Reflections

Reflections

Last weekend with the Bishop was so very special for this congregation, and I want to thank you all for making it the wonderful weekend that it was. It was, indeed, the gift that we had hoped it would be for Bishop Seage ( see last week’s newsletter), and just a whole lot of fun for the rest of us! Thank you, one and all!

This coming Wednesday (February 22) is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. At Nativity we will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 5:30pm that will include the imposition of ashes. The ashes are an outward and visible sign of our mortality, a foreshadowing of the words that will be said at our gravesite as we are laid to our final resting place- “earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. As unsettling as the image can be, it is all done in the context of a sacramental meal, that promise of life eternal. That paradox of death, in its many manifestations, giving way to life is what sustains us and gives hope.

The Lenten season, a time of reflection, self-examination and repentance, is not meant to to be a masochistic journey. Rather, it is a time, in the words of the old prayer, “where we may be still and know that thou art God” ( and we’re not!).

Give yourself time and space this Lent to know a Love that, alone, makes possible our repentance.

Resources of the Lenten Journey

Bible Study-The Gospel of Mark

Beginning this Sunday, February 19 at 9:15 at This Is Noteworthy (tin.) building (106 S. Main). Bring your own bible. Any translation will work.

Evening Prayer-Wednesdays at 5:30

As we did during Advent, Evening Prayer will be read on Wednesdays in Lent at 5:30, beginning March 1.

Pastoral Care Ministry Forming-February 26

Those interested in the formation of a pastoral care ministry at Nativity are invited to gather for a brief meeting with Tina Frizzell after church on Sunday, February 26.

Blessings. See you Sunday!

Duncan

(601)260-1937

Dmgrayiii@gmail.com