Newsletter, February 10
Reverend Sheelagh’s Thought for the Week: February 10, 2016
These words spoken as the cross of ashes, made from the burned blessed palms of the previous year, are imposed, signify the desire to return to the Lord. This year, I have been asked many more times than usual why we impose ashes? The easy answer is that the practice is an ancient way of showing repentance, grief and sorrow. In more contemporary thinking, it is a symbolic way to externalize the internal awareness of our sinfulness. However you look at it, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of something new, good and hopeful. “Create in me a clean heart” is the psalmist’s invitation. Ancient it might be, archaic and redundant, absolutely not! Join me, as we enter the journey towards inner healing and freedom that Lent offers. Reminders
Serving at the Altar 2/14 & 2/21
NOTICE SOUPER SUNDAY SUCCESS 23 cans of vegetable soup (soups having no meat), 20 cans of various varieties of chicken soup, 6 cans of soups containing beef, 6 cans of soups containing other meats. This influx of soup plus contributions of other items filled the barrel, and all parishioners who contributed to the food barrel on SOUPER SUNDAY made the day a success! UPCOMING EVENTS Going Deeper this Lent: Thursdays at noon in the Church. Stations of the Cross and meditations – Join us for this spiritual prayer walk. We will look at the art from great artists that depict the “stations” and discuss what they reveal to us. February 11, 18, 25, March 3, 10, 17 and 24. Sunday Lenten Series: Common Room 11:30 – 12:00 Sunday, February 14 – Keeping a Holy Lent – Rev. Sheelagh and Rev. Dcn Kathleen Sunday, February 21 – Justice and Dignity – Rev Dcn Barbara Harriman, Prison Chaplain Sunday, February 28 – Spirituality in the second half of life – Theresa Scharff Sunday, March 6 – Seek and Serve Christ in all Persons – IHN representatives Sunday, March 13 – Proclaiming by Word and Example – Vestry Forum Online resources: Daily meditations delivered to your email box: www.dioceseofnewark.org click on Online Meditations to read, and to subscribe. Spirituality for the Second Half of Life Group details will be shared at the introductory meeting but basically, the group theme is that of spirituality in the second part of life – the time after children have grown, jobs are coming to an end or have ended, losses in life have been experienced due to aging and life’s BIG questions are faced more fully. This group will meet for approximately six weeks; the day and time of meetings will be based on members. If you have any questions/concerns please call Theresa Scharff at 908-686-5489. SABBATICAL NEWS The Diocese of Newark defines a Sabbatical as a time for clergy to be released from regular ministries for the purpose of spiritual renewal, study, theological reflection, and strengthening of skills and ministries, according to a well-defined plan developed by the clergy person taking leave in concert with her vestry or executive committee. It is a time for “opening one’s self to the working of the Holy Spirit and for renewal of one’s sense of vocation.” Christine’s Kitchen February 20, 10:30am – 1pm Beckerath Organ Recital The recital generally runs about an hour and is immediately followed by a “Reception” in the Parish Hall where you can meet the artist. For more information pick up a season brochure at the table by the church entrance-or speak to John or to Peggy and other Friends of Music. Poems & Reflections |
