Rectors Report
Week Ending February 20th, 2010
"Dear friends in Christ, every year at the time of the Christian Passover we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery."
Book of Alternative Services - page 281

   We began our preparations for Lent this past Tuesday as we gathered for a delicious Pancake and Sausage supper. This meal has its roots in the symbolic cleansing of our lives as we rid our environment of those 'tempting delights' such as sugar and flour and prepare for a period of fasting. Many thanks to the Ways and Means Committee and all those who helped in any way to make this event a success.
On Wednesday, for those of us who were able to free ourselves from the grip of a wintry blast, we gathered for an Ash Wednesday service which features the imposition of ashes, a symbol of our own mortality, and the celebration of the Eucharist, a symbol of eternal life in communion with the Risen Lord.
On Thursday I caught up on some office duties and made preparations for the commissioning of our new Parish Council this Sunday. I was pleased also to have two pastoral encounters with members of our parish.
I checked the hospitals on Friday morning and was delighted to notice that no one from our parish is a patient at this time. As always I remind you that if you know you are going to be patient at hospital and if you would like a visit or prayers kindly let me know.
As I write this report it is Friday morning. Tomorrow I plan to read and make final preparations for Sunday worship. My hope is that each of us may take some time to make our preparations for renewing our relationship with our Lord.
May God's blessing be upon each of you in this holy season of Lent.
Rev. Mike