 |
|
Second Sunday in Lent - March 17, 2019
|
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory." -The Book of Common Prayer, p. 101
The quote above from The General Thanksgiving is said at the end of Morning Prayer, the Daily Office I try to keep as part of my daily prayer practice. Generally, it helps me give thanks daily for everything from my creation to my salvation in Christ. I hope that this week's Lenten Reflection will help us give thanks more particularly so I have words to express my gratitude for everyone and everything, including All Saints'.
Being grateful for our church, I can share with another: "I am so thankful for All Saints', for having a church that teaches how the life of Jesus applies to my life today. Because I am loved by God, I have every reason to share that love with others, without judgment. We'll share soup together tonight before our book study, where we'll learn more about who we are as Episcopalians. I'm thankful for our hospitality and for our curiosity. You're welcome to come with me. I'd love for you to meet my friends at All Saints', too."
(Feel free to use this as a practice script!)
|
|
Lenten reflection this week: "Gratitude"
After a great sigh of relief, a natural extension of making it through trials and tribulations is to give thanks. We may already offer thanks generously to everyone with whom we cross paths, but do we do it so often and so readily that it loses sincerity? What would it be like to pause and make eye contact when we say thank you at the drive-through or as we take our receipt from the cashier? Conversely, are we so busy that we move through our day without even thinking about what we have to be grateful for? A quick search reveals that gratitude journals have positive psychological benefits. Even if journaling isn't your thing, before going to sleep at night, think about three things you are grateful for from the day, or maybe start your day with three gratitudes. Think beyond "family, friends, and food," which are my kids' go-to's. God knows we have much to be thankful for. It's worthwhile for us to know, too.
|
|
|
During Lent on Wednesdays at 6:00, we will share a simple, prayerful soup supper and study the
book Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. All are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend to supper. The reading is not required but will be especially helpful for contributing to discussion. A limited number of books have been ordered and are available in Mother Sara's office. (They were $16 if you would like to pay for your book.)
Sign up here
if you would like to provide food for the meals.
|
|
If you're looking for a practice to take ON during Lent, you are invited to the Thursday evening
Time
to
Breathe
from 6-6:30. During Lent, from March 7-April 11, Mother Sara will offer brief instruction on contemplative prayer or meditation, allowing for at least 20 minutes of silence. If you've ever wondered about contemplative prayer or meditation or been intimidated by it, this is a gentle opportunity to give it a try.
|
Thank you for keeping your pledges up to date and for your generous giving. We give thanks for all that we have and all that we accomplish. Please remember that we still have a deficit budget this year.
If you are able to give above and beyond your pledge, we would be delighted to receive. If you have creative ideas on how we could earn or save, please let us know. You can reach our treasurer John Jones at
treasurer@allsaintsbentonville.org
if you have any questions or comments.
|
Refugee Shelter Donations
Thanks to those who donated for the refugee shelter at the border. You can donate financially at any time through the
Annunciation House website
or mail to the address below. Know that they also appreciate receiving encouragement cards for staff and volunteers and welcome cards for new arrivals. You can mail cards to:
Annunciation House
815 Myrtle Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79901
|
The Vestry has begun discerning how we might best enrich our existing membership and also reach out to the community so that others can know what we offer here at All Saints' and come and see for themselves what we're up to. There are three parts to this:
- Invite -- how we attract people to All Saints'
- Welcome -- how we engage newcomers
- Connect -- how we deepen relationships with newcomers and long-time members and also serve the community at large
If this is something you would like to learn more about and be a part of, please
email Brenda Zedlitz, who is ready to get started with "Invite." A first step will be creating a card that we can share with others who might be looking for a church like All Saints'. Another easy first step is using social media (see above Shrove Tuesday suggestions!). We'll take small steps together and engage in enriching our relationships with one another and building up beloved community here and now. There is also an
"Invite, Welcome, Connect" workshop in Sewanee, TN, in June. If you are interested in more details, please
contact Mother Sara.
|
|
Camp Mitchell Workday
Due to a rainy morning and a camp full of teenagers, the workday at Camp Mitchell was rescheduled for this coming weekend. If you are able to go, please let Mother Sara know so she can make sure Dr. Harold Hedges knows to expect you. The workday is from 9am-2pm, and lunch is provided.
|
- 10:00am -- Adult Formation -- Continuing the with the Great Courses series by Prof. Bart Ehrman on How Jesus Became God, this Sunday's lecture is "Did Jesus Think He Was God?"
- 12:15pm -- Godly Play (youth 3-10) -- Lesson for St. Patrick in the Godly Play room.
