BEACON. Then there is the hymn, "O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High". Here is verse 1,

Transcription

1 IE BEACON Lent-2018 It seems to be a bit of a conundrum to have Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day fall on the same day this year. Well, at least for a minute or two. And, then, I recalled the passage recorded in the Gospel of John which states, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you..." Then there is the hymn, "O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High". Here is verse 1, O love, how deep, how broad, how high, how passing thought and fantasy, that God, the Son of God, should take our mortal form for mortals' sake! With these in mind it makes perfect sense for the message of Lent 2018 to be tied in with Valentine's Day, a day which for those of us in North America has both a sentimental, personal, and powerful meaning.(continued on page 2) Quotable Quote: "Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God." - Andrew Murray

2 "Lent 2018" continued from page 1 Pictured below are two devotional aids, courtesy of Bread for the World. I invite and encourage you to use them in this time of contemplation within the framework of your personal devotions. Lenten Prayers for Hungry People Readings, prayers, and actions to help you and your family observe Lent in 2018 prepared by Bread for the World First Week in Lent February 18^24 Jesus proclaims the good news Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25: Percr 3:18-22 Mark 1: Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "'I'he time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near: repent and believe in the good news."j Mark i Be mindful of your mercy, O land, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.i Mm 25:6 PRAYER: O Ghrist, we give thanks that during this season of Lent you come into our lives, proclaiming God's salvation. Renew our faith in this good news so that we may raise our voices on behalf of those who hunger in our world. Amen Join religious leaders and thousands of others who are observing a day of prayer, fasting, and advocacy on the 21st of each month (the day that SNAP benefits typically run out). To make your commitment to this effort and to receive suggestions for prayer, fasting, and advocacy, visit brcad.org/fast. Fold this *tebh tant" along tha lints and insert the tab through tha slot. Fold backwards for tha Fourth and Fifth Waaks In Lent and Holy Weak. Second Week in Lent February 25-March 3 Jesus invites us to take up the cross Genesis 17:1-7, Psalm 22:23-31 Romans ^:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 or Mark 9:2-9 [Jesus] called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Fo^ those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it." Mark 8.\M-.15 PRAYER: O God, you desire that all people should eat and he satisfied. As we follow Jesus to Jerusalem and the cross, may our lives be so transformed that we work to see that all may share in your bounty. Amen. ACTION: Contact your members of Congress and urge them to continue out nations investment in humanitarian aid and development assistance that enables farmers in Africa and elsewhere to grow more food and more nutritious food to feed their families and communities. C^all ( ) or visit bread.org/vvritc to your members of Congress. The poor shall cat and he satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord... All the ends ol the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. Mm 22:26-27 An online version n( I emeu I'rayers can he found at hreacl.org/lent. Hie readiup are those appointed Kit each.sunday in I ent in the Revised Common Lccttonary. All scripture texts are from the New Revised Standard Version. tothe Division of Christian I-ducatkm ol die National Council of Churches in the United States of America.

3 <* ^ The Peace Candle In 1983 a pastor hosted a tour group to Soviet Russia. While attending worship in a Russian Orthodox Church the pastor/tour group leader was approached by an elderly woman who pressed three rubles into his hand. He request, "Please buy a candle to be lighted (in his church) as a symbol of peace." Honoring her request, the pastor purchased a votive candle and placed it on the altar of his congregation in Pennsylvania. The congregation then decided to gift "Candles for Peace" to their friends, neighbors, and visitors and share with each one the story of the Russian woman and her gift of three rubles. Candles for Peace now burn in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Michigan, in the Provinces of Ontario, Canada and in Manitoba, Canada. Candles for Peace also burn on the altars of congregations in Washington, Idaho, and New Mexico., St. Andrew's has received two Candles for Peace. The first comes from Trinity Episcopal Church, Bend, Oregon. The other Candle for Peace was gifted to us by the members of St. Jerome Episcopal Church, Chama, New Mexico. The Light Bulb Moment Carroll J. Marohl, Pastor and Vicar NOUN informal usage: A moment of sudden realization, enlightenment, or inspiration. 7 had a light-bulb moment and vowed to start managing my money better' It was Ash Wednesday. I had gone to the morning service and received the sign of the cross, in ashes, upon my forehead. After worship I had a few errands to run. One of them took me to my son's office. While I was waiting for him to come and escort me through the labyrinth to his desk I struck up a conversation with the firm's receptionist. Actually, she started it. It went like this: "So, the church that you go to must do Lent." "Yes we do. As a matter of fact today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. "Yeah. I see the cross on your forehead." (Pause) I use to do Lent. "What do you mean "used to"?; "I switched churches. We don't do Lent in my new church. I really, really miss it." "Do you mind if I ask why you don't do Lent?"(

