The books are ordered and I hope to have them for distribution and/or delivery on Sunday. For our first session on 2/25, please read the Prologue and Part I (~30 pages). You are welcome to join us even if you don't have a book. The more, the merrier!
This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker
Dear St. Paul's Family,
As you enjoy this newsletter we are already on our third day of Lent. Our Ash Wednesday services were blessed. And on Sunday we will observe the first Sunday in Lent with The Great Litany. Like so many other gatherings in the last 11+ months, it will be slightly different. It will not be sung, rather it will be said alternately between myself and the reader of the day - with your responses of course. We will not be processing as social distancing is difficult to observe while walking up and down the aisles. The words, the intentions, the prayers will all be the same though! We will pray for mercy, deliverance, intercession for various aspects of the world, and for forgiveness for our many sins. We will be reminded of our sinfulness and encouraged to repent and draw near to God. It is an appropriate beginning to our Lenten season.
As I mentioned in my Ash Wednesday sermon, our Lenten journey this year, after nearly a year in isolation amidst a pandemic, may look different. That's ok. Remember that each of us must find our own path through this Lenten season, eliminating the things that draw us away from God, and incorporating the things that draw us nearer. However you choose to honor this holy season please know that I am here to support and pray for you.
Prayers and blessings to you,
Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226
The Way of Love in Lent (with the Diocese)
Another Study Opportunity
Life Transformed - The Way of Love in Lent (revised for 2021)
Date: Saturdays - February 27, March 6, 13, & 20
Time: 10/9 a.m. (EST/CST) on Zoom
Facilitator: Bishop Doug Sparks
Register here!
The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self- giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. This Quiet Day for Lent ties the Easter Vigil readings to the seven practices of the Way of Love. Drawing on the ancient practice of setting aside Lent as a period of study and preparation for living as a Christian disciple (known as the catechumenate), this curriculum encourages participants to reflect on salvation history; walk toward the empty tomb; and embrace the transforming reality of love, life, and liberation. As we stand with the three women at the empty tomb, we hear his call to go and live that transformed reality.
Session I: Introduction to the Way of Love and a Rule of Life; TURN: Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:3-11)
Session II: PRAY: Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-15:1); LEARN: Learn Wisdom and Live (Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6)
Session III: BLESS: A New Heart and a New Spirit (Ezekiel 36:24-28); REST: The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
Session IV: WORSHIP: The Gathering of God’s People (Zephaniah 3:12-20); GO: The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-12)