In an email Fr. Ram sent last week, he said,
We have arrived yet again at the doorstep to the season of Lent. Generations of Christ followers have used this 40-day season to reset their faith in Christ’s Love, to renew their commitment to their Baptismal vows, and to recommit to serving God and God’s people in their daily lives and work.
The words of invitation to observe a holy Lent give us clues to finding our way spiritually through Lent to a glorious Easter Morning.
Here’s a way to help us find our way . . .
Join the Wednesday Bible Study, Coffee and Conversation, Understanding the Gospel, or the Wired Word classes in order to read and discuss God’s Word.
April 14 — Palm Sunday
April 18 — Maundy Thursday @ 7:00 PM
April 19 — Good Friday @12:00 PM
April 21 — Easter Sunday
Last Sunday the class read and discussed Questions 1 through 4 at the end of Chapter 2 in Max Lucado’s book “Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.” The chapter is titled “Rejoice in the Lord’s Sovereignty.”
Question 3 asks us to consider, among other things, the statement, “Belief always precedes behavior.” Some felt that this describes their life outlook. Others opined that sometimes carrying out certain behaviors molds and reinforces their belief system.
Question 4 asked us to read 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 and Philippians 1:12-13. From these readings, Max asked us specific questions:
- In what circumstances do you struggle to trust God’s purposes?
- Do you feel that God is fair in asking for a pure response like [Saint] Paul’s? Why or why not?
- What keeps you from fully believing that God is a good Father who cares for every detail of your life?
- Take time to bring these obstacles before the Lord and pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,” as written in Mark 9:24.
Next Sunday, 3/10/19, the class will start with Question 5, in the middle of page 161. The gist of the question is how actions of our leaders influence our way of life. The springboard for discussion is Hebrews 13:7-8.
Hope you can make it to class, normal time and place, between services starting at 9:45 in St. Mark’s Room, second floor in the Leadership Center. Molly Miller has graciously agreed to facilitate the class while we are still in Baltimore for Paul’s participation in an international math teachers meeting.
In Christ,
Peggy and Paul Foerster
On each Sunday in Lent, beginning March 10, St. George will be holding a Lenten Lunch at 12:00 PM in the Parish Hall/Cafeteria. All members of the St. George Family are invited to break bread over crockpots of homemade soup and warm bread and share in conversation about our Lenten journey. Come one Sunday or enjoy them all!
Soon, every member of the St. George Parish will be receiving a phone call from a fellow parishioner to sign up to bring a crock pot of soup on ONE of the Sundays during Lent. It can be homemade or store bought, and we hope that all parishioners consider participating.
March 17 …….. D-G
March 6 — Ash Wednesday @ 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM
April 14 — Palm Sunday
April 18 — Maundy Thursday @ 7:00 PM
April 19 — Good Friday @12:00 PM
April 21 — Easter Sunday
“I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”
Book of Common Prayer, pg. 265, Liturgy for Ash Wednesday.
Dear Friends in Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We have arrived yet again at the doorstep to the season of Lent. Generations of Christ followers have used this 40-day season to reset their faith in Christ’s Love, to renew their commitment to their Baptismal vows, and to recommit to serving God and God’s people in their daily lives and work.
The words of invitation to observe a holy Lent give us clues to finding our way spiritually through Lent to a glorious Easter Morning. Here are some regular offerings that you can utilize during Lent:
- Our Sunday liturgies will provide opportunities for self-examination and repentance as offered in the Book of Common Prayer.
- Joining the Wednesday Bible Study, Coffee and Conversation, Understanding the Gospel, or the Wired Word classes in order to read and discuss God’s Word.
- Recommit to (or finally start) reading The Path Bible in order to understand the full story of Scripture.
- Walk the Stations of the Cross (indoor or outdoor).
- Attend our Lenten Soup Lunches and meet others who are on the spiritual journey here.
- Prepare soup when it is your turn and discover the joy in serving others.
- “Try on” a ministry during Lent by examining how your time priorities.
- Plan now to attend Holy Week worship (April 14-20). Opportunities for daily worship will be available to all.
Lent at St. George is a time for all of us to come together in prayer and service to discover the riches of God’s grace.
I look forward to sharing this Lenten Journey with you and your loved ones!
Peace,
Fr. Ram+