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St. James - Westwood Weekly Epistle
Approaching the Last Sunday after The Epiphany
February 27, 2014
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
 
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."  (Matthew 17: 5-7)

   Read Sunday's Lessons here
    
Susan Tilt Transfiguration Dwellings
Susan Tilt - Transfiguration: Dwellings
Jesus' transfiguration is truly quirky. Why are Elijah and Moses there? Why does Jesus invite Peter, James, and John?   What's the whole thing with Jesus being transfigured anyway? What is the point of this miracle? It's really easy to wander off into the unanswerable points of the story. Such questions may actually offer us some security from what's at the heart of the matter.

There are occasions in Christian life as ignorant disciples when encountering God is terrifying. There are times when life creates unexpected moments of deep fear, reverence and awe of God's powerful presence.  Such moments are scary, like it or not. We're about to encounter plenty more similar moments in Lent and Holy Week if we choose to continue on this Christian pilgrimage through such uncertain spaces and places. 

 

Guardians - Barbara Desrosiers
Barbara Desrosiers - Guardians 2011
What is reassuring to know that Jesus will not flee from us. We may not understand what's going on; nonetheless, God remains present throughout our lives. God's not interested in idols or idle faith. Jesus the Christ encourages his disciples to continue living.  From the magi's arrival with gifts for The Messiah way back on the Epiphany to James, Peter, and John's trek back down hillside toward Jerusalem here on Transfiguration Sunday; Jesus is present: patiently, powerfully, prayerfully.

Later this weekend, our parish's Purpose and Vision team will begin their work of discerning how God is present and moving in our midst here at St. James. I doubt their time with one another will be as shocking as it was for the disciples when Jesus was transfigured in front of them. I do hope that Kelsee, Garyne, and the team members along with every member of the parish possess a deep sense of reverence and awe of God's purpose for us here. I hope even more that they along with all of us will continue to place our faith and hope in Jesus the Christ's abiding presence with us we enter the wilderness of Lent as well as the uncertainties of how our shared visioning process will unfold. Maybe we'll want to be like Peter and build places of security. Maybe we'll simply not understand and freeze up like John and James. God Willing, because we live on this rather than the other side of the Resurrection, we'll not remain stuck. Instead, we'll rise up and trust in the Holy Spirit's bidding because the faith and compassion we share with one another is awesome. God is stronger than our phobias and more brilliant than are dingy doubts that bind us to what has been rather than what may be.

Blessings Along The Way, Jim+
 

What is Upcoming at St. James?
Website Epiphany Banner
 
Tranfiguration IconTonight - Community Supper - 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Friday - Feb. 28 (New Time -  4:30 PM)
- Yoga Classes Continue - Vinyasa (flow) yoga with Heather Poast - These classes are a great way to unwind from the stress of the work week. Yoga is also a superb way to regain your breath while gaining energy for your weekend!

Saturday - March 1 (10:00 AM)
- Vision and Planning Team Meeting - Lu Dunn Hall

CCM Preparatory Voice and Instrument Lessons - Classes for children and adults have started up again. Chat with Alex about getting yourselves or someone you know signed up! 

Sunday - March 2 (8:45 AM) - Adult Education
Chancel Choir rehearsal

Sunday - March 2 (10:00 AM) - Choral Eucharist - Rite II
Children's Sunday School

Tuesday - March 4 - Shrove Tuesday

Come and enjoy pancakes, fellowship, and more. We'll also unveil the Lent Madness brackets. Who will win this year's Golden Halo?







Ash Wednesday Banner
Ash Wednesday
is March 5 - Worship Services at 12 Noon and 7 PM

Lent 2014
St. James' Lenten Offerings
  Read a brief description of our 2014 Lenten educational, worship, and spiritual offerings.


Chip Conley Ted Talk
Transformation - what is important?
"What we actually count truly counts" (Chip Conley, 2010)


Organizational experts and leadership consultants are always seeking to find means to make for their clients, employees, and enterprises more effective and valuable. Chip Conley articulates something that Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago. People matter. Connections between people and their purpose in life matters a great deal too. Conley nonetheless provides a worthwhile modern-day understanding about the connections between connections with one another and meaning. Do we believe in what we do, as people? What are habitats of happiness? Are we connected with God and one another in meaningful and measurable and happy ways? Enjoy his Ted Talk!