In the earliest days of the Church, the time leading up to Easter was a period of preparation for those who would join the church through baptism.  Our liturgies at Grace this season will honor that ancient custom, helping to prepare us for the renewal we experience in the baptismal waters of the Easter Vigil.   For example, the baptismal font will be open this season, with flowing water inside.  At the same time, the space around the altar and rood screen will feature the sand and cacti Jesus saw in his forty days in the desert, reminding us of how much we need the waters of rebirth.  You will also notice the language of our baptismal vows in the liturgy  itself-particularly in the Prayers of the People-preparing us to remember those vows at Easter.

 

In this season of preparation, we are invited to look inside, examining ourselves and the ways our lives need renewal, and reflecting on how we each respond to the mystery of God in ourselves and others.  As Shawn described in her sermon last Sunday, there will be stations around our worship space throughout Lent designed to aid in this self-examination and reflection.  We invite you to take the time before, during, or after services to visit these stations as part of your own spiritual practice.

 

Also, we will gather each Thursday evening in Lent for a period of quiet meditation and prayer.  The five Lenten prayer services will begin at 9 pm in the church and will last no more than 35 minutes.  The services will become progressively more quiet, as we move forward on the spiritual journey of Lent.  The first two will begin with Gregorian chant, the second two with quiet instrumental music, and the last with silence.  Each will include a short reading, a lengthy period of silence for prayer or contemplation, and then a short closing prayer.

 

One other note about a change during our Sunday morning services:  After reflecting on how our worship can better address the needs of those with disabilities-and in response to comments we've received-the Worship Committee has decided to create an additional station for distribution of the bread and wine.  On Sundays when the Eucharist is celebrated at the high altar (as it will be throughout Lent), a pair of Eucharistic ministers will stand at the foot of the stairs to the high altar, to serve anyone who wishes to receive without climbing the stairs.   The idea is to enable those with disabilities to join the flow of God's people as they "come to this table."  Please feel free to receive the bread and wine at this station whether or not you are able to climb the stairs.  And also, please be patient (and give us feedback) as we work through the logistics of this new arrangement.

 

We wish you all a blessed Lent.

 

P.S. During the week, the water in the font can be heard over the speakers as you enter the church, kitchen and nursery.  

For further information, please contact Randi Woodworth at (708) 524-9322 or randi@woodworths.net. RSVPs (to Randi) are not required, but would be helpful.

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry is asking YOU to accept the Feinstein Challenge!

 

On March 1st, Philanthropist Alan Feinstein launched his annual $1 million national campaignto alleviate hunger. The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry will receive a portion of the $1 million based on how much community support we receive between March 1st and April 30th. Please join the fight against local hunger by making a food or monetary donation before April 30th.

 

If making out a check at Grace, please write "Food Pantry" on the Memo line. 

If you shop at Amazon.com, please consider doing so using the link below, or the link on the main page of our website.  When you do, Grace will receive a portion of the revenue. 

It's a painless way to help Grace further our mission.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,
Douglas VanHouten

Click here to shop at Amazon with a portion of the revenue going to Grace Episcopal Church!