Lent / Easter 2004

From Rachelle

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; . . . we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
(2 Cor 5:18, 20b)

These two verses from Paul's Second Letter to the Church at Corinth may seem contradictory to us. The first tells us that God has reconciled himself to us by way of his Son, the Christ. The second, which is also the first line of the Epistle reading for Ash Wednesday, tells us to be reconciled, as if this is something we have yet to do. Which is it? Have we been reconciled already to God, by God's doing? Or, have we yet to accomplish this reconciliation by our own doing? The answer, of course, is both. Certainly it is God who has taken the initiative in reconciling the world to himself. In the sacrifice of his Son, the alienation between God and humankind has been overcome. The act of reconciliation has been completed. As we might say, "It's a done deal."

But whether this reconciling act of God, through the intervention of his Christ, changes our lives and makes us new people also depends on our openness to accepting the benefits which have already been secured for us. We have already been forgiven. The chasm has been bridged. But the only power that can stand against God is the power of human beings to refuse God's grace. Very simply, if we are not open to the power of God, we cannot appropriate God's greatest gifts to us for our own.

If we are open to God's power, however, Paul tells us that we become heirs to something else in our lives and that is the ministry of reconciliation. Once we have been reconciled to God we are moved and empowered to reconcile with our fellow human beings. Estrangement between and among people has possibly never been as great as it is today. We need only look as far as our own Church to know the confusion and pain, so prevalent among factions and individuals, which presently divide us and threaten to physically split our Church apart.

But we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. And this was what was on the minds and hearts of the Bishops and Delegates when the 209th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia met in Reston, January 30 and 31. Thirteen resolutions on every side of "the sexuality issue" were prayed over and worked with well into the first night by the Resolutions Committee, which came forth the next morning with three substitute resolutions. One of these resolutions requested the formation of a Reconciliation Commission, appointed by the Bishop, the purpose of which would be "to offer guidance over the next 12 months for how members of the Diocese can prayerfully reflect on our differences and discern God's will in addressing those differences; . . . and offer guidance . . . through diocesan communications for ways that parishes and missions can offer meaningful opportunities for reflection, prayer, worship, and discussion of the . . . issues; and that this Commission report to the 210th Annual Council ways that the Diocese of Virginia can increase trust and respect for conscience, thereby helping to maintain unity; . . ."

We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. And so, too, All Saints-Sharon Chapel will join our neighbors and fellow journeymen from St. Mark's Church on South King's Highway for this year's Lenten program, as we follow the theme of Reconciliation. We will gather for dinner at 6:15 p.m., continue with a program at 7 p.m., and end with the beautiful service of Compline at 8:15 p.m. We will be guests of St. Mark's on March 3rd and 17th On March 10th and 24th, we will host our neighbors here at All Saints-Sharon Chapel. We will hear from Mpho Tutu, a priest at Christ Church, Alexandria, and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who will speak to us about the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. We will listen to members of Project L.I.G.H.T. (Learning Islamic Guidance for Human Tolerance) tell us about their experience as Muslims in this country, at this time, and how we might respond to prejudice. As of this writing, we hope, also, to have with us the recently retired Archbishop of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Livingston Nkoyoyo. For the purpose of estimating the numbers for dinner, we will ask that you sign up on sheets which will be provided on the bulletin board in Gunnell Hall. We hope that you will join us for one or all of these programs, as we learn about and rejoice in these ministries of reconciliation throughout the world, and as we pray about our own participation in this ministry which God has given us.

PASSOVER SEDER

When we celebrate the Passover Seder, the ancient tradition that is part of our Judeo-Christian heritage, we celebrate our deliverance from eternal death by our Passover lamb, Jesus Christ. For just as an innocent lamb died so that the first born of each Jewish family in Egypt could be spared, so the innocent Jesus, He who was without sin, died so that we could be spared.

According to the Synoptic Gospels, the last meal which Jesus ate on earth was the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:1), called at the time the Feast of Unleavened Bread, to celebrate the deliverance of God's chosen people from the Pharaoh of Egypt. In their haste to leave, their bread did not have time to rise; this is the source of the unleavened bread which is today called matzoh.

Four cups of wine are drunk at a traditional Seder because of the four promises God made in Egypt:

I will bring you out
I will deliver you
I will redeem you
I will take you to me for a people
(Exodus 6:6-7)

A cup of wine is left for the prophet Elijah, "the herald of redemption", who will return to announce the coming of the Messiah (Mal 4:4-5).

We believe that John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 17-9-12; Mark 9:9-13; Luke 1:17), and the fifth cup is for Jesus, who gave His life for each of us to drink in remembrance of Him.

