February 26, 2026

Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter

Newsletter

The Grace of the Wilderness

by Randy Woodland

Eternal Lord of love behold your Church

Walking once more the pilgrim way of Lent. (Hymn 149)

Matthew tells us that “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (4:1) We picture this wilderness as a barren desert where Jesus fasts and is tested, but the word “wilderness” is broader. It originally meant “ the place of wild deer” and might call to our minds vast untouched stretches of forest, prairie, swamp, or mountaintop. As we embark on our Lenten pilgrimage with Jesus, how might the wilderness nurture our way to Easter?

Wilderness is lonely. Loneliness can be painful, but a time of being alone can also be free of distraction, even the distractions of family and friends. Can we set aside time this Lent to be with ourselves—to read, rest, pray? The Daily Devotions beginning on page 136 of The Book of Common Prayer can guide us. Though we travel this pilgrim road together as a community of

faith, there is also nourishment in alone time.

Wilderness is quiet. Not only the sounds of traffic and the hum of electricity, but the sounds of TV shows and 24-hour news and podcasts can be a comforting distraction from the deeper questions and wisdom of Lent. Try this: imagine being in your favorite wilderness spot and drinking in the silence. And then you begin to hear the sounds of the wilderness: rush of wind, birds swooping, snakes slithering, the tiny wings of an insect. What can we hear in Lent? In her poem “Wild Geese,” Mary J. Oliver puts it this way:

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

How can we hear God in the quiet places?

Wilderness is nourishing. When John the Baptist prepared in the wilderness for his ministry, he found locusts and wild honey. Lent’s self-denial opens us to other ways to nourish our soul. “The desert shall rejoice and blossom,” writes Isaiah; “the burning sand shall become a pool.” (35:1,7). After the King Cake is gone, what nourishment does Lent offer us? WhaT what gifts of

grace has God, knowing our hunger provided for us?

Wilderness is wild. Things are strange, unexpected, wild. Being surprised can be a good thing.

W.H. Auden puts it this way in our Hymn 463:

He is the way.

Follow him though the Land of Unlikeness.

You will see rare beasts, and have unique adventures.

In the wilderness we find grace; there is no place where God isn’t. Ruth Harvey reminds us that God guides our journey: "Lead us on our journey from who we are to who you want us to be.”

What if our Lenten pilgrimage through the wilderness with Jesus is not only a path of barrenness but also one of discovery? Is this our way to prepare for the good news of Easter morning?

and as through stony ground the green shoots break,

glorious in springtime dress of leaf and flower,

So in the Father’s glory shall we wake. (Hymn 149)

Seek the wild deer, the wild geese.

Lead us on our journey

The poet Ruth Harvey offer this prayer for our pilgrimage.

God, our God,

you have called us to be a people

on the move;

traveling light,

dying to live,

ready to lose ourselves for the sake of the world.

You have called us to be a people

with a purpose;

traveling without a map,

traveling to where we are led,

sustained by your Spirit,

committed to the gospel for the hope of the world.

You have called us, your people,

to be the church.

But we are a church with problems:

too strong for the weak,

too staid for the young,

too respectable for the poor,

too divided for mission,

too obsessed with our own lives to think of the lives of others,

too unsure of our message to speak to the world.

Move us on our journey

from where we are to where you want us to go.

Open our eyes on the way

to the people of different cultures, continents and countries,

who can bring color to our lives.

Take us on our journey

from where we are to what you want us to be;

so that we become a community

where all are welcomed and no one is excluded,

all are valued and no one is made to feel inadequate,

all are forgiven and no one is ashamed to belong,

all are encouraged and no one is too hurt to come among us.

Lead us on our journey

from who we are to who you want us to be;

so that patience is built into us,

kindness is assumed in us,

gentleness is part of us,

compassion flows from us,

truth is second nature to us,

and the commitment of love is part of us.

Let us go gladly on the journey towards Easter –

the journey towards death and resurrection.

Let us journey in the peace and power of the Spirit.

