Dear friends,
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent, that 40-day period of spiritually preparing ourselves for the joys of Easter. We will have services at noon and 7p.m. I encourage you to try to make it to one of them. It is an excellent way to begin this somber season.
We also have some Lenten materials for everyone. In the narthex you can pick up a book of Lenten meditations, and a Lenten calendar, with things to do or reflect on during the season.
Our Sunday School class will also have a Lenten theme. We’ll be watching and discussing a series by Bishop Wright called “Letting Go.” It is sure to prompt good discussions. Please come join us at 9:30 Sunday morning.
During Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, we would like to re-establish the tradition of having the Stations of the Cross on our nature trail. A few of the crosses from pre-pandemic years are still usable, but we also could use some new ones. Thanks to Eddie Belgard for making a beautiful one. If you’re interested, please talk to Claudia.
With Holy Week and Easter comes an increase in services, which means an increase need in the ministries that help support and carry out the services. The Altar Guild (which prepares all the elements needed for the Eucharist) and Flower Guild could use some reinforcements. So could our Lectors (who read the lessons) and Lay Readers (who read the prayers of the people and help serve communion). There is training available for all of these ministries. If you are interested in any of them please let me know, and I will direct you to the right people.
Several of our neighboring churches are offering special events that are open to people from other congregations.
St. Anne’s is hosting an icon writing workshop from April 28-May 3. The cost is $550. The leader is Kara Gillette. You can see her work at sophiaiconstudio.com. No drawing or painting experience is needed.
This weekend, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is offering a workshop on this country’s addiction crisis and the role faith communities can play in offering hope and support for recovery. “From Shame to Praise: How the Modern Church Can Be a Voice for Change” will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Ryan Hampton, who has received national recognition for his work combatting addiction and promoting recovery. The event is free and open to the public, but online registration is requested at https://bit.ly/stladdictionevent.
I hope to see you tomorrow at either noon or 7 p.m.
With love,
Tricia