Thus, the Passover Seder has several levels of meaning for Christians. Through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we were grafted onto the Tree of Life, which before His death and resurrection had included only God's chosen people, the Jews (Romans 11:17-21). Through Jesus, we too become heirs to the promise made to Abraham: "all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). Abraham was justified by his faith in the promise of God, just as we are justified by our faith in His Son, for God is faithful. God has kept His promise to Abraham. He delivered His children from Egypt and He delivered us through His son, Jesus Christ. Thus the God of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah and Rachel, Moses, Esther, Ruth and David is our God through the wondrous sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Please join us on Tuesday, April 6th at 6:30 p.m. for our annual Passover Seder. This year our own Rob Damashek will lead us. Experience the fun, fellowship and good food of the Seder in a warm, loving community. Cost is $7.00 per adult, $3.00 per child (12 and under) and $20.00 maximum per family. Reservations can be made any Sunday with Renee O'Brien (following the 8:00 a.m. service) or Carolyn Rae (following the 10:30 a.m. service) starting March 7th. Also, please offer your gift to help with the Seder. We are looking for the gifts of set-up, clean-up, shopping and cooking.

EASTER BREADS

As has been our tradition for a number of years, we will celebrate Easter Sunday by bringing homemade breads, cakes, cookies, etc., for coffee hour. Please bring your home-baked goodies to Gunnell Hall before the service. Tables will be set up to accept your gifts which are to be enjoyed by all during our Easter coffee hour.

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STONE SOUP SUNDAY SATURDAY

Stone Soup Sunday, originally scheduled for May 2, was cancelled due to a forecast of inclement weather. It has been re-scheduled for Saturday, June 5, which was a previously-scheduled Church Clean-Up day. We will start in the morning and have stone soup for lunch. There are many projects, big and small, to work on — see the project board in Gunnell Hall. Please plan to come.

Recent weather notwithstanding, Spring is not far away, which means that it's Stone Soup Sunday time. Sunday, May 2nd, from after church until sundown, Saturday, June 5, friends and members of Sharon Chapel will gather to start the Stone Soup Pot a-boilin' under the old oak tree out back. Everyone will bring meat, vegetables, or broth to add to the pot and, while the "soup magic" happens, we will spring clean closets, bulletin boards, flower beds, etc., or rake, cut grass, trim shrubs, or whatever needs doing to spruce up our place of worship inside and out. The date is May 2nd, the time is after church Saturday, June 5, starting in the morning; wear your work clothes to church and bring your appetite for great soup and good company.

updated May 11, 2004; also see Out & About announcement

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INTERNATIONAL DINNER

Save the date! Mark June 12th on your calendars!

Sharon Chapel's 2nd Annual International Dinner is coming your way on Saturday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. Foods, flags, costumes, games, and decorations representing the diverse ethnic roots of our parishioners are just a part of the celebration. The International Dinner is a great opportunity to meet fellow parishioners and get to know each others' stories. To join the dynamic International Dinner steering committee, or just to share your ideas for this fun filled night, contact Juanita Illera.

Also see: Out & About announcement and International Dinner Volunteer Form

Latest news: All Saints will hold a Silent Auction during the International Night event.

updated May 13, 2004

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VOLUNTEER OR SERVANT

Reprinted by permission from Faith@Work, January 12, 2004,

"More than a Volunteer"

"So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin." -John 13:4a

In this story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, Jesus takes on the role of a servant, a slave. That's why Peter reacts so strongly, and basically tells Jesus that he won't let Jesus wash his feet. For servants are not their own persons. Servants serve at the discretion of the master, at the convenience of the master. This servant is in complete submission to the master. Peter could not even think to have Jesus take on this role.

This action by Jesus shows us two things:

1. Jesus is a Servant Messiah serving at the discretion and convenience of God the Father.
2. Jesus tells us to do the same, to become servants of the Master, Jesus.

Many churches speak about the "volunteers" of the church. What if we were to not be called "volunteers" but "servants?" Because:- Christians are not volunteers:

• who serve at their own discretion
• who serve at their own convenience

Christians are servants:

• who serve at the discretion of Jesus
• who serve whenever Jesus calls.

Bringing It Home:

1. Do you serve God only when it is easy and convenient for you? Is there a job at church or outside church that is below you? The next time the call comes your way to serve, bend your knee, wrap the towel around yourself, and serve, -- not as a volunteer, but as a servant of Christ
2. Pray that God would help you become more than a volunteer -- a servant!

