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Lamentation and Litany

Dearest Holy Comforter Family,

This last Sunday (3/12), our Deacon and pastor, Lee Wilkins, once again preached with gentleness and quiet strength, as she challenged us to walk with Jesus, ‘the man of sorrows.’ Lee helped us explore the deep, sometimes bone-crushing, sorrow that weaves its way through the human condition—and the very real need for lamentation. Lament and lamentation come from the Latin word lamentationem, which means “a wailing, moaning, a weeping.”[1] We experience sorrow and grief with our bodies as much as with our hearts and spirits.

We find ourselves living through a time where our song is a song of lament so frequently now.  I talked to my brother in Holland yesterday who shared with me that like many others in Europe, he and his wife have bought iodine pills, have figured out where the closest nuclear shelter is in Tilburg, where they live. If one of the nuclear reactors in Ukraine were to be damaged in a way that released radiation, or worse yet, if a nuclear weapon were used, my brother and his family would suffer the consequences. That this has become a possibility to reckon with is in and of itself, a cause for lament. 

Our Bishop has asked that this Sunday (3/20) parishes in our diocese take up a special collection earmarked for  Episcopal Relief and Development, to assist with outreach to the people of Ukraine. Your bulletin will include an envelope for this special offering and you can also make a check out to Holy Comforter (Ukraine Ingathering in the comment line) and mail it to us. Diane will forward what we have collected to ERD at the end of next week.

A chaplain for the Daughters of the King has written a special litany that you can find by clicking on this link: https://files.constantcontact.com/1c35be68001/a2b90de4-e01b-4bce-ab97-bb9ba6ebbac5.pdf  I invite you to consider saying the litany one day this week, over dinner with your family or to simply read it out loud by yourself. It is prayers that help ensure our grief and sorrow do not become despair.

Finally, perhaps you may remember that some time ago, I shared with you a phrase that has been a constant source of strength, consolation, and hope for me: “I do not think I am being disrespectful to the light when I look for it in the darkest of nights.”  That line means even more to me today, as we draw closer to that horrible ending and darkness in Jerusalem on Good Friday, and as we witness so much suffering in the world. Even when we find ourselves in darkness darker than dark, remember: we have been told unequivocally: “the light shines in the dark and the dark has not overcome it.”  Pray, and to riff on one of the gorgeous lines in Lee’s sermon, “listen for God in your heartbeat, in every part of your being.” It is God who will lead us to a new life more abundant.

With prayers for blessings of light and hope, Rosa+

[1] https://www.etymonline.com/word/lament

Feeding Ministries

The Backpack Ministry continues to need help to provide canned fruit for the children we serve. There is a drop-off location right in front of the chapel.

The Food Pantry is also in need of canned vegetables except for green beans! Please leave Food Pantry donations in the bin with the yellow lid outside McMaster Hall.

All your donations are deeply appreciated!

 On Sunday, April 3rd, we will have another brief Town Hall. Your leadership team will provide updates about our work this quarter and as always, will welcome your questions and feedback. Though we may not be able to answer all your questions immediately, we are committed to finding the answers and getting back to you as quickly as possible!

Garden Work Day

Saturday | April 2 | 9 AM

We will have a workday on Saturday, April 2nd to get ready for Holy Week and Easter. Everyone is welcome, even if all you do is sit and give encouragement, you will be a blessing to your church family. A light lunch will be served at 11:45 so we can enjoy some fellowship after our work. Be there or be square!!!

SAVE these DATES

april -

2nd 9:00 am, Garden Work Day and lunch

3ʳᵈ  Following Sunday Service, Townhall

10ᵗʰ 10:00 am, Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist

14ᵗʰ 6:00 pm, Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar

15ᵗʰ 12 noon, Good Friday Liturgy

16ᵗʰ 10:00 am, Liturgy for Holy Saturday (Memorial Garden)

17ᵗʰ 10:00 am, Lighting of the Pascal Candle, Holy Baptism, and Easter Eucharist