Rector's Weekly Report
March 13th, 2011

"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

I was pleased to be at Trinity in Fairview on Monday to listen to Herbert O'Driscoll present a preaching workshop for Lent. Rev. Judie and Marilyn were also in attendance.

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.

We celebrated Ash Wednesday with two services at 10:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. This is of course the official beginning of Lent. Those attending that service were, invited to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God. BAS p. 282
Likewise may it be a time for each of us to find ways of drawing nearer to our God.

I met with Archdeacon, Mark Kingsbury, on Thursday as we continued to make plans for a number of upcoming regional events.

During Lent there will be a celebration of Holy Eucharist which will include a time of reflection and study as we prepare for holy week and Easter. The Eucharist begins at 2:00 p.m. The focus of our study is a number of reflections by Herbert O'Driscoll from his book, Four Days in Spring, which deals with events from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday.
Parish Council met on Thursday evening in the Choir/Fellowship room. Minutes of parish council meetings are posted at the back of the church and are also available on the parish web-site.

I met with the parish wardens on Friday morning to review job descriptions for positions in our parish, and to look for ways of making our parish an efficient and effective vehicle to administer to the needs of our congregation as their spiritual home. We are making plans for a Parish Council retreat at which we look for ways to build upon our strengths and to minimize our weaknesses.

Finally let me say one last thank you to everyone who made last Sunday's confirmation service with Bishop sue such a success. The confirmation candidates, their parents and families, the Sunday School and their teachers, Rev. David and Bev for their leadership in preparing the candidates, Edith, Tim and the choir for the gift of music and the Ladies Group for their gift of refreshment and fellowship. Also to each of you, the congregation of St. Andrew's, for holding the candidates in your prayers and for your ongoing support. I will certainly remember last Sunday as a highlight of my ministry among you. It was a great celebration !!

My prayer for us for Lent would be that we become more aware of the Risen Lord's presence, that we might endeavour to fashion our lives in response to His love for us, so that we may be a blessing to His holy name.

Rev. Mike