Joyous Lent: All Saints Gazette, February 20
Greetings from All Saints Amsterdam!
We are now in the season of Lent, traditionally a season of special devotion. We shake things up a bit in order to experience the newness of the mysteries of Jesus, especially the resurrection (at Easter, yes, but every Sunday is also a feast of the resurrection). It is in memory of Christ's temptation and passion, but that does not mean we are not joyous. Lent is a time to shake things up a bit for the sake of finding deeper joy. So, joyous Lent to you! (tl;dr Bible study is on Zoom for Lent, starting today at 6:30--link below)
Abundance Inventory
As we begin the season of Lent our attention turns to chosen disciplines. The season can take on a bit of a gloomy cast. But Lent means Spring. It is the season of fresh starts, new beginnings, and new growth.
“19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Where is God doing a new thing in you? From which wildernesses has God come to fetch you? Which deserts in you are getting watered? How can you share the blessings of that enrichment and renewal? Who or what is thirsty for your loving attention? Who needs your help to make a way through their wilderness? Might an invitation to come with you to church be part of that path? Is there a member of the community or someone beyond our community who might welcome a call or a message from you? Is there a piece of our life together that you can resource...bread and wine or candles for worship; linens for our altar; craft supplies for our children’s ministry? All Saints is part of the new thing that God is doing. How are you called to participate?
Bible Study (Wednesday at 6:30)
Have you wanted to try out Bible study but the midweek trip just wasn't working for you? Now's your chance! We will be on Zoom through Lent in order to be more accessible, and will then take inventory at Easter to see how we want to go forward. Here is the information to join:
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88944038056?pwd=4ybNm7bmmD44bzCkAAdSaZ1ZNXM69N.1
Meeting ID: 889 4403 8056
Passcode: 817891
Note that starting at Easter, we will move Bible study to Thursdays.
Children's Worship
We could use a volunteer or two to lead a children's activity during the readings and sermon at our next service (March 3). It will be the first one at Vrijburg and we will only have one priest that day. Are you that person?
Roving Priest Starts Next Week
Remember how I (Kyle) said last week that I would start the roving priest thing this week? I lied. I'll actually be away for a short birthday trip. So we'll start this next week. If you missed last week's letter, I will be spending most of Thursdays in Amsterdam. Part of the time I will have "office hours" at a predetermined location, and the rest of the time is great for meeting you (yes, you!) anywhere you like.
All Saints People Elsewhere: Outreach focus
At dinner after our last service, the conversation turned to ways that many of our people are involved in awesome community and justice initiatives beyond our church (though if one of us is there, it's not beyond, is it?). So rather than a particular spotlight this week, we would like to invite you to pray for God to show us how All Saints should be involved in the outreach that you are already doing. What should be our focus for the next season?
What's that? How to pray? Here's one suggestion: Make the sign of the cross (up, down, left, right). Say: "God, thank you for what the people of All Saints are doing. What should All Saint's outreach focus be? Show us your way and help us to walk in it." Mention anything else on your mind to God while you've got her attention (or rather, while she has yours). Keep silence for about 30 seconds. Say, "I offer these requests in Jesus name, as he instructed" (he really did). Say the Lord's Prayer, if you want. Say Amen. Make the sign of the cross again if you want.
There are other ways, but it can be this simple. Actually, it can be a great deal simpler.
That's all for today!
Want to talk to a priest? We want to talk to you too!
Website: https://allsaintsamsterdam.church/
Mpho: mpho@allsaintsamsterdam.church
Kyle: kyle@allsaintsamsterdam.church
General: info@allsaintsamsterdam.church
