^Josie^{'s Corner}

June 2011
Work of the Deacon

June 26, 2011
Saint Alban, Patron Saint of Converts & Refugees

July 2011
Vacation Bible School

The Reverend Deacon Josie Williams

Saint Alban - Feast Day Sermon

Patron Saint of Converts & Refugees
June 26, 2011

Saint Alban was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and became the first English martyr for his convictions. Alban is represented by a sword and a fountain - when he reached the summit where he was to be beheaded, he prayed for water to quench his thirst and a spring appeared immediately at his feet.

Alban sheltered a priest, was converted and baptized by him. Soldiers in pursuit of the priest were sent to search Alban's home. Alban dressed in the priest's clothes to allow him to escape. He was arrested and after refusing to offer sacrifice to idols was taken before a judge.

The judge who was in the process of sacrificing to idols asked, "What is your family and your race?" Alban replied, "How does my family concern you? If you wish to know the truth about my religion, know that I am a Christian & am ready to do a Christian's duty." The judge demanded, "I demand to know your name. Tell me at once." Alban responded, "My parents named me Alban and I worship and adore the living and true God who created all things."

The judge ordered that Alban be flogged for his refusal to sacrifice to idols. Seeing that the flogging was not going to get Alban to recant the judge ordered Alban's decapitation.

One executioner was converted on the way to the execution and he and Alban were beheaded by a second executioner whose eyes fell out after the execution. The judge called a halt to further executions after witnessing the miracles prior to and following Alban's execution and became a Christian himself.

In the first century women and children in a family were considered to be property. Loyalty was mandatory. If we are to become Disciples of Christ our first and foremost loyalty must be to Him. In Christ we become fully the beloved child that He creates us to be. It is only when we put the needs of others before ourselves and follow His example that we fully become His.

How do we do that? Alban paid the ultimate price his life. We are not called to pay the ultimate price, but we are called to sacrifice for our families.
How? We must die to self and live for others. Give up sleep as young parent with new baby-baby gets to be a toddler. Give up things you wanted for braces for your child-child has beautiful smile. Give up TV show or your favorite pastime to help with a science project or book report - get quality time with your child.

We are not called to be martyrs, but we are called to a part of our community of faith with whom we share the struggle as we pray in the prayers of the people. We have our St. Alban's community, a safe place, a family of our own making, and of Christ's own molding & shaping. In this community we share what it means to live the gospel and how we are to face the challenges of the day.

It is because of this strength that last week St. Alban's along with Bovina Methodist and St. Paul's Church created Christmas is July for Vacation Bible School. The average attendance was 55 each night with 75 for the pageant on Thursday.
It is because of our community that we can say - Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord to children's children and forevermore.

Peace

Josie+