The Cosmic Love of God

The prologue of John's gospel begins with the story of creation, connecting the Word that became flesh in Jesus with the bringing forth of life and all things. Then, as the gospel continues, the testimony of John the Baptist is shared, which continues to point the reader to Jesus' significance for the whole world, not only one group or people. John, upon seeing Jesus approach him in the wilderness, declares "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The Gospel of John highlights the cosmic reach of Jesus and the purpose for which Jesus was sent. God loves the whole world, not just part of it. And God loves us, all of us. God's purpose in sending Jesus is "that the world might be saved through him" (John 3:17).

Our world and our lives include darkness and sin, evil and brokenness. But God's love for us and for the world is complete, passionate, and sacrificial. God is not willing to settle for part of the world, or for some of us. Instead of condemning all that is not pleasing, God gave God's own son, lifted up on the cross, so that all might have the possibility of eternal life. The light of God's love shining down from the cross demonstrates the totality of God's love and proclaims God's desire to transform the dark places in this world into places of light, healing, and salvation.

From the more than 100 people who worship weekly to the more than 100 who find a spiritual home through 12-step groups at All Saints' to the more than 200 Facebook friends and countless number who connect to God through our web site, YouTube page, and worship broadcast on Wolfeboro Community Television, we inspire people to grow closer to God and serve others sharing God's blessings and love with our Lakes Region community and beyond. God has and continues to connect us together and outreach to the world to do amazing things through the people God has gathered as all Saints' Wolfeboro.

Please join us for a casual Bible Study + Eucharist gathering on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm in the All Saints' Library this Lent. Our theme and primary texts follow...

March 18th - Your Secret Life: Matthew 6:1-18

March 25th - Why We Worry, Why We Judge: Matthew 6:19-7:12

April 1st - The Choice is Yours: Matthew 7:13-29

The Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld will visit All Saints' on Sunday, March 22, 2015. During his visit any individuals who wish to officially become members of the church will be welcomed through: Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, or the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Please review the various rites below and contact our rector: pastorbillpetersen@gmail.com if you wish to prepare for membership during February and March.

Confirmation: The sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.

Reception (Christian Commitment): Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for reception and says, "We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion" (BCP, p. 418). Candidates for reception normally have made a mature commitment in another Christian fellowship.

Reaffirmation (of Baptismal Vows): The BCP refers to those persons already baptized who are presented to the bishop in the context of a service of Baptism or Confirmation to reaffirm their baptismal vows. These might be persons returning to the church after a period of unbelief or those who have entered a new level of spiritual life. The BCP does not specify who these persons are, and a variety of interpretation exists. The BCP provides a form to be used for reaffirmation of baptismal vows instead of the confirmation formula (BCP, p. 419). The word "renewal" rather than "reaffirmation" is used to describe the reaffirming of the baptismal covenant by the entire congregation at Baptism, Confirmation, or the Easter Vigil (BCP, p. 292).