ThisWeeksNews Sunday, February 15th

Well, we're closing in on the end of the Epiphany liturgical season. Ash Wednesday is February 25th, a week from tomorrow. Time is passing faster than ever, it seems. What I'm thinking is that time passes quickly when you're enjoying yourself; it drags when you're not. If that's so, then for me it's a good thing tht the pages of the calendar turn quickly.

Baptism this coming Sunday
This coming Sunday we'll be baptizing Austin James Perillo, borne to Manny and Valerie on June 21st. We baptized Austin's brother a couple of years ago. Hope you'll be joining me Sunday to welcome this little boy and his family into our family.

Pancake supper Tuesday
Two days later, February 24th, it'll be the annual pancake supper—a tradition that goes back to days when our denomination in this country was the Church of England. I don't recall what time dinner was served last year. Stay tuned. I do, however, know what time we'll be observing Ash Wednesday with imposition of ashes: February 25th at 7 p.m.

Lenten potlucks: five Sundays
On the five Sundays in Lent, we'll be meeting for an early supper—4 o'clock each week. The meal will be pot luck, followed by a two-track program: something for adults, and something for boys and girls. The adult track is titled "A Spiritual Journey." The purpose is to view our lives as a "spiritual journey" and, hopefully, to deepen our spiritual awareness. One effective eye-opener for many is the power of stories. Each of us has her or his own story to tell. So we'll be looking closely at our own stories, hoping to glimpse God moving in our midst. This could be the makings of a truly meaningful Lenten preparation for Easter.

Mid-Hudson Lenten event March 4th (****Highly recommended by me, four stars)
A Lenten program, “From Ashes to Fire,” is being presented by the Mid-Hudson Program Committee. The Rev. Canon Andrew Dietsche (diocesan Canon for Pastoral Care) and The Rev. Canon John Osgood (dioscesan Canon to the Ordinery) will each make a presentation, with time allowed for questions and discussion. Wednesday, March 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Zion Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls. Sandwiches and beverages will be provided. No cost. See me to reserve a seat.—jb+


Calendar

Thursday, Feb. 19, 11:30am Third Thursday Mass+healing, then lunch & conversation
Sunday, Feb. 22, 9:15am Church school dropoff
Sunday, Feb. 22, 9:30am Mass
Sunday, Feb. 22, 4:00pm Bach Cantata kickoff
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7:30pm Choir practice
Tuesday, Feb. 24 Pancake Supper
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:00pm Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes
Saturday, Feb. 28, 9:00am Red Cross blood drive
Sunday, March 1, 9:30am Family mass
Sunday, March 1, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 3, 7:30pm Choir practice
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30pm "From Ashes to Fire"
Thursday, March 5, 9:30am VBS planning
Saturday, March 7, 9:30am Lenten quiet day
Saturday, March 7, 2:30pm Sunday school to ARF
Sunday, March 8, 2:15pm Nursing home ministry
Sunday, March 8, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Sunday, March 8 Girl Scout Sunday
Tuesday, March 10, 7:30pm Choir practice
Friday, March 13, 7:00pm Integrity
Sunday, March 15, 4:00pm Lenten potluck