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Epiclesis... An Ancient-Future Faith Community |
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Epiphany, 2012 |
Monday, February 20 |
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Keeping a Holy Lent | |
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Greetings!
One traditional liturgy for Ash Wednesday calls the people of God to "keep a holy Lent." Don't you imagine that it might take a lifetime of Lents to even begin to discover how that works-- what that looks like.
But I want at least to suggest a place to start: Putting something on. We often think about giving something up for Lent-- say, some habit or thing to which we've grown too attached. Nothing wrong with that for sure.
But I would like for us to consider, as we prayerfully ponder keeping a holy Lent, how we might put something on instead. Perhaps a spiritual discipline or some habit or thing to which we might grow more attached.
 This Wednesday night, at our Ash Wednesday service, we are going to remind each other that life is temporal-- that we are merely dust-- and that our journey through Lent may be beautifully enhanced if we take something on. We're also going to make a simple Lenten bracelet with three strands and three knots (I'll tell you all about it Wednesday night) to help us spiritually focus during Lent. Join us, won't you? And bring a friend. The service starts at 7 PM, at the Carmichael Chapel.
 By the way, don't forget that we have a Lenten devotional book prepared for you. It gives Scripture readings for Sundays, plus some commentary and a word or two about the season. You may pick one up on Sunday mornings, or click right here to download your own copy from our website. |
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In This eNewsletter Issue |
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Sunday Worship...
10:30 AM
The Carmichael Chapel 4600 Winding Way Sacramento, CA 95841
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Lenten J2J Series Coming
Four Sessions to Follow up Prayer Retreat...
 Our plan is to use Brett Pavia's visit and prayer mini-retreat to prepare us for a special Lenten series of four J2J sessions (beginning the week of February 26).
The focus will include spiritual disciplines and also some follow up to our recent, in-depth journey through "The Divine Embrace." The precise scheduling of the sessions will be up to each J2J group and will wrap up right around Holy Week.
Contact your J2J leader for more information:
Steve and Barb Pinson
Ellen Koehler
Richard Bethel
Norm Covell
Don Bowes
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A Somber Service of Ashes and Repentance
Ash Wednesday at Epiclesis...
Make plans to join us on Ash Wednesday, February 22, at 7 PM, at the Carmichael Chapel for the annual service marking the beginning of our journey through Lent. Please mark your calendar and bring a friend, too-- it's going to be a memorable evening of Scripture, singing, quiet prayer and reflection.
Don't forget: We have a devotional booklet for Lent, 2012, titled "The Cross and the Covenant". Get yours by clicking here or you can always pick one up on Sundays.
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 Father Abraham
Discipleship Series Ends with Art Exhibition...
Last Sunday night, Ron Richardson finished up his four-week series that was part art history class and part theology course.
The culmination was an impromptu art exhibition where students brought and displayed their creations. Ron had launched the course with an assignment for participants to research and bring to life a biblical theophany-- using whatever media they liked.
Ron is fond of saying, "Anyone can do art." And he's right! The result was a wonderful array of diverse artwork depicting several biblical scenes where the Divine meets up with humankind. Want to see the results in vibrant color? Please click right here to see the exhibition.
Image above: "Road to Damascus". Ron Richardson. Oil on canvas. 2012.
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An Ancient-Future Quote to Note
Honest Praise
 Reading about the great trials Job endured makes one shudder, cringe, and quake. Yet, in the end, what did he receive? Double what he had lost. However, don't let one who has an eye for temporal rewards suffer patiently, and say to himself.... "Let me bear evils, and God will repay me as He repaid Job." Such attitudes aren't really patience but greed. For if Job didn't suffer with patience and endurance in order to bravely testify of the Lord's providence, why did He suffer? ...Beloved, don't let those who bear such tribulations look for a reward. If they suffer any losses, don't let them say, perhaps, "The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away; as it pleased the Lord, so is it done: blessed be the name of the Lord," when all they want is to receive twice as much again. Let your patience praise God, not greed. For if you try to receive double your losses by praising God, you praise Him out of covetousness, not from love. -Augustine
 Check out a daily Scripture verse and a word from the Church Fathers by visiting The Chapel of the Ancient-Future Faith Network.
Image above: "Augustine" (detail); Traditional icon.
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Epiclesis Website Tip of the Week:
Have you ever browsed around through the section of our website called "Resources"? There's lots to see and check out-- from artwork to weekly liturgies. Check it out today by clicking here. |
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