Enter Into Holy Week

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting
on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, Do not be alarmed;
you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he
is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and
Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he
told you.’” Mark 16:5-7 . . . ”

APRIL 2012 Newsletter

March 2012

March Madness is on its way! No, not that March Madness. I mean the one
where you’re halfway through the semester or you haven’t gotten to your taxes yet . . .

March 2012

February 2012

February 2012

February 2012

January 2012

I seem to be surrounded this week by people in the midst of moving. For various
reasons, good and bad they have been forced to pack stuff up and move out of their
homes during the Christmas season. I’m thinking that they have more reason than
most to sympathize with Mary and Joseph and their trek to Bethlehem.

Advent Advance January

Lenten Soup Suppers and Holden Evening Prayer

Wednesday, March 21 -begins at 6:00 p.m. hosted by Choir and Worship & Music.  Holden Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. with radio dramas performed by members of Advent.

Wednesday, March 28 – begins at 6:00 p.m. hosted by Men In Mission.  Holden Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. with radio dramas performed by members of Advent.

The Back Pew

What is the Exchange of Peace?  For some people, the moments in the liturgy following the prayers of the church are awkward ones.  The presiding minister offers these words: “The peace of Christ be with you always.”  The congregation responds “And also with you.”  The members of the congregation are then invited to “share the peace” with one another.  What does that really mean?

Sharing God’s peace is not simply offering a friendly hello to those sitting around you.  Sharing God’s peace is not a time for catching up on news with your neighbor or for reminding someone about an upcoming meeting.

Sharing God’s peace with one another is an act of reconciliation.  It is an opportunity for God’s people to be reconciled with one another as they offer their gifts to God and before they receive the gift of Holy Communion.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, lays a foundation for the practice of sharing God’s peace.  “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first to be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

Other sources from the early church confirm the practice of sharing the gift of peace.  Passages from the Didache (an early church writing nearly as old as the new Testament) confirms that the practice of passing the peace became a regular weekly occurrence in the early Christian’s practice of Holy Communion.  That the sharing of the peace follows the prayers of the church is not accidental.  Having been forged into a common people in Holy Baptism, the congregation prays for peace in the Church, peace in the world, and peace for all those in need.  Then the congregation follows through with the people offering peace and reconciliation to one another.  This in not human peace alone, but the peace which is possible only through Christ.  It is a time to set aside our human differences and to recognize and enact our baptismal unity as children of God.

What can the exchange of peace teach us for daily living?  Christians are a people who seek reconciliation with one another.  Making peace is a daily action in our lives.  We do not need to wait to come to church on Sunday morning in order to make peace with our neighbors and our family members.  Sharing God’s peace is a daily opportunity.  (Redacted from “Worship Wordbook”, Ralph R. Van Loon and Anita Stauffer.  Augsburg Fortress Press, Minneapolis, 1995)

 

The Season of Lent is here!

The season of Lent is here.  It begins on February 22 with Ash Wednesday when we hear the voice of God telling us, “from dust you have come, to dust you will return”.  Sounds a bit depressing, but the point is that none of the things you need to get done will change the fact that one day our baptismal journey will end.  “What seems like an ending is really an invitation to make each day a new beginning, in which we are washed in God’s mercy and forgiveness.” (from “Sunday’s and Seasons” Ash Wednesday introduction).

 

“Invite a Friend to Church” Sunday, Feb. 12th

The magic number this year is 177 (50 % above last year’s average attendance of 118).  If we hit that number, Pastor Barb will dye her hair purple (or at least tint it) for the entire season of Lent.

Sunday, February 19th – Mardi Gras Sunday

On Feb. 19th, we will join with our brothers and sisters around the world in celebrating Mardi Gras (see Wikipedia).  Many an activity on that day will help prepare us for the penitential season of Lent by helping us all party hearty.  Rumor has it there will be beads, pancakes, streaking (for anyone who wants a Lenten purple streak in their hair for Lent), and a special sermon surprise.

Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 22nd

Ash Wednesday worship on Feb. 22 will be offered twice, at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.  The following 5 Wednesday nights will offer soup suppers, Holden Evening Prayer Worship, and Lenten Dramas.  Watch the next newsletter for the Holy Week events.

 

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