Trinity Tidings March 2018

Transcription

1 Trinity Tidings March 2018 The Great Easter Vigil! By Jeanie Munn Do you have your favorite celebration within the calendar year of the church? I do! And it's the Great Vigil of Easter! Join me as I share why I love this service and why it speaks to my heart more than any other service. It's a service full of story, grace, love, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, the promise of the resurrection and mostly LOVE! I'll briefly share with you my journey to the Vigil, a service celebrated across the world by Episcopal churches before Easter morning. But for most of my life, Easter morning was all I knew First, a brief background of the service: The Easter Vigil service has been regarded throughout Christian history as the most sacred service of the Church s year. It is the climactic moment of the three-day period known as the Holy Triduum (tri du um), the sequence of prayers and services commemorating Jesus last days before his death, including the Last Supper and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (Maundy Thursday), his Crucifixion (Good Friday), and his Resurrection (The Easter Vigil). Followers of Jesus began celebrating his Resurrection with the Easter Vigil service very early on. By 215 CE, we already have descriptions of services and liturgical prayers that the early Church was using. As Christianity has developed over time, different strains of the Tradition have evolved, but all major Christian traditions (Eastern Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Roman Catholic, Anglican, even some Lutherans) have continued the Easter Vigil celebration. Traditionally it is also the time during each year when adult converts are baptized and received into the membership of the Church.

2 The service has a number of traditional parts, with themes echoing light and dark and water and fire. Reading selections begin with The Story of Creation (Genesis 1) and end with The Gathering of God's People (Zephaniah). The service begins after sundown with people gathering outside in the dark. A new fire is kindled (ideally, by a single spark) and then blessed. Then the new Paschal Candle is blessed and lit. This candle is the largest candle in the church and is ornately decorated. It symbolizes the Light of Christ, as well as his unending Resurrection Life. It is the candle which normally stands by the baptismal font, also a symbol of dying and rising with Christ into new and unending life. This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave. Once inside the church and seated, in the candlelit darkness, lessons are read. There are as few as 4 and as many as 9, which I personally prefer. The exact lessons vary, but traditionally the story of the Israelites fleeing Egypt and crossing the parted Red Sea is included. The readings tell the story of God s salvation of his chosen people and quote from the ancient prophets who foretold the coming of the Savior. Baptisms are held in the darkness, the Paschal Candle is Blessed, water and oils are also blessed. Then there is a loud noise in the darkness, reminiscent of the sound of the stone being rolled away from the entry to Jesus tomb, and in some churches, everyone blows noisemakers or rings bells joyously, a tradition I would love to participate in once again, as we celebrate the moment of Resurrection. All the lights are turned on and the candles at the altar are lit. Then the Gospel reading telling the story of the first Easter morning is told and followed by a short homily... and the service continues from here as it will on Easter Morning. My path to the Great Easter Vigil: Twenty-Seven years ago, I was battling Anorexia, an eating addiction, and in treatment. I was first confronted with my illness by my priest, who was also a very dear friend of mine. I was a reader most Sundays during the 8am service, so when the time came to begin the delegating of readings for Easter, I was quick to send in a request for my usual reading at the usual time. It was then I discovered I had been assigned a different reading at a different service I had been assigned the Old Testament reading of Dry Bones and was not pleased. I had to hide the eggs and Easter baskets for my children, prepare lunch, and simply did not have time to spend at a service on Saturday night that wasn t even Easter. So, my journey begins as I refuse to read a reading I deemed depressing on Saturday

3 and stubbornly kept my allegiance to the Sunday morning service. The Sunday morning readings were rightfully mine, as I had always done them. Not long into the discussion of what I would read and when I would read, I was asked to simply take home the lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, "Mortal, can these bones live?" I answered, "O Lord God, you know." Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus, says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord." So, I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus, says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. Then he said to me, "Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.' Therefore prophesy, and say to them, thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act," says the Lord. The first time I read it, it seemed creepy. The more I read it through, the more I came to realize that I lived in a Valley of Dry Bones. We all have our valley of Dry Bones and only the Lord can breathe the breath of life into us and deliver us. Deliver us from addiction, despair, resentment, evil thoughts, jealousy, and the rest of our worldly sins. WOW! I had always celebrated the resurrection on

