Grace and peace,

Breathing with God, our Lenten practice, is not reserved solely for Lent. This is not something to abandon as we cross into Eastertide. Actually, this practice is something to carry with you always. When I look back on the lives of the people whom I have admired for their connection with the Holy Spirit, I can now see that they were simply breathing with God. 

This practice, is hopefully for each of us, the beginning of a new relationship with God.

Sitting at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, witnessing the lighting of the new fire and hearing the stories of salvation at the opening of the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, and then finally – the Great Easter Acclamation!  Breathing with God will enhance these moments.

As we breathe, it is not just for ourselves. Our breathing unites us, and often synchronizes with those around us. Our breath can make us more aware of others, especially those whose own breath is labored. 

During Holy Week, as has been our tradition and the 103-year-old tradition of the Episcopal Church, the offering on Good Friday will be given in support of the ministries of the Anglican Communion Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. 

The work of these dioceses is very important, and has been in the news recently. On Palm Sunday, the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza was bombed. This was the 5th time the hospital has been bombed during the most recent war in Gaza and this last event caused the hospital to close. This was the last operating hospital in Gaza. 

Along with the hospital, the Anglican Church operate an eye clinic, kindergarten, and churches in Baghdad, Yemen, the West Bank and other locations. Your support of these important ministries is appreciated.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH - GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING

Breathe with God, at the foot of the cross, while proclaiming the Easter Acclamation that the Lord has risen. May you have a blessed Eastertide.

Peace

Fr. Henry+