A strength of our Anglican Heritage is the often-unwritten understanding that we worship our Lord in our Service of Holy Communion with all of our five senses. One of those senses, which goes back to our ancient Old Testament roots, has to do with smell.
Here is a link to a brief explanation: Episcopal Glossary of Terms: “Incense”
Our parish has a long history regarding the use of incense in worship. However, while many of us have long missed the use of incense (especially, due to COVID-19 restrictions), others have concerns regarding health and/or medical problems that could affect them if incense is used. I desire to respect these tensions, and so I am asking for the congregation’s input.
While I highly value the use of incense in worship, I desire to reintroduce it into our worship with the congregation and not to the congregation. This does not mean that everyone will agree with the outcome, but I desire this to be our spirit, nonetheless.
As this is a decision for the priest, please communicate your thoughts with me during the season of Lent. Our training with our existing thurifers (those who present and disperse the incense in procession) will resume in the next few weeks in preparation for our Easter Services. My intent at this time is to only use incense on our Principal Feast Days, but this is not set in stone.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.
Choir Meet/Practice
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM, in the choir/organ loft
Pancake Dinner
Schrove Tuesday, Feb 13 at 5:30 PM
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 14 at 6:00 PM
SCHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER – SAVE THE DATE: February 13
We will be having our annual Pre Lenten Pancake Dinner on Tuesday, February 13. The men will be cooking and serving starting at 5:30 PM. Bring your friends and neighbors and help us celebrate. Free will offering, come and have great fellowship.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
We will meet for our Mass with the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, February 14th, at 6:00 PM. This service begins the Season of Lent, a season of reflection, fasting, and repentance. We desire in Lent to better listen to the Spirit as we engage the Holy Scriptures and the Sacraments both communally and individually. The Sacrament of Confession is offered by Father Tom by appointment for anyone who desires this gift and healing ministry. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to ask.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING
There will be an Outreach Committee Meeting to be held on Sunday, February 18th following the second service. We will meet in the Parish Hall at the back tables. If you are considering joining the committee or have any interest, you are welcome to attend.
NEW OUTREACH PROJECT
During these cold winter months, let’s donate to Home Sweet Home Ministries’ programs to house and care for the homeless. The Rapid Rehousing Program helps people in need get into housing quickly by allowing a property owner to lease a unit to HSH, which then vets participants and attempts to alleviate issues that may arise.
The Mission has also been offering shelter, warmth, and food to homeless people living in tents nearby. St. Matthews has been collecting blankets for this effort. We can also collect the following items.
- bottled water
- pop-top cans of soup
- paper towels
- toilet paper
- toothpaste
- deodorant and body wash for men and women
- new bath towels (full-sized)
Please put whatever you choose to donate on our stone counter adjacent to the fireplace. Thank you for helping! The Outreach Committee
EASTER FLOWERS
If you are interested in purchasing Easter Lilies or flowering planted bulbs to festoon the Sanctuary and then take home — Order forms are available near the sanctuary entrances. We have a very short window of opportunity to place these orders, so get your completed order forms to the office on or by Ash Wednesday, February 14th.