The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all round them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, ‘Mortal, can these bones live?’ I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Ezekiel 37:1-3
Hallowing Halloween 2020
I probably don’t need to say it, but Halloween will be different this year. Like every other day since March, we’ll need to be aware, wash our hands, maintain social distance. At least masks will be acceptable! Perhaps, this Halloween will be a chance to reclaim the “Hallowed” part.
October 31 has been significant long before Christianity. The Celtic peoples of the British Isles and northern Europe observed the day as one of four “Cross Quarter Days”. These days (Feb 2, May 1, August 1 and Oct 31) lay half-way between the Semi-annual Solstices and Equinoxes. They represent the origins of: Ground Hog Day, May Day, and Mid-Summer, as well as Halloween. In an agricultural society, the Cross Quarters reminded people when to harrow, plant, harvest, and slaughter.
Halloween has been the best secular commercial success. Our fascination with death and horror plays well in the modern market place. Throw in some treats while getting ready for the festival, and you have a real money maker.
For Christians, the Feast of All Saints is a chance to celebrate our heavenly destination. All of us are made saints (holy ones) by virtue of our baptisms. Like Christmas Eve, the Eve of All Saints (Hallows in Old English) is a night of preparation for the celebration.
So how might we “Hallow” this holy evening? Halloween is, hopefully, a safe time to talk with children and youth about death. There are ghost stories in the Bible (The Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28); Skeletons (Ezekiel 37); even a War with Devils and Dragons (Revelation 12 … probably PG-13). Jesus’ own Resurrection is pretty creepy in Matthew’s telling (Matthew 27:5-54) as the dead come out of their tombs and walk around Jerusalem.
The BCP teaches us “We pray for them (the dead), because we still hold them in our love, and because we trust that in God's presence those who have chosen to serve him will grow in his love, until they see him as he is” (BCP p. 862) Perhaps your household could remember “those whom we love but see no longer”. Going through old photographs can stir memories and stories. It is appropriate to visit cemeteries and remember loved ones.
All of us will die someday. God has a for that plan. Nothing will separate us from God’s love or God’s plan. On November 1, we will “Sing a Song of the Saints of God!” So why not get ready for the Feast Day? Tell stories; get a little spooky. Know that in the end, Jesus has us all in hand.
Peace,
Mark +
Almighty and everliving God, you have made all things in your wisdom and established the boundaries of life and death: Grant that we may obey your voice in this world, and in the world to come may enjoy that rest and peace which you have appointed for your people; through Jesus Christ who is Resurrection and Life, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
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Christian Formation
We will continue with the Lord’s Prayer during Lessons with Lisa. It is my hope that your children learn this prayer and that you use it during your bedtime routine. Jesus said that we “should always pray and never give up.” Be sure to check out Wednesday’s with Winnie. Does Winnie really know how to pray? You may be surprised! Peace, Miss Lisa O
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Please pray for: Angela & Trent, Camp Wright, Chris, Scott & Lynn Clark, Jane Coppage, Wendy Costello, Corie Davis, Bryan Dalheim (RIP), Bob & Laura Dean, Deny, Paul Dorr, Jim Ewing, Jim Gallagher, Dave Grapes, Rick H (RIP) & Family, Anne Habberton, Rita Hadlock, Melanie Hallowell (RIP), Liza Hamill, Ronald Hartman, Carol Holland, Jim Hoverman, Clint Hoxter, Charles Jewell, Anne Jones, Josette, Rowan & Lyla, Jeff Kolbeins, Mike Kratzer & Family, Olivia Marguerite, Sharon McCain, Toinette McDowell, Doug McMillan & Family, Bob Meile, Faith Miller, Bob Moore, Renee O’Rourke, Camilla Parrott, Al Peppel, John Perkins, Gail Renborg, Rick & Christina, John Riley, Jeff Rouse, Adele & David Sadiq, Judy Schubrook, Kirsten Shelek (RIP), Donna & Rob Sherwood, Anna Sisson, Ian Vansant & Family, Kathy & Roger Whitehead, Candace Williams, Bob Willis, Lee Wilson (RIP), Jack Wright
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This Sunday's Worship Service
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CHOIR UPDATE
We will continue to offer anthems on our weekly video services. Please consider signing up to provide music one or more Sundays. This is open to all members and friends of the congregation. Also, if you have a friend or family member who is a musician, please consider inviting them to participate. The sign up for the fall is here.. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45AAAD2CA1F49-christ
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Pause, Ponder and Pray Returns
Tuesday Night Bible Study
Ever wonder who picks the Scriptures we read on Sundays? Ever thought about where a sermon comes from? Ever wished you felt more comfortable with your bible? Pause, Ponder and Pray is for you.
We have begun gathering around our screens and looking at the Sunday Scriptures. We talk about who wrote them down, why we read them, what they meant to the first hearers and what they mean to us. Along the way we share stories from the lives of God’s people and our own stories of doubt and faith.
Come as often as you like. Bring your questions, and an open heart and mind. If getting on to Zoom is an issue, call or email the church and one of our tech team will assist you. You can invite friends to join in. It’s an interactive learning experience!
Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
**Watch for an email invitation via Constant Contact or you may contact the parish office for the Zoom link.
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Daily Evening Prayer with Fr. Mark
For more than 30 years I have marked the end of my workday with Evening Prayer. During COVID, I went back to praying alone; but I now believe I can safely offer prayer in church again. We’ll meet in the Narthex (the gathering space just inside the church doors.) Come in through the Shand Hall doors. Sign in, Masks and Hand sanitizing will be required.
If you have a smart phone, please go wherever you get your apps. Download the free app from Mission St Clare. It’s really easy and will allow us to share prayer without books. If you prefer, bring your own BCP or I can loan you one of ours to carry. I hope to share the service on Facebook Live in the coming weeks, but first I need to get my rhythm back.
Join us any day Monday to Thursday at 5:00 pm for Daily Evening Prayer.
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Ways to Support Christ Church
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Electronic Giving: Click Here
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Text to Give by texting CCPKI to 73256
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Bank: Have your bank send a check or make an ACH transfer
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By Check: CCPKI 830 Romancoke Rd. Stevensville MD 21666
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