February 21, 2012

Feb. 21: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 5:30-7:30 P.M.

Feb 22: Ash Wednesday Services, 7 A,M.,Noon, 7 P. M.

Feb. 25: ECW Quiet Day - Sanctuary

Feb 25: Game Day at ECR, Parish Hall, Noon - 5 P. M.

February 26: Steadfast Hope - Lenten Series begins, 4 - 5:30 PM

March 3: Jimmie Castro Memorial Service, 1 P. M.

March 24: Blood Drive at ECR beginning 8 A. M.

STEADFAST HOPE

STEADFAST HOPE - ECR's Lenten Series 2012 opens a theological discussion of the issues concerning peace between Israel and the Palestinians.  This series is part of our search for God's vision for ourselves in responses to this issue and to other issues of Justice and Peace. 

 The series is led by The Rev. Jessica Vedanti and includes presentations by local representatives of the Jewish and Muslim perspectives.  All are welcome.  The series is presented free of charge, with donations accepted for the honoraria for our presenters.  We'll meet in the afternoon from February 26 through April 1, in the narthex of the ECR Church Building from 4 until 5:30 P. M.   Come prepared to be challenged and inspired.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Sponsored by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held in the Parish Hall on February 21, from 5:30-7:30 P.M. Tickets will be $3.50 per person or $10 per family. It's all you can eat!!

CALLING ALL WOMEN TO ECW QUIET DAY

On Feb. 25th the ECW is sponsoring a Quiet from 10 AM to 3 PM in classroom 5. We will be led be lead by Sara Hale. There is no cost to those attending but we will all need to bring our own lunches and beverages. Look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex to let us know you would like to attend.

Contact: Lana Beyer, ECW President for more information

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

If you're interested in a mid-week Bible Study, join the Evening Bible Study here at ECR.  We begin meeting February 8 in Classroom 4 in the Church Building, from 6:45 to 7:30.  Our rector will lead the study.  Come and enjoy the fellowship and grow in your knowledge and appreciation of the scriptures.  See you there.

ATTENTION THRIFT SHOP SHOPPERS.....

The Thrift Shop will only be open on Ash Wednesday from 10 A. M. until 11:50 A. M in order to allow the volunteers to attend noon Ash Wednesday services.

  -  We move now from a season of celebration in which we recalled the welcome that the Light of Christ received early on in Jesus' ministry, to the season in which we reflect upon and recall the hostility that grew over time toward Jesus and teachings.  Those who resented the grace and generosity of God's Love that Jesus represented escalated their campaign to discredit him.  This led eventually to Jesus' crucifixion, death, and burial.  These somber events, to which Jesus surrendered himself, are the themes of Christian life that we tend to in this season.  Even so, every Sunday we still celebrate the victory that Christ Jesus won over death and its children: corruption and despair.  Lent begins with Ash Wednesday services during which ashes are imposed on the foreheads of the faithful as outward signs of inward penitence.  May you be blessed with a Lent of deepened union with God and broader communion with God's people.

- The last week of Christ's life culminating in his crucifixion are recalled at Holy Week.  Holy Week this year begins on Palm Sunday April 1 and concludes on Holy Saturday April 7.  ECR observes the Stations of the Cross this year on Wednesday and Thursday of Holy Week at noon, and Friday of Holy Week at 1 p.m.  The Stations are an ancient devotion that recalls both scriptural and legendary events along the way of Jesus' bearing of the cross to Golgotha, the hill upon which he died.  The Wednesday evening service of Holy Week will be a special observance known as Tenebrae, at 6p.m., a service that incorporates the lighting of candles to recall the abiding presence of the Light of Christ in the midst of his persecutions.  Maundy Thursday, at 7 pm. on Thursday of Holy Week, remembers Jesus' final meal with his disciples and incorporates the ancient practice of washing the feet of others as a sign of profound hospitality.  Good Friday services, noon and 7 p.m on Friday of Holy Week, recall the stark reality of the tomb of Jesus, of the experience of Jesus' sacrifice unto death and his subsequent absence from the presence of his followers.  The Great Vigil, Saturday of Holy Week at 8 p.m., recreates the experience of the resurrection of Jesus into a world despairing his death, its its igniting of new light brought into the darkened church.  Scripture lessons are read to help us recall the history of the relationship between God and humankind, leading up to the rising of Jesus from death and the grave.   This service offers the very first Eucharist of the new Easter season. 

