Where things stand as of Saturday morning #election2020 #politics #usa pic.twitter.com/u85WopqjnI

— Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) November 7, 2020

Local paper front page ( note both stories) #SouthCarolina #politics #ElectionResults2020 #usa #education #teaching #covid19 pic.twitter.com/0BgI9Sd3iT

— Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) November 7, 2020

O Lord our God, who dost call whom thou willest and send them whither thou choosest: We thank thee for sending thy servant Willibrord to be an apostle to the Low Countries, to turn them from the worship of idols to serve thee, the living God; and we entreat thee to preserve us from the temptation to exchange the perfect freedom of thy service for servitude to false gods and to idols of our own devising; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

7Nov 739: d. St. Willibrord #Echternach #otd Northumbrian missionary, with wine barrel, 1626 (BM) @PeritiaEditors @VoxHib @17thCenturyLady pic.twitter.com/9MVXPf7F9z

— John McCafferty (@jdmccafferty) November 7, 2016

O Emmanuel, O Wisdom, I give myself to Thee, I trust Thee wholly. Thou art wiser than I, more loving to me than I myself: deign to fulfill Thy high purposes in me, whatever they be. Work in and through me: I am born to serve Thee, to be Thine, to be Thine instrument. Let me be Thy blind instrument. I ask not to see, I ask not to know, I ask simply to be used.

–Frederick B. Macnutt, The prayer manual for private devotions or public use on divers occasions: Compiled from all sources ancient, medieval, and modern (A.R. Mowbray, 1951)

Hohenschwangau Castle, Schwangau, Germany https://t.co/SECex17QWm pic.twitter.com/qv5d5T4zzd

— Architecture Hub (@architecturehub) November 6, 2020

One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?” But they were silent. Then he took him and healed him, and let him go. And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a sabbath day?” And they could not reply to this.

Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

–Luke 14:1-11

#SaturdayVibes #LoveAndLight #Saturn #WorldLove #NaturePhotography 💎🍁🕊🎶 pic.twitter.com/bpJaEHDIaG

— ⊕Gloria⊕ (@AngeLtongue) November 7, 2020

Joseph R. Biden Jr. gained ground in Pennsylvania, Nevada and Georgia on Thursday as the slow-moving vote count in those contested battleground states moved him closer to capturing an electoral majority and defeating President Trump.

As an anxious country waited to learn the winner, the two candidates emerged toward day’s end to make remarks that were dramatically different in tone and content.

In a brief appearance before reporters in Wilmington, Del., Mr. Biden said he remained confident that he would ultimately prevail but did not lay claim to the White House.

“Democracy’s sometimes messy,” said Mr. Biden, who remained ahead in Arizona on Thursday night but lost some ground there. “It sometimes requires a little patience as well. But that patience has been rewarded now for more than 240 years with a system of governance that’s been the envy of the world.”

Read it all.

via @NYTimes. Two Candidates, Two Different Political Worlds. https://t.co/yHpcaNP1CQ

— Serafeim Stasinos (@makisstasinos) November 6, 2020

O God, we thank Thee for Thy great mercies: for preserving us, for our food and raiment, for our interests and comforts, for all that makes this present life to be desired, but above all, for our place in Thy family by redemption, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Praise be to Thee for the Incarnation of Jesus: praise be to Thee for the obedience of Jesus: praise be to Thee for the Blood of Jesus; for He is ours, and He is Thine, and we are His. He is our sacrifice, and Thy satisfaction; our glorious head, and Thine only-begotten Son; our intercessor, and Thy beloved; our merciful High Priest, and Thine anointed King.

–Frederick B. Macnutt, The prayer manual for private devotions or public use on divers occasions: Compiled from all sources ancient, medieval, and modern (A.R. Mowbray, 1951)

Das Paradies !!! pic.twitter.com/Y1l53hHPRf

— Sezgin Keskin (@sezginkeskin719) November 6, 2020

At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

–Luke 13:31-35

Colors of Nature pic.twitter.com/DBg1mE8iaH

— Giannis (@giannis2221963) November 6, 2020

Democrat Joe Biden edged closer to victory in the U.S. presidential race on Thursday as election officials tallied votes in the handful of states that will determine the outcome and protesters took to the streets.

