St Anne's Episcopal Church

09/09/2026

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WEDNESDAY, September 9 - The Martyrs of Memphis

John 11:3. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

During the 1878 yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee, most fled the city. But Constance, Thecla, Ruth, and Frances, sisters of the Community of Saint Mary, and Charles Parsons and Louis Schuyler, local priests, stayed to care for the sick. They all died after being infected. On this day, we remember these saints and the story of their care, sacrifice, and love.

In reading the collect for the Martyrs of Memphis, I'm reminded of the many ways everyday saints have served and continue to serve. Caregivers, family members, friends, and neighbors chauffeur people to appointments, help manage medications, read, crochet, and engage in conversation. Tutors and mentors help others stretch for their full potential. Volunteers in schools, clubs, organizations, and teams offer opportunities, support, and care for their communities. Most of us will not be called to sacrifice in the way of the Martyrs of Memphis, but I pray their example inspires us to serve in the ways we can.

MOVING FORWARD: Take a few minutes and read more about the Martyrs of Memphis. How might their example inspire you to take action today?

Ps 119:49-72 * 49, [53] | Job 29:1; 30:1-2, 16-31 | Acts 14:19-28 | John 11:1-16

09/08/2026

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TUESDAY, September 8 - The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Acts 14:15b. We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the sea and all that is in them.

On a recent trip, we stopped for gas and observed a man on the fringe of the property holding his Bible wide open and speaking loudly. I gave him a wide berth as I pumped the gas and then shopped inside the store for treats. Although he wasn't a threat and I had no reason to fear this preacher, I didn't want to encourage or engage with him. I didn't even try to distinguish what he was saying or discern what book or subject he was preaching on. Yet, after reading today's scripture, I wonder: Should I have listened?

In this passage from Acts, the people of Lystra, hearing Paul speak and observing his works among them, are drawn to the evangelist and his companion, Barnabas. Far from giving them a wide berth, the people rush to celebrate them, bringing garlands and oxen. Though they mistakenly perceive the disciples as Zeus and Hermes, the people's zeal is real. Paul's preaching, not as a god but as a mortal, is simple: bring the good news.

When have you encountered unexpected heralds of the good news?

Ps 45 * 47,48 | Job 29:1-20 | Acts 14:1-18 | John 10:31-42

09/07/2026

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MONDAY, September 7 - Kassiani, Poet and Hymnographer, 865

Acts 13:47. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."

I encountered a confluence of experiences several years ago as a student in the Education for Ministry program. A couple of the books we read, Faithful Neighbors: Christian-Muslim Vision and Practice and My Neighbor's Faith, Stories of Interreligious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation, dovetailed neatly with a conference I attended, organized by Deanna Womack, author of Neighbors: Christians and Muslims Building Community.

I found myself questioning how I might be a light to all, including whoever the modern Gentile might be. The books and conference emphasized our search for meaning and the importance of recognizing the humanity in others. Sometimes I'm reluctant to take the time or expend the energy to see and hear others, to appreciate their humanity. I let my assumptions dictate my reactions and subsequent engagement. When this happens, I fall short of our Lord's commandment, and I recognize that there is more work to do—within me and out in the world.

MOVING FORWARD: How might you reconsider who your neighbor is?
Ps 41, 52 * 44 | Job 32:1-10,19--33:1,19-28 | Acts 13:44-52 | John 10:19-30

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

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SATURDAY, September 5 - Katharina Zell, Church Reformer and Writer, 1562

John 10:16a. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.

Over the years, I've heard several sermons about this parable, with the emphasis on Jesus as the shepherd willing to lay down his life for his flock. Several verses after Jesus states that he is the Good Shepherd are these words from John, which invite me to think about the sheep that were of the flock, yet for whatever reason, do not belong.

Although I grew up in the church, I have many friends who did not. But I strongly believe they are part of Jesus's flock, too. With these friends, I may use non-religious references or share experiences they're more familiar with than biblical ones. But it's curious to me that one of these friends often uses the phrase "gospel truth" to make a point, and another offers an "amen" when he agrees with me.

Perhaps they are the sheep not obviously in the fold, but nevertheless in the flock. In these words from John, I hear Jesus calling me to help bring these friends to the fold, to witness to the love of Christ, so they can listen to his voice and come to know the Good Shepherd.

MOVING FORWARD: How will you share Christ with those "outside the fold?"

