March 5, 2023 | The Second Sunday in Lent | |
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Life can be hard. We are not handed an instruction manual to answer every question nor a map to guide each step of the way. I find myself better equipped to navigate life’s challenges when I plug into a rhythm of stepping back, examining my path, asking forgiveness for my mistakes, and spending time with God in prayer — simple practices that help ground and bring out the best in me. And yet, as I go about trying to be a good dad, partner, colleague, friend, wannabe runner, and decent human being, my reality is that my spiritual homework is often left more undone than not. I used to take Lent up on the opportunity to step away from ice cream or read a book that I have been putting off. These days I welcome Lent as a gift, capable of encouraging me to do the deeper soul-work that I know I need to do but don’t always make space in my life for.
In these early days of Lent 2023, I have been meditating upon three questions: “Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” None of these questions are particularly remarkable on their own but, when considered together, they prove to be a valuable lens through which any experience can be filtered. Our world needs more truth, discernment, and kindness. I need regular reminders that I am capable of responding to any situation with truth, discernment, and kindness. Although I may not cut back on my ice cream intake by Easter, I’m hopeful this habit will help me better live from a place of wholeness and integrity, and share these values with others.
However it is that you approach Lent, I pray that you can encounter these forty days as a gift — to explore, with God, some of the soul-work that you might otherwise be tempted to put off.
John+
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Join us at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m.* this Sunday in our historic sanctuary as we mark the second Sunday in Lent. We hope to see you at whatever service fits your schedule this weekend.
*11 a.m. service also live-streamed. By entering the church at 11 a.m., you consent to being filmed, as well as its release as desired by CC+WP. More information linked below.
Additional worship information & livestream links here.
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Children's Chapel will be offered at both services, and nursery care for our younger children is available from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
As a part of our Lenten Outreach project, all children are invited upstairs at 10 a.m. to receive a short lesson about Jesus' call to serve the poor. Students will also have the opportunity to draw a card showing a possible area we invite you to focus on in our project (personal care items vs cleaning supplies, for example.)
Following this lesson, children will be directed by age and interest to participate in either (or both) of the following:
- Lunch-making - join with parishioners to make 100+ bagged lunches for our homeless neighbors at CCNV, or
- Make a "kindness quilt" - head to the downstairs Sunday School classroom to complete and decorate paper squares that we will hang as a tapestry above the donation table through Easter.
Read more about our Children's Ministries & Sunday School
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As noted above, this week we will get started a few minutes after 10 a.m. to pack 100 bagged lunches for the homeless in this intergenerational ministry. Many thanks to Linda Mellgren & John Payne for donating supplies, and to Anne Fletcher & John Jameson for coordination & delivery as always. | |
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Thanks again to our dedicated Vestry who will meet this Sunday to welcome our new class and continue their thoughtful direction of our community. If interested, here are the recent approved minutes, and this week's agenda. | |
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Stop by the parish hall kitchen Sunday any time after 1 p.m. to help brew new beer for our warming weather, and to prepare for St. Patrick's Day! | |
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Fellowship Opportunities, Events & Updates | |
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We are thrilled to have the opportunity to gather as a community in joy on Saturday, March 18, as we host our Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Fundraiser. In addition to delicious food & drink (for both kids & adults!,) a parish hall touched by the Irish, and children's activities galore, each of you will have a chance to further support our community by helping us make much-needed improvements to the downstairs children's spaces (such as fresh paint and intentional furniture,) as well as our large but under-utilized courtyard - including everything from new play structures and furniture to landscaping work. Get excited to support your favorite element of this project, and REGISTER TODAY!
P.S. We can't do it alone! Many thanks to our volunteer leaders - Lauren Sullivan, Julie McClure, and Jordon Wadlington - who are working hard behind the scenes. Please consider finding them at coffee hour this week to offer your support, or sign up here! No experience necessary.
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Workshop for Parents at CC+WP! | We are thrilled to be hosting a spiritual learning event for the Diocese on Saturday, March 11. In this multigenerational morning gathering, all are invited to come together with the Rev. Claire Brown to ponder together the holy questions of Lent & Easter. Parents/caregivers & kids of all ages especially welcome as we engage with specific age-based activities as well as opportunities for all ages to explore together. The event ($20/adult, $5/child, or $30/family) includes lunch (& nursery care!) and begins at 10 a.m. here at Christ Church. Please register by March 4, and reach out to Katie with questions. | |
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Join us via Zoom this Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m. as parishioner Joe Howard talks about growing up with an interest in science (and his 20 years working on the space telescope,) and reflects on our movie, Contact (1997), starring Jodie Foster as an astronomer who receives a message from space. All are welcome. For more information contact Paul Laymon. | |
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Outreach: Service to the Community | |
Lenten Outreach Project continues. | Our Lenten Outreach Project launched with a bang - thanks to those of you who already donated items for our partners: Community Pantry at Eliot-Hine & Ward 6 Mutual Aid. Please see washingtonparish.org/outreach for the most updated list of items most desired by our partners, from shelf-stable food items to household cleaning products and diapers. Please consider adding one or two to your next shopping list, and bring to the donation table in the Parish Hall any time before Easter. Don't have time to shop? You can still support: all donations to our Outreach fund during the months of March & April will be evenly divided between the two project partners! | |
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Please feel free to sign up to help at Capitol Hill Migrant Respite Centers, and/or donation sorting. In addition to volunteers, a current need includes men's jeans, waist sizes 28-32, and new men's underwear, sizes small and medium. Drop off at St Mark's (301 A Street SE.) | |
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We are seeking assistance from parishioner chefs next Saturday, March 11, in the form of entrees, sides, and dessert (serving 16) for women staying at CWS' new facility, New Foundations, as well as our standard monthly service on March 12. Sign up for these or subsequent openings! With questions, please reach out to Barb Crandall. Thank you! | |
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Want to help our partners, near and far? | |
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"The wilderness can be any place where you are confronted with the fact that you are not in control."
Hear Rev. John remind us that learning to discern our own path is key to spiritual growth, and that the wilderness is one place where we can do so, as it is where we have to wrestle with our own demons and do the soul work that Lent so invites us to do.
Past sermons are always available here.
The Rev. John Kellogg
February 26, 2023
Christ Church + Washington Parish
Washington, DC
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Church Business Hours for Staff & Clergy: Sunday - Thursday, 8:30-3 or by appointment | |
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