Season of Dazzling Darkness

Cleansing our Temples for Lent

By The Rev. Dr. Paul S. Nancarrow

This month we begin the season of Lent, our time of fasting and prayer in preparation for the celebration of Easter on April 20. We are now in the midst of Lectionary Year B, and in Year B on the Third Sunday in Lent, March 23, we will read as our Gospel St. John’s account of “The Cleansing of the Temple.”

According to John’s telling, Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem very early in his public ministry, as one of the first things he did in the public eye. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all show Jesus doing this during the last week of his earthly life. By placing this incident early in Jesus’ career, John is making a point about the aspect of cleansing that is part of all of Jesus’ ministry, from beginning to end. As John tells it, during the time of the Passover festival Jesus came to the Temple and threw out all the merchants and the money-changers, commanding them to “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” When the people challenged his authority to do this, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The people thought he meant the Temple building, but what he really meant was the temple of his body.

Temples and bodies. What was true of Jesus in his life and ministry, is made true for us in our discipleship, made true

for us by the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. The story of Jesus and the money-changers in the temple can help us focus on an important aspect of our own discipleship during this Lenten observance.

Lent can be a time of “spiritual housecleaning” for us, a time to look at the business and busy-ness of our lives and to ask ourselves how well or how poorly our inner “merchants and money-changers” are serving the purposes of God. It is a time to ask ourselves whether we also have given our lives and energies to buying and selling, rather than to giving and receiving in the free graciousness of God’s love. It is a time to drive out greed and make room for generosity, drive out selfishness and make room for sacrifice. Prayer, fasting, self-examination, works of mercy, are all good ways of returning our body-temples to their real use: to be vessels and channels of the life-giving love of God.

And Lent can call us to a larger “spiritual housecleaning” as well: to use the insights of our personal vision to question and to cleanse our shared vision, our communal lives, our social practices. Especially now, as our world hovers on the edge of war, it is time for us to ask what we buy and sell, what we give and receive, how we take the temple of Creation and make it a marketplace, how we reduce peoples and governments and nations to bargaining chips in endless games of brinksmanship, how we might be called to let social structures of greed be driven out, so that new structures of justice and peace may be raised up in their place.

As John’s story shows, such spiritual housecleaning is seldom easy. It requires courage and zeal, and it usually provokes anger and resistance. But as Jesus himself shows us, what anger and resistance breaks down, God is yet able to raise up.

So the Spirit of Jesus may cleanse us this Lent, for the joyous Easter that will not fail to come.

Lenten Program: The Cross in Common

Once again this Lent we will be sharing our Wednesday evenings with our Lutheran neighbors in a joint Lenten program. The theme this year is “The Cross in Common.” The cross is a Christian symbol we all share, and yet we use it in so many different ways: an ornate processional cross, a rough wooden cross, a cross emblazoned on a chalice, a cross woven in an altar cloth. What do our crosses say about us, our Christian life, our mission in the world? Prayers, preaching, songs, and worship will explore how our diversity is unified in the cross in common. Join us at Wooddale Lutheran on March 12, St George’s on March 19, Reformation Lutheran on March 26, First Lutheran on April 2, and Ascension Lutheran on April 9 for this Lenten devotion.

From the Minister of Music by Lawrence R. Henry

I have spent much time over the years pondering all of the intricacies of music. What makes it work so well in the hands of a master composer or a dynamic professional? What are the differences between a “master piece” and an ordinary song? What is the indescribable moment in a song where everybody’s heart beats a little faster or when we turn our head heavenward and say, “that was good!?”

We are all musicians at heart for we all have the capacity to respond to a glorious combination of sounds that beat upon the ear, even though we may not understand how it works. Even though I work with it daily, I am constantly staggered by the enormity of what we hear Sunday to Sunday: hymns from the 16th century to the present, liturgical pieces, newly composed contemporary songs with new and different combinations of instruments, choral pieces with texts as ancient as cathedrals. Even though we may be awed by the task, we are drawn to respond and sing hymns and songs and anthems at the top of whatever voices we are divinely granted. As one of my mentors humbly said, “God gets an A+!”

