March 30-April 11, 2007

 

A Week Set Apart

 

You and I and all people matter to God.  Next week we remember again how much.  With special focus and intensity, the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter invite us to know Jesus Christ and to be the Body of Christ.  There is something compelling about these ancient rites that have come down to us, prayed and experienced by our Christian sisters and brothers for nearly two millennia.  They are different in some way each year because we are different each year.  We have no better way as a community to renew our knowledge and faith than to gather around a table, to hear again the story of God’s kingdom and to do what he told us to do, as best as we are able.  The world offers many competing options for next week.  The Beloved community opts to make it a week set apart. 

 

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday as we mark Jesus’ joyous entry into Jerusalem, surrounded by crowds of followers.  Worship this day begins at 9:30am outside at the main entrance door plaza of Community House Middle School as we pass out palm branches to young and old and parade down the hallway to the worship space, experiencing together the joy and hopeful expectation of people of every age who put their hope in this Jesus as the one God has given us to make the world a better place.

 

The season of Lent ends at sunset on Maundy Thursday when the Church begins the celebration of the Easter Triduum (tri-déw-um is Latin for “Three Days”).  On the three days of the Triduum, the Church reckons time as the Lord did, from sunset to sunset.  The first day of the Triduum begins at sunset on Thursday, the second at sunset on Friday, and the third at sunset on Saturday.  On Maundy Thursday the purple of Lent is gone.  Simple white vestments are worn.  “Maundy” is an English derivative of the Latin word “mandatum” (commandment), referring to Jesus’ words on this night, recorded in John 13:34: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  Beginning at 7pm, young and old will sit and feast at tables at an Agape (love) Meal in our worship space at Community House Middle School.  (If you know you will be present, please make an advance reservation here).  We hear Jesus say to us, “If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).  We follow his servant example by washing one another’s feet and sharing in the Eucharist, the sacred meal Jesus instituted on this holy night.  Time almost stops as we transact the business of eternity.  

Following our worship, opportunity is given to follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane where he asked his disciples, “Can you not watch with me for one hour?”  From 9pm-midnight on Thursday and 6am-9am on Friday, the Blessed Sacrament will be present in Beloved Garden, providing any and all an opportunity to pray with Jesus during this time of waiting, arrest and trial before his crucifixion.  Individuals and families are asked to sign up for shifts of thirty-minutes or more after worship on Sunday.

 

On Good Friday, wearing blood-red vestments, we celebrate the liturgy at 7pm. Using scripture, ancient prayers and song, we share in Jesus’ passion and suffering.  A large wooden cross is brought into the worship space with opportunity for any and all to come forward to touch and experience the awesome love of our God through a loving sacrifice that truly makes this day “good.”  Finally, the Blessed Sacrament is brought into the worship space from the Watch, and Jesus’ Body and Blood is offered as strength for our journey to Easter.  Good Friday is a fast day; those who are physically able are encouraged to abstain from food.  (Remember that children and those with other physical needs can observe a medically appropriate modified fast.)

At 10am on Holy Saturday, we remember that Jesus’ body lay dead in the tomb and contemplate how empty the world would be without the presence of the risen Jesus.  Following this brief worship, the entire Beloved Community, those with the gifts of helps and service, decorate and prepare for Easter!

 

At Sunset on Holy Saturday, this year at 7:50pm, we begin the third part of the Liturgy of the Holy Triduum with the Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, the most ancient feast of Christianity that celebrates with all our senses the central truth of the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.  It begins in the dark, and before the worship ends the building cannot begin to contain the light.  Bring a bell or noisemaker to use on this night as we proclaim the Lord’s resurrection.  We begin outside with the lighting of the new fire of Easter and process by candlelight into the worship space.  We hear the story of God’s salvation (created for us this year by Beloved’s 12-15-year-old teens), baptize Maddie & Timmy Mooney, renew our baptismal vows and feast on the risen Jesus’ Body and Blood.  For those who love a great party, this worship and the festive reception that follows, is a not-to-miss opportunity!  Each household is invited to bring an elegant, wedding reception hors d'oeuvres (finger food) that will serve at least a dozen people to be added to the pork tenderloin sandwiches, shrimp cocktail and wedding cake provided by the Sacramental Receptions Team.  (Click here to share what you will be bringing).  Beloved will host another resurrection celebration on Easter Sunday morning, April 8th, at 9:30am.

Especially if you are new to Church of the Beloved or to this tradition within the Christian community, we invite you to be here for the liturgies on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Eve (and even Easter Day, if you want to keep celebrating).  At Beloved, we walk this entire journey with Jesus.  We don’t leave out the parts that are difficult.  We trust the journey.  We trust each other.  We trust and worship God’s Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. 

 

 

 

Around Beloved…If you are a Beloved acolyte, please let Miss Susan know here at which service of Holy Week you would like to serve.  Full teams are needed for Palm Sunday, April 1 at 9:30am, the Great Vigil and First Celebration of Easter with Baptisms, Saturday, April 7 at sundown and Resurrection Sunday, April 8 at 9:30am.  At least one acolyte is needed on the 5^th on Maundy Thursday.  Please note this is the week of CMS’ Spring Break so no one is officially scheduled.

 

Beloved is accepting donations for Easter season flowers.  These flowers may be given in memory of, or in thanksgiving for, a loved one or a special event.  Please either mail your donation to the Development Office or place it in a sealed envelope in the offering plate.  Please be sure to indicate who or what the donation is given in memory of or in thanksgiving for.

 

Sunday Christian Formation resumes on April 15^th.  Watch for more news about the Community Blood Drive, sponsored by Church of the Beloved and Community House Middle School, on April 15^th as well!