Stations of the Cross - Noon Wednesday and Thursday April 4 and April 5; 1pm Friday April 6.  Tenebrae - 6 pm Wednesday April 4; Maundy Thursday - 7 pm Thursday April 5; Good Friday - Noon and 7 pm, Friday April 6; Great Vigil - 8pm Saturday April 7.   As you enter into experience and reflections of the passion and sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of the whole world as rich, come know a more richly blessed  Easter for having experience the Holy Week that precedes it all. 

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF JIMMY CASTRO

Jimmy Castro, long time member and tremendous example of grace, Jimmy Castro, died last week.  Relieved of his suffering and struggle, may he know God's Love more fully now in God's immediate presence.  Jimmy's memorial service will be held here at ECR on Saturday March 3 at 1p.m.  A reception in the Parish Hall follows the service.   May God's blessing enfold Jimmy's family and loved ones. May the soul of Jimmy Castro rest in peace.  Amen .

Sad to note - Jeff Johnson has suffered the sad loss of brother Laurie last weekend.  Please keep Jeff and his partner Shawn in your prayers.  Toni Olyer has suffered th loss of her mother Joan Luton Higgins this week.  Please keep Toni and her husband Ken in your prayers. 

AUSTIN GIRL'S CHOIR 9TH ANNUAL MADRIGAL DINNER

Tickets are now on sale for Austin Girls’ Choir’s 9th annual Madrigal Dinner!  Join us Saturday, March 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Road (78756).  This fun musical dinner theatre experience takes you to Merry Olde England to dine with milord’s court!  Enjoy the tangled web of court intrigue – with a few magical twists!  Family-friendly drama, full meal, fine music.  This year’s production includes Bob and Lana Beyer in the roles of Steward and Housekeeper, and Lana enjoys a plot-pivotal part replete with Cockney accent!  Herald-announced seating of guests and prelude concert at 6:00, play starts at 6:30.  Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended, as this event usually sells out ahead of the date.  Nobles’ seats $25, Gallery seating $15 (all ages).  Sara Burden-McClure will gladly sell you a ticket in person, or you may call (512) 453-0884 for credit card ticket orders or mail checks to Austin Girls’ Choir at P.O. Box 4026, Austin, TX  78765. CLICK HERE for more info.

ATTENTION DOK MEMBERS

The Daughters of the King will have their Spring Assembly at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Houston, Tx on February 24 & 25, 2012. The Saint Margaret of Scotland Chapter of the Daughters of the King Heartily invites all the Daughters in the Diocese of Texas to attend.  The theme of this assembly is "Making God's Love Visible Through Prayer". The Keynote Speaker is The Rev. Stuart Shelby, Rector of St. Richard's, in Round Rock. The Registration for Friday night and Saturday (which includes the reception, Saturday's breakfast, and Lunch is $25.00. Please check with Helen Paulsen or email daughtersof theking@ecraustin.org for registration. Car Pooling can be arranged if you are interested in attending. If you have Never attended a DOK Assembly you are in for a treat.

Episcopal Peace Fellowship - will meet every 3rd Monday of the month. Our first meeting will be Monday February 13th at 5:45pm at the Seminary of the Southwest in the black room of the Booher Library.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come to these meetings!  This month's meeting we will welcome a new facilitator, hear some updates about ongoing projects and brainstorm areas of interest and goals for this semester.  Hope to see you there, but if you cannot come, look for the minutes of our meetings in an email so you can stay up to date about events and opportunities to get involved. 

Urban Pilgrimage - This is the alternative spring break program for young adults exploring the social, political and theological implications around the issues of Immigration and Homelessness. This program is offered here in Austin thanks to volunteers from our SSW community and parishes around Austin, so please consider spending some of your spring break helping with this program that offers college age Episcopalians a unique opportunity to explore these issues, meet a diversity of people, and reflect theologically on current events.    If you cannot attend this meeting and are interested in sharing your gifts during the Urban Pilgrimage please send me an email and I will be in touch.    (Jessie Vedanti)

ECR HELPS THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK

Outreach Ministry has formed a Job Bank. Have you noticed the unemployment rate is at an all time high? Well, maybe you can help. Need a hand around the house and/or yard? Some home or office project you started but didn't get around to finishing? Please contact outreach@ecraustin.org and we'll match you with one of our parishioners who is greatly in need of cash for food, rent, and other essentials. Times are hard. It is often a short, swift fall into desparatiom and poverty. No job is too small to be helpful when the need is so great. Many parishioners have already used help from the job bank with good results. Give someone the opportunity for the Love of God. .Your blessing will be great.

Pease, look around your homes, yards, workplaces for anything which might provide someone some cash.  Not a handout, but blessed work.  We need to make some more matches!!