8 February 2008

The Gospels of Lent

Each Sunday the readings we hear proclaimed from the Bible are assigned to us by a cycle of readings known as a lectionary.  Our current lectionary allows us to hear in worship about three-fourths of the gospel texts (stories and teachings of Jesus) over a period of three years.  This Lent we have the privilege of hearing the most ancient collection of gospel texts that early lectionaries assigned for the season of Lent, readings viewed by our spiritual ancestors as vitally important for the church community to hear with those who were being prepared for baptism at the Easter Vigil.

 

Fr. Stephen Gerth, rector of St. Mary the Virgin in Times Square, accurately states that in these readings we have “five gospel ‘home runs,’ or, if you will, five gospel ‘Super Bowl victories.’”  In his words…  

 

“The First Sunday in Lent we hear Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness.  When Jesus can bear with the Devil no longer, he dismisses him with the words, “Be gone, Satan.”  The rest of the Sunday gospels in Lent are from John.  On the Second Sunday we hear of the encounter of Nicodemus and Jesus.  Nicodemus, a member of the leadership of the Jewish people in Jerusalem, comes to Jesus at night, out of the darkness into the light, which for John and for us is Jesus himself.  Nicodemus does not understand Jesus’ words about the need to be born again.  He goes away, leaving the light and returning to darkness.”

 

“On the Third Sunday we hear of Jesus meeting the Samaritan Woman at the Well.  The Fourth Sunday is the healing of the Man Born Blind.  The final Sunday in Lent is the Raising of Lazarus.  I suggest that the meaning of Lent is not so much found in the ashes of Ash Wednesday but in you and me as we try to hear afresh the Word of God and to let it lead us into the light.”

 

“Jesus himself invited those who heard him to repent of their sins and their old ways of living and then to turn and follow him.  It is an invitation that is still made by Jesus to all people.  The awareness of sin, being convicted of our own sinfulness, and the desire to repent may bring up strong emotions in us, but repentance for Christians is an act not a feeling.  In Matthew’s account of Satan’s temptation of Jesus, Jesus chooses to reject Satan’s offers.  The gospel this Sunday invites us to make the same choice.  Our focus on the work of the Lord only becomes clearer as we journey to Easter.” 

 

Around Beloved… For our Lenten study this year Pastor Sally Brower will be sharing the book Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer.  Three options are available:  Mondays from 7-8:30pm @ Beloved Garden on February 18, 25 & March 3 (click here to register) or Sundays from 11:30am-1pm @ Community House Middle School on February 17, March 2 & 16 (click here to register).  There is also an online Blog that will enable you to participate in continuing discussions even if you can’t participate in person (click here to join).  The Easter life is based on finding our true identity in God and in responding to the call God has given to each of us.  Call engages us in such questions as “Who am I?”  “What does God want me to do with my life?” “How can I make a difference in the world?”

 

 

Sunday Christian Formation continues this week for adults and children.  A new Sunday formation beehive begins this week for teens 15-18 years of age, led by Dan Hood.  Come be a part of this exciting new offering!

 

 

FaithQuest, the midweek Christian Formation experience for those who are 3 (potty trained) to 14 years of age, offered at Beloved Garden, has a rolling admission for the Spring Term, which began this week.  For more specific information, go here.  Registration forms will be mailed to your home, if you click here.

 

 

Congratulations to Craig Doyon and Harris High who were elected on February 3 to serve on Beloved's Advisory Team (terms ending January 2011). Both Craig and Harris serve on the Leadership Design Team, which is responsible for the details of the transition to parish status.

 

 

There will be a Gathering of the MOB (Men of Beloved) at 7pm on Monday night @ Beloved Garden. Please try to attend and bring someone if possible. The program that David Cash is presenting is one that will help us in many ways.  We look forward to seeing everyone there to give your thoughts and ideas to the group as we move from planning to action!

 

 

Lent is an appropriate time in the cycle of the Church to participate in the sacrament now known as the Reconciliation of the Penitent (and in older days, Confession).  This day, or any day following during the 40-day season of Lent—up to and including Good Friday, is an appropriate time for those who desire it to review the choices and decisions made (or “left undone”), acknowledge their consequences (even if unintended), ask forgiveness of God and be absolved by the priest.  To make an appointment with Fr. Derek, click here.  To make an appointment with Pastor Sally, click here.

 

 

Thanks to Shari Wynn, Martha Stone, Lauren Heckmann (with Owen and Ben), Jennifer Sanders and Janie Wooten for volunteering to prepare the pretzels for Sunday Hospitality time during Lent, when as a community we give up the doughnut holes.

 

 

Beloved eNews publishes each Thursday.  News and calendar information should be submitted via email by Monday.

 

 

February 3…Attendance: 122; Worship Offering: $2,685.  Ash Wednesday, February 6…Attendance: 78; Worship Offering: $457.  Income needed for ministry each week: $5,500 (fully funded) à $4,400 (requiring other funding sources i.e. fundraising events).  The financial goal of Church of the Beloved is to reach self-sufficiency (i.e. pay all expenses without income from outside sources) by 12/31/2008.

 

 

Scripture Readings for February 10…Romans 5:12-19 & Matthew 4:1-11

 

Serving at God’s Altar on February 10…Complete setup/complete teardown: Angel Army Team #2; Acolytes: Victoria Floyd, Brian Sanniota, Jack Sanniota, Katie Sanniota; Offering Basket Passers: Elizabeth Davisball, Carter Ricket, Allie Seidel, Gracie Seidel; Offering Tellers: Liz Wilson & Roey Southard; Presenters: Betsy, Ashley & Olivia Fox; Altar Bread Baker: Shari Wynn; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Franklin Reid & Mary Reid; PowerPoint: Joseph Nichols; Reader: Paige Wilson.

 

 

In our Prayers…click here

Upcoming Calendar…click here