Dear Friends,

We have begun the season of intense preparation for the observance of Holy Week and Easter. It is a time of practicing faith with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. Practicing faith reminds us that we are not simply called Christians as the name of our  religion and we don't primarily belong to a church. We are the church, the spiritual, embodied, people who live as Christ -- by him, with him and in him. We make our way to the cross, following Jesus through death and resurrection, not only, but especially during Lent. We heighten our practice in this season as we might practice for a recital if we were a pianist, train for a race if we were a runner, or prepare for the Olympics if we were a figure skater. For those who have lived in Christ through many seasons, we are accustomed to the basic practices: worship, prayer, study of God's word, self-examination and repentance. What we also must remember is that once we know the practices, our role is to share them with those who have no experience with them.

    

There are many neighbors who have no experience, or no positive, life-giving experience with the church and spiritual life. Lent is historically the time when new converts were prepared for baptism. What a gift it could be to someone seeking well-being if we were to help them to dip a toe into the life we have found at church and with God. There are several excellent programs on offer at St. Mary's this Lent. They are listed below.  I want to commend to you the Rest and Return mini-retreat. It will be a time to practice the best of what the church has to offer as practices, including teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers. In addition to experiencing a rich and restful few hours of spiritual feasting, you may be there as the church supporting someone who is new to the Christian journey of faith.  You may be there to share God's love in this outreach, simply by being present.  We have ten people signed up, most of them are not from St. Mary's. Come and practice your faith by sharing it, even without using words.

  

See you this weekend as we celebrate confirmation and reception with fourteen people who are renewing their life in Christ. Bishop Knisely will be present at all our services this weekend.  There will be a reception with him after the Saturday and Sunday services.

Peace, Jennifer

 The Pancake Breakfast was a great success and delicious!  Thank you to all who contributed to making it happen especially Kathleen and Bill Geasey and JP Reinmuth!

Thank you also to everyone who came and enjoyed fellowship together which is an important part of our church.

SMC Invoices: Please note any payable invoices need to go through the Parish Administrator for record keeping and will then be forwarded to the Treasurer for payment.  Thank you for your support.

With the change of Vestry and Ministry Leaders it is important that all FOBs, keys, tools and paperwork are handed into the Parish Administrator to be available to the new leaders and future leaders.  All paperwork will be filed accordingly. Please label appropriately if Parish Administrator is not there to collect items from you. Thank you in advance! 

We are looking for people to replace Ministry Leaders: We are in need of a Coffee Hour Leader and a Soup Kitchen Leader.  If you are interested in serving in these roles please see a staff member.

The Historic Church Renewal Team (HCRT) has continued to meet weekly and is making great progress. This week work will begin on remediation of water in the basement.

This week's Collect

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Link to  This Week's Reading

Sunday School & Formation Opportunities for All Ages:

Godly Play for children takes place during the Sunday School hour, downstairs in the Parish House in classroom 1.  

 

Winter Sunday School classes: Animate Bible Study: This Sunday we will learn about the various genres in which the bible is written 9am Adult Ed room.  If you ordered a journal, please bring $15.

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul:  "Captivating" book and sharing group for women and those interested in women's spirituality this Sunday at 6PM. If you'd like to join or have questions, contact [email protected].

 

Men's Bible Study: Men's Bible study rotates every other week. For the schedule and to get the lessons ahead of time, and if you have any questions, contact Paul Westrom: [email protected].

Evensong (Evening Prayer Service with music)
February 25 at 4 pm
St. John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar Street, Newport
Commemorating Black History Month and two historical black figures, Absalom Jones, and Peter Quire, the founder of St. John's