It's never too late to observe Lent

Two weeks from Sunday will be Easter Day, the highest holy day of our church year, and, up until that day, it's never too late to observe Lent. Until Easter has come and gone, it's never too late to prepare for it.  Recently someone asked me something like, "Why do you think Christianity has lasted so long?  After all, it's not all that unusual that someone would have died the death Jesus died.  He was obviously a trouble-maker--at least a nuisance."

My response?  I think it was because of what happened next.  His disciples continued to know his living presence and power with them.  They experienced the great mystery of the resurrection for themselves and they knew that they had to spread the word.  It is an experience that is available to everyone, but it takes preparation.  It takes time to be present with ourselves--to let go of all those things that get in the way of our being open to all that new and changed life that God wants to live in us.  It's not to late to start wherever we are and prepare to know resurrection power this Easter.  Peace and Blessings!  Alice+

Quiet Time for Lent

Please join us Sunday evening at 6:00 pm for Quiet Time for Lent.  This is a meditative worship service including periods of silence interspersed with music, and brief readings focusing on quietness and peace.  This Sunday Connie Wiggin will be playing the flute and recorder, and George Eldred will be singing.  Consecrated elements are available for any who would like to take communion at the service.    

Good Friday Cross Walk

Please join the Christian County Ministerial Association on Good Friday, April 18, at 10:00 am for a Cross Walk beginning in front of the "old courthouse," with stops for prayer at Virginia Street Baptist, First Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church, and Pioneer Cemetery.  Younger, stronger participants will be carrying a large wooden cross.  All are invited to join us at noon for the Good Friday Liturgy at Grace.      

Peanut Butter Challenge

We have extended our Peanut Butter Challenge for one more week and are drawing it to a close this Sunday, so bring a few jars or maybe even a case to finish up this project for Aaron McNeil's food pantry.  Peanut butter is an item that is always in demand for the clients who depend on AMH to help meet their nutritional needs.  They can never have too much!     

Lenten Preaching Mission and Luncheons

How can it be that another annual Lenten Preaching Mission is already almost over?  Today Father Julio Barrera from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church delivered an inspiring sermon, and John Watson was chief cook for the luncheon with his traditional and delicious seafood gumbo.  Next Friday, April 11, Bishop Terry White will be with us for the service.  Being so far from Louisville, we don't have many opportunities to be with him and to hear him preach, so please make every effort to attend.  

Adult Forum

Continuing this Sunday, April 6, those attending Adult Forum at 9:00 am are viewing chapters on a DVD entitled "Saving Jesus Redux."  This DVD is described as an "exploration of a credible Jesus for the third millennium" and is part of a series called Living the Questions. Contributors include Diana Butler Bass, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, Brian McLaren, John Shelby Spong, and others. Please join us for some interesting input that is leading to great conversation.  The entire program is twelve sessions long, but this particular format makes it easier for those of you who want to participate to come and go as you are available.    

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

If you would like to contribute to flowers for Easter, there are envelopes available in the narthex and on the wall across from the sacristy.  In case that is not convenient, you can also call Debbie in the church office.  Names of those that you would like to remember or honor through your contribution to the Easter flowers will be included in the service leaflet for Easter.  Also, after Easter we will go back to our usual practice of weekly fresh flowers for the Sunday morning Eucharist.  Spaces are available on the calendar on the wall outside the sacristy.  If you would like to share a Sunday and reduce your cost, that is completely acceptable.  We always have beautiful flowers at Grace, and that's one thing that will probably never change!

Anonymous Giving

Occasionally the question arises about how someone who wants to make anonymous monetary gifts to the church can do so.  There are several different ways.  One, you can go to any bank and have a cashier's check sent to Grace that does not include any identifying information.  If you want to be able to tax deduct your gift, keep a copy of the cashier's check.  Two, if you want to give cash, put it in an envelope marked "Grace Church contribution" and then put it in the locked box that the kindergarten uses--on the wall in the cloister to the left of the entrance to All Saints.  Also, you can send the contribution through our Bishop and he will "launder" it through his discretionary fund.  We appreciate all contributions.