Dearly Beloved,
Since we missed church due to the snow this past Sunday, I wanted to give you a few thoughts on the Gospel lesson we missed. The Gospel lesson we would have heard was Matthew 15:21-28. It is on page 128 in the Book of Common Prayer. In this passage we see that Jesus had ventured outside Israel “into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.” He was met by a Canaanite woman who asked for healing for her daughter. She was persistent and continued to beg him to help, even though he said he was sent only to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” She would not be swayed. Her mother’s love drove her to seek out whatever might be possible to heal her girl. It was very clear that she believed Jesus was the one who could accomplish what was necessary. She expected him to heal her daughter. It was this faith in him that gave Christ the opening. While he seemed reticent at first, he was not cruel to the pain the woman felt. He healed the girl. And so it is with us. When we expect great things of God, we are opening the window to the Kingdom in our lives. And it is through that opening, that welcome, that Christ will work his wonderful acts of love in our lives and in this world.
This week promises to be VERY busy here at the church. So read on…
Lenten Projects
Our Lenten Projects WILL continue in the morning (Saturday) so be sure to be here at 8:00 a.m. for Morning Prayer. Breakfast will happen right after and then we get to work. Some of our folks will break off to join the Quiet Day at 10:00 a.m. but some of us will keep on with what we need to accomplish.
Quiet Day
The Lenten Quiet Day for the churches in our deanery will start at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning with Holy Communion. Fr. Greg Miller will bring us three meditations on “Breaking the Sin Barrier: Responding to God’s Grace in Christ Jesus.” A love offering will be taken for Fr. Miller. You can make a check out to All Saints and we will get it to him. Remember lunch is provided. There will be one meditation before lunch and two after. We will be finished by 3:00 p.m. You are more than welcome to participate in any and/or all of this day as you can.
Lenten Fish Fry
Our Fish Fry is but one week away! This Sunday is your last chance to get advance tickets. If you signed out a packet of tickets, if possible, please pay for them when you come to church on Sunday. The usual details about the Fish Fry are below in the announcements.
News of Note
Ethan Byrd had his surgery for his damaged knee this past Tuesday. They replaced the ACL in his right knee and also found that he had torn his meniscus. Unfortunately, that tear, which was repaired, will put his rehabilitation on hold for about 4 to 6 weeks. Please continue to keep him in your prayers for the speediest recovery possible.
News of Note #2
Last weekend Betty Parkinson moved into her new apartment, which she absolutely loves. She extends her thanks to all of you who came out and helped her get into her new place. Her new address is 2601 Chimney Rock Rd., Apt. 306, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Her phone and email remain the same.
Prayer Cycle
I have has several comments on the large number of churches on our Provincial Prayer Cycle, as published here, on the website, and in the weekly bulletin. The Prayer Cycle is dedicated to the upcoming joint synod (in October) of four traditional Anglican churches in this country: our own Anglican Province of America; the Anglican Catholic Church; the Anglican Church in America; and the Diocese of the Holy Cross. It is anticipated that these churches will enter into an inter-communion agreement at the synod, which, God willing, will lead to greater cooperation and unity among faithful Anglicans throughout the USA and the world.
That’s about it for now. Don’t forget about all the other usual stuff going on during Lent: Morning & Evening Prayer, Stations of the Cross, Lenten Study, as well as our Wednesday evening activities.
Blessings and see you in church!
Fr. Erich
P.S. For those of you enamored of all things Irish, Happy St. Patrick’s Day—Sláinte!
Announcements
Lenten Fish Fry Details
· The Fish Fry is this coming Friday, March 24! Tickets are $9.00 each in advance ($10 at the door) for breaded tilapia filets, roasted potatoes, hush puppies, coleslaw, and iced tea or lemonade. Take-out will be from 5-6 PM and dine-in will run from 6-8 PM. Kids under 12 eat free.
Lenten Fish Fry Desserts
· We know everybody loves desserts when coming to the Fish Fry but we need your help to make this happen. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board that shows what we need. Please sign-up and have your desserts to the church by 3 o’clock on Friday afternoon.
Annual Easter Dinner
· It is our tradition to have an Easter Dinner after our 11:00 a.m. celebration of the Holy Communion on Easter Day. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. See what we need, sign-up, and then show up!
Lent
· Lent is that time of year in which we make special devotion to our Lord in the Christian Duties of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Morning and Evening Prayer are offered daily and we will also walk the Way of the Cross in church. We are also offering a special study on Tuesdays and Bible Study continues on Wednesday evenings. Won’t you take on something extra for your Lord and Savior these final four weeks? We guarantee Easter will be extra special if you endeavor to make this a holy Lent.
Mite Boxes
· There are still a few Mite boxes available in the entryway. These are a perfect way to give alms during Lent. You just drop your spare change in every day and then return them on Easter morning.
Tuesday Lenten Study
· Our Lenten Study is well under way. Every Tuesday during Lent, at 11:00 a.m., we are viewing and discussing a video series called The Mission of Jesus. In this video series, we will follow Jesus’ path through Israel to see how God brought forth triumph in a world of chaos. These episodes can stand alone in content so come on out and join us, even if you have not before.
Men of All Saints
· The men of the parish are gathering every Saturday in Lent for Morning Prayer, Breakfast, and Projects starting at 8 AM. The men are fixing and doing cosmetic updates to the main restrooms in the church. Come and pray, eat, and give a little time in helping fix up our church.
Ladies of All Saints
· The ladies of the parish are also gathering for their own Lenten project—the thorough cleaning and refurbishing of the nursery. This also will be every Saturday morning in Lent. So all ladies, come on out and join the men for Morning Prayer & breakfast starting at 8 AM and then off to work we go!
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
· Bible study moves into Chapter 16 of the Book of Revelation this week.
Parish Outdoor Workday
· While many of our men and women have been working on their Lenten Projects, we still intend to have an outdoor workday to spruce up the exterior of the church in time for Easter. Please set aside Saturday morning April 8, starting at 9:00 a.m., to come out and help us get ready.
Palm Crosses
· On Saturday morning, April 8, at 10:00 a.m., some of the women of the church will gather to make palm crosses for Palm Sunday morning. While the Ladies Lenten Project will be ongoing, this is your chance to participate in a somewhat less physical activity! Join us.
Food Bank
· Western Carolina Rescue Mission in Buncombe County is this month’s recipient of our in-gathering of food stuffs.
Annual Lenten Appeal
· Our national church’s appeal this year is for Domestic Missions. Go to www.anglicanprovince.org and read all about it.
