E-MINDER: the Church of the Incarnation

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THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24-

MARCH 2, 2008

 

Observing Lent: Fasting

 

The Eucharistic Prayer, Rite I, which we pray at the 11:00 am Sunday services, contains the phrase: " ... we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies (Book of Common Prayer, 342)."  In fasting, we offer our empty selves to God.  Empty, so that God might fill us.  We may empty our bodies of all food, or meat, or sweets; or empty our souls of fear, judgment, and anxiety.  If you fast this week, note not only the hungers that arise but also the ways in which you are simultaneously filled.

 

 

Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from fear of illness; feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on speech that purifies. 

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from negatives; feast on alternatives.

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains.

Fast from worry; feast on faith.

—Anonymous, The Anglican Digest.

 

THIS WEEK AT INCARNATION

 

Tuesday, February 26              6:00 pm.  The final Church Club lecture at Incarnation.  The subject of the series is "Anglicanism and the Moral Challenges of the Day."  This lecture, Money Matters: On Anglican Economics & Millennium Development Goals, will be given by Professor William Danaher (Ph.D. Yale University).  If you are interested in attending, contact Preston Merchant at 212 828-7418 or churchclubny@nyc.rr.com.

Wednesday, February 27        12:15 pm.  Holy Eucharist.

                                                6:30 pm.  Holy Eucharist with homily.

7:00 pm.  After the Dismissal Discussion Group meets in the Parish House to talk about "A Meaningful Lent: Why Bother?"  Refreshments will be served.

Friday, February 29                 12:15 pm.  Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.

Saturday, March 1                   10:00 am-3:00 pm.  Benedictine Work Day.  You may come for any portion of the day; ring the bell at 25 East 35 Street for entrance into the church.  We will open with prayer, begin some light spring cleaning in the church, break for lunch and a midday Eucharist and resume cleaning in the afternoon.  Please bring a bag lunch. 

 

March 2

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

 

8:30 am:  Holy Eucharist

in the Chapel of the Nativity

Homily: the Assistant Minister

 

The Adult Forum will not meet during Lent,

but will resume on April 6.

 

11:00 am: Holy Eucharist with Choir

Sermon: the Assistant Minister, "Seeking Fault, Finding ..."

Music of Franck and Mendelssohn

 

12:30 pm: "Simplify Your Prayer Life," the fourth lecture in our Lenten discussion series, Simplify Your Life: Christian Living in a Complex World. A light lunch is available for a free-will offering.

 

5:00 pm: Contemplative Candlelight

Communion

Meditation: the Assistant Minister

COMING UP AT INCARNATION

Tuesday, March 4                    6:30-8:00 pm.  Ethics Forum for Professionals will meet in the Parish House. The guest speaker will be the Hon. Charles S. Haight, Jr. who serves on the U.S. District Court.  He will discuss ethical issues faced by members of his profession.  There is a requested donation of $5 for the wine and cheese reception that begins the evening.

Wednesday, March 5               7:00-8:00 pm.  Confirmation/Inquirers' Class begins.  Contact the clergy if you are interested or need further information.

Tuesday, March 11                  7:00 pm.  Twenties and Thirties' Drinks &  Discussion. Come to the Parish House (209 Madison Ave.) and we will walk to a local bar for conversation.  Let me know if you plan to attend, amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org, so I can be sure to wait for you.  First drink — be it a Coke or a beer — is on the church.

 

Be well.

 

~the Rev. Amanda Kucik Rinas: amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org

More details available online: www.churchoftheincarnation.org.

 

The featured image is found at: http://www.maranatha-church.com / fasting.jpg.