Is there a point to this? Stop for a moment during the “so what?” moment and think of a point in a hymn or song or liturgical piece where the combination of notes and words and accompaniment thrilled you and opened a window for a small moment into heaven. Then tell me or somebody about it. Share and rejoice in the sharing. In this way, we may be disciples to the sound of God, the master musician.

Submitted at a moment of reflection, Lawrence Henry.

Pastoral Care by Mary Phelps

The Biblical story about the woman who anointed Jesus at Bethany was so well known to Jesus’ followers that all four gospel writers include it in their book. The climax comes at the end of the story when Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” Jesus reveals, through the woman’s kind act, that the requirement to help the poor and suffering in the world does not negate our personal acts of love to individuals in need. To profess we are leading a Christian life requires both public alms to society and private acts of love to needy individuals.

We are trying to build pastoral teams at St. George’s to attend to the needs of specific individuals. Please prayerfully consider joining the meals and rides team, or a group of lay volunteers who visit our shut-ins. The commitment to any of these teams is minimal, but the reward is huge!

Recently, a parishioner at St. David’s in Minnetonka spoke to the congregation on Sunday morning. This man has been an active member of the pastoral care team at St. David’s for years. About a year ago he was in a car accident, which kept him in the hospital or confined to his home for many months. Most of the time he was in a great deal of pain. Throughout that time it was his turn to be the recipient of love and care from his fellow parishioners. With his permission, I have included below a copy of the talk he delivered on that Sunday morning.

I have felt the love, care, and friendship that the members of St. George’s have for each other. I pray you will join together in bringing the love of Christ to members of your community that are less fortunate than most of us.

Peace, Mary Phelps

A Memorable Year

I asked our Rector if I might say a few words to you, my parish family, today, and he said I could do so. This is an important week for me; last Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of my automobile accident when I shattered my left hip.

It would not be difficult for me to justify this past year as the worst year of my life. I had two major operations on my hip; I spent 4 months in a wheelchair; I spent last Christmas at Hillcrest Nuring Home; I couldn’t drive until a month ago; and I was very dependent on others through most of the year. I also had a lot of pain.

However, from the day of the accident my feelings were of gratitude and a sense of being blessed. Never before have I been in a position where I needed support and therefore I never experienced the welling up of prayers and well wishes which were directed towards me. I was overwhelmed, and I realized how lucky I was to be part of this extended family.

If you haven’t been a “shut-in” you haven’t experienced the power of having the parish Eucharist brought to you—to be connected to all of you through that gift of bread and wine. I am grateful to those who brought it to me.

Also, I had never been “downhill” from an avalanche of “get well” cards. Every day for many weeks a pile of cards arrived to bring cheer and joy to me. What great support that was. How could I feel sorry for myself when it was clearly evident I was the luckiest person alive.

Also, my core family was very good to me. I expected them to be nice, of course, and try to help out when they could. But they were awesome. They anticipated all my needs. They turned that Christmas at Hillcrest into a joyful occasion. We took over a sitting room with a tree, and they brought food, presents and love.

On this anniversary week, I wanted to report to you on my condition, and let you know what you have accomplished. I have a new left hip, of course, and I am walking pretty well. I will have a limp for awhile, but that will fade away. But more importantly, I now know that God is present in each one of us; the Spirit really does move between us, and that spirit enhances our courage and strength to overcome adversity and discouragement. It also brings joy!

I also want the parish to realize the part the Tuesday morning Bible study played; their prayers were wonderful. They were also a large part of my social life after I became mobile. Now let me tell you about the men’s Morning prayer group which meets at 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays; they have been great! From the time I was allowed to get into a car one of the guys would pick me up and take me home. I had always enjoyed the fellowship here on Saturday morning, but after the accident it was especially important to resume this “normal” activity and enjoy its spiritual gift.

So there you have it. The year that could have been classified as the worst year of my life turned out to be the best year. I want you to know that I love every one of you, I will never forget you. I will never forget how you carried me through my “time of trial”. Thank you.

New Pastoral Care Station by John Hagerman

If you haven’t already noticed, the parish Life and Celebration Tem has put up a new Parish Care Station in the Parish Hall. The Care Station is a one-stop-shop for pastoral care information. There are Opt-In forms for email and phone tree notification of pastoral care needs, as well as a section for opting in to be available to give assistance, be available for rides, meals, chores, or other needs.

