“Jerusalem above is the mother of us all.”
St. Paul
 
The current war against Iran has once again focused attention on the Holy City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is regarded as a holy city by Jews, Christians and Muslims. To further complicate the situation the Al Aqsa Mosque and the smaller interior mosque the Dome of the Rock are built on the site of the Temple of Solomon and the Second Temple. Muslims believe that Mohammad ascended into heaven from the rock, Jews believe that Abraham took Issac there to sacrifice him to God.

There is no doubt that Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple stood on this rock called Mount Moriah. Prophesies in both the Old and New Testaments suggest that Antichrist, the abomination of abominations, will stand or reveal himself within the Holy Place, the Holy of Holies, the inner altar of the Temple.  Obviously, that can’t happen unless the Temple is rebuilt. Some misguided Christians openly express the desire that the Temple be rebuilt to hasten the second coming of Christ.

Conversely the Shia Muslims have interpreted their writings to prophesy that the destruction of Israel and the United States are required to bring about the return of the Twelfth Imam and convert the whole world to Islam. The current Iranian government has this as a stated goal.

Some sects of Judaism, not the government of Israel, seek to have the Temple rebuilt and even breed for a perfect red heifer in case of the need to sanctify the newly installed altar.  These small sects are a fringe and too few to be taken seriously.

This is the religious undercurrent of the geo-political situation we are witnessing. Only a limited number of Christians and Jews manifest the above desires while the Shia desire is powered by a large nation that is heavily armed.

As far as Christians are concerned there is no need to do anything to hasten the return of Christ.  Jesus told his disciples that not even he knew the time. He also told them to pray that they did not live in that time.

Orthodox Christian theology teaches us that no one, no group, no nation can change God’s timetable for the return of Christ and the end of time. Therefore, watch and pray.

“Between Jerusalem and Babylon there can be no peace, only war continually.”  Jeremiah

--- Fr. Roddy 

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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SERVICES & EVENTS

Every Friday during Lent, 7:00 PM Stations of the Cross and Lenten Suppers (but not Good Friday). If you can provide a soup and bread supper on one of these Friday evenings, please so indicate on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the undercroft.

Sunday, 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM, Holy Communion, for online participation go to https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland 

Monday, 7:30 PM, undercroft, Discussion on the Saints, with Fr. Bragg, all are invited even if you have not been to prior discussions. For online participation go to https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland

Saturday, March 21, 8:30 AM, Men's Breakfast, undercroft, breakfast cooked by our own Breakfast Chef Extraordinaire Claude Crump and Bible study with Fr. Bragg.  Men of the parish, if you haven't attended recently you're missing a great breakfast, great fellowship and even a greater Bible study.  Please also invite male family, friends, and neighbors. 

Monday, March 23, 7:30 PM, Vestry meeting, all parishioners are welcome
 
MaRiH Crisis Pregnancy Center: Updated Critical Needs & Other Needs
Thank you for your help. Instead of presenting the whole list of needs, we are emphasizing the critical needs that MaRiH Center has and listing some other needs. The critical needs list below has been updated:
Diapers, sizes 5 and 6
Winter coats (Boys & Girls), size 2T 
Winter clothing, sizes 3- 6 months and 2T 
Wipes
Baby Blankets
Baby formula: Similac Advance Formula
Bibs: toddler
Lovies, rattles, teethers
Other needs:
Diapers, newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4
Fall/Winter Clothing, 6-9 month, 9-12 month, 12 month-18 month, 18-24 month
Spring/Summer Clothing, 0-3 month, 3-6 month, 9-12 month, 18-24 month, 2T
Bibs, infant
Winter Coats, all baby sizes
Maternity clothes
Wash cloths
Diaper rash ointment
There are two options for helping the Center with these needs! 
 
Option 1 
Amazon has all the specific items needed. You can order the specific item(s) and have them delivered directly to the Center.  

The MaRiH Center
3230B Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-4521
703-370-4774

Option 2 
Go to your local store, purchase the items requested and drop them off at church on Sunday. We will deliver them to the MaRIH Center.
 
 
Food Bank Needs
 
With the cold weather still here the food bank has more folks who need food. Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). Also lower sodium products are better and more healthy.

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
 
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Our mailing address is:
St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625