The liturgy will contain other Lenten elements as well.  On the First Sunday of Lent we begin with the Great Litany found on p. 148 of the Book of Common Prayer.  The Great Litany is a very ancient intercessory prayer, first used in the fifth century.  It has changed over time but has continued to be in use in many Episcopal churches, especially at the beginning of Lent.

This intercessory prayer was the first English language rite prepared by Thomas Cranmer and published in 1544.  It may be said or sung standing, kneeling or in procession.  On Sunday March 1^st our cantor and choir will chant the Great Litany while processing. For all other Sundays in Lent, we’ll begin the Eucharist with the Penitential Order and the Decalogue found in the Book of Common Prayer.

Lent begins each year with the Ash Wednesday rite.  The service reminds us of “the need of all Christians to renew their repentance and faith.” All are invited to “the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”  I hope you will take advantage of this season to do just that.  I hope you will join one of the classes; spend time in prayer and Bible study; participate in worship; give something up or take something on-- as a sign of your intention to lead a new life.

In Christ,  Suzanne+

LENT 2009

Our new year’s resolutions usually involve getting in better physical shape.  Every January, people join health clubs and exercise classes.  They join Weight Watchers or start a new diet to take off all the Christmas weight they’ve gained.  Bookstores usually feature diet and exercise books strategically placed near the front door.  Even though good health is important all year round, there is a special emphasis on it every January.

 

 

 

 

the accumulated weight of our sins--to remove whatever is weighing us down—whatever is keeping us from being what God has created us to be.  It’s a season for becoming reconciled to God and to one another.

Several classes give us the opportunity for self examination.  On Sunday mornings Margaret Faulk will lead an adult class based on Parker Palmer’s book, “A Hidden Wholeness.”  On Wednesday Nights in Lent Mother Suzanne will lead a class on forgiveness based on Dennis Maynard’s book, “Forgive and Get Your Life Back.”  On March 8^th, visiting author Gordon McBride will teach a one day class on “Writing Fiction and the Spiritual Journey.”  (See articles on these classes elsewhere).

During the forty days of Lent we pare things down to the essentials. The music is a little more solemn, the altar looks a bit bare.  There are fewer candles and no flowers. We won’t sing or say “Alleluia” in our worship until the Easter Vigil.  Everything slows down and becomes more introspective as we follow the model of our Lord’s forty-day sojourn in the wilderness.

Pg. 1

In a similar way, the Church calendar gives us a time each year to focus on our spiritual health. Lent is the season to take care of