There are also Cares, Prayers, Needs and Celebration forms to be used to request assistance or to set the mail and phone tree notification systems in motion. If you have a need, use a form and either post it on the Care Station board or put it in the attached envelope so it can be collected and dealt with appropriately. When appropriate, we will also use the Care Station board as a place to post when a parishioner is hospitalized, injured, promoted, or has any other Care, prayer, need or Celebration to share. Be sure to check the board after services to keep up with what’s happening in the parish.

The final component of the Care Station will be a Resource Rack for information about service groups, programs and organizations that are available to assist those who have needs that go beyond what St. George’s and the parish are able to handle. If you have a need, take a look at the Resource rack to see if there is information there that can help you. If you don’t see what you need, fill out a request form and we will do our best to find the information for you.

If you have other thoughts or ideas for the Care Station, please let John Hagerman or Roxy Zaun know. We are committed to doing all we can to meet the pastoral care needs of our community.

A Call for Resource Materials and Ideas

The new Parish Care Station in the Parish Hall includes a Resource rack to hold information on groups, programs and organizations that can assist with the care needs of our parish.

Making this silent ministry effective means gathering as much information and materials as possible to be available in the Resource rack.

If you have information on groups, programs or organizations that might provide assistance to people, please bring it in, email it, let John Hagerman or Roxy Zaun know—or pass it on to Patty. The more information that can be gathered, the more valuable the Resource rack will become.

Support the General Convention 2003!

The General Convention meets every three years for a ten-day legislative session. It will be in Minnesota July 30-August 8. In addition to the bishops and deputies, the Episcopal Church women will hold their triennial meeting in Minnesota. That will be another 500 people representing diocesan chapters of ECW. Add to that the exhibitors of church wares, vestments, books and services, and you will see that many volunteers will be needed to make things run smoothly at the Minneapolis Convention Center—in the areas of communications, information, print distribution, public safety, registration and worship.

Be sure to read Bishop Jelinek’s opening letter in the latest edition of Soundings - and pay particular attention to the center section, which includes a volunteer registration form. Or go to the GC2003 website and register there: it is located at http://gcvolunteer.episcopalchurc.org.

How Many Hungry Minnesotans Are Too Many?

“Hunger is an unfortunate reality for a growing number of neighbors in our community. More and more working parents struggle to pay the rent and utilities. Housing consumes 50%, 60% and in some cases, more of their income. The rising cost of transportation adds to the burden of the working poor and their children. Seniors living on low fixed incomes struggle to keep up with rapidly rising housing costs. Heating and prescription medicines are necessities, but the cost of each is escalating much faster than their pensions and social security. Even well adjusted ad stable households are vulnerable to a financial crisis brought on by a job layoff, prolonged illness, or divorce. When money is tight something has to give. Basic needs go unmet, Hunger and inadequate nutrition are realities in our community.” (quoted from the STEP newsletter).

And what can we do to help? We can make a difference by donating money or food to the St. Louis Park Emergency Food shelf. Last year our goal was 1400 pounds, and dollars donated were about 1,750. Our goal this year is 1,800 pounds and dollars and we should have no trouble meeting and possibly exceeding that goal. If you choose to buy food, consider buying something YOU would like and that might be a bit special. STEP can buy all the basics with your donate dollars, but a special jam or jelly—or a special mix or cereal would give some one an extra treat. STEP also needs personal care items such as soap, shampoo, diapers, and toothpaste and toothbrushes. If you have children or grandchildren, why not let them choose some items they would like to give? I’m sure you have lots of ideas about how to help out. Food can be brought to church any day and should be placed on the pew in the narthex. Checks should be made out to STEP and can be mailed to the church or placed in the offerings on Sundays.

The need is great. People do need food, and WE CAN HELP!

Lenten Prayer

Set aside some time to deepen your communication with God!

Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality will hold a series of prayer times to increase your inner awareness and to strengthen trust in your inner voice.

You will experience several types of prayers, look at your image of God, look at the blocks that may keep you from this relationship, learn to discern the variety of Inner Voices, and sharing your inner experiences with others.

Cost is $100 for four sessions. Thursdays, March 6-27, 7-9:00 p.m.

For more information or to schedule Lenten prayer at your location, cal Sacred Ground, Center for Spirituality at 651-696-2798.

