sharing the love of God with you in our corporate worship this Sunday!

We love you all very much!

Fr. Paul and Anita Collins

Dear and Loving People of Advent,

Please join us at our Annual Parish Meeting

this Sunday, February 9, 2020, immediately following the worship service

It is an awesome privilege for your priest to extend a special invitation to the Annual Parish Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to acknowledge and celebrate the presence and faithfulness of God, not only to discuss business.

The Parish Annual Meeting is a time of celebration and to be grateful in church. We will rejoice with one another and reflect on how God has been at work in our congregation over the past year; identify stories as different church committees present their reports; then celebrate. It allows us to give thanks for the ways that God is moving among us at Advent.

Secondly, it is a time of participation and collaboration where each one of us feels valued and connected to the call and mission of God, which are larger than ourselves — and together engage in formulating a vision for our parish to the year ahead.

Thirdly, it is a time to thank people who served and served us well, including volunteers who have done so much work around the campus, served on committees, and the Vestry, especially members who are rotating off of the vestry. And we have to elect new leaders for the coming year. Click here for the Vestry Nominee biographies.

Finally, we will look at our finances and thank those who graciously gave financially over the past year and made ministry possible through their generosity. We will also hear from the vestry about our budget for this year ahead.

May I, therefore, ask you, please consider making a special effort to be part of the annual meeting. I hope this to be an energizing time to honor the call of God for each one of us in this place.

The Annual Meeting will be followed by a Pot-luck Lunch in the Parish Hall,

creating a unique opportunity for celebration and conversation.

Your presence, indeed, is intrinsic to the life of our parish!

With every blessing, I remain yours,

In His Service

Father Aaron Paul Collins

On Sunday, January 19, there was much rejoicing in heaven and a fair share at Church of the Advent too. Rector Fr. Paul Collins welcomed the Bishop and guests. During a service of Confirmation and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, Bishop Peter Eaton confirmed five and blessed four accomplished adults in our congregation. 

In his homily, Bishop noted that the epiphany invites all of us to draw ourselves closer to Jesus and encourages us to make Him known through our lives to the world. Appreciating the emerging new life and energy in our congregation, Bishop said in God all of us could give birth to something new, thus create a new future for the Church of God. 

Dear People of God at Advent,

Anita and I are ever grateful for the privilege of being your priest. It is a Gift! And it is Great! We love it!

You have impacted our lives in many ways. We thank you for your love and dedication. With you, we continue to be hopeful of Good Days ahead of us bright with sunshine and clear skies!

This Sunday, we will bring our pledges to the Altar of the Lord in support of God’s mission and ministry. Our pledges support what we do at Advent and beyond our doors to the world. Every pledge is essential to living out Christ’s love and mercy. It is a joyful expression of our gratitude to God for all His love toward us. Please remember to bring your completed pledge cards to the “IN GATHERING”!

Also, this Sunday, we will be concluding a liturgical season of “ordinary” (season after Pentecost) and entering the hopeful season of Advent and Christmas. It is exciting! The last Sunday after Pentecost, our worship will appreciate and affirm the Kingship of Christ (Christ the King Sunday). We are the people of God’s Kingdom! Let us celebrate!

Finally, the last Sunday in November (November 24th) is Andrew’s Day. Andrew, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, is the Patron Saint of Scotland. Our friends Steven and Sandra McCowan will make a special St. Andrew’s Day Presentation. Jack Anderson, will play Bagpipes. Please join us for a Scottish coffee hour in the parish hall.

All roads lead to the Church of the Advent! 

Anita and I are Looking forward to seeing you in church on Sunday at 10 am!

Father Paul Collins

Several weeks ago, I quietly commemorated the Anniversary of our mother’s (Mary Aaron) passing. I never let that day go by without collecting dust in my eyes. She was the most affectionate and loving human being that I have ever known in the world. If I ever try to find a meaning for sacrifice, it was she, the personification of love and sacrifice.

She let her dream job of nursing go away when she married a poor rural area Christian Catechist who was in charge of thirteen rural congregations. She labored with him until separated by her death, empowering the poor, wounded, crushed, exploited, and depressed women who lived on the edge of starvation. She gathered the village children who ran naked with worn-out, skinny bodies as a testament of hunger. She taught them how to read and write and fed them through whatever she had.

She was a victim of my Dad’s wishful greed and desire of having more children; especially sons who he thought would assist him in preaching and teaching in rural India. She bore eight children – five sons and three daughters. Not a surprise, four out of eight have become ordained priests, three school Diocesan Mission School teachers, and one remained as a successful housewife. But the womb, weakened by bearing these many children, gave up and she died of cancer on the walls of her womb thirty years ago, at the age of 65.

