MARCH Newsletter 2023
Greeting in the name of Christ Jesus!
There are two month of our calendar year that are not my favorites: November (except for Thanksgiving!) and March.
November is a month that I connect with brown and barren. The leaves have turned brown, or have altogether disappeared; grasses are dry and beige or brown or wilted. The soil is turned and lays black/brown under the November skies. There may be a big snow or just a whiff that creates a dramatic scene of a deeper darkness. If there is a big wind, the snow turns black. March is usually a month of wet, heavy snow; following three prior months of snow and cold, when most folks are just plan ready for it (weather) to be done. Although not my favorites, I have come to appreciate them as necessary in the rhythm of our seasons and in life—and in the rhythm of the Church year.
November ends the lectionary cycle with Christ the King Sunday and the beginning of Advent and the Christmas season when the much anticipated Messiah is born humbly in a stable. March generally holds a part of Lent, and even Holy Week and Easter on occasion. The last days of Jesus life, opens the path to the celebration of The Resurrection!
November begins the longer darker days, and in March we experience the return of more light and shorter days. Each month holds promise of transition and celebration. We learn how important light is in our lives. We, as Christians experience both darkness and light in our lives. But as Christians we know that the light we know as Jesus Christ, is with us always and in all ways. The Light we have in and through Christ isn’t dependent on the calendar months or cycles. It is ever present and ever promised to us in the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God loves us. No matter what month, or day, or week it is this is a steadfast promise to us: God is love. God came to us in Jesus Christ, and through Jesus we are gifted (graced) with forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation. That is GOOD NEWS. Lent is a time to stop and ponder this Good News; listening to the stories of Jesus and walking through the season of Lent.
I have come to appreciate the season of Lent as necessary in the rhythm of our church year seasons. I find I grow more deeply in my relationship with God as I move through the more penitent nature of Lent as it opens to the light of the Resurrection. May you come to know the same.
Pastor Carol Mapa
Midweek Lenten Services:
“Baptized: Marked for Living”will be the theme for our Midweek Lenten Services on Wednesday evenings. A brief message will be shared within the Holden Evening Prayer service; 6:30 p.m. See dates below.
Wednesday, March 1 “Baptized Marked for Living: Signed and Washed”
The symbols of a baptized life: The Cross and Shell
Wednesday, March 8 “Baptized Marked for Living: Claimed and Named”
The symbols of a baptized life: Dove and Sign
Wednesday, March 15 “Baptized Marked for Living: Clothed”
The symbol of a baptized life: The Robe
Wednesday, March 22 “Baptized Marked for Living: Appointed”
The symbol of the baptized life: The Stole
Wednesday, March 29 “Baptized Marked for Living: Enlightened”
The symbol of the baptized life: The Candle
*The final “Baptized Marked for Living:“Raised” theme will be shared on Easter Sunday, April 9th. The symbol of The Butterfly will be shared.
GENERAL:
During these first few weeks of her start as Pastoral and Spiritual leader at Trinity, Pastor Carol will be getting to know the community and making contact with members, with a priority being given to those who are homebound, in nursing care facilities, assisted living and independent housing. Wednesdays after 12:00 noon might be a good time to find her in and around Truman. She may alternate between home and the office/visits on Monday and/or Tuesday.
In the event of a medical emergency or a hospitalization, please contact Brenda in the office, President Dan and/or Pastor Carol. Your needs are important, but if Pastor doesn’t know about them……well they can’t be attended to. Pastor Carol likes to hear the word directly from a family member if possible so a visit can be made or planned. Thank you!
