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February 25, 2016
In this issue:
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 Notes from Bishop Mark
Bishop's Lenten Reflection:
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil."
We have entered, again, the forty-day season of confronting the temptations and distractions of our daily living. God's Holy Spirit will not push us into a period of prayer and self-examination. We are, rather, offered the invitation to enter the holy and prayerful season of Lent. It is a choice for each one of us to make. No one, except God, will know how we spend the next forty days. We can accept the invitation to a holy Lent or just casually ignore the RSVP date and let it linger in the mail pile of our daily living while we await more attractive invitations.
The wilderness of Lent is not an easy or comfortable place. The season of Lent invites us to look inward at our own spiritual poverty. What are my own temptations? What are the negligent or destructive ways and patterns of my life that I refuse to accept or to work on with God's help? What distracts me from the life that Jesus is calling me to live with him and with others?
Our Lenten disciplines should help us to sharpen our attention and refocus the energy of our discipleship. What Jesus desires from our discipleship is not perfection, but commitment. What does Jesus do out there in the wilderness? Very simply, he prays a lot. He puts his whole self in God's hands. He allows the wilderness to burn away all falsehood he might have in his relationship with God the Father, with himself, and with other people.
May the joyful fruit of Easter morning spring from the prayerful seeds that you cultivate during your journey in the Lenten wilderness.
(This Lenten message may be used in parish bulletins websites and newsletters.)
● The newly elected Diocesan Executive Board meets this Saturday at Evans House. Our primary agenda item, after new member orientation, will be to discuss and make plans for advancing the missional learning from this year's Annual Convention.
● Clergy Lenten Quiet Day ~ March 3, 2016, St. John's, Roanoke: I would ask for all clergy, especially those serving in active ministry, to plan for this morning of reflection, worship, renewal of our vows, and lunch. My hope is that you will schedule this time and the remainder of the day for prayer and reflection. We will gather 9 AM at St. John's, Roanoke, and begin Meditation at 9:30 AM, followed by quiet time. Holy Eucharist, the Renewal of Vows, and the Blessing of Chrism will follow at 11 AM. Lunch will be at noon. Please RSVP to Lynn Robertson by February 29 and remember to mention any dietary restrictions.
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Confirmation at St. Peter's, Altavista
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● Visitations and Other Events: On the Second Sunday in Lent, I worshipped with the people of St. Peter's, Altavista. There were two confirmations. (Click the red hyperlink to view more photos on Facebook.) This Sunday I will visit, St. Elizabeth's, Roanoke.
The Rev. Canon Jonathan Harris and I traveled to Martinsville on Wednesday evening to meet with the vestry and search committee of Christ Episcopal Church.
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Remember to check out the diocesan
Bulletin Board--you'll find information about available grants, seminars, and upcoming training opportunities, as well as parish events!
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. . . with Evans House
● As Holy Week approaches, here are some family practices to share with parishioners.
● Treasurers: Mark your calendars for Treasurers' Day, March 19, 10 AM, at Evans House. More information to come!
● Please note: As described on the Supply Clergy document, the new mileage rate as of January 1, 2016, is $.54 per mile.
● Senior Wardens and Parochial Clergy: please remember to respond to the survey regarding life insurance benefits for clergy and lay employees.
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. . . with the Diocese
● The Daughters of the King at St. James', Roanoke, is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive on Friday, March 4, from 2--6 PM in the Parish Hall of the church. Donors are requested and needed. For further information contact Helen Campbell at (540-489-4536) or e-mail at Helencampbell5735@gmail.com.
● The ninth diocesan Happening event takes place this weekend at St. John's, Roanoke, and the entire diocese is asked to keep participants and staff in your prayers. If you are unfamiliar with Happening, learn more here.
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. . . with the Wider Community
● Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry has issued an update to the staff of The Episcopal Church. Read more.
● Applications are now being accepted for the position of Refugee and Immigration Policy Analyst on the staff of The Episcopal Church. Learn more.
● Presiding Bishop Curry calls for "remembering our sister and brother Christians in the Holy Land who maintain the faith which we hold so dear." Read more.
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Resources and Links
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as of November 14, 2015
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Bishop Marmion Resource Center
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as of December 17, 2015
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St. Nicholas Day Appeal & more!
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www.dioswva.org
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Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
1002 1st Street SW ~ Roanoke, VA 24016
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