4 Sunday morning, not giving thought to the Journey that brings us there. Sure, I have always observed Lent, Fish Friday, giving up Cokes and Chocolates, attending the Wednesday night soup suppers, being more dedicated to my daily readings, and all the thing we are supposed to do to be good during Lent, but had I ever actually put myself into the sacrifices made in Israel? Did I not realize that I am in the wilderness traveling in circles for 40 days? I did not realize until I began to study the GEV service and readings and really pulled together what the scriptures were saying in my mind. I did not understand that the journey to the empty tomb is my Lenten quest... and the empty tomb is my quest. To live with Jesus Christ in the joy of his resurrection is my ultimate goal. After that experience and up until we moved to Hattiesburg 14 years ago, I always volunteered to read The Valley of The Dry Bones. It speaks to me every time, regardless of where I am in life. It reminds me of the promise ONLY my God can fulfill. Only my God can breathe life into me, and I shall then live. (Yes, I need this yearly reminder) It is the journey, the complete story from Creation to the Empty Tomb and its promise that keeps me coming back every year to the Great Easter Vigil. This year, I ask you to consider slowing down and taking a moment to pause on Saturday night at sundown and join Trinity as the sun sets on the 2nd day of Christ s death and the day or our salvation begins. As we light the first light and remember from where we came as we go towards the light of Christ. I have learned the baskets are never perfect, guests have no problem with potluck after church, and what I wear to the Easter service doesn t matter because there really is Peace in the middle of this crazy world we live in and for me the peace is found at the Great Easter Vigil. This year after the Great Easter Vigil, you are invited to stay, visit and celebrate the Love of Easter with a Wine and Cheese reception.

5 Holy Week and Easter Schedule and Activities Palm Sunday: 8:00 am and 10:30 am Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday in Holy Week Services: 5:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service: 5:30 pm Good Friday Service: noon Holy Saturday, 10:00 am (chapel): Calling all children! On Holy Saturday you are invited to bring two dozen hard-boiled eggs to the Chapel at 10 am. Marian will bless the eggs and the Daughters of the King will host egg dye-ing fun and a pizza lunch. Moms and Dads are welcome! The Great Easter Vigil, Saturday 7:00 pm: This year after the Great Easter Vigil, you are invited to stay, visit and celebrate the Love of Easter with a Wine and Cheese reception, immediately following the service. Easter Sunday - Holy Eucharist: 8:00 am and 10:30 am Easter Egg Hunt: 10:00 am Easter Morning Potluck Reception: Between Services & during Egg Hunt. Suggested items for Sunday Morning are listed below. If everyone brings an item, we can all share in the festivities together. Parish Activities will provide donut holes and punch. Champagne is optional if someone would like to bring some. Devil Eggs Jell-O Eggs Pimento cheese Sandwiches Egg Salad Sandwiches Chicken Salad Sandwiches Cheese & Crackers Apples Bagels & Cream Cheese Fresh Fruit Mini Muffins Banana Bread Sausage Balls Smoked Sausage Biscuits Mini Quiches These are just suggestions. Please contact Jeanie Munn if you have any questions. Thank you!!

6 Hymns for March March Christ is made the sure foundation 51 We the Lord s people 313 Let thy blood in mercy poured 141 Wilt thou forgive that sin, where I begun 143 The glory of these forty days March Lift high the cross 439 What wondrous love is this 441 In the cross of Christ I glory 170 To mock your reign, O dearest Lord 149 Eternal Lord of love, behold your church March Jerusalem, my happy home 302 Father, we thank thee who hast planted 321 My God, thy table now is spread 671 Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 690 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah March All glory, laud, and honor 435 At the Name of Jesus 168 O sacred head, sore wounded Tuesdays at Trinity Continue in March March 6 Sextet performance of pieces by C.P.E. Bach and by Stravinsky March 20 Accento Trio Immediately following the 30-minute recital in the church, the Merry Marthas will serve a delicious lunch in the parish hall for only $10. This includes a main meal, dessert, tea and coffee. Please invite your friends and family to come and enjoy great food, great music, and great fellowship.

7 February Commission and Guild Meetings Liturgy Commission March 5 5:15 p.m. Daughters of the King March 11 1:00 p.m. Finance Committee March 19 5:15 p.m. Vestry Meeting March 21 5:15 p.m. Heavenly Hands Wednesdays 3:00 p.m. Teach Them to Fish Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. EYC Sundays 4:30p.m. Breadbasket Service The next Breadbasket week for Trinity will start March 26 th. To volunteer to help serve food baskets for Trinity, contact Karen Shappley karenlshappley@gmail.com Sunday School Notes Nursery Up to Age 3 Caroline Ratliff, Nursery Worker Brooklyn Mills, Nursery Worker Age 3 Atrium Jennifer Landry Ages 8-11 Room 7 Ward Conville Ages Marshall & Tiffany Wall Lectionary Class, Library Stan Hauer and Tom Fortner Richard Rohr Discussion Group Room 2 Cathy Hopkins & Ellen Ruffin Inquirers Class The Rev. Marian D. Fortner and The Rev. Alex Allain started an Inquirers Class during Lent. All are welcome to join Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Call or the office for more info or to join! The bishop will come to do confirmations April 24th.

