RECTOR'S MESSAGE

The Season of Lent

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Greetings,

 

Here we are on the cusp of Lent. This season may not be the longest season in the church year, but it is an important season. It is the time for spiritual preparation through repentance and growth in faith for Easter. It is the time in the church year when the passion and death of Christ comes into focus. It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends in the depth of sorrow and tragedy on Good Friday.

 

Lent is the season of the Christian Year when Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God. Renunciation of pleasure during Lent is not the goal but as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herchel said: "Repentance is an absolute spiritual decision made in truthfulness. Its motivations are remorse for the past and responsibility for the future." Lent is the time to consider standing together for an issue of justice and peace. To stand in solidarity against abuse and anything that degrades and demeans the human spirit and face of God in our world.

 

Lent is the time to free ourselves from our idolatry and embrace the resurrected Christ through seeking His face. It a journey which balances the cross and resurrection. It is the season when we focus on self not community and consciously put aside the things that clutter our lives: mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol, business, or other things that keep us running from life and God. Lent is a time to "repent," to return to God and refocus our lives. But remember, is not just another time to try and fulfill unmet New Year's resolutions!

 

Some of the practices you might try during the next six weeks of Lent are:

 

FASTING: Not just food; cut out something in your life that distracts you from God. It can be candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes, skip one meal a day, whatever it is, you use that time to come and be in the presence of God and enjoy his Creation. What do you need to "fast" from in order to focus on God?

 

SERVICE: Take on something for Christ. Pack food at the local food bank up the road. Volunteer once a week to tutor children. Or work on reform and justice in our community. Help a stranger, co-worker, or friend every day.

 

PRAYER: Set time aside for intentional prayer. Pray while you walk. Sing the Psalms, sit quietly, and let the Spirit speak.

 

THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR LENT:

1. An electronic fast. Give up TV, tweeting, email for one day a week. Instead read and pray, or play games with your kids.
2. Start a ritual of prayer. Say a prayer every time you comb your hair, check your email, or hear an ambulance. Before you send a text, pray for that person.
3. Read one chapter of the bible each day. Mark would be a good book this year, or the Psalm.
4. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee and give the money you save to those in need.
5. Create a quiet space in your life on a daily basis. Save 30 minutes a day for silence and prayer
6. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write a thank you letter each week and give thanks for the blessings of your life.
7. Be kind to someone each day.
8. Pray for others when you see them walking to and from classes, or work, and driving in the car
9. Volunteer one hour a week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, or ministry of your choice.
10. Go on a private retreat at one of the retreat centers on the Island.

Blessings,

Rev. Deb 

  

Sunday, March 1, 4-6 pm

Oahu Episcopal youth are invited to a good old-fashioned kickball game followed by a picnic dinner at Holy Nativity Church on Sunday, March 1 from 4 to 6 pm. Come meet youth from all over the island for an afternoon of fun.

All Holy Nativity members are invited to the event. Contact Eva Eglinton at hncjrwarden@gmail.com for more information.

We are undertaking an update of the parish directory this spring. If your contact or family information has changed, please call or email the church office at (808) 373-2131 or holynativity@gmail.com with the changes. Mahalo!