February 20th
– Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Supper at 6:00PM
February 21st
– Ash Wednesday, Holy Eucharist at 6:00PM
Thursday Evenings during Lent
February 22nd
– Stations of the Cross at 5:30PM
– Soup Supper at 6:00PM
– Bible Study: 1 John 1 at 6:15PM
March 1st
– Stations of the Cross at 5:30PM
– Soup Supper at 6:00PM
– Bible Study: 1 John 2 at 6:15PM
March 8th
– Stations of the Cross at 5:30PM
– Soup Supper at 6:00PM
– Bible Study: 1 John 3 at 6:15PM
March 15th
– Stations of the Cross at 5:30PM
– Soup Supper at 6:00PM
– Bible Study: 1 John 4 at 6:15PM
March 22nd
– Stations of the Cross at 5:30PM
– Soup Supper at 6:00PM
– Bible Study: 1 John 5 at 6:15PM
March 29th
– Stations of the Cross at 5:30PM
– Soup Supper at 6:00PM
– Bible Study: 2 John & 3 John at 6:15PM
Holy Week
April 1st - Palm Sunday, Holy Eucharist at 9:00AM
April 5th - Maundy Thursday, Holy Eucharist at 6:00PM
April 6th - Good Friday Liturgy at Noon
April 7th - Holy Saturday Morning Liturgy at 9:00AM
April 8th - Easter Sunday, Holy Eucharist at 9:00AM
Friday, February 16, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Preparing for Lent
Some thoughts about Lent
What does the season of Lent bring to your mind? Do you look forward to it or does it seem to focus too much on the negative side of Christianity? If Lent has become drudgery or just a comfortable tradition, I would like to ask you to reconsider the purpose of Lent.
Some people are uncomfortable with penitential liturgies and seasons because the focus on sin and repentance. Certainly, if we look at Lent apart from Easter, we do ourselves a grave disservice. Lent must always be viewed as an approach to Easter. We are able to face our mistakes because of Christ’s love and mercy toward us. Correspondingly, Christ’s love for us is profound precisely because we do not deserve it. We do not deserve His love or His mercy, yet he offers it to us abundantly over and over again.
Therefore, during Lent when we think of those things which we regret doing, or thinking, or saying, we must think of them in light of the cross. Christ went to the cross, so that we would have hope, so that we would be provided with a way to be free from such burdens. Lent is not a time to wallow in misery – Lent is the time to be renewed. Recognizing our sin and brokenness is painful but that is a worthwhile discovery if it brings about change and an increased awareness of God’s mercy. Our attention to unpleasant issues during Lent is meant to turn our attention to the love of Christ and to recognize His love for us in a new and fresh way. The ultimate goal of Lent is to bring us to joy! If it accomplishes something else, the journey is probably incomplete or misguided.
It is my hope that by the time we arrive at Easter morning, we are loving Christ and enjoying His love more fully than we have ever known. With this in mind, I would like you to reconsider your activities during Lent. Lent is not the Church’s version of a New Year’s resolution – it goes much more deeply than that. If you give up a food item during Lent, do so because that is going to lead you into a deeper prayer life. If you give up smoking or drinking, do so because you are going to pray through your cravings and seek God to take greater control over your physical AND spiritual life.
Possibly giving up something for Lent is not the right approach for you, maybe it would be better to begin a spiritual discipline, such as reading your Bible, or devoting time to the Daily Offices in the Prayer Book, or praying for reconciliation with someone, or interceding in prayer for someone who needs healing. Whatever you choose to give up or take on, do so with the clear intention of responding to Christ.
Fr Van McCalister
What does the season of Lent bring to your mind? Do you look forward to it or does it seem to focus too much on the negative side of Christianity? If Lent has become drudgery or just a comfortable tradition, I would like to ask you to reconsider the purpose of Lent.
Some people are uncomfortable with penitential liturgies and seasons because the focus on sin and repentance. Certainly, if we look at Lent apart from Easter, we do ourselves a grave disservice. Lent must always be viewed as an approach to Easter. We are able to face our mistakes because of Christ’s love and mercy toward us. Correspondingly, Christ’s love for us is profound precisely because we do not deserve it. We do not deserve His love or His mercy, yet he offers it to us abundantly over and over again.
