There are a number of important things to note today:
First, Our Lenten Journey begins tonight at 6:00 pm!
Near the beginning of our Ash Wednesday Service this evening, I will issue the following invitation:
“I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”
I cannot think of a more succinct and practical way of describing the practices of Lent. But remember the intended end of these things: Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that when one does these things, “our Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Isn’t that wonderful! The One who issues the invitation is also the One who rewards those who accept it; and rewards them by and with the gift of himself!
Our Lenten Journey begins tonight at 6:00 pm.
Second, Sundays in Lent:
Can I also remind us all that our Sundays in Lent, beginning with the First Sunday of Lent, February 18, will begin with the Penitential Rite (the Exhortation, the Decalogue, and a sung Kyrie Eleison). To ensure the solemnity of the rite the doors to the Sanctuary will be closed at 10:15 am and reopened at the end of the rite. Please do all within your power to be seated and prepared for the start of the service.
Third, Our Special Congregational Meeting, Sunday, February 25 from 5:00-7:30 pm:
We gather in a few weeks’ time to mark ‘where we are’ and to reflect and deliberate on ‘where we are going’ as a community of faith. We have attempted in multiple ways to issue the invitation to all those associated with Christ the Redeemer with very mixed results. Apparently, no matter how we have tried to send the ‘links’ or ‘attachments’ to one and all, several people report that they have been unable to RSVP. In an attempt to remedy this situation, Amy will be sending out another Evite tomorrow to all of us (even those who have already RSVP’ed). Please take a moment as soon as you receive it to respond as you are able. We apologize for the confusion.
Fourth, Some Pastoral News:
We have been praying for several of our members in the past weeks. Charlie Watkins continues with his chemo regimen encouraged by the news that the tumor is responding beyond anyone’s expectation. Rejoice with Charlie and Blythe in this.
Also, Hank Thompson had his surgery yesterday and came through it well. They anticipated a simple one but ended up with a very complex surgery—12 hours in length as they had to ‘recraft’ his heart. The prognosis is good however, so again, I would ask for prayers of thanksgiving and of continued healing.
Fifth, Another ‘Help’ for your Lenten Journey:
The Anglican Church of North America has produced a devotional guide for the Season of Lent. You can access the guide by going to https://giftoflent.org/.
I am looking forward to worshiping with you tonight and on Sunday, and walking the way of the Cross with you to Easter.