4 FobrU^rV 2018 "Our pastor says it is too depressing. Besides the Bible says that we are not to clothe ourselves in sackcloth and ashes as signs of our mourning. But, I really miss it. We are supposed to be a happy church and sing praise songs to God all of the time." "The Bible also tells us that we need time to pray and reflect upon our relationship with God. The ashes are a sign of our mortality. You are going to die. I am going to die. When we are baptized n "I had to be baptized again. It wasn't right the first time." "Well, when we are baptized we are marked with the sign of the cross. This cross reminds me that I am a child of God." "I used to be a Lutheran." Just then my son came in. He had been standing in the hall listening to our conversation. I finished my conversation with the receptionist by inviting her to come with me to the 7:00 p.m. worship service. Cynthia and I waited for her in the narthex until the service started. She did not show up. The Light Bulb Moment is this: The young woman did not know really know how much Lent meant to her until it was forbidden her. She "couldn't do" Lent, said her pastor, because "it is too depressing." Here is what Scripture says concerning ashes: Ashes were used in ancient times to express grief. When Tamar was raped by her half-brother, "she sprinkled ashes on her head, tore her robe, and with her face buried in her hands went away crying" (2 Samuel 13:19). The gesture was also used to express sorrow for sins and faults. In Job 42:3-6, Job says to God: "You asked, Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes". 7he prophet Jeremiah calls for repentance by saying: "O daughter of my people, gird on sackcloth, roll in the ashes" (Jeremiah 6:26). 7he prophet Daniel recounted pleading to God: "I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes" (Daniel 9:3). Just prior to the New Testament period, the rebels fighting for Jewish independence, the Maccabees, prepared for battle using ashes: "That day they fasted and wore sackcloth; they sprinkled ashes on their heads and tore their clothes" (1 Maccabees 3:47; see also 4:39). With history like that the use of ashes within the structure of a worship service and this thing called Lent brings focus and, prayerfully, meaning to what we do. Having said all that, the use of ashes is strictly voluntary. We do not need outward signs for every one at Fred Meyer to notice us and think, "My, what a good Christian is s/he". The sign of ashes is a purely personal choice. It is an outward sign of an inner humility; it affirms the fact that as we stand at the foot of the cross and look up we gaze upon the face of the One who died to take away the sins of the world. Our pain became his pain. Our embarrassments became his embarrassment. Our sin was laid upon his shoulder and the day of our death was faced head on that Friday afternoon. No. I don't imagine that Friday was an afternoon of happy times at the local A&W. 4

