Christmas is behind us and we are now in a new year. We are in Epiphany Season, which lasts until February 14th. That day is Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent - and Valentine's Day! However, we will be observing Ash Wednesday that day here at church. More about that in the coming weeks. During this season between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday we hear in the gospels about the ministry of Jesus. We return to green as our liturgical color. Green is used on the Sundays after Epiphany and after Pentecost. This season of time after Epiphany varies in length each year, depending upon the date of Easter. This year it is almost as early as it can be. Here is some interesting information about that (for you Trivia lovers):
"In 325 CE the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. From that point forward, the Easter date depended on the ecclesiastical approximation of March 21 for the vernal equinox."
"Earliest Easter. In 1818 the Paschal Full Moon fell on Saturday March 21 (the equinox). Therefore, the following day, March 22, was Easter. It will not fall as early again until 2285, a span of 467 years."
This year Easter is on April 1st. (Yes, it is also April Fool's Day!) We will, of course, be observing the Liturgical calendar, not the secular calendar!
Please note that there are a number of things coming up in the weeks ahead: January 28th is the annual meeting and pot luck luncheon. A big change: Confirmation will be held here at St. Luke's on Sunday, Feb. 4th at 4 PM followed by a Pot Luck dinner. Our Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Alan Gates will be with us for that service. Services that day will be at 8 AM and 4 PM. We will be finished in time to watch the super bowl game - for those who are looking forward to that. Looking further ahead: there will be a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Feb. 13th. (Yes, we are eating a lot before Lent starts!)
This continues to be a time of waiting, of course, for the news of when you will have a Priest-in-Charge. Please continue to keep your Wardens and Vestry in your prayers as they begin to consider candidates. Pray for them and trust them as they seek to choose the right person to be your Priest-in-Charge. If you have any questions about how the process works, please speak with your wardens, vestry or me. Selecting a Priest-in-charge is different from doing a search for a Rector. Meanwhile, I will continue to be here with you as that process moves forward. Pray for me as I pray for you.
