The Episcopal Church of the Advent      

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