Therefore, during Lent when we think of those things which we regret doing, or thinking, or saying, we must think of them in light of the cross. Christ went to the cross, so that we would have hope, so that we would be provided with a way to be free from such burdens. Lent is not a time to wallow in misery – Lent is the time to be renewed. Recognizing our sin and brokenness is painful but that is a worthwhile discovery if it brings about change and an increased awareness of God’s mercy. Our attention to unpleasant issues during Lent is meant to turn our attention to the love of Christ and to recognize His love for us in a new and fresh way. The ultimate goal of Lent is to bring us to joy! If it accomplishes something else, the journey is probably incomplete or misguided.
It is my hope that by the time we arrive at Easter morning, we are loving Christ and enjoying His love more fully than we have ever known. With this in mind, I would like you to reconsider your activities during Lent. Lent is not the Church’s version of a New Year’s resolution – it goes much more deeply than that. If you give up a food item during Lent, do so because that is going to lead you into a deeper prayer life. If you give up smoking or drinking, do so because you are going to pray through your cravings and seek God to take greater control over your physical AND spiritual life.
Possibly giving up something for Lent is not the right approach for you, maybe it would be better to begin a spiritual discipline, such as reading your Bible, or devoting time to the Daily Offices in the Prayer Book, or praying for reconciliation with someone, or interceding in prayer for someone who needs healing. Whatever you choose to give up or take on, do so with the clear intention of responding to Christ.
Fr Van McCalister
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
February 18, 2007The Lessons
Exodus 34:29-35
1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13
Luke 9:28-36
Psalm 99
"This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
The Collect
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
This Week's Announcements
- Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Supper, February 20th at 6PM
- Ash Wednesday with Holy Eucharist: February 21st at 6PM
- Lenten Study and Soup Suppers will begin Thursday, February 22nd at 6PM (Stations of the Cross – 5:30PM). We will be studying John’s Epistles during the Lenten suppers.
Friday, February 9, 2007
6 Epiphany Sermon Notes
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany – February 11, 2007
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17: 7-8
“Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful! Their delight is in the law of the LORD, and they meditate on his law day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3
Luke 6:17-26 [verses in brackets]
In the shadow of this threat, Jesus goes up to a mountainside to pray. Jesus prays all night. In Luke’s account, this is Jesus’ longest episode of prayer since the wilderness prayers. Clearly, it indicates Jesus’ concern for the next phase of his ministry. In the morning, after Jesus prayed all night, he chose 12 men from among the more numerous disciples, to be the apostles whom he will train to carry out the Gospel, once the Jewish leadership successfully bring their accusations to their ultimate conclusion.
[21, 25] The hungry are contrasted against the full. Similar to above [20, 24].
[22, 26] Those who are hated (as witnesses for Jesus) are contrasted against those who are well spoken of (hypocrites). The contrast is between the here & now and eternal life. Those who stand up for truth now – no matter the cost – will be remembered by Christ. They will not be “sent away empty”. Those who find honor now, in disregard for the truth, have received their empty reward already.
[23] “Rejoice in that day.” The blessed ones are those like the tree Jeremiah describes: it is firmly rooted beside living water. The blessed rejoice because they trust in the Lord rather than in wealth, self-reliance, pride or false honor.
How de we become firmly rooted? [See Psalm 1] We stay away from the counsel of the wicked. Note the progression: “walked”, “lingered” and “sat”. Walking leads to lingering, lingering leads to sitting, sitting leads to becoming the wicked. [Ref. George Kovoor]
Rather, the Blessed Ones (the righteous) delight in the Word of the Lord – the righteous meditate on His Law regularly.
What is the evidence of our rootedness? Bearing fruit! Our Purpose is to bear fruit in due season: Winter (Rest), Spring (Planting), Summer (Growth/Heat/Stress), Fall (Harvest/Fruitfulness).
Do not fear! God intends us to experience all four seasons!
