A Holy Lent.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
This week, we begin a new journey together into the season of Lent. Tomorrow, you'll hear again those words inviting you to the observance of a holy Lent, by prayer, fasting, and self-denial. On Sunday, I offered a different kind of entrance into this season, acknowledging that many of us still feel like we're in an unending season of Lent, fasting from many things and many people we love because of the distance required in the time of COVID.
I hope you'll join us tomorrow for worship, and if you're able, to listen to the sermon at 7pm which will also invite you into a gentle Lent. Acknowledging that we are all in a difficult spot, and that Lent still has something to offer us: the presence of God and the continued working of the Spirit. Even if things look and feel differently this year.
Our schedule is noticeably different this week as well. Please note there will be no Compline tonight or Evening Prayer tomorrow. Instead, join us for Pancakes tonight. And for the 7pm Ash Wednesday service tomorrow.
For those of you who would like ashes early in the morning, before you go about your day, join us for a very short (10-15 minutes max) service at 7am tomorrow. A quiet, simplified moment for us to be together as we begin this season.
The e-news today contains links for our Pancake Supper and for worship tomorrow as well as the rest of the information you need to begin this Lenten season with your whole heart.
However you choose to practice in this season, whether you're taking on some new patterns of prayer or study, or giving up some of the things that distract you and separate you from God, remember that you are always God's beloved. And that all of our spiritual practice is aimed at moving us toward God, toward love, toward peace. Lent doesn't come to us to make us feel badly or to hang our heads in shame. Instead it asks us to take a serious look at ourselves so that we can draw more near to the Holy One who calls us each by name and loves us more than we can ask or imagine.
May this be a holy and transformational season for you and for us.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector