the The Newsletter for Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
February 2016
Adding to Lent
9
the
Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Gumbo Supper
10
Ash Wednesday Services at 6:30, 10, noon, 6 and a Family Service at 5
13
Parish Lenten Retreat
14
Valentines Day
17
Eat. Pray. Create.
21
Saint Michael Presents
24 28
Annual Meeting
Eat. Pray. Create.
Annual Parish Meeting
Volume 28 No.2
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10th. If we follow tradition, for forty days until the Great Vigil of Easter, we’ll “fast.” This doesn’t mean eating nothing, of course. Rather, it means giving up certain foods. Traditionally in some parts of Christendom one would give up all animal products – meat of any kind, eggs, and all dairy products as well. In the Spring of 1977, after my return from being a guest of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Soviet Union, Pam and I observed a traditional Orthodox lent. We gave up all animal products and subsisted essentially on lentils and rice, leading one Jewish friend to opine that Lent was when Christians survived on lentils! Lest we think that earlier generations of Christians were immeasurably more disciplined than we are, one of my professors reminded us that in traditional cultures one would slaughter animals early in the fall. About the time Ash Wednesday rolled around, most meat and animal products had been consumed. Lent might be the classic instance of making a virtue out of a necessity! Even so, giving up rich food to which we’re accustomed is a very useful tool for reminding us of Jesus’ retort to the devil during his temptation, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Sunday, February 28 The Annual Parish Meeting will begin at 10:00 in the Church on February 28. The primary business will be the election of five new members to the Vestry and selection of three delegates and three alternates to the 2016 Diocesan Convention. The membership will also elect five new people to serve on the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation Board of Trustees. Senior Warden, Matthew Waller will review the 2015 church’s accomplishments and challenges, and its outlook for this year. Treasurer Grady Schleier will report on Saint Michael’s finances, and cochairs Diana Newton and Van Sheets will update the parish on the progress of the Rector Search and Annual Parish Meeting page 2-3
And The Nominees Are ...
BOSTON BRASS
Which raises the question, Do we live by every word that comes from the mouth of God? What cont. on page 19
Sunday, Feb. 21 7:00 p.m. Complimentary tickets available online or at reception desk