Read it all.

Where we are – Democrat Joe Biden edged closer to victory in the U.S. presidential race on Thursday as count in pivotal states continued. President Donald Trump alleged fraud without providing evidence, filed lawsuits and called for recounts. #Election2020 https://t.co/1drD1eqqjL

— Hümeyra Pamuk (@humeyra_pamuk) November 5, 2020

Grant, O Lord, that this mind may be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who left the heaven of Thy holiness and of Thy glory that He might take upon Him our sins and our sorrows, and seek and save that which was lost. Stir the hearts of Thy people that they may multiply their labours in the cause of charity and love, that they may minister to the wants of others, and by their good works lead many to glorify our Father Who is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

–Frederick B. Macnutt, The prayer manual for private devotions or public use on divers occasions: Compiled from all sources ancient, medieval, and modern (A.R. Mowbray, 1951)

In thee, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline thy ear to me, and save me! Be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. For thou, O Lord, art my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. Upon thee I have leaned from my birth; thou art he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of thee. I have been as a portent to many; but thou art my strong refuge.

–Psalm 71:1-7

💙 Just stunning. pic.twitter.com/shdZzx1Ycy

— Sezgin Keskin (@sezginkeskin719) November 5, 2020

Joseph R. Biden Jr. has moved much closer to the 270 electoral votes needed to capture the White House with victories in Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, leaving President Trump largely playing defense on a shrinking, if still viable, battleground map.

Mr. Trump’s path, as of late Wednesday, centered on his winning Pennsylvania’s 20 Electoral College votes — in conjunction with other scenarios that involve holding Georgia, erasing Mr. Biden’s lead in Arizona and flipping Nevada, the shakiest state in Mr. Biden’s map.

On Tuesday night, Mr. Biden’s team watched nervously as the campaign’s what-if states — Florida, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina — quickly broke for the president. But by early Wednesday, it was the former vice president, and not the current president, who went on offense, gathering momentum in his effort to recapture Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, once reliable “blue wall” states.

By Wednesday afternoon, The Associated Press had declared Mr. Biden the winner in both Wisconsin and Michigan as Democratic areas of those states began reporting more results.

Read it all.

When will this nailbiter finally end??https://t.co/NOgraLbtdR

— AM950RADIO (@AM950Radio) November 4, 2020

O Good Christ, our most gracious Redeemer, grant that as Thou dost mercifully raise up this my body, even so I beseech Thee, raise up my mind and heart to the true knowledge and love of Thee, that my conversation may be in heaven, where Thou art; to the glory of Thy Name.

–Frederick B. Macnutt, The prayer manual for private devotions or public use on divers occasions: Compiled from all sources ancient, medieval, and modern (A.R. Mowbray, 1951)

Hallo. Ja es wird Herbst 🤗👍🙋‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/eLwAJKSFxY

— Sezgin Keskin (@sezginkeskin719) November 5, 2020

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name for ever; may his glory fill the whole earth! Amen and Amen!

–Psalm 72:18-19

pic.twitter.com/NQPRslfmEe

— Sezgin Keskin (@sezginkeskin719) November 4, 2020

Morning check in on #bettingmarkets #biden 61%https://t.co/CTjmZrX2Tb#senate 92.6% repub #election2020 we have to face the fact that no matter what happens, we remain a DEEPLY divided country and the outcome is going to reflect that fact

— Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) November 4, 2020

The state of play in one of the greatest political thrillers you will ever see https://t.co/LejCDBVFbX @bpolitics pic.twitter.com/p7MsabIcJA

— John Fraher (@johnfraher) November 4, 2020

Read it all.

Today will be no different.

Trump or Biden? US elections headed for a tight finish https://t.co/wePFEUzMyb

— Jafar M. (@jafarzzzz) November 3, 2020

A gunman shot dead by police has been identified as a 20-year-old “Islamist terrorist” who was released early from jail in December.

Two men and two women died of their wounds after gunmen opened fire at six locations in the city centre on Monday evening.