- 12:15pm -- EYC (youth 11+) -- Continuing with "In the Spirit of the Circle," we will share stories from native tribes regarding sacraments, symbols, and ceremonies. This week's story is from the Sioux: "The Circle"
|
|
At our next meeting on March 18 we will discuss pages 48-101 (chapters 3-4). Since this will be our next to last session on Pagels' book, we need to decide on our next book. Someone voiced an interest in our discussing the Gospel of Thomas, perhaps the most famous manuscript that was found in the gnostic library in Egypt. It's a collection of 114 teachings of Jesus, some of which appear to be genuine; some were included and some were not included in our 4 canonical Gospels.
Here's an idea: We could discuss the Gospel of Thomas at our meeting on April 15. It can be printed from the internet in about 18 pages. I doubt we would want to launch into a longer study of Thomas; but, my goodness, look at the books and internet material on it that are available. Something to think about.
|
Our next Noon Bible Study will be March 19th. We meet from Noon-1 to fit in your lunch hour, giving you the chance to step away from your daily grind and step back to ancient Rome, pondering how what Paul said to the Romans relates to us today.
|
Our next women's meeting will be March 21 in the fellowship hall. Come at 11:00 for lunch and social time; the business meeting starts at 12:00 noon. We will have John Reese as a guest speaker bringing us up to date on Oxford House. We will also have brochures on hand for
Summer Quest at
Camp Mitchell.
|
Essentials Ministry - Your Donations Make a Difference!
March 16th
is the next distribution day. All contributions are helpful! Thanks to all who contribute to our neighbors.
Lost your list? Here are items requested: Check out our Facebook page!
|
Toilet Paper
|
Shampoo
|
Toothbrushes
|
Toothpaste |
| Soap |
Shaving Cream |
Dish Detergent |
Laundry Soap |
|
Disposable Razors |
Deodorant |
|
|
|
Food Pantry and Feast of Grace
The Food Pantry at Christ the King Lutheran Church has a great need for paper towels, toilet paper, larger size children's diapers, and feminine products. A basket has been set up in the vestibule for donations.
This is a great opportunity to connect with others and help out locally. If you are able to help in any way it will be truly appreciated! You can simply drop in on Wednesday afternoon or contact Vikki for more information.
March 6
Food Pantry - 20 people served (7 families)
|
|
Prayer Requests
Please keep these people, organizations and causes in your prayers. If you have a prayer request, you can send a detailed email to Mother Sara
. As you pray, please remember:
| Sharon |
Ann |
Amanda |
Pam |
Suzanne
|
Gloria |
JoD |
Nic |
| Earl |
Anne |
Dee |
Michael |
| Gary |
Blaha family |
Sherry |
Kathleen |
| Jamie |
Roberta |
Steve |
Willard |
| Calvin |
Capps family |
Homeless |
Refugees |
| Amanda |
Penny |
Anne |
Dana |
| Jan |
Angel |
tornado victims in Lee Co., AL |
Jeremy |
| CJ |
Jen |
Finnley |
Phaedra |
| Callum |
|
|
|
We offer prayers for the departed--Eli Warren Brummett and Woody Eastham--may they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Do you
know of others
? Please join your prayers with ours. Thank you.
|
Readings, Lay Ministers and Hospitality for March 17
Readings
Lay Ministers for Saturday
Chalice: Catherine
Lector: Marj
Lay Ministers for Sunday
Chalice: Joe, Susan
Old Testament/Psalm: Chris
Epistle/Prayers: Scott
March 17 - St. Francis
March 24 - St. Drogo
March 31 - Saints of Today
April 7 - St. Jude/St. Bernard
|
Ministry Leaders
It takes many people to support the ministries of All Saints'. Here are email links for leaders of lay ministries. If you have any questions or would like to help, please reach out.
There is a place for you. Your participation is much needed and appreciated!
Chalice Bearers and Lectors -
to be filled (Sunday)
Marj Bernhardt (Saturday)
Diversity representative -
to be filled
ECW -
Sandi Lynn,
all women of the church are encouraged to attend!
Interfaith representative - to be filled
Newsletter -
Sandi Lynn,
feedback and suggestions are always welcome!
|
|
|
|
Regularly Scheduled Events
Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. ECW - 3rd Thursday monthly, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Noon Bible Study - every other Tuesday, 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Theology Pub - every other Monday, 6:30 p.m. Time to Breathe - every Thursday, 6:00-6:30 p.m. Vestry Meeting - 3rd Tuesday monthly, 6:30 p.m. |
|
Church Phone Numbers and Office Hours
Church phone: 479.802.0302
Office hours: Tues - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and other times by appointment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
