The Challenge of Jesus

Thanks to everyone for attending our adult Sunday school class. I'm really excited about offering this class and look forward to some great lessons and discussions. I have always found the life and times of Jesus to be a fascinating part of history. Probably the big thing to take from our first class into coming sessions is the term "matrix." Professor Crossan uses this term to encompass the entirety of time and place in explaining or discussing the life of our Lord. Holler at me if you have questions!

Sabbatical

Okay, you're right given that I haven't updated my blog since Lent it would seem that my sabbatical started months ago. I'm sorry ... can you find it in your heart to forgive me? Starting tomorrow (Friday, 6/17, 5pm) I will be on a 10 week sabbatical. The intention of this time is for personal renewal, refreshment and study. I intend to do all those things! Please keep me in your prayers as you will be in mine.

Many thanks to our parish leadership, vestry and membership for granting me this time off. I know you will enjoy the supply priest who will serve our parish during my time away. See on the 28th of August!

Blessings,

Brian+

4th Lent

Some Christian calendars refer to this coming Sunday (4th Lent) as Laetare Sunday. Simply defined it is a "break" from the penitential season of Lent. In some churches this Sunday will be noted by flowers on the altar and pink rather than purple vesture. This Sunday is in fact half way through the season.

This Sunday is also known as Mothering Sunday as it was a day when people would make pilgrimage to the mother church of their diocese. On this day some traditions will celebrate motherhood with a cake immediately following services.

First Sunday in Lent

It's Ash Wednesday but I'm already thinking about the first Sunday in Lent. I'm probably thinking ahead because I've already done one service and am about to leave to make a couple communion visits before returning for the noon service. Scripture hits us in different ways based upon our situation in life. The closing line of Sunday's gospel reminds me of how friends have tended to me at times very much like angels. What I mean by that is they came into my life and brought me peace and love at really unexpected times.

Take a second to think about your own walk of faith. Can you think of a time when the faith of your family and friends gave you the strength and peace necessary to move forward?