5 I am naming this Lenten season a time of spiritual retreat for all of us. For 40 days plus the additional Sundays (They are Sundays in Lent, not of Lent). Before the foot of the cross webring our grief, our sorrow for our sins and faults. At the foot of the cross we pray our words of repentance. With the sign of ashes we stand before our Savior and plead and prepare for battle. I am not sorry if the words of my pen sound too gloomy and carry within them the not so faint echo of anguish. The journey of the Christian brings us to the reality of the cross. That is not the end of the journey. The Way continues to a bright Sunday morning and from there we are all led in many directions. Regular and faithful worship is/can be our Light Bulb Moment, the brightness of which sustains us in that journey so that we do not grow weary and give up on ourselves and the Church. Worship Schedule for Lent FEBRUARY 11 Burying the "Alleluia!" both services. 14 Ash St. A's 11:00 a.m.-imposition of Ashes 6:00 p.m.-lmposition of Ashes Lenten Siuslaw Presbyterian 18 8:00 a.m. Rite St. A's 20TUESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP 5:00-6:00 p.m. Simple Supper, 6:00 p.m. Joint worship with New Life St. A's 2111:00 a.m.-"here I Am St. A's. Holy Eucharist 24 Daughters of the King Retreat 27TUESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP 5:00-6:00 p.m. Simple Supper, 6:00 p.m. Joint worship with NLLC 2811:00 a.m.-"do I HAVE to A's. Holy Eucharist MARCH TUESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP 5:00-6:00 p.m. Simple Supper, 6:00 p.m. Joint worship with New Life St. A's 11:00 a.m. "Growling Tummy and Callused St. A's. Holy Eucharist TUESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP 5:00-6:00 p.m. Simple Supper, 6:00 p.m. Joint worship with New Life NLLC. 11:00a.m.-"Oh for the Love of St. A's. Holy Eucharist TUESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP 5:00-6:00 p.m. Simple Supper, 6:00 p.m. Joint worship with New Life St. A's 11:00a.m. "For those St. A's. Holy Eucharist 11:00a.m. Maundy Thursday Worship 6:00p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship Ecumenical Good Friday Service at NLLC. Details TBD 5 died"

6 Heard during fellowship after worship: "I don't know what to give up for Lent this year." "Instead of giving something up, why don't you try adding something?" ^P0 YOU COUNT SWEEP TO ^ET TO SLEEP, Senior Warden Junior Warden Clerk (non-bac) Treasurer (non-bac) Priest BAC Executive Board and Board Members 2018 Pat McArdle Lynn Woodworth Wiki Barnes Steve Skidmore Carroll J. Marohl Mary Elles Andrew Sarah Hawkins Jan Kinslow Ron Scott Carole Velvin Volunteer Sexton (non-bac) Ted \ Hawkins

7 Heartfelt TkaKks! With your presence on the 28th you have blessed our new house and, by filling it with love and laughter and the sharing of food and drink, have begun its transformation from house to home. Thank * cards and gifts. Each on place in our fives. God bless! Cynthia/ aw ft BLESSING TABLE It is a bit of this and a bit of that. It is whatever your creative heart desires. You make it, bake it, or let your chicken lay it. No junk (though sometimes it is another person's treasure). ^ No price shall be placed upon it. Each item is a free will offer- IJ* ing. All $$ $$$ shall be gathered, audited, cared for and on a quarterly bases offered to an as yet to be determined mission project. Have fun! And, GOD bless you everyone.

8 The Beacon The Newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, February, 2018 > LIGHTHOUSE CHAPTER THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING *** +++ *** FEBRUARY FOCUS This year during the month of February, Lent comes upon us, on Wednesday, February 14th. There are many familiar and common themes on which to focus during Lent. Let's look at a few. 'Who I am in Christ' tells about some things we may not readily associate with Lent, but upon clo ser examination see that they are fitting. The familiar theme is repentance; what follows true re pentance, is forgiveness. In Christ, we are forgiven of all our sins and washed in the blood. (Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14; Col. 1:14; I John 2:12; I John 1:9). We are set free (John 8:31-33); we are free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1). In true repentance and forgiveness, we can be His faithful foilower(s). (Rev. 17:14b; Eph. 5:1) The Ash Wednesday Liturgy reminds us about a season of penitence and fasting, in preparation for the message of pardon and absolution in the Gospel. In Psalm 51 and the Litany of Penitence, there are words which point us toward the fulness available to us in a life in Christ, and about God's faithfulness to us as His followers. In both the Psalm (BCP pg. 266) and the Litany (BCP pg. 267) are pictures of what life outside of Christ is; by inference, what life in Christ can be. The season of Advent, which began the Church year, had readings which contrasted the darkness of life without Christ, and the promise of Life in His Light. The Star is a symbol of Epiphany (notice the seasonal banner at the church), the season after Christmas which leads to Lent. In Lent, there is another pair of contrasts: mortality and immortality, our mortal nature and life ever lasting - akin to darkness and light. From some well-loved lyrics: "There is no condemnation"i am a new creation, For those who are in Christ,No more in condemnation For the Spirit of lifehere in the grace of God I stand. In Christ has set me free." D. Bilbrough J. Parsons "He leadeth me! He leadeth me!"in Thy presence By his own hand he leadeth me!there's fulness of joy..." His faithful follower I would be, M.Kerry For by his hand he leadeth me." J. H. Gilmore