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17: 7-8
“Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful! Their delight is in the law of the LORD, and they meditate on his law day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3
Luke 6:17-26 [verses in brackets]
- Parallel/Similar text: Mt 5:3-12
In the shadow of this threat, Jesus goes up to a mountainside to pray. Jesus prays all night. In Luke’s account, this is Jesus’ longest episode of prayer since the wilderness prayers. Clearly, it indicates Jesus’ concern for the next phase of his ministry. In the morning, after Jesus prayed all night, he chose 12 men from among the more numerous disciples, to be the apostles whom he will train to carry out the Gospel, once the Jewish leadership successfully bring their accusations to their ultimate conclusion.
- Apostle = one who is sent out, a messenger
- Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” as it has been called, may be the same sermon as that described in Matthew’s Gospel. Or, it may be a separate teaching event where Jesus used similar themes. Certainly, from verses 12 & 17, it is quite plausible that Jesus and the disciples only descended part way down the mountainside to a level spot along the side. Luke’s account of the “Sermon on the Mount/Plain” leaves out those issues that are uniquely Jewish, which Matthew emphasizes.
- This may explain why Jesus found it useful to teach from inside Peter’s boat in chapter 5.
- Verses 20-26 reveal parallel blessings and woes: poor & rich, hungry & full, weep & laugh, exclusion & renown, with joy as the centerpiece.
- “Woe” is an expression of compassion and regret. As if to say, “What a shame.”
[21, 25] The hungry are contrasted against the full. Similar to above [20, 24].
- “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” – Luke 1:52-53 (The Magnificat, BCP 119)
[22, 26] Those who are hated (as witnesses for Jesus) are contrasted against those who are well spoken of (hypocrites). The contrast is between the here & now and eternal life. Those who stand up for truth now – no matter the cost – will be remembered by Christ. They will not be “sent away empty”. Those who find honor now, in disregard for the truth, have received their empty reward already.
[23] “Rejoice in that day.” The blessed ones are those like the tree Jeremiah describes: it is firmly rooted beside living water. The blessed rejoice because they trust in the Lord rather than in wealth, self-reliance, pride or false honor.
- Compare: John 4:10-14, (Jesus gives living water welling up to eternal life) and John 15:1-5, (Jesus is the True Vine – abide in him).
How de we become firmly rooted? [See Psalm 1] We stay away from the counsel of the wicked. Note the progression: “walked”, “lingered” and “sat”. Walking leads to lingering, lingering leads to sitting, sitting leads to becoming the wicked. [Ref. George Kovoor]
Rather, the Blessed Ones (the righteous) delight in the Word of the Lord – the righteous meditate on His Law regularly.
What is the evidence of our rootedness? Bearing fruit! Our Purpose is to bear fruit in due season: Winter (Rest), Spring (Planting), Summer (Growth/Heat/Stress), Fall (Harvest/Fruitfulness).
Do not fear! God intends us to experience all four seasons!
- What season are you in now?
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
The Sixth Sunday after the EpiphanyThe church on the Mount of the Beatitudes
Sexagesima Sunday*
The Lessons
Jeremiah 17:5-10
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
Psalm 1
The Collect
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
*Sexagesima Sunday is the second Sunday before Ash Wednesday and approximately sixty days before Easter.
This Week's Announcements
- Pray for the Primates meeting in Tanzania, Feb 13-19
- Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Supper, February 20th at 6PM
- Ash Wednesday with Holy Eucharist: February 21st at 6PM
- Lenten Study and Soup Suppers will begin Thursday, February 22nd at 6PM (Stations of the Cross – 5:30PM). We will be studying John’s Epistles during the Lenten suppers.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
5 Epiphany Sermon Notes
The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
“I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his people, to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.” -- Psalm 85:8
Luke 5:1-11 [verses in brackets]
[2] Peter, James and John are bystanders frustrated after fishing all night. They are packing up their gear to go home.
[3] Jesus intrudes on Peter’s business by climbing into his boat and asks the exhausted fisherman to take the boat away from the shore so that he can continue to teach the pressing crowds. Peter suddenly (reluctantly?) becomes a participant. The fishing boat is now the Ark of the Word of God, the throne of the Creator – a vessel of salvation (cf. 1 Peter 3:18-22).