Sunday School Scoop by Kitty Reese

In the current unit of our curriculum, all of the classes are studying the structure of the service of The Holy Eucharist at their own level.

In the preschool/Kindergarten classes they are learning how Jesus ate with his friends and offered them bread and wine –and how we give thanks to God and how Jesus sang with his disciples.

The Primary children learn about the last Supper, how we celebrate the Eucharist today and how we use the book of Common Prayer.

The Intermediate class is learning more specifically how we gather for the Liturgy, the Word of God, Offering the Gifts, The Great Thanksgiving, and going forth into the world.

Because we do not have Sunday School during Holy Week and Easter, during Lent we will spend quite a bit of time studying the events of Holy Week.

It’s not all work, though. We do have fun! We are in the process of planning a roller skating outing during March and will keep you posted on the details. Take a look at the bulletin board in the Parish Hall and you can see pictures of our bowling event in January, and Valentines made in February.

Cool Youth Stuff! As reported by Al Kotula

In February the youth planned a tentative canoe trip in late July/early August. More planning needs to follow.

The Long Walk Home, about the bus strike in Montgomery, Alabama in l956 was watched and discussed as a part of our “diversity” focus in teachings this winter/spring session.

Plans for new movies, outreach, and involvement by the youth in parish life were covered.

The Annual Meeting was a success and the youth seem excited about something that can be done to help others later in the spring session.

The Pianist is the February movie, which will teach the youth about WWII discrimination during the Holocaust period. Tough subjects—but sharp youth have done a great job with these sessions, led by Heather Whitesell, Dominic D’Amico and Al Kotula.

Thanks to . . .

Camille Schroeder, for replacing the soap dispenser in the women’s Bathroom in the Christian Education Building

Jan Hagerman for helping to take down the Christmas lights in the garden area.

Tom Zaun for shoveling by the front doors to the church. The city does make our sidewalks in front a mess. If you have any spare time and want to help with this project, just stop by the office. We’ll provide the salt and scraper.

Kathie Brown for all her hard work on the alley project. It is now a one-way from Toledo to Salem, West to East. It’s taking time to get used to. This spring all the fun should begin when they start tearing it up to cement it!

About us . . .

Ed and Myrt Glynn want to thank everyone for their cards, calls, prayers and well wishes during Ed’s surgery and now his recovery at home. St. George’s is truly a caring church family!

Error in last month’s Newsletter—wrong phone number for Paul and Camille Schroeder. Their correct number is 952-470-5730

Jill Sutherland is skiing. One cold Sunday in February Patty Dittrich went to the Hyland Park Ski area to watch Jill ski. It’s a wonderful program through the Courage Center and it was truly an inspiration to see physically challenged people ski. Jill sits in a little sled (with one big ski underneath) and is directed as she goes down the hill by a person skiing behind her, holding 2 long nylon straps. Of course Jill loves going down the steepest hill and you can hear her laughing all the way down. I spoke to one of the volunteers and she said they have a weekend of training before the season begins. Somehow, they lift this little sled onto the chair lift to go up the hill.

Through this program there were people there with many disabilities enjoying a sport that years ago would have been impossible for them. It was a wonderful morning spent “on the slopes” with Jill.

One Sunday, ask Jill about skiing and she will tell you how “fast” she goes and how much she loves it. It’s a wonderful program, so if you are a skier, think about volunteering through the Courage Center.

2003 Cass Lake Episcopal Camp Schedule

Work weeks: May 31 to June 4; August 20-24

Camp Whipple: June 25-28. Cost is $90, Bus is $45.

this camp is designed for children entering grades K-4 in the fall.

Senior High Camp: June 28-July 5. Cost is $240, Bus is $45 .

9th and 10th Grade Camp: July 5-12. Cost is $240, Bus is $45

7th and 8th Grade Camp: July 12-19. Cost is $240, bus is $45

5th and 6th Grade Camp: July 19-26. Cost is $240, Bus is $45

Family Camp: July 27-August 2 and August 3-9. Cost is $240 for adults; Ages 7-12

is $140; Ages 3-6 is $90.

Young Adult camp—August 16-20. Cost is $120. Camp is open to all young adults at least one year out of high school.

Call the camp office for details. Applications are coordinated through the local clergy and the Camp office.