Stepping into the Light

I was meeting with my former nun/Jungian therapist/spiritual director (as one does), wondering why a particular moment had left me with such a lingering sadness. I described having dropped off a friend, and having caught a glimpse of him in my rear view mirror as he walked into his home hunched over, making himself smaller so as to avoid the scorn he knew from experience he was about to receive. My former nun/Jungian therapist/spiritual director (let's call her Eileen) was quiet for a few moments, and then she asked, "I wonder if there are any places where you feel like you have to make yourself small." She smiled gently. I cursed her in my head. "Oh, I don't know - I guess that feels a little familiar..." Read more...

Bishop's Blog: What Must You Say Yes To?

You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.
-John 12:8


"I've spent a lot of time pondering these words," Brother Scott Borden told me, "because they are so offensive." I nodded.

 

Brother Scott was leading our diocesan clergy retreat. He and I were speaking about the demands and fast-paced life of so many of us, and about the demands and pace of my life in particular. As we spoke, he said the story of Jesus' final visit to his closest friends, Lazarus, Martha and Mary, came to his mind. Read more...
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In the Diocese

Preparing for Lent 2015
How will you observe the season of Lent? Ash Wednesday is next week (February 18) and marks the beginning of 40 days of "self examination and repentance" before Easter (Book of Common Prayer, pg. 265). Find books, blogs, video series, and more opportunities for reflection during Lent. 

Church House Closed
Church House will be closed on Monday, February 16 for the holiday. We will also be closed on Tuesday, February 17 for a staff retreat. 
Upcoming Diocesan Events

February 18
Ashes to Go
Is your congregation participating in Ashes to Go? Each year, churches visit Metro stations, train stations, and other public places to share ashes and prayers with passersby. Let us know when and where  you will be on February 18. If you are already signed up, share this map of Ashes to Go locations with your community. Need help with your Ashes to Go plan? Take a look at this checklist from St. Paul's, K Street.

February 28
Upcoming Ordinations
Grace Church, Silver Spring
You're invited to the ordinations of Nathan Beall and Gayle Fisher-Stewart as deacons and the reception of Jose Francisco Valle as priest. Clergy planning to process should wear red stoles and RSVP to Cheryl Wilburn.

April 17-18
Live Now Serve Now: Youth and Family Service Day
National Cathedral grounds
Youth and Families are invited to join together from across churches and regions and learn why service and outreach are important parts of a Christian life. Attendees will also participate in a hands-on service project. We will camp-out, worship and service in and around the National Cathedral grounds. Find out more and register now.
Parish Events

Ebola Relief Effort
The Sierra Leone Episcopal/Anglican Community Ministry is collecting food items, toiletries, and other essentials through February 28 to support ebola relief efforts in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Items can be dropped off at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Aspen Hill. A list of suggested items is available on the website.

February 14
6pm: Church of the Ascension, Silver Spring hosts its annual dinner and auction. Tickets sold at the door.

February 15
3pm: St. George's presents a one-woman theatrical performance of Ayanna Gregory's "Daughter of The Struggle" - followed by an intimate Q&A with her father Dick Gregory, the living legend, comedian and civil rights activist. Buy tickets online.

February 17
6pm: Mardi Gras party at Epiphany, DC, including a New Orleans style dinner and Dixieland band. Purchase tickets online

6:30pm: Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Transfiguration

February 18
Ash Wednesday services are offered at congregations throughout the diocese

February 20
4pm: Fish fry at Trinity, Upper Malboro
Prayer List

We ask your prayers of healing for:
Joseph Lund 
Debbie Kirk 
Joan Beilstein's nephew (Brian)
Fr. Richard C. Martin
Robert Tomlinson 
Lane Davenport 

We ask your prayers of comfort for:
Connie Reinhardt's father (Jim)
Lane Davenport's father (Charles)
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