As we begin this third week in the season of Lent, I want to share a few thoughts about a vital Christian practice that goes back to our earliest stories: the giving of alms. “Almsgiving” is a word we don’t often use or hear today. More often, we talk about charity, outreach, or service. However, those terms do not quite capture the heart of the traditional concept of giving alms, which has been passed down from the teachings of Jesus.
Sunday’s offertory anthem is by Imogen Holst (pictured), the only child of British composer Gustav Holst. In A Hymne to Christ, she sets the first two verses of one of John Donne’s Divine poems, including the text “In what torne ship soever I embarke,/ That ship shall be my embleme of thy Arke.”
Holden Evening Prayer will be held just one more Wednesday, on April 9. Join us in the Parish Hall for a simple soup supper at 5:30 pm, followed by this beloved prayer service in the chancel at 6:15 pm, lasting less than 30 minutes in length.
This Sunday is Woman Composer Sunday, as recognized by the American Guild of Organists, the Society of Women Organists, and other organizations. The organ prelude and postlude are by Brenda Portman and Maureen Howell, respectively, who are both winners from the American Guild of Organists’ 2025 Woman Composer Sunday Organ Composition Competition.
Five years ago, the Church was just entering into another season of Lent. But there were other things going on around us. News reports about a virus causing concentrated outbreaks of a mysterious illness were on the rise. It was the beginning of what we now colloquially call “COVID” for short: the global (SARS-coV-2) pandemic that has officially claimed more than 7 million lives around the world and impacted countless more with lasting health challenges from a prior infection.
Our services on Ash Wednesday, March 5, are at 12:00 noon, which will be a spoken service with Holy Eucharist and imposition of ashes; and an evening service at 7:00 pm. This service will be bilingual, with music led by the St. Michael’s Singers and communion and imposition of ashes offered.
The Bilingual Lenten Book Group is starting soon It’s a great opportunity for members from the English- and Spanish-speaking congregations to get to know each other, tell our stories and reflect on our common spirituality.
Sunday Services
7:30 – Rite I Traditional language with no music.
9:00 – Rite II Holy Eucharist with choir
11:00 – Inclusive language with choir
1:00 pm – Misa en Español
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