Prayer:

Lord God, I confess to you that I often act like a volunteer, serving only when I want to, when I have extra time, extra energy, or extra money. Help me not to just give you my left-overs. Help me to become a servant who responds to your call, even when it is hard or inconvenient I want you to be my Lord and Master. Help me become your servant. Amen.
John A. Holm
Shepherd of the Lakes Church, Grayslake, IL

JOIN US FOR IRREPRESSIBLE HOPE

What are you longing to do? Renew, Refresh, Rejoice, Relax, Receive, Reconnect, Recharge, Revitalize? Experience this and more at Irrepressible Hope, Women of Faith's all-new 2004 conference. It's one Friday and Saturday that can put fresh wind in your sails for the rest of the year.

Begun in the mid-1990s specifically to encourage women, the Women of Faith conferences have become the largest women's gathering in North America. More than 2 million women of all ages, all denominations, and all walks of life have shared an experience like no other.

Join the Women of All Saints for the special conference on August 6 (7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) and August 7 (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) at the MCI Center. In addition to the featured speakers, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Thelma Wells and Nicole Johnson, this year's conference includes special guests Babbie Mason, CeCe Winans and Evelyn Husband. The cost this year for early registration with our group is $59 per person. You may reserve a boxed lunch for $8 per person.

Also available is a Pre-Conference on Friday, August 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. featuring Jan Silvious and Chonda Pierce. The early registration fee for both events, including a box lunch each day, is $99.

In order to get good seats and to take advantage of the early registration, Carolyn Rae will be taking reservations starting February 14th and concluding April 18th. Please see Carolyn for more information.

OUTREACH: ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS

Every day Oral Rehydration Salts save the lives of children around the world. The proper mixture of salt, sugar, salt substitute, and baking soda together with a liter of clean water helps men, women and children to recover from the ravages of life threatening dehydration caused by cholera, dysentery and other diseases and conditions.

You, your family and friends can be a huge part of this life saving effort. Join us here at Sharon Chapel on September 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to assemble and pack for shipping 10,000 packages of Oral Rehydration Salts. Once packaged, they will be sent to Malawi in East Africa or somewhere else in the world where the need is greatest. Committees are forming now to collect supplies, recruit willing hands to assemble the salts, and plan and arrange for the foods to keep the volunteers fed, hydrated and happy.

If you have questions, or to volunteer on September 18th or to sign up for a committee, contact Dick Delbridge, Anne Mitchell, Helen Howze, Jane Delbridge, Juanita Illera, Kay Kinsey, Loretta Kuhn or any member of the Outreach Committee. But please, mark your calendars now, invite your friends and neighbors, and plan to be here on September 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or any part of the day that you can spare. (subsequent announcement)

2004 VESTRY

Senior Warden: Renee O'Brien
Junior Warden: Clint Odom
Treasurer: Mary-Blair Valentine
Susan Douffas
Joyce Goins
Doug Himes
Juanita Illera
Loretta Kuhn
Beverly Shaw
Leland Southard
Linda Ysewyn

BIBLE QUIZ

Fill in the blank spaces of this sentence from the first chapter of the Gospel According to John (NIV, RSV):

"For the law was given through __________; grace and truth came through __________. "

The answers are in John 1:17

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH SHARON CHAPEL

SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2004

SUNDAY OF THE PASSION, 4/4 - 8:00 AND 10:30 AM
LITURGY OF THE PALMS AND HOLY EUCHARIST

MONDAY, 4/5 - 7:30 PM
HOLY EUCHARIST

TUESDAY, 4/6-6:30 PM
PASSOVER SEDER

WEDNESDAY, 4/7 - 7:30 PM
HOLY EUCHARIST

MAUNDY THURSDAY, 4/8 7:30 PM
HOLY EUCHARIST AND STRIPPING OF THE ALTAR

GOOD FRIDAY, 4/9 - 7:30 PM
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

HOLY SATURDAY, 4/10 - 7:30 PM
THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

EASTER SUNDAY, 4/11- 8:00 AND 10:30 AM
LITURGY OF THE RESURRECTION

EASTER FLOWERS

The Altar Guild is accepting donations for flowers to decorate the church for Easter. If you wish to contribute, please fill out the form below and place it, along with a check made out to All Saints Episcopal Church (marked "For Altar Flowers") in the church office or collection plate.

YOUR NAME ___________________________________

TELEPHONE ___________________________________

In memory of (or in thanksgiving for) ____________________________________

Amount of gift: $10 / $15 / $20 / Other (amount) _____

If you prefer to mail your gift: All Saints-Sharon Chapel, 3421 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310