9 The Beacon The Newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, February, 2018 UNITED THANK OFFERING AND LENT Remember last year when we did something different; we experienced Lent by taking items out of our closets each day that were no longer worn or need 'ed, and we placed them into a trash bag. As those items were collected, we also placed coins (or paper money) into our United Thank Offering "blue \ boxes". We experienced being grateful for our abundance which we were able to share with others. It will soon be Lent, although it is a bit earlier this year as Ash Wednesday falls on February 14. But it will work the same way; just collect your items and at the end of 40 days (not including Sundays) - Easter is on April 1st this year - donate your items to someone who needs them. It could be Mapleton SHALOM, SOS, Helping Hands Coalition or?? Your blue boxes will also be full in preparation for our Spring in-gathering. Be grateful, be thankful and be consistent in your actions of thanksgiving. You will feel better for it and others will benefit from your generosity. EpiscopalEPISCOPAL RELIEF AND Relief & DevelopmentDEVELOPMENT Healing a hurting world For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief and Development has been a compassionate response to a hurting world. Did you know that it was originally called the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, established in 1940 by the Episcopal Church? It has changed over the years to include humanitarian assistance as well as community development. While emphasizing these goals, it also reorganized and became a independent tax free organization. We know them as a "501(c)(3)". Episcopal Relief and Development now works in approxi mately 40 countries and touches the lives of close to 3 million people a year. If you go to their website you will find many stories and ideas of who is helped by our generosity. When the hurricanes happened last year in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida, Episcopal Re lief and Development was there. Last year our Outreach Committee selected a rainwater harvesting system for folks who need safe water. Previous projects have included mosquito nets and asset based training - supporting people with their own resources while they improve their lives. Through the generosity of monies made during last year's craft sale, St. Andrew's is beginning to build a fund towards this year's project. Our Diocese has a new Coordinator and we are waiting to learn what the focus might be for As Presiding Bishop Curry states, "you can't do everything, but you can do something. We can pray. We can give. We can go to work. We can help heal a hurting world through Episcopal Relief and Development."

10 The Beacon The Newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, February, 2018 MARK YOUR CALENDARS February 4 Bread Day LENTEN RENEWAL February 13 1:30 LWG February 14-11:00 & 6:00 - Ash Wednesday February 17 & 18 Lenten Renewal February 27 2:30 - BAC Meeting February 21 5:30-6:30 Community dinner at St. Andrew's February 24 10:30 DOK Retreat Tuesdays 8:20 Morning Prayer Vittles with the Vicar after Wednesday 11:00 ser vice Craft Group Fridays 9-12 Musicians meet every Friday in the Nave for rehearsal- 1:30-4 -i^^ With Dr. Jana Childers Ecumenical Service Sunday, February 18 10:30 a.m Sponsored by New Life Lutheran Church; S. Andrew's Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Presbyteri an Church and St. Mary Catholic Church February 17th 10:30,1:00, and 2:30 At Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw St. Andrew's Episcopal Church P.O. Box 15 Florence, OR 97439