Twenty-two people were wounded.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the four who died were an elderly woman, an elderly man, a young male passer-by and a waitress. Witnesses described how the gunmen had opened fire on people outside bars and chased them as they fled inside.

It was clearly an attack driven by “hatred of our way of life, our democracy”, the chancellor said. He earlier spoke of a “repulsive terror attack”.

Read it all.

Manhunt after 'Islamist terror' attack in Vienna https://t.co/NhpSX7TL8f via @BBCNews

— Art Noir (@artnoir13) November 3, 2020

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, together with the Bishop of London, have joined national faith leaders in calling on the Government to permit public worship during the forthcoming lockdown in England.

Read it all and the full letter at the link.

News: @JustinWelby @CottrellStephen & @bishopSarahM have joined with national faith leaders in calling on the Prime Minister to permit public worship during the lockdown in England. https://t.co/TbeyhkKttb

— Church of England in Parliament (@churchstate) November 3, 2020

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve in ositions of authority up for vote in today’s American General Election of 2020. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this nation. This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Poll workers now showing up at the Ross Township Municipal building. Speaking with workers, there are 4 districts in this building. They expect a good voter turnout. ⁦@KDKA⁩ pic.twitter.com/SQysXzDGw3

— Lindsay Ward (@LindsayWardTV) November 3, 2020

But I am besides my purpose when I fall to bewail the cold affection which we bear towards that whereby we should be saved, my purpose being only to set down what the ground of salvation is. The doctrine of the Gospel proposeth salvation as the end, and doth it not teach the way of attaining thereunto? Yes, the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination spake the truth: “These men are the servants of the most high God who show unto us the way of salvation” [Acts 16:17] — “a new and living way which Christ hath prepared for us through the veil, that is, his flesh,” [Heb 10:20] salvation purchased by the death of Christ.

–Learned Discourse on Justification (my emphasis)

I am reminded that today is the feast day of Richard Hooker, author of The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity and Master of the Temple Church from 1585 to 1591 @ecclawsoc @TheInnerTemple pic.twitter.com/rTtjjbFKxg

— Mark Hill QC (@MarkHillQC) November 3, 2020

O God of truth and peace, who didst raise up thy servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

On this day in 1600, Richard Hooker, Anglican bishop, theologian, and author of Ecclesiastical Laws of Polity, dies. His last words are “God hath my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and He is at peace with me…and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful.” pic.twitter.com/fyVzVd1gre

— Brandon M. (@NoJesuitTricks) November 2, 2020

Eternal God, Who hast been the hope and joy of generations, and in all ages hast given men the power to seek Thee and in seeking to find Thee: grant me I pray Thee, a clearer vision of Thy truth, a greater faith in Thy power, and a more confident assurance of Thy love. If I cannot find Thee, let me search my heart and know whether it is not rather I that am blind – than Thou Who art obscure, and I who am fleeing from Thee rather than Thou from me; and let me confess these my sins before Thee, and seek Thy pardon in Jesus Christ my Lord.

–Frederick B. Macnutt, The prayer manual for private devotions or public use on divers occasions: Compiled from all sources ancient, medieval, and modern (A.R. Mowbray, 1951)

Good morning😊🍃🍁
Patrick County, VA pic.twitter.com/ZiHLywsX4q

— Glenda (@BlueRidgePeace) November 3, 2020

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint. Lead thou me to the rock that is higher than I; for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in thy tent for ever! Oh to be safe under the shelter of thy wings!

–Psalm 61:1-4

Oh Good Morning, Snow On Scottish Mountains. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😍🏔️ pic.twitter.com/QivnA3dL5n

— Kieran Hodgson (@KieranCHodgson) November 3, 2020

You may download it there or listen to it directly there. Listen carefully for an important reference to the late Carl Sagan’s Cosmos Program.

Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church in Charleston#dougbarnardphotography #charleston #lowcountry #southcarolina #holycity #potd #explorecharleston #charlestonsc #dailychs #canon #canonphotography #skyline #clouds #sky #cityscape pic.twitter.com/wiKcv6nhjP

— Doug Barnard Photography (@DougBarnardPics) June 24, 2018

We are grateful for people’s energy, hard work and creativity in making this happen and we hope and pray this will continue. We are grateful that the new guidelines being introduced on Thursday not only allow churches to remain open for private prayer but also enable online worship to be broadcast from the church building. We were cautious about these issues during the first lockdown – perhaps overly so – but in this second lockdown we want to encourage church buildings to remain open for private prayer wherever possible, making sure that their buildings are Covid secure in the ways that we have learned in recent months, and to broadcast services from their church buildings. However, if you do not have the resources or wherewithal to do this, please do not feel that you have failed in any way. The good thing about provision of worship online, is that people can join in from anywhere and therefore we can support each other more easily in this endeavour. Our national digital team will continue to offer training and support and provide national services each week.

However, worship online still means that the people of God do not have access to the sacraments which are so central to our life in Christ. This is a huge loss and since we were not consulted about the lockdown provisions, we fully intend to speak with government about why certain exemptions are made and not others, emphasising the critical role that churches play in every community. The sacramental life of the church cannot be seen as an optional extra. Nor can we separate out our worship from our service, it is always both and not either or.

Nevertheless, we will of course abide by the law and ask you to do the same. We must do all that we can to keep our communities safe and to enable the NHS to manage this crisis. The Recovery Group chaired by the Bishop of London will be issuing specific guidance in the next day or two.

Bearing in mind our primary vocation as the Church of Jesus Christ to pray and to serve we call upon the Church of England to make this month of lockdown a month of prayer. More than anything else, whatever the nation thinks, we know that we are in the faithful hands of the risen Christ who knows our weaknesses, tiredness and struggles and whose steadfast love endures for ever.

Read it all.

'The sacramental life of the church cannot be seen as an optional extra' I will make this clear as I speak with Government Ministers today. https://t.co/RvO3Tu98Vm

— BishopSarah (@bishopSarahM) November 2, 2020

Downing Street has announced that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the nomination of the Revd Canon Malcolm Macnaughton, presently Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of York, as the next Suffragan Bishop of Repton in the Diocese of Derby.

Malcolm was educated at Queens’ College Cambridge and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall. He served his title at St Andrew’s Haughton-le-Skerne, in the diocese of Durham, and was ordained Priest in 1982. Malcolm was appointed Priest-in-Charge at the Anglican Methodist Local Ecumenical Partnership of All Saints, Newton Hall in the diocese of Durham in 1985. In 1990, he became Team Vicar of St John’s Hoxton in the diocese of London, and served as Area Dean of Hackney from 1994 to 1999. In 2002, he was appointed Team Rector in the Hambleden Valley Group of Churches in the diocese of Oxford, and became Area Dean of High Wycombe in 2005. Malcolm took up his current role as Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of York in 2007.

Malcolm is married to Pam, an ordained pioneer minister and a leadership specialist with the Church Pastoral Aid Society.

Read it all.

Downing Street has announced that Malcolm Macnaughton is to be the next Bishop of Repton.#derbyshire #derby @churchofengland @madederbyshire @ChurchTimes https://t.co/1LiOyoOEIy pic.twitter.com/G9J0ycz07M

— Diocese of Derby (@DioceseofDerby) October 30, 2020

The introduction and sermon begins just past 227:30 in.

Almighty and eternal God,
you have kindled the flame of love
in the hearts of the saints:
grant to us the same faith and power of love,
that, as we rejoice in their triumphs,
we may be sustained by their example and fellowship;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

“All Souls’ Day” by Jakub Schikaneder (1888) pic.twitter.com/i5EdevwGP2

— Tradical (@NoTrueScotist) November 2, 2020

Lord, incline thine ear unto our prayers, wherein we right devoutly call upon thy mercy, that thou wilt bestow the souls of thy servants, both men and women, which thou hast commanded to depart from this world, in the country of peace and rest, and further cause them to be made partners with thy saints. By Christ our Lord. So be it.

Read it all.

Today is All Souls’ Day, or the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.

All Souls' helps us to remember those whom we have known who have died.

🙏 pic.twitter.com/dQsfNVFcuZ

— The Church of England (@churchofengland) November 2, 2020