Quinquagesima Sunday means Lent is almost here! - Rector's Rambling for February 15, 2015

Beginning this week, things will be getting even busier around St. John’s!  Being Quinquagesima Sunday today, it means that mid-week Lent begins, and the additional devotions and disciplines take full effect.

Before the fasting begins, we do have one last feast with some frivolity.  On Tuesday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, we will be serving pancakes, sausage and ice cream as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday.  Additionally, we have a talent show, and all who attend are welcome to contribute with a song, a joke or two, dance, or a favorite poem.  Performing is not a requirement to attend dinner: we need people to be the audience as well!

On Wednesday Lent begins, and there are three opportunities for worship to make a right start of Lent, with the imposition of ashes: 12:15 and 6:00 PM Holy Communion, and 4:00 PM Evening Prayer.

Included in the Order of Service today are our two Lenten Brochures, outlining both how to keep a Holy Lent, and various opportunities offered here at St. John’s.  The extra weekday services start on Thursday with weekly Adoration of Christ in the Sacrament, and on Friday with an extra weekday Holy Communion Service as well as Stations of the Cross.  Educational opportunities include Adult Education, concluding Rich Kennedy’s class on The Great Commandment, and the beginning of a new class based on St. Francis DeSales Introduction to the Devout Life.

Our Sunday Lenten worship begins with our Diocesan Bishop making his official visit to the parish at the 10:00 AM Service.  It is my hope that we will have a 100% attendance day next Sunday to get Lent off to a good start, and to show the Bishop the wonderful blessing that St. John’s is becoming by God’s Grace.

Lent is a wonderful time to re-evaluate and re-set our spiritual life.  Take advantage of this opportunity!