Reflections The energy last Sunday after worship, as we walked across Main Street to the “Salt and Light” building for coffee, refreshments and fellowship, was exciting. Though both tenants are still using the building -with desks, etc. taking up lots of space- I could begin to imagine a number of possibilities for this wonderful space that would reflect the grace-filled name of the LLC-Salt and Light. In addition to using the space as a vehicle for the deepening of our common bonds at Nativity, I, literally in my mind, saw school children participating in an after school program; people sitting in 12 Step groups sharing the life transforming grace and hope that is found in such communities; and clothes, school supplies and food being stored for ad hoc emergency needs. As I wrote last week, the temptation will always be to see church space as being primarily, if not exclusively, for church members. That temptation has existed from the beginning of time. It’s a universal in human behavior that our default way of viewing life is always to meet our own needs first, then give to others what’s left over of our time and energy (and buildings). Read carefully the gospels, and I think you’ll see Jesus offering a whole different view and order of life. It is a radically different view than our common sense approach to life. Dying to self so that we might truly live; being salt and light for the world; loving those who wish to do us harm- hardly common sense. But those words, and it’s approach to life, come from one we call Lord. Dare we have the courage- that is the right word- to trust that Jesus’s view of life is truer and richer than our own.
I invite all members of the Nativity community to let your imagination run free and think ( dream!) of how this new space can be used for the glory of God and in service to all the people Water Valley and Yalobusha County. No dream is too big or impossible! That is a spiritual pilgrimage that could bear much fruit.
Other Matters of Importance
Holy Week Worship Schedule
Palm Sunday (April 2) 10:30 am-Blessing of Palms and Procession. Passion Narrative read in parts. Music
Tuesday in Holy Week (April 4) 5:30pm- Holy Eucharist w/ Anointing for Healing
Wednesday in Holy Week ( April 5) 5:30pm- Evening Prayer
Maundy Thursday ( April 6) 7:00pm- Holy Eucharist w/ foot washing and stripping
of the altar.
Good Friday (April 7) 12:00 noon- Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday
Easter Sunday (April 9) 10:30am- Holy Eucharist w/music
Easter Flowers
If you would like to give Easter flowers as a memorial for a loved one or in thanksgiving for someone, please use the envelopes in the rear of the church to make your contribution. Suggested donation: $15 for each Easter lily.
Prayers for The Most Reverend Frank Griswold
I bid your prayers for the repose of the soul of our former Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold who was buried March 18 from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bishop Griswold was the Presiding Bishop when I was elected Bishop of Mississippi in 2000. He served as the Chief Consecrator at my ordination and consecration, and he was one of the significant spiritual mentors of my life.
See you in church!
Blessings!
Duncan
601-260-1937
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