Updates for Sunday

 

Greetings in the name of Jesus! Our winter weather may be fickle, but our God and Savior is steadfast and certain!!

 

We continue to pray fro Sheila C., who has been released from the hospital to continue her recovery.

 

It is with great sadness that I report on the passing form life to life eternal of Bishop Patrick Kyaligonza of Ruwenzori Diocese. Bishop Patrick died in a traffic accident. Please pray for his wife, Rose, who sustained a head injury, and for his driver who has a broken leg. Some of you may recall that Bishop Patrick visited in our area in the fall.

 

Reminder that the children will begin in church, and that they will be dismissed for Sunday School after a children's message and prayer at the beginning of the service.

 

Immediately following the service on Sunday, I would like to meet with any youth grades three and up who would like to learn about being an acolyte.

 

Reminder: Sign up for Shrove Tuesday pancakes and sausage at the 304 by replying to this email or signing up on Sunday. You may also call the parish at 703-961-1983 to make your reservation. Served from 5;30 until 7:15 by Bruce and Pastor Becki.

 

This Sunday, February 14^th, is, in American culture's eyes, Valentine's Day. In our liturgical calendar, however, this is the last Sunday before we begin our forty day season of Lent. As such, it holds special significance. Each year on this Sunday we hear one of the accounts of "The Transfiguration," and the day is commonly called "Transfiguration Sunday." Our readings for this Sunday include: Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, and Luke 9:28-43a.

 

During the season after Epiphany I've been talking about the abilities we have been given by God – the ability to believe and belong, the ability to tell our own story, the ability to show up and to step out in obedience to the things God calls us to do. This Sunday we will explore our ability to be transformed and to be part of God's work in transforming the world.

 

When we accept God's call to come into relationship with him that God loves us and takes us just as we are. But God loves us far too much to leave us as we are – no matter how good we are or how talented we are or even how giving we are. The sad reality is we can never be good enough, talented enough, or giving enough for God. The good news is that when we come to God in Jesus Christ, he begins a work of transformation in us. There's a line in "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" that captures the essence of what happens when we open our lives to the redeeming work of Christ. The line goes like this, "In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea; with a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me…" Christ's glory transfigures – changes – you and me.

 

God is in the business of taking that intended for evil and using it for good, of taking the ordinary and using it to create that which is extraordinary, of replacing the mundane with the magnificent. If you think he can't do that for you, come Sunday and hear how he can. He can, yes, he can.

 

See you Sunday!

 

Becki+

 

The Rev. Becki Neumann+
Rector, South Riding Anglican Church
Office: 703-961-1983
Cell: 240-217-4370
Home: 717-762-0924