Dear Friends,

“Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love.” – Reinhold Niebuhr

I was recently reminded of the Jewish practice of posting a doorpost scroll (Mezuzah) containing scripture from Deuteronomy. The Biblical passages from the Torah form part of the Shema Prayer that are written on a small scroll and put in a container, many times very ornate, and posted by the door. The residents of the household are reminded of their obligations toward God as they enter and exit the home. Those who pass by the house know that those who live there are of the Jewish faith and practice their beliefs. There are so many Jewish traditions that form the foundation of our faith that I wish we observed as Christians. The Mezuzah is one of those.

If someone was to enter our home, would they know that we are Christians? Do we have crosses, pictures or readings posted to remind us of our obligations toward God? I visited a friend who moved to a new home not long ago and on her table was the above quote from Reinhold Niebuhr. It touched me as a remembrance that faith, hope and love are the basis for our belief as Christians. This writing serves as a daily reminder to my friend of her dependence on Christ as her savior.

We remain in the liturgical season of Easter during the month of May that ends on the 28th with Pentecost. As we continue to experience the resurrected Christ in our lives, what are our daily practices or reminders as we come and go from our homes of Jesus’ sacrifice for us? As our neighbors visit or pass by, do they know we are Christians?

I would love to hear about your household practices of faith.

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.” Kate McGahan

Over the past few months we have had more than our fair share of funerals. At each service, I find comfort in seeing the Paschal Candle lit and having the physical reminder that life is eternal with Christ. The Paschal Candle is often referred to as the “big candle” by the acolytes. That description is accurate in that it is very large and it represents a big promise.

The Paschal Candle symbolizes the risen Christ and is present during the service at funerals, baptisms and the Easter season. The term “Paschal” concerns Passover or Easter. We are not having an Easter Vigil this year, but if we were the candle would be lit at an open fire at the entrance and processed in while reciting the words “The light of Christ” with the response “Thanks be to God.” The candle stays in place and is burned at all services through Pentecost. (BCP pp.285- 287)

During baptisms the candle is lit to represent new life in Christ that we share in baptism. We then give the newly baptized person a smaller candle that is lit from the Paschal Candle to signify the light of Christ. Likewise, during funerals the candle is lit to symbolize resurrection.

The Paschal Candle at Manakin is particularly beautiful. I hope that when you see it during a service you will reflect on the big meaning within the symbol. I trust that you will find
comfort and peace in knowing that life never ends and love never dies.

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,
We are entering the liturgical season of Lent. From the root word meaning springtime, I do not believe that it is intended to be a dark and gloomy experience, but rather one of growth. These forty days, reflective of Jesus’ time in the desert, will be our opportunity to seek a closer walk with God.

You will notice that our worship area has changed a bit. The altar hangings have changed to purple, for the penitential season. The “alleluias” are gone as well as the “Gloria”. We will not have flowers on the altar, but rather dried arrangements of items that represent the desert. Again this year we give thanks to Halsey Dillard who provided these beautiful arrangements and for always sharing her creative gifts with us.

Our Lenten program will be with St. Luke’s and will focus on worship. During the day will have a healing service where individuals can have a time of prayer, laying on of hands and anointing with Unction Oil. In the evenings we will experience different approved liturgies in our Anglican tradition to provide a reflective time for our spiritual growth. Both offerings will include fellowship afterwards and sharing meals together.

This is a season where we will give up things that we enjoy and we will long for what sustains us, knowing that it is God who provides. My colleague and friend, the Rev. David Teschner, once said, “Lent is less about what we give up than what we become.” The paradox in this is that suffering can lead us to a place far greater in Christ. As we observe a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self-denial; and by reading and meditation on God’s holy Word (pg. 265, BCP) may we rejoice in what we will become. God’s grace will be our guide through the perils of the desert and beyond.

I look forward to this springtime with you.

Blessings,
Gini+