E-MINDER: the Church of the Incarnation

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THE WEEK OF MARCH 9 - 16, 2008

 

Observing Lent: Self-examination and Repentance

 

"The Prodigal Son" by Tamara Paetkau

 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) offers a poignant image of repentance.  The wayward son, having squandered his inheritance in "dissolute living," finds himself knee-deep in slop feeding pigs.  In a moment's realization of his dismal condition, the son decides to return home and approach his father with the words, "'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son (v. 18-19).'"  They are penitent words, but it is the next verse that actually describes his repentance:

 

"So he set off and went to his father (v. 20)."

 

Repentance, metanoia in Greek, is an act of turning — one's heart, one's mind, and in the parable one's body — turning and returning to the Lord.  The father in the parable sees his son in the distance and runs to meet him.  The father's compassion is not dependent on the son's rehearsed lines of contrition; the son receives an embrace and a kiss before he can speak.  The prodigal son needed only to turn homeward, to repent, and his compassionate father met him.

 

Rend your hearts and not your garments; return to the Lord, your God,
   for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. (Joel 2:13)

 

THIS WEEK AT INCARNATION

 

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.  Topic: "Surveying the 'U.S. Religious Landscape' and Our Place Therein."  The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life just released the first results from a study of the religious affiliations and practices of 35,000 U.S. residents (the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, http://pewforum.org).  The data reveals "Americans are on the move religiously," with people reporting notable fluidity in their religious affiliation.  The Pew Forum's director speaks of an "open and dynamic religious marketplace" in this country.  The Twenties and Thirties' will consider our position in the religious marketplace and our views of the religious landscape.  Please contact me if you plan to attend, amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org.  First drink — be it a Coke or a beer — is on the church.

 

Wednesday, March 12             12:15 pm.  Holy Eucharist.

                                                6:30 pm.  Holy Eucharist with homily.

                                                7:00-8:00 pm.  Confirmation / Inquirers' Class continues.  Contact the clergy if you are interested or need further information.

 

Friday, March 14                     12:15 pm.  Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.

 

 

March 16

 

8:30 am:  Holy Eucharist and

Distribution of Palms

in the Chapel of the Nativity

Homily: the Rector

Organ Music of Bach

 

10:45 pm.  Children are invited to participate in the Palm Sunday procession.  Children and their parents should arrive at least fifteen minutes before the start of the 11:00 am service.

 

11:00 am: Choral Eucharist with Procession and Distribution of Palms

Sermon: the Rector, "Running on Empty"

Music of Gibbons and Mendelssohn

 

5:00 pm: Contemplative Candlelight

Communion and Distribution of Palms

Meditation: the Rector

COMING UP AT INCARNATION

Saturday, March 22                 4:00 pm.  Women's Group meets in the church for Holy Saturday Vigil and Contemplation.  Please RSVP by calling the church office, 212 689-6350, or email amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org.  Women should enter at 25 East 35 Street and try to arrive promptly at 4:00 pm.    

 

Sunday, March 23                    Easter Day

                                                12 noon. Easter Egg Hunt for children in the Parish House.  Invite your neighbors and friends!

12:30 pm. Easter Brunch at Barbès Restaurant, 21 East 36 Street.  Choice of appetizer and entrée.  Coffee and tea included.  Adults, $28, children, $12.  To make a reservation, call the Parish Office, 212 689-6350.

 

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE* MARCH 17-23, 2008   MONDAY                             12:15 pm         Holy Eucharist TUESDAY                             12:15 pm         Holy Eucharist WEDNESDAY                      12:15 pm         Holy Eucharist                                                 6:30 pm           Holy Eucharist                                                                         Homily by the Assistant Minister. MAUNDY THURSDAY     12:15 pm         Holy Eucharist 6:30 pm           Holy Eucharist with Hymns and Stripping of the Altar                                                                         Organ Music of Messiaen.                                                                          Homily by the Rector.             Followed by a Vigil until 10:00 pm; email amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org, to sign up for the vigil. GOOD FRIDAY                   12:00-1:30 pm Good Friday Liturgy and Preaching of the Passion Music of Bach and Schütz, with soloists from the choir. Sermon by the Assistant Minister, "Thirst"                                                                         Church open for meditation until 3 pm. EASTER EVE                       6:30 pm           Easter Eve Candlelight Vigil and Communion                                                                         Followed by a Reception. EASTER DAY                 8:30 am           Holy Eucharist                                                                         Organ Music of Bach.                                                                         Homily by the Rector.                                                 11:00 am         Festival Eucharist                                                                         Music of Mozart, Haydn &                                                                                     Widor.                                                                                                      Sermon by the Rector,                                                                                             "Greetings"                                                    Followed by Coffee Hour and Easter Egg Hunt for children.                                                 5:00 pm           Contemplative Candlelight                                                                         Communion Meditation by the Assistant Minister.       NURSERY CARE AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ON PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER DAY   *schedule can also be found online, here.

 

Be well.

 

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

More details available online: www.churchoftheincarnation.org.

 

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