 

The next edition of Beloved eNews will be sent on Thursday, April 12^th.  

 

The Smith family, Beloved’s missionaries assigned to Chile, will be attending a conference at Ridgecrest (near Asheville) during Easter Week and are in need of a car to transport the five members of their family from the Charlotte airport and back again.  With their finances so tight, does anyone have a vehicle their family can use for the week or can you help fund a rental vehicle for their use from April 9-15, 2007?  Click here if you can help.

 

Several women of the church have expressed an interest in knitting.  Some are accomplished knitters and some have never knitted anything.  We would like all interested women and men (our new bishop likes to knit scarves for the Church’s ministry to seamen) to get together on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30 at Beloved Garden.  If you are a knitter, please bring your supplies. If you are not, you might contact either Annette Stephenson or Ann Calandro to get information on the supplies that you may need.  Or come without supplies and learn what you will need and simply enjoy the fellowship.  The ultimate goal of this group is to knit prayer shawls for those who may be experiencing a personal or family crisis.  Come join a group that ministers to the needs of others and has a good time accomplishing that!

 

The first New Beginnings, a faith-building and fun weekend for Middle school aged youth, is being held in Charlotte on April 21-22 at Trinity School in Uptown Charlotte.  The Beloved Band will be providing the music and Fr. Derek, Miss Clifford, Deacon Deb, Forrest Boylston, Miles Harbin and Morgan Wynn will be serving on the leadership team with other adults and youth from around the diocese.  Get those registration forms turned in ASAP so that you won’t miss out!  There are opportunities for adults from Beloved to assist in shifts during the weekend.  Need more information?  Click here.

 

Last Sunday…Attendance: 96; Worship Offering: $3488; Income needed for ministry each week: $5,500 (fully funded) à $4,400 (requiring other funding sources).  The financial goal of Church of the Beloved is to reach self-sufficiency by 12/31/2008.

 

 

 

 

Six-week Bible Study on Money Management…Many people are experiencing financial challenges.  But did you know that the Bible contains 2,350 verses dealing with money?  Many Christians have been taught what the Bible says about how to handle the first 10 percent of their income.  Although this is crucial, we need to understand God’s perspective of managing the rest of our money as well, regardless of whether we have very little or have been blessed with a lot! 

 

Beginning Thursday evening, April 19^th, Beloved’s Stewardship Education Team is kicking off its first Crown Financial Ministries small group at Church of the Beloved.  The Small Group Study is an in-depth study of what scripture teaches about money and possessions.  Graduates have confirmed that marriages are being strengthened and individuals are finding their way out of debt.  Participants are also becoming consistent savers, generous givers, and prudent consumers.  Most importantly, people are entering into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as we learn to apply his Word to our daily decisions.  Groups meet for 2 hours every week and each session includes scripture memorization and interactive discussions.

 

This first study group will be "fast-tracked" and shortened to 6 weeks (from the usual 10), with some of the lessons doubled, so that we can finish before summer.  Sessions will be on Thursday evenings from April 19^th through May 31^st.  Space is limited in the first group so register early for a seat!  Another group will begin in the fall if you are placed on this spring’s wait list.

 

 

 

Serving at God’s Altar on Palm Sunday (4/1)…Angel Army Team 5 Captain: Steve Todd; Administrator: Frank Reid; Pastor: Mary Reid; Convener: Position available; Acolytes: Forrest Boylston, Haley Boylston, + 2 others—volunteer here; Altar Bread Baker: Catherine Atwood; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Dick Reif & Al Krantz; Offertory Basket Passers: Joseph Duty, Carter Ricket, Madelyn Ricket, Lauren Widener; PowerPoint: Kevin Krantz; Presenters: Janie Wooten & Mary Reid; Reader: Janis Conlon

 

 

 

Serving at God’s Altar on Maundy Thursday (4/5)…Volunteer Angel Army Team; Acolyte: one person needed—volunteer here; Altar Bread Baker: Catherine Atwood; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Betsy Fox & Wes Nichols; Offertory Basket Passers: to be assigned at 6:55pm; PowerPoint: Dylan Lang; Presenters: Michele, Joseph & Elizabeth Nichols; Reader: Betsy Fox

 

 

 

Serving at God’s Altar on Good Friday (4/6)…Volunteer Angel Army Team; Acolyte: Kate Copeland; Altar Bread Baker: none; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Anna Moore & Bud Moore; Offertory Basket Passers: to be assigned at 6:55pm; PowerPoint: Paige Wilson; Reader: Miles Harbin

 

 

 

Serving at God’s Altar for the Easter Vigil (4/7)…Volunteer Angel Army Team; Acolytes: four persons needed—volunteer here; Altar Bread Baker: Shari Wynn; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Al Krantz & Frank Reid; Offertory Basket Passers: John Mark Dygowski, Joy Dygowski, Jennifer Elyea, Joseph Elyea; PowerPoint: Forrest Boylston; Presenters: The Baptismal Party

 

 

 

Serving at God’s Altar on Easter Sunday (4/8)…Angel Army Team 1 Captain: Wes Nichols; Administrator: Martha Stone; Pastor: Catherine Atwood; Convener: Toni Reif; Acolytes: Elizabeth Nichols, Joseph Nichols +2 others—volunteer here; Altar Bread Baker: Shari Wynn; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Mary Reid & Dick Reif; Offertory Basket Passers: Cecilia Atwood, Trinity Atwood, Clare Harbin, J.R. West; PowerPoint: Mitchell Harbin; Presenters: Charles, Martha & Sarah Stone; Reader: Tony Hodgson.

 

 

In our Prayers…click here

Upcoming Calendar…click here