On Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30pm we will join with Christians from Portsmouth and around the world in breaking our Lenten fast for the Feast of the Annunciation.  This feast, exactly nine months before Christmas, commemorates how God made known to a young Jewish woman that she was to be the mother of his Son, and the grace with which Mary accepted this divine call. 

Mary's positive response to the angel Gabriel's message opened the way for God to accomplish the salvation of the world through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is for this reason that all generations have continued to call her "blessed."  In 431, the worldwide Church's General Council at Ephesus gave her the title of Theotokos, the God bearer.

The Annunciation has been a major theme in Christian art, both in the East and West.  Mary's response to the angel, "God may do with me whatever he desires," is the perfect pattern for all people of faith to follow.  Perhaps it is no coincidence that her divine Son taught us to pray to the Lord, saying, "Your will be done on earth as in heaven."

We will gather at St. John's Church to ring Gabriel in the Bell Tower at 6:30pm.  We will then process in for Eucharist to celebrate this feast in scripture, sacrament and song followed by some treats in Chisholm Hall.   We are honored to have Fr. Charles Smith, rector time-certain of Trinity Church, giving the homily on this evening.

Remember, no fasting on the only feast of Christ in Lent! 

To prepare the church grounds for Easter Vigil, there will be a spring garden clean up work session this Saturday, March 21 - rain or shine, warm or cold! Bring your rakes, pruners, and garden gloves and meet at the gate by the Memorial Garden at 10 am. With enough people and a couple of string trimmers we should be done in no time! Questions? Contact Linda Buchanan.