Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope you have survived the cold wintery weather. I have always hated to cancel church events. I feel like if Jesus can go through what He did on the cross for us, we can certainly go to church to thank Him and worship Him regardless of how it inconveniences us. However, when the temperature is in single digits or below zero and the roads are dangerous, I believe God wants us to be safe. I have always said use discretion and don’t take any chances, but so many of you are like me – if it is open, I will be there. God bless you.
I sent some 40 emails to those whose email I have about the cancellation of the Ash Wednesday service. If you are an active member of one of the Cluster parishes and you didn’t get that email, please let me and the Cluster office know so that we can update your contact numbers. We will not use your info in any way other than special circumstances like the severe weather we have been experiencing.
March will be another very busy month. Immediately we are in Holy Week – Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as well as Holy week services in both Bluefield and Tazewell. Please make every effort to support your local Ministerial Association and attend these services. They are at noon, and a meal is served afterwards.
Maundy Thursday is on April 2. Christ Church at 6 pm, St. Mary’s will be at 7:30 pm. The Rev. Canon Kathy Dunagan will be the celebrant. I will be at Stras at 7:00 pm. Good Friday Services will begin at noon at Stras on April 3. Traditionally, the Rotary Club joins us for this service. Christ Church and St. Mary’s will get together on Good Friday as we walk the Stations of the Cross beginning at 6:30. Easter Sunday comes on April 5. Each parish will be having Holy Eucharist.
We are now in the season of Lent. Lent occurs 46 days before Easter, 40 weekdays plus 6 Sundays. According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. Lent originated as a mirroring of this, fasting 40 days as preparation for Easter. Every Sunday was seen as a commemoration of the Sunday of Christ's resurrection and so as a feast day on which fasting was inappropriate.
In today’s time, we don’t seem to observe what Lent is supposed to be. We don’t fast, and we don’t give up something as a sacrifice. Like me, some of us could give up a meal a day and the snacks we eat between them. That would be good for us health wise as well as spiritually. I am amazed at how we judge other people for doing the same or similar things ourselves. Part of Lent is not only sacrificing but, also, trying to improve ourselves. Giving up unhealthy food is a good start, but giving up unhealthy actions toward others is even better. Also, loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul.
I resolve to love more, to give more, to be more thankful, to judge less – and – to eat healthier. Won’t you join me?
May God continue to bless you.
In Christ’s Love
Father Russ
