Dear Friends,
We will soon enter the season of Lent - a time of reflection and thinking about our relationship with God. Lent can be a time that is a bit stark, plain, solemn and sobering. A few years ago I heard Canon Ernie Bennett reflect that before we enter this season every year we are given a peek/peak, a reminder of the Glory of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. As we journey through this penitential season, as we enter the passion / suffering of Christ and are reminded again of the price of our redemption - we get this moment on a mountaintop. Lent takes us on a journey through darkness and death - there is light and life on the other side. And just before we depart there is some light and life as well, as we are reminded... Jesus is the "beloved Son of Almighty God and we should listen to Him".
In some ways this glory of Christ is simply our redemption. Jesus accomplishing our salvation by who He is and what He has done. This past Sunday was a rich celebration. In reflecting on our redemption I shared the following quote in my sermon... In his sermon "The Sinner's Feast," Lee Eclov describes what should be the celebrative side of Communion in the context of worship: This table is different. This table of the Lord isn't where sinners find Christ but where sinners celebrate being found ... Maybe some morning, instead of solemnly pacing forward we should dance for joy. Maybe we should sing every born-again song we know. Maybe we should tell our "homecoming" stories and laugh like people who no longer fear death. Maybe we should ask if anyone wants seconds to toast lost sisters found and dead brothers alive.
Our life together as a community is living this joy of salvation: day by day; moment by moment.
Some other things...
FOOD SUNDAY - This Sunday, February 22. Please bring non perishable food items to help stick the Oviedo Food Bank.
Do we have any accomplished seamstresses out there? The Altar Guild has some excellent drapery material that would make great altar covers. It would take someone who knows what they are doing and a heavy duty machine. We have one wonderful lady currently working on what will be for us a new green frontal for the altar to be used during Ordinary Time and we are looking to find additional seamstress help. Please contact Dick Costin, rcostin@cfl.rr.com.
Peace and Grace,
Jon+ / Vicar
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Lenten Retreat with Bishop Howe
Bishop Howe will be conducting his second annual Lenten Retreat at Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, February 27 / 28. The topic is How To Give Away Your Faith. Bishop Howe is a gifted teacher and we will be challenged by him to effectively and articulately share the faith once received. I hope you decide to make this part of your Lenten discipline - it promises to be a renewing experience of our mission and calling in Christ Jesus to go into all the world and proclaim the Good News. Commuter rates are available. For more details and to register please check the following website... Bishop Howe / Lenten Retreat
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