Ps 30, 32 * 42, 43 | Job 22:1-4, 21--23:7 Acts 13:26-43 | John 10:1-18

09/04/2026

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FRIDAY, September 4 - Paul Jones, Bishop, 1941

Psalm 31:4. Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, for you are my tower of strength.

I have sung in several choirs and always enjoy how music can inspire people to let loose, even in the often-solemn confines of the church and its rituals. I love seeing how music moves people during the singing of communion hymns. I enjoy seeing parishioners walk to and from the altar, mouthing the words of a familiar hymn or singing out loud with a stirring refrain. It's as though they're being pulled out of a net they didn't realize they were in, like the music is reaching inside and allowing release while at the same time providing the cadence for celebrating the gift of eucharist.

The Book of Common Prayer shines a light on the importance of music in worship in the prayer For Church Musicians and Artists: "Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty..." (p. 819). These very glimpses so often take us out of our nets. Hallelujah!

MOVING FORWARD: When did you realize something previously hidden was holding you back? How did you move forward?

Ps 31 * 35 | Job 19:1-7, 14-27 | Acts 13:13-25 | John 9:18-41

09/03/2026

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THURSDAY, September 3 - Phoebe, Deacon

Psalm 37:33. The law of their God is in their heart, and their footsteps shall not falter.

Psalm 37 is filled with encouragement to trust and to be patient. There are examples of how righteousness and humility pay off, and how wickedness is dealt with, sometimes harshly. The psalm offers reminders that living a righteous life will keep us safe and, for those who live a righteous life, justice will be ours.

Verse 41 encourages us: "But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble." There's a challenge to holding discouragement at bay, to waiting patiently, hoping, and believing that living righteously will soothe our anxieties and lessen our fears. How appropriate that this psalm occurs on a day that honors Phoebe. The collect for today calls her a "deacon in your church and minister of your Gospel" and prays that we might be granted the same grace so "we too may take the Gospel to the ends of the earth."

I envision Phoebe having the law of God in her heart and Jesus's love centered in her body, being sure-footed as she freely shares these gifts in her first-century world.

MOVING FORWARD: In what ways have you embraced the law of God?

Ps 37:1-18 * 37:19-42 | Job 16:16-22; 17:1, 13-16 | Acts 13:1-12 | John 9:1-17

09/02/2026

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WEDNESDAY, September 2 - THE MARTYRS OF NEW GUINEA, 1942

Acts 12:24. But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents.

One of my friend's favorite books of the Bible is the Acts of the Apostles. He's fascinated with the action, the movement of Paul and the disciples into the world, doing the work they've been uniquely selected to do. I understand what he means. This short, simple sentence from Acts marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey and engages me in the same way.

"But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents." Wait. This passage isn't just about long-ago disciples heading out into the world. The word of God advances when someone extends an invitation to worship or during the eucharistic minister's visit to a busy hospital unit. God's word is shared when the church building is offered for a community event, the choir sings at a retirement facility, or the priest participates in a charity 5K run. Ministry in the world is made up of so many little opportunities that might seem to pale in the face of being "sent out." And yet, each day offers innumerable chances to walk alongside those near and far, being God's word in the world, so that more may come to know God's love.

MOVING FORWARD: In what ways might you advance the word of God?

Ps 38 * 119:25-48 | Job 12:1; 14:1-22 | Acts 12:18-25 | John 8:47-59

09/01/2026

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TUESDAY, September 1 - David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon, 1931

Job 26:8. He binds up the water in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not torn open by them.

Sometimes, after my morning Daily Office reading, I walk the streets of my small neighborhood.

This time outside, just before dawn, allows me to experience an unusual quiet as the dark sky gradually gives way to the new day. I like to stop in the darkest area of the cul-de-sac and scan the sky for any "new" appearances. The moon and a few stars are in their places, so the one feature I can count on changing is the movement of the clouds. On some mornings, they're wispy, transparent, still, then moving idly at other times, low sometimes, and then, when I'm really fortunate, thick and foreboding with the promise of a coming storm. These are bound up with water, but how and when they'll be torn open is a mystery that I love contemplating.

The science behind clouds and rain seems straight- forward, and yet every appearance reminds me of the most complex backstory in the most engaging mystery I've ever read.

MOVING FORWARD: Consider how one of God's many mysteries might order your day.

Ps 26, 28 * 36, 39 | Job 12:1; 13:3-17, 21-27 | Acts 12:1-17 | John 8:33-47