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Dear St. Timothy’s Folk,
We begin March with the last Sunday after the Epiphany, and Luke’s story of the Transfiguration, the revelation of Jesus’ divinity. March 4th, Shrove Tuesday, we are invited to share a Pancake Supper with our Presbyterian friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. March 5th is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, with the Imposition of Ashes and Eucharist at noon and 6:00 p.m.
The forty days of Lent are patterned after Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness following his baptism in the Jordan. The Book of Common Prayer gives us an Invitation to a Holy Lent (spoken by Celebrant): [see the box to the right,] It continues: “Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repent- ance and faith. I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self‑denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” (BCP page 264)
The Sundays in Lent are not part of the forty days – in Lent Sundays are feast days, celebrating the Resurrection. This year for the five Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, we are using the traditional language and liturgy of Rite I from the BCP, and the Healey Willan and Shubert musical settings for the service.
Many resources are available for focusing on our spiritual lives during Lent. Some will choose to read through one of the Gospels during Lent or choose one of the daily meditation series, such as Forward Day by Day.
May you find wisdom and blessings in your Lenten journey, as you prepare to celebrate the Resurrection on April 20th.
Rev. Linda+