The Search for a New Rector

On Sunday, February 15th, the vestry met with The Rev. Dr. Catherine Collier to formally launch the search process for your next rector. During the meeting, the following members of our church were confirmed as the search committee: Alden Monroe, chair, Melanie Kelley, Steven Speaks, vestry representative, and Annette Taylor. A lot of work is already going on and you can expect updates about the process on a regular basis. A critical component is what is called the “self study.” This is the process that will help the search committee hear from the congregation what your hopes and needs are for a new rector. Everyone's participation is very important. Please plan to be involved! Your leadership team also asks for your prayers. Jeri Tippit has requested that we all use this one:

Loving and gracious God,

You have called us together as the body of Christ in this place,

and you know our needs before we ask.

As we seek the rector you have already prepared for us,

grant wisdom, patience, and discernment to our search committee.

Fill their hearts with openness to your Spirit,

that they may listen well to one another and to your guiding voice.

Bless our parish with unity of purpose,

and keep us steadfast in prayer and hope.

Prepare the heart of our next rector to hear your call,

and prepare us to receive them with joy and love.

All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

Reception for the Bishop and Confirmands

On Palm Sunday (3/29), Bishop Glenda will join us for her final visitation with us. It looks like we will confirm or receive 6 new members! That is simply splendid. If you would be willing to assist with the reception for Bishop Glenda by a) bringing a platter of finger food that day or b) helping with clean-up, please send Terri an email by March 22. Thank you!

terri@holycomfortermgm.org

Chapel Votive Candles

Votive candles in the chapel are small devotional lights representing prayers that continue to burn before God, even after the worshiper leaves. They serve as a sensory physical expression of intercession, thanksgiving, or remembrance, connecting the body and soul in prayer. The practice signifies prayers ascending to God and the light of Christ. On Sunday mornings, as you pass through the chapel, you are welcome to light a candle and say a prayer if you wish. Please dispose of spent matches in the brass container attached to the wall. Optional donations for the candles may be left in the small alms basin.

Tending to our hearts & spirit

Join us for a time of serene reflection

Sunday Morning Eucharist

10:00 AM (in-person & online)

Weekday Worship

with Randy Woodland

Morning Prayer

Wednesdays, 9:30 AM

(watch online on our Facebook page)

Events, programs & updates

Church Workday

Join us for a Church Workday on Saturday, March 14th, at 9 AM! We need your help in enhancing the church grounds. If you have garden tools such as rakes, wheelbarrows, clippers, or any other handy equipment, please bring them along.

Don't forget gloves!

March 11, 11:30 AM, Olive Garden

2700 Eastern Blvd

the Food Pantry

Critical needs: Canned corn, Mac and cheese, and ramen noodles.

We now have a Kitchen closet. We would greatly appreciate your donations of:

Kitchen items, household knick-knacks, lamps, pictures, vases, & more.
Reusable grocery bags and canvas totes are always welcome!
If you can help unload the van, see Leanne or Mark

To donate, please drop off your items in the bins outside the double doors of McMaster Hall, the large basket by the offices, or the large basket in McMaster Hall. Read more about the Food Pantry.

Save the Dates

MARCH

March 15 - Book Study

March 22/23* Vestry Meeting

*Option to have regular schedule on Sunday or Monday via Zoom 7 PM

March 29 Palm Sunday/Bishop visitation

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Food Pantry, 9:30 AM

March 4, 11, 18, 25 - Morning Prayer, 9:30 AM

APRIL

April 2 - Maundy Thursday, Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, 6 PM

April 4 - Good Friday Liturgy, Noon

April 5 - Liturgy for Holy Saturday (Memorial Garden), 10 AM

April 5 - Easter Eucharist, Easter Egg Hunt

April 5, 19 - Book Study

April 7, 14, 21, 28 - Food Pantry, 9:30 AM

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Morning Prayer, 9:30 AM

See Our Calendar

MARCH

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Watch over thy children O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

Birthdays

Steven Speaks, David Guyette-Hard, Rachel Moore,

Andrew Gidiere, William Speaks, Dennis Endicott

Anniversaries

Dorothy & Andrew Gidiere