January 27, 2024
Sisters and Brothers,
By this time, I am sure that most of you are aware of the fire in the retail complex next door to the church earlier this week. Please hold all those business owners in your prayers. They are all small independent entities and have suffered total losses. Some may well be able to find a way to rebuild and restart, while this may be the end for others. Included among these businesses are our long-time friends and partners at Precision Print and Copy. There is still little information about the cause or ways in which the community can help. As we know more, we will share with you.
There is much going on in our life together, and I want to offer a brief recap of what the next several weeks will include for us:
Annual Meeting & Pot Luck Luncheon – Following Worship this Sunday, January 28th. The Priest-in-Charge, outgoing Senior Warden, Stewardship and Development Chair, and Treasurer will report on 2023 outcomes and goals and aspirations for 2024. We also will be affirming a slate of four new members of the Vestry. For lunch following the meeting, please bring a dish to share.
Chili Cook-Off – Following Worship on Sunday February 11th (the last Sunday before Lent). Categories for judging are still to be determined, BUT let the trash-talking commence, and bring your best recipe and appetite that day.
Ash Wednesday and Lent – The Season of Lent is a time of fasting and penitence to ready our selves and our community for the renewal brought to us with Jesus’ resurrection. We will begin our Lenten observances on Wednesday, February 14th at 12:30 p.m. with the Liturgy for Ash Wednesday. Please join us as you are able.
Lenten Book Study – Beginning on Sunday, February 18th and continuing through Sunday, March 24th at 6:30, we will gather virtually to discuss “Will You: A Lenten Study of Baptismal Promises.” Copies of the book will be available at church. The book is available in electronic format also. Please ask Michael for that information, if that is your preference.
Also commended for your Lenten Journey: Lent Madness is a fun, on-line introduction to the saints of the church through a daily bracket-voting system. You can sign-up for daily emails and follow along at https://www.lentmadness.org/
Planning for the Easter Vigil, held on Saturday evening, March 30th will begin in earnest in the next couple of weeks. If approached to participate, I hope that you will prayerfully consider offering your time to this special worship experience.
That’s a lot for all of us to keep up with, and I thank you again for your faithfulness and enthusiasm,
