March 5, 2019
Dear Church of the Apostles,
This Wednesday we will begin the season of Lent by coming together as a church family to celebrate the Eucharist, including the imposition of ashes, at 7 pm at Roger Ludlow Middle School.
Turning from self-sufficiency and sinfulness is best done with our community. Fellow disciples and friends encourage us, challenge us, and most importantly fight with us against the loneliness that we may feel in taking up our cross and following Christ.
Greg Goebel, Anglican priest and founder of the Anglican Pastor blog, encourages us to follow these lenten disciplines that have been practiced throughout the generations of the Church:
Fast on Ash Wednesday
Read the Bible with special attention
Read the Church Fathers (and Mothers)
Give up sweets and alcohol (except on Sundays)
Abstain from meats on Friday (or perhaps give up one meal)
Give money to help others
Volunteer my time to visit and assist the sick, the prisoner, or the outcast
Below are some specific resources and ideas for how to engage with these lenten disciplines.
Reading the Bible with Special Attention
A Lenten Daybook at Tamara’s blog, A Sacramental Life
The Trinity Mission: Praying the Daily Office as led by my friend and colleague, The Rev. Michael Jarret
Read the Church Fathers (and Mothers)
On Social Justice, by Saint Basil the Great
Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
Give Money to Help Others
Our offerings on Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday will be given to the Deacon’s and Rector’s Discretionary Funds. These are special accounts used to help those in need and to further the mission and ministry of Apostles. Consider donating to these funds at any time during Lent by simply writing “Discretionary Funds” in the memo line of your check and dropping it in the offering basket or mailing it to the office.
I will praying for a meaningful lenten season for Church of the Apostles and look forward to walking the way of the cross together with you.
Peace and Hope,
Brian+