... butterflies will soon be free! As we endure what we hope is the final slap of winter, the hope of spring makes us feel a little warmer and younger. What if we had God's eyes, and could see not only the flower hidden in each bulb, but whole and loving person each of us was made to be? Lent is our chance to "try on" God's vision. Even as we get ready for Easter, wondering again how Jesus' resurrection is only possible through his death, can we imagine ourselves, and those whom we love, being formed in the cocoons of our lives and breaking free to be ourselves: fully loving and beloved?
Happy Lent! Let's find out together what really matters in raising faithful children. Check out the FISH site for ways to become better prayers, better Bible readers, and better helpers of others. And come to Sunday FISHing this Sunday to "practice" different activities you might want to try at home this Lent. We'll also make a banner for our Haiti Mission Team to take to St. Peter's School in Berault after Easter! Sunday FISHing is after 10:00 worship and children's choir practice; lunch is provided this time and contributions are welcome. Please plan to stay until 1pm.
Please post here: what time(s) of day is your family usually together? When do you have your most meaningful conversations? This Sunday is very special. Bishop Shannon Johnston will visit St. Andrew's for confirmation! A bishop is like an overseer for lots of churches; it is his/her job to visit the churches, see how we're doing, support the clergy, confirm people and bless us. We have three bishops in the Diocese of Virginia and one of them visits each year. Bishop Shannon (that's what he likes to be called) will confirm two teenagers: Marshall Jones and Kat Hone. He will also confirm several adults. When someone is baptized as a baby, their parents and godparents make promises to raise them as Christians. Confirmation is when they make the promises for themselves. Adults who have been confirmed in other denominations may also be "received" into the Episcopal Church. The bishop lays his/her hands on the person's head as a sign of God's Spirit in them. Look for Bishop Shannon to have or wear these three things on Sunday:
Bishop Shannon isn't really a guest at St. Andrew's; he's more like a family member who travels a lot. His visit is an important homecoming and we will celebrate! We will also do everything we can to make him feel comfortable and welcome. Be sure to look him in the eye, smile, and say, "Hi, Bishop Shannon. My name is _____." It will be a great day to be church! Remember, worship is at 2pm. We will have the Family Service during the readings and sermon and everyone will be together for the confirmations. See you at church!
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June 2015
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