"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Whatever your plans, Saint John's has opportunities for you. If something is happening at the church there is a good chance that it is a parishioner who assures that it happens, that could be you. Lectors, ushers, altar guild are all parishioners like you. Furnishing an apartment for a refugee family happens because of parishioners like you. With God's help, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Ask, learn how to be a part of something extraordinary.
Need help with the first steps, consider these opportunities: on 21 January we will celebrate African Palms Sunday. This is a great opportunity to sing the praises of this important ministry, and to learn more about the ministry and its impact on the lives of those it affects in Tanzania and other parts of Africa. On that Sunday during the 11am coffee hour we will share photos and stories of our recent trip to Tanzania. This is a great way to learn and become involved.
The next weekend, 28 January, is the Annual Parish meeting. This will be held at 9am in the Parish Hall. During the meeting we will present the budget for 2018, and vote on the candidates for Vestry. Plan to attend, learn about the business of the church, and show your support for our Vestry.
To show that God does have a sense of humor, this year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentines Day and Easter is on April Fools Day; at least it will be easy to remember. All this means that Lent is fast approaching so now is a good time to start considering what spiritual practice will become part of your own Lenten journey. It is not too late to join in the Bible Challenge if that would be a good spiritual practice for you. Perhaps you might want to volunteer assisting in a Sunday School class, or maybe prepping our garden beds for spring is more of your calling; there are many opportunities at Saint John's.
A Lenten practice that many enjoyed last year involved Evening Prayer followed by a meal of soup and bread on the Wednesdays of Lent. A sign up sheet to provide soup will be posted soon, and attendance at this service is a great mid-week break for students and adults.
There are many opportunities, what are you waiting for? "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
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