The Church Bell

Vol. 9, No. 1

Epiphany and Lent 2025

Agnes: Martyr at Rome

January 21st is the Feast of St. Agnes': Martyr at Rome.


As a child of twelve years, Agnes suffered for her faith, in Rome, during the cruel persecution of the Emperor Diocletian. After rejecting blandishments and withstanding threats and tortures by executioner, she remained firm in refusal to offer worship to the heathen gods, and was burned at the stake - or, according to another early tradition, was beheaded with the sword. The early fathers of the Church praised her courage and chastity, and remarked upon her name, which means "pure" in Greek and "lamb" in Latin.


Source: The Proper for Lesser Feasts and Fasts, 2006

St. Agnes' Sunday: January 26th

St. Agnes' Sunday is a special day in the life of our church family.


Come and worship at the 11 o'clock hour as we remember the life, legacy, and extraordinary example of Agnes, Martyr at Rome.


Agnes was a young woman from Imperial Rome who was executed for holding the Christian faith in spite of Roman law.

January 26th: Church-wide brunch

Our custom at St. Agnes' is to have a church-wide brunch after the service on St. Agnes' Sunday. 


We invite you to join us and bring a breakfast or brunch favorite to share.


Sunday Brunch on St. Agnes' is a tradition going back many years and something we always look forward to!

February 9th - Annual Meeting

Pursuant to the canons of the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Tennessee, and the customs of this congregation, we will hold the annual meeting of St. Agnes' Church on Sunday, February 9th, following the 11:00 service. 


This meeting is where we elect our Mission Council, vote on a proposed budget, and discuss our goals for the Calendar Year 2025.


May God grant us all things necessary for our common life in the mission and ministry of His holy church.

February 16th - Visit from the Bishop

St. Agnes' will welcome The Rt. Rev'd John C. Bauerschmidt, the 11th Bishop of Tennessee, for a pastoral visit on Sunday, February 16th, 2025.


Bishop John will lead a service of Holy Communion at the 11 o'clock hour. Lunch will be served afterward in the parish hall.


Come and join us for this special time in worship and fellowship! St. Agnes' is located at 105 England St. E. in Cowan.

March 5th - Ash Wednesday Service

St. Agnes' will join with other local churches for a shared Ash Wednesday Service on March 5th, 6:00 p.m., at Cowan First Baptist Church.


Ash Wednesday is the first day in the Season of Lent - a 40-day period of fasting and prayer that leads to the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection from the grave.


At the service all are invited to be marked with ashes on the forehead. The ashes remind us that we are sinners facing the reality of our own death and in need of the good news that Jesus brings in the Resurrection.


Come and join us in this special time of worship, reflection and preparation. Cowan First Baptist is located at 316 W. Cumberland St. The service is sponsored by the Cowan Ministerial Association.

"I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer. Amen." The Book of Common Prayer


In the 40-day Season of Lent that we initiate on Ash Wednesday, we have a standing invitation from the church throughout the ages to make this a time of holiness.


Consider fasting: abstaining from things we typically enjoy helps us face the hold that sin has on our individual lives. We are creating for ourselves a godly grief and making more space in our lives for prayer and reflection. Think of one or more things you can give up for Lent that will create a necessary void.


Consider daily prayer and scripture reading: an extra effort to stop every day for prayer and a lesson of Holy Scripture reminds us that God fills the void in our lives and gives us hope and direction. Take time every day with prayer and scripture.


Remember that your fast leads to a joyful feast! The 40-day Season of Lent leads us to the Empty Tomb and the joyful news that Jesus is Risen! Therefore, keep your fast knowing that a glorious feast is ahead of us on Easter Sunday!

Updates from our extended church family

Kathleen Black has been able to attend some of our recent church services. There are days when she feels weaker, but overall her health has improved compared to a year ago.


Nancy Glenn sent a Christmas card to the congregation. December was a difficult month for her due to a respiratory illness. Our prayers are always appreciated.


Pat Underwood is staying at the NHC facility in Tullahoma. Jarod stopped by to visit with her and have prayer before Christmas. Pat sends her love and intends to have a better year with her health.

Get Ahead on Recent Sermons
Take full advantage of our online presence, especially if you are unable to attend services in person.

Here are some of our recent Video Sermons:
"Signs and gifts" from January 19th
"An 'Aha' Moment" from January 5th
"Born among the least and into Greatness" from December 24th
"Rejoice, and prepare the way!" from December 15th
"Bearers of the message" from December 8th
"Hope and anticipation" from December 1st
"Kingship and Confusion" from November 24th

Winter Birthdays

February 4 - Abby Garner Patterson

February 16 - Janelee Wise

February 24 - Keaton Krauth

February 26 - Georgia Scott


March 5 - Bruce Smith

March 11 - Kent Walker

March 21 - Jessica Dervin


***


"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 their hearts may thy peace, which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

We Uphold in Prayer

Laura Petry, Sherry Brock, Liam Dervin, Laura Pearson McDonald, Pat Underwood, Clay Mitchell, Teresa Peacock, Frances Weddington, Margie Henley, Gene and Kathleen Black, Nancy Glenn, Scott James, Tony Newmann, Leanna Morris, Heather Martin, Rose Pearson, Scott James, Wynona Gibson, Marty Judd, Iris Ellidge, Roy Tankersley, and Linda Milligan.


We pray continually for Christians around the world in grave danger.


We pray especially over the crisis and conflict in Israel and the Middle East region.


We uphold our friends and neighbors throughout the country during the severe winter weather season. We pray for residents in Southern California during the devastating wildfires. We pray for residents in East Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida still suffering from hurricane devastation.


We bless and commemorate Mike Cunningham, Don Cox, Marlee Nunley, Kim Clark, and Pete Green who all recently passed into glory.


***


"O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayer, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Sunday Service ....................................11:00 a.m.
Sunday School .....................................10:00 a.m.

Location/Address: 105 England Street E., PO Box 356, Cowan, TN 37318
Telephone: (931) 636-6313
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The Rt. Rev'd John C. Bauerschmidt..................Bishop of Tennessee


The Rev'd Jurinesz Randolph Shadrach............Visiting Priest


L. Jarod Pearson.................................................Lay Reader