TWO WORDS FROM FATHER MARK |
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For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”
who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
What the Light Can Do
The winter days are getting longer. When you look outside after 5:00 pm there is more light every evening (that is when it isn’t snowing).
This season of Epiphany is about the steady Biblical witness to the increase of God’s light in the world. Epiphany began with the winter light of a single star which was soon reflected in the waters of Jesus’ baptism. Epiphany began with preaching in Capernaum which soon spread to the whole of Galilee. Epiphany began with the call of the brothers by the Sea of Galilee and now has spread around the world.
When St. Paul wrote the words above to the Corinthians, he was defending himself against charges that he was only working in his own interest, only commending himself. Paul is quick to point out that we are all “earthen vessels”, clay jars, and that this shows God’s power is present.
Notice how he writes that the light shines out of the darkness into our hearts. God comes to us in our difficulty and struggle with a fiery torch (no flashlights or headlamps back then). Moreover, the light gives the knowledge of God’s glory with a human face. God, in Jesus, transforms our earthen vessels into glorious light.
I have seen God’s glory shine in this world and in this parish. I have witnessed acts of giving, care, mercy and compassion. Here in Queen Anne’s County, I see the light when people are fed, the lonely are cared for, and new insights are given and received.
Between now and Easter, we have work to do. Sin and death still have the upper hand around us. We will be called for forty days to pray, fast and give; setting aside all that keeps us from reflecting God’s light and love.
But we know the final outcome. We know that God reigns supreme. We know that the darkness can never overcome the light. So, bask in the light this weekend. Then, prepare yourselves for a Holy Lent. God has prepared the gift; we need only open our hearts and hands to receive it.
Peace,
Mark +
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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This Sunday's Worship Service
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Please pray for: Our Country, Rosa Andolfatto (RIP)-Rosemary Murtha & Family, Margie Blood (RIP), Aubree Burton, Jerry Catron (RIP) -Mike Catron & Family, Chris, Lynn & Scott Clark, Bill Coppage (RIP), Deny, Elizabeth Fehrenbacher, Susan Fralic, Ella-3-year old, John Gilbert (RIP)-Wyna & Family, Steve Guy, Phil Horney (RIP)-Joyce & Family, Chalk Jewell, Larisa, Rose McMonegal, Heidi Mlynarski, The National Guard, Tess Nelson (RIP)-Tim Aland & Family, John Perkins, Bill O’Rourke, Michael Robertson, Zuhair Sadiq, Jeffrey Thomas, Becky Unger, Geoff Young (RIP)
Prayer Requests can be sent to prayer@ccpki.org
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Christian Formation
We are celebrating Valentine's Day on "Wednesdays with Winnie". Wait till you see Winnie all decked out in her Heart scarf! Valentine's Day is all about love and there is so much to love in God's world. We read verses 4-7 from 1 Corinthians 13. Let's remember that love is patient and love is kind this Valentine's Day. Be like Winnie and shine your love and light all around our community.
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb 17th. In "Lessons with Lisa" we take a look at Jesus' life beginning at Christmas when the Star of Bethlehem shone so bright leading the Wisemen to Jesus. The light of Jesus continues to grow as Jesus gathers his disciples and begins his ministry spreading the love of God to all. The transfiguration makes it clear to all that Jesus is God. Now as we enter the season of Lent we are asked to go within and make space for this light .
There are Lent family activity baskets available at the church if you would like some ideas for your family during the season of Lent.. Please pick up your family's basket on Sunday between 8:30-9:30. Please join me on "Wednesday with Winnie" for more information about Lent. formation@ccpki.org
Peace,
Miss Lisa and Winnie
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Save the Dates
Ash Wednesday Online Worship
Lenten ZOOM Book Study Feb 16, 23, Mar 2, 9, 16 & 23
Membership Class Sundays Feb 21 through Mar 21 at 5:00 pm
Please contact Fr. Mark for more information on joining Christ Church. frmark@ccpki.org
Communion Pick-Up: Sat 9:30 to Noon and Sun 8:30 – 9:45am
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Lenten Book Study
Tuesday Nights February 16 to March 23 @ 7:00 pm
How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life.
In The Walk, Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together in the church.
The Book is available in Hardback or Kindle versions. Call the church for ordering help.
Meeting ID: 820 0238 8963
Passcode: 814614
< or> Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
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TRY OUT EfM??
Want to find out what EfM (Education for Ministry) is all about? Attend (via ZOOM) two EfM sessions during Lent (on Tuesday, 3/30, & Tuesday, 4/6, 6-8 PM) with absolutely no commitment to join or go any further with the Program.
Here’s how it works: Every year our EfM group has two periods we call “Interim Reading”. We stop what we’re studying individually (Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Modern Theology), and we all read a selected short book which we then spend two sessions discussing. We invite guests to join us.
This year’s “Interim Reading” book is HOSPITABLE PLANET, by Stephen Jurvoicks. If you want to join us on 3/30 and 4/6, you’ll need to obtain a copy of the book (borrow from a current EfM member or buy used on Amazon.com) and read it before 3/30.
Let one of the EfM Mentors listed below know if you’re interested. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience EfM and see what you think. It may open doors to new growth for you! efm@ccpki.org
EfM Mentors:
Connie Clark, Bluette Blinoff, Adele Sadiq, Ann Sieracki
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BROAD CREEK CEMETERY NEWS
The Broad Creek Cemetery Committee had made its' calendar for the next few months. The committee always needs new members (we have a good time at our meetings) and need help at our clean-ups. Join us when you can!
March 1,2021-meeting
March 20, 2021 - clean-up
March 27, 2021 - rain date for clean-up
April 5, 2021 -meeting
May 3, 2021-meeting
June 7, 2021 - meeting
June 19, 2021 - Service of Remembrance - held at the cemetery
Clean-up jobs can include: painting the fence, picking up sticks and branches, mulching, weeding, oiling the benches, raking, setting cornerstones ...
There are some tools there or you can bring your own comfortable ones. Tools needed: rakes, shovels, chain saws, loppers, snips, hand tools
Betsy Sipes, Secretary 410-643-4083
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Meals Needed for Shelter
We are asking your help by providing an evening meal for our SIX guests at Haven Ministries any night between Feb 27 -March 1. We need a main dish-meat and veggie casserole or pasta type casserole with a side of bread/roll. A green salad would be nice also. We cannot use the kitchen at KIUMC for any type of cooking so the casseroles should be fully cooked and ready to serve when dropped off.
If you would like to volunteer for any of the nights please contact Leslie Schneider at 410-310-4085 or lschneider3@msn.com.
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Ways to Support Christ Church
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Electronic Giving: Click Here
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Text to Give by texting CCPKI to 73256
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Bank: Have your bank send a check or make an ACH transfer
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By Check: CCPKI 830 Romancoke Rd. Stevensville MD 21666
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Christ Church Parish Kent Island| 410-643-5921 | office@ccpki.org | ccpki.org |
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