New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk: Excited About Lent Lent is a season of introspection. We search out Jesus Christ before our own hearts and minds, and we search out our own heats and minds---our own lives, before Jesus Christ. Perhaps you have heard the story of a young man at the art museum showing off for his best girl, telling her how little regard he had for a certain painting. Seeing that a guard was listening, the young man said, “Well, what do you think?” The guard responded, “Sir, that painting has been judged by the ages, and called a masterpiece. We do not judge it, as much as it judges us.” Jesus Christ is the Master who judges us, albeit with kindness and grace. We begin preparations for our Lenten Journey on Sunday, February 15th with the distribution a Lenten guide entitled, “Jesus the Good Shepherd.” It features 47 readings, each one written by a member of our congregation. We enter Lent proper on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, with the Holy Communion offered at 6:007:00 a.m. and at 5:00-6:00 p.m. Drop by the church sanctuary. Take time for prayer. Communion will be served every ten minutes. We will also celebrate the Holy Communion on Sunday, February 22nd. Our Lenten Journey continues on four Sundays in March: 1, 8, 15 and 22. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 4:30 p.m. for a presentation by three guest speakers, and the pastor. A meal will follow at 5:45 p.m. for those who desire it. On March 1st, Chaplain Rodney Stilwell of the Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry will speak us about “Transforming the Heart.” Each time Rodney visits a small group, he creates excitement and good will; we thought it was time for the whole church to have an opportunity to meet him. On March 8th, the Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews and the Rev. Dr. Nola Knouse will talk about “Transforming our Work and World.” If you have not heard Dan and Nola, come find out why their presentations are
always well attended and appreciated. On March 15th, the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray will be present to talk about “Transforming within Christian Community.” As a Bishop of the Unity, and in his work with Moravian Missions, Sam has become our foremost observer of Christian communities around the world, Moravian and non-Moravian. On March 22nd I will be talking about “Transforming the Soul in the Stages of Life.” There will be some points of interest for people in every stage of life, and it will give me a chance to work with tools I have not used before. The Rev. Joel Long has been coaching me in using new technologies, and I think he is reaching me. Palm Sunday is March 29th, Come sing “The Hosanna!” Holy Week Readings are scheduled for Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st. We will continue Holy Week Readings on Thursday, April 2nd , and also celebrate the Maundy Thursday Communion. Friday April 3rd, we will finish our readings, and share a Lovefeast. Easter Sunday falls on April 4th, and will have one Service, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Graveyard Service. We tried to reimagine the Graveyard Service in 2014, and it was a great success. Please check the article, “Recapturing the Reverence in the Resurrection Service,” online, or read it herein (page 2). I eagerly await this Lenten Season. I believe that the Master has much to teach us. Blessings!
Pastor Green