Of all that she did and meant to us, her simple and real faith in the Lord stands out. As I grieve and mourn over her death, I am reminded afresh of one of her favorite Psalms - Psalm 91. She knew this psalm in its entirety by heart! Rightly so, this Psalm has been making an impact in my own personal and spiritual journey.

Here is the first half of the Psalm for our reading:

You can go to God Most High to hide. 

     You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.

I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress.

     My God, I trust in you. 

God will save you from hidden dangers

     and from deadly diseases.

You can go to him for protection.

     He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies.

You can trust him to surround

     and protect you like a shield.

You will have nothing to fear at night

     and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.

You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark 

     or terrible suffering that comes at noon.

(Modern Translation)

This psalm comes from the place of pain and frustration. The comfort of palace and positions of the royal throne, for David, are simply flying over his head. The facts about David’s personal life, very successful and at the same time miserably failed, stand together. Surely this psalm comes from the place of pain.

Moving away from those false securities, David recognizes that the man or woman who dwells in the safe retreat of God is secure and, therefore, happy!

For millions today, the world is increasingly becoming darker and more dangerous. In my long years of parish ministries, almost every day I am with someone who has some physical ailment, sickness, shattered dreams, broken relationships, or death and bereavement. This psalm brings us an assurance that God is our healer. He will heal us from every disease and bind the broken-hearted!

Most of all, look at the image of a mother bird which gathers her young under her wings in time of threat and danger. We could not be more delighted to know that the one who abides under the shadow of God need not fear sudden surprises by night or open attacks by day. Whatever may happen, if we give God a chance, God will sail us safe! Therefore, be not anxious or worried! Be happy; God is with us always!

Father Aaron Paul Collins

The Grateful Nation, the United States of America, this Wednesday, will commemorate very painfully the men, women, and children who lost their lives. We will express gratitude to those brave men and women who put their country first and made that ultimate sacrifice of their future for our present. We will all thank the Heroes that responded to the emergency on 9/11 (September 11, 2001).

Today, nearly eighteen years after 9/11, we are still struggling to understand that heinous act of terrorism where aero-planes were used as guided missiles to destroy humanity. Neither can we appreciate a theology that assumes that such evil deeds grant one access to heaven?

Today, with you, I equally wonder about the power of Christian forgiveness in response. As we were reminded in our sermon last Sunday, undoubtedly, the forgiving heart is the pillar of Christian character.

However, the time of remembrance can continue to be painful. It created an irreplaceable human loss and the war that followed where hundreds of innocent people were killed.  The world is not the same after that. Nevertheless, we all know that our faith is adorned when we ask God to teach us how to love the unlovable, grant forgiveness to the perpetrators, and stand in solidarity with all those for whom this act of terrorism was an irreplaceable loss, trauma, and anguish in life.  

“After all, forgiveness heals relationships by requiring us to let go, to turn the page, to refuse the right to hold on to bitterness and anger. Forgiveness, in short, sets things right again."  

At the same time, I agree that forgiveness is a “power healing force,” but also an incredibly difficult thing to receive or share.” We need God! Our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected, mourn, and grieve this day, 9/11.

Let us pray:

Compassionate God, whose Son Jesus wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus: Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen 

My wife and I drove down to the beach this afternoon and saw the waves calming down, and everything slowly returning to normal. All is well, and life is good!

However, we grieve over the catastrophic damage and devastation that “Hurricane Dorian had caused to the people of the Bahamas. It has been reported that the slow-moving hurricane brought winds, heavy rain and a life-threatening surge to the Bahamas, inundating homes and entire villages with water." Such a magnitude of damage will undoubtedly require coordinated efforts to rebuild communities and give the people of the Bahamas a new hope.

First of all, I ask you to please keep the people of the Bahamas in our prayers, asking God to restore hope and confidence in their lives. Secondly, explore ways and means to extend help to rebuild their lives and communities. Bishop Peter Eaton wrote,

"Our diocese always responds so generously to the needs of our neighbors …. Today we must respond once again. We hope to raise $50,000 by the beginning of next week to send to the Bishop of the Bahamas. Our immediate action will allow him to direct critical help to individuals and families in the Abacos and Grand Bahama…. I am asking each congregation to take part in this appeal …"

We wholeheartedly endorse the Bishop's Hurricane Appeal. We ask each one of us to generously contribute to the needs of our unfortunate sisters and brothers of the Bahamas. Jesus said,

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these

who are members of my family, you did it to me.

(Matthew 25:40)

Again, hear the words of our Bishop who in gratitude invites us to be part of the big picture and share the burdens of those suffering from the devastation this day,

"I continue to be grateful for our life together and know we can make an immediate and life-saving difference together. I thank you personally and on behalf of those suffering from the devastation this day."