[4] One can’t help but wonder if Peter isn’t impatient for the Lord to finish teaching – to let him go home. But instead of having Peter row him back to shore, when he finished teaching, Jesus tells Peter it’s time to go back fishing. Jesus is a carpenter-rabbi, not a fisherman! What does he know about fishing? Jesus intrudes even deeper into Peter’s business. He intrudes into Peter’s area of expertise. Jesus is so confident that he told Peter to let the nets down “for a catch”. Jesus is not saying Peter might catch something, he says that Peter will catch, if he obeys.
[5] Peter sounds frustrated, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” but he obeys according to Jesus’ word.
[6] Jesus demonstrates that he is the Lord of creation and summons fish from all around the lake to Peter’s boat.
[7] There are so many fish that Peter has to signal his partners (James and John) to come and help him. So many fish that the boats were nearly sinking.
[8] Now, Peter is no longer simply a bystander or a participant – he has become a believer. The fisherman recognizes Jesus’ power over creation and drops to his knees in repentance and honor, if not worship. Jesus has intruded into Peter’s time, business and his heart.
[10] But what happens? Jesus tells Peter don’t be afraid. In spite of your sinfulness, you are called to witness God’s purpose to men – to catch men for God.
Much of this sermon was inspired by a teaching given by The Rev Cn George Kovoor.
“I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his people, to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.” -- Psalm 85:8
Luke 5:1-11 [verses in brackets]
- Parallel/Similar texts: Mt 4:18-22; Mk 1:16-20; Jn 1:40-42
- Peter moves from bystander, to participant, to follower.
[2] Peter, James and John are bystanders frustrated after fishing all night. They are packing up their gear to go home.
[3] Jesus intrudes on Peter’s business by climbing into his boat and asks the exhausted fisherman to take the boat away from the shore so that he can continue to teach the pressing crowds. Peter suddenly (reluctantly?) becomes a participant. The fishing boat is now the Ark of the Word of God, the throne of the Creator – a vessel of salvation (cf. 1 Peter 3:18-22).
[4] One can’t help but wonder if Peter isn’t impatient for the Lord to finish teaching – to let him go home. But instead of having Peter row him back to shore, when he finished teaching, Jesus tells Peter it’s time to go back fishing. Jesus is a carpenter-rabbi, not a fisherman! What does he know about fishing? Jesus intrudes even deeper into Peter’s business. He intrudes into Peter’s area of expertise. Jesus is so confident that he told Peter to let the nets down “for a catch”. Jesus is not saying Peter might catch something, he says that Peter will catch, if he obeys.
[5] Peter sounds frustrated, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” but he obeys according to Jesus’ word.
[6] Jesus demonstrates that he is the Lord of creation and summons fish from all around the lake to Peter’s boat.
[7] There are so many fish that Peter has to signal his partners (James and John) to come and help him. So many fish that the boats were nearly sinking.
[8] Now, Peter is no longer simply a bystander or a participant – he has become a believer. The fisherman recognizes Jesus’ power over creation and drops to his knees in repentance and honor, if not worship. Jesus has intruded into Peter’s time, business and his heart.
- What will we do when Jesus intrudes into our time? Our business? Will we listen and obey long enough that he will have the opportunity to intrude into our hearts?
[10] But what happens? Jesus tells Peter don’t be afraid. In spite of your sinfulness, you are called to witness God’s purpose to men – to catch men for God.
- The Greek for “catch” means to “catch alive” or “to catch for life.”
- What does it mean to follow Jesus?
- What do we have to leave, or let go of, to follow Jesus? Lent is coming.
- Better yet, what do we have to gain by following Jesus?
- Let us look forward to Jesus’ next intrusion into our lives!
Much of this sermon was inspired by a teaching given by The Rev Cn George Kovoor.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
Septuagesima - the Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany*The Lessons
Judges 6:11-24a
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
Psalm 85 or 85:7-13
The Collect
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
*"Septuagesima" is the third Sunday before Lent and approximately 70 days before Easter.
Looking Forward to Lent
- Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Supper: February 20th at 6PM
- Ash Wednesday with Holy Eucharist: February 21st at 6PM
- Lenten Study and Soup Suppers will begin Thursday, February 22nd at 6PM
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