Redeemer Reporter - March 2019

March 2019

From the Rector

Dear Friends,

Whenever my wife Ruth and I plan a journey, we sit down with a map and work out the route, direction and places we will be visiting en route. This isn't necessary, of course, because when we get in our car and set off we simply type in the address on our GPS and let the technology do the work for us. At the same time, there is something satisfying about looking at a map and seeing the larger picture. Our longest journey by car was from Wilmington DE to Savannah GA, where Ruth was officiating at a wedding. I remember being taken aback by the distance we had to drive, especially for someone like me who was used to taking the plane. However, it was good to see the territory rather than fly over it.

When we arrived in Savannah we discovered a delightful city with tree-lined streets and a wealth of interesting shops (including a British pie shop). The wedding, which was held outside in a park by a fountain, went well - the forecast rain held off, and bride and groom were married before God and family and friends as well as a number of curious onlookers.

That was two years ago. Last week I heard a saying which is relevant to everyone who travels: "The map is not the territory". What that means is that a map is an abstracted picture of where you are going, but the territory is what you encounter when you travel. Simply put, on a map, the green areas representing state parks and the blue areas representing lakes are one thing, but seeing them for the first time - the forest of trees along a horizon, the sunlight reflecting off the water - creates a wholly new impression.

It seems an obvious statement to make. But the territory will also include those people whom you meet for the first time, who will be curious about you as an outsider. What will be in the exchange? Often that will be down to you, but God sometimes draws people together and there may be something more in the exchange than polite greetings. Venturing into new territory can be stimulating, especially if your life is in a rut. The territory also includes yourself, especially if you are alone in a remote part of the country.

In the last few years I have become interested in the territory that Jesus explored - when you look closely, it turns out he covered a lot of ground! He usually took his disciples with him, even into "foreign" parts, like Samaria. The territory they traversed included desert plains, rivers and mountains. I'm sure the disciples wished to stay closer to home, but because they trusted Jesus, they followed him.

Now that Lent is here we have the opportunity to read again our map and set out into new territory. Our map is the Bible, where God's plan for the salvation of the world is set forth. The Bible tells this story through its many characters and stories. For Christians, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the most powerful and meaningful story, because it touches something deep within the human soul. In every generation, the story of Jesus speaks to us and through it God leads us to a promised land of light, love and joy.

The map is not the territory. The Bible reminds us of God's creation and redemption of the world, and it should spur us on to explore some of the territory Jesus covered. A visit to the Holy Land is one thing, but to follow Jesus closely means to set aside time for prayer each day. It may mean offering yourself for some particular service in your church or community. It means finding ways to go out of yourself and into the world of others, carrying Christ within your heart and soul. Often the territory is unknown, but if we follow the map we can be sure to arrive someplace where we can do some good, and be of service.

I wish you a joyful and blessed Lent.

Father David

Senior Warden's Report

I mentioned in my last report that in February and March we would be preparing for the Annual Meeting which will take place on March 24. Because of that event, Youth Sunday will take place the following Sunday on March 31. I think it is appropriate that the preparation for the Annual Meeting takes place during the time of Lent. As I understand it, Lent is a time of self-examination and reflection on our lives as followers of Christ. The Annual Meeting is a time when we examine last year's life of Redeemer. Heads of ministries need to reflect and turn in their reports for the Annual Report. Vestry candidates need to be considered and elected. The examination of our life as a corporate body is a compilation of each individual member's contribution to the work of the church. Any growth in the life of the church must come from the growth of its individual members. Lent would be a great time to reflect on how our lives as individuals can affect the life of Redeemer. I look forward to going through the process with you.

George Baughan

Senior Warden

Church of the Redeemer, Springfield

Annual Meeting

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Parish Hall

11:30 am (after the 10:15 am Eucharist)

Prayer during Lent should draw us closer to God. We might pray especially for the grace to live out our baptismal promises more fully.

Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. Abstaining from meat on Fridays is a common tradition in the church. Modern traditions include abstaining for one day from the TV or computer.
Works of love are a sign of our care for those in need and an expression of gratitude for all God has given us.

ASH WEDNESDAY March 6, 2019

12:15 pm Said Mass with Imposition of Ashes (Chapel)

7:30 pm Sung Mass with Imposition of Ashes (Church)

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT March 10, 2019

8 am Said Holy Eucharist