Therefore, I ask you to take delight in the opportunity of extending God's love to the people of the Bahamas. And, in gratitude to God's manifold blessings to us at Advent, let us continue to support the people of the Bahamas in love! Isn't it right, "Strong people stand up for themselves, but stronger people stand up for others."

This Sunday, September 8th, we will be collecting a special offering for the Bahamas. You may also give online through Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida by clicking here and indicating Bishop's Bahamas Appeal in the additional comments area, or checks can be made out to "The Diocese of Southeast Florida" please include Bishop's Bahamas Appeal in the memo line and mail to: The Bishop's Office, 525 NE 15th St., Miami, FL 33132.

Many Blessings!

Dear Friends,

Step by step in His footsteps ...

We are a little overwhelmed by the forecast that Hurricane Dorian is expected to become a major hurricane. The storm is on a path likely taking it to Florida's Atlantic Coast, though an arrival farther north isn't out of the question. It could make landfall on the U.S. mainland as a Category 3 storm sometime Monday.

I am confident that you know what to do in this turbulent situation. In these challenging times, please be assured of our prayers for all of you and our nation.

Also, I recommend that you have faith in God. Have Faith in your neighbors, authorities, and the rescue workers. Finally, don't be panicked, but have faith in yourselves. Do all that is necessary to keep yourselves safe. Be vigilant, and don’t hesitate to call and ask for help. Be safe!

Anita and I are looking forward to seeing you in church Sunday! If for reasons you are not able to make it to church this Sunday, please don't worry. God will understand. Moreover, you will be adequately covered in OUR prayers and enveloped in our love!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth is moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; Though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Psalm 46:1-4)

Father Paul and Anita Collins

After summer vacation, the children are back in school, and it was such an incredible joy to see them in church the past two Sundays. Last Sunday, in appreciation of their delightful presence the church extended a round of applause! Children are a beautiful reminder of new life and a glorious future!

Several years ago, Anita and I spent our vacation with a small community of Episcopalians at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky.  What we heard and saw was a story of a profoundly dedicated group of old coal miners who loved their church but who are growing older, and know the church is unlikely to grow.  Someone even said to me, “Fr. Collins, the members of the congregation are getting older and are well-past childbearing age, so there aren’t going to be any younger children in the congregation to become the next generation.”

Honestly, it sounded depressing to me.  All I could think of was someone asking the last person to die to please turn out the lights. That experience stays with me forever.

I often wonder, is the Episcopal Church on the decline? No….no….no!  Nevertheless, the birth of new babies in the families of our parishioners and the presence of the children in our worship bring us great encouragement and a voice of hope all around us.

We are a growing parish. We have children to prove it.  As we were reminded in our sermon last Sunday, Time is so precious. Time with children is even more valuable. Children, as I see it, are not just the future of the church; they are the present church as well. Therefore, it is quintessential that we try to invest our time bonding with them, playing with them, and listening to them. I read somewhere, “The work will wait while you show a child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you do the work.”

“Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, brown, yellow

Black and white

They are precious in His sight

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world.”

Our Sunday School begins on September 8, 2019 and will continue on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Registration forms are available in the Narthex, or click here to register online!

Blessings!

Father Aaron Paul Collins

Anita and I are glad to acknowledge the incredible opportunity of serving Christ with you at the Church of the Advent.  It is our new season of ministry where we appreciate new possibilities that Christ would bring forth in our midst.

As you may know, at the very outset that the love of God should be our motivation to stay as a church and invite others to join us to grow.  We, the people of Advent are loved and touched by God.  We need to commit ourselves to share God's love with the world that is hurting by sharing our personal stories and welcoming others to experience God's love with us.  God loves all of us, no exception!

I deeply, deeply appreciate the opportunity of listening from several of you, your love for the church and various suggestions that you have, how we two together in close partnership, guide our congregation in the task of spreading God's love in our community.  It is a good thing.

During this new season, let us remind ourselves the words of the Apostle Paul,

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,
though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
(1 Corinthians 12:12)

We all are one body in Christ.  At this season of a new ministry, we do need every member of our church firmly to bond together, with peace and reconciliation get involved in the life of the church.  Fortified with these spiritual qualities, I am optimistic that we can say with Saint Paul, "I have the strength for everything through Christ who empowers me" (Philippians 4:13).  In God's love we are well and wealthy and there is enough to go around and embrace all in Christ.  Christ is all and in all!

As your priest family, Anita and I, love this our beautiful church, and we know you do too.  Let us be a church to one another and together strive to reach the un-churched.  All hands on deck, let us thrive!

Father Aaron Paul Collins