8 .Treasured Trinitarian: Ryan Holt By Susan E. Steadman Share your smile with the world could easily be the mantra of this month s Treasured Trinitarian. Ryan Holt s smile has made each of our lives warmer. Back in May 2013, Ryan made his first visit to Trinity. I felt, from the beginning, a sense of home. The sermon was about love and kindness above all else that day. I felt that same kindness while passing the peace that morning and every week afterwards. Since that first visit he has found many things that make Trinity special. The people, the setting, the outreach among a few. What makes Trinity special to me is that there is continuity both in and outside of the physical church. When I see parishioners out in the community they are living examples of what we do inside the walls. They are consistently genuine and kind. They are reaching out into the world to make it a better place. There seems to be abounding love and grace. I am partial, I realize, but feel very proud (and humbled) to be a part of this community. All of this is what made Trinity Ryan s place to land. Trinity is a place where I feel at home being myself. It is a place full of love and grace. It attracts people by being genuinely humble and wanting to serve the community before serving itself.

9 Ryan attributes his spiritual growth since joining Trinity to Cursillo, EFM and being able to clerk for the Vestry. Each have helped connect me to the church in a different way but all have nurtured me by allowing me to be a part of a group of people who have spirituality foremost at heart. What is his prayer for Trinity? My prayer for Trinity is that there is a constant renewing of outreach programs as the needs are seen. Over time, the programs start and finish as needs are met. It is my hope that we continue to share our faith with other faith communities and with people who are in needs of a spiritual place to land. His favorite hymn is one we sing at Cursillo quite a bit. It is, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light. It seems I almost remember the first Sunday I met Ryan and am extremely grateful that he made Trinity Church his home. Upcoming Baptismal Date Easter Vigil March 31 st Daylight Saving Time Remember to spring forward March 11 th! Dear Trinity, My family is deeply grateful to you for the love and support you gave us during the loss of my father, John W. Dulaney, and the joyful birth of our grandson William Franke Samuels. Thank you, Maran and Tom Fortner Alley and Alex Samuels

10 The Weekly Bulletin News our weekly announcements inserted in the Sunday Bulletin DEADLINE each week is Monday. The Weekly News is approved on Tuesday and printed on Wednesday. your announcements for The Weekly News to: Please put in the subject line: Weekly News. OFFICE HOURS: Monday Thursday 8:30 to 4:30 Friday 8:30 to 12:30 Phone: Web Site: Get the Latest Trinity news on Facebook at Facebook.com/TrinityHattiesburg DEADLINE FOR THE APRIL TIDINGS Thursday, March 22 nd, noon We will fold the tidings Wednesday, April 4 th (Please note folding date change due to Holy Week) to: trinity.hburg@gmail.com

11 Tidings Newsletter Survey We need your help! In an effort to ensure the Trinity Tidings is meeting the needs of our Parishioners, we ask that you complete the below survey. When completed, please tear out this page and hand it in or mail it to the church office. You may also access the survey on Trinity s Facebook page. What is your level of interest in the Trinity Tidings newsletter? (circle one) I read every article I look for key points I don t read the newsletter How satisfied are you with the overall content of the newsletter? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied What, if any, sections in the newsletter do you read most often? (circle all that apply) Clergy Article Parish Activities Hymns/Music Notes Deadline Reminders Treasured Trinitarian Sunday School Information Articles from Episcopal Networks How satisfied are you with the timeliness of the information presented in the newsletter? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied How satisfied are you with the practicality and helpfulness of the information presented in the newsletter? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied How satisfied are you with your ability to submit information or articles for inclusion in the newsletter? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied If you believe the newsletter is lacking in any way, what would you suggest should be added or done to improve the newsletter? Please tear out this page and turn/mail in to the church office.

12 PRAYER LIST REQUEST FORM Please add the following individual to the prayer list. Date Name Submitted, with permission from the above named person, by Brief explanation (family member, friend, military deployment, etc.) Please return this form to the church office or place in the Sunday collection basket. Names will remain on the prayer list monthly. Those who continue to need our prayers may be resubmitted for one month from the date submitted Electronic Service Requested