February 2011
VOLUME II, ISSUE X
Christ Church News
February 2011
The Mission of Christ Church is to know Christ and make God’s love in Jesus known to others.
Special Points of Interest: Candlemas Reflections on Candlemas Prayer List Things to know...
Candlemas The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, falls on February 2 and celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. Other traditional names include Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, or the Meeting of the Lord. In many Western liturgical churches, The Feast of the Presentation marks the end of the Epiphany season. In the Church of England, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple is a Principal Feast celebrated either on February 2 or on the Sunday between January 28 and February 3. Candlemas is about the light, our savior Christ coming into world. The event of Candlemas, is described in the Gospel of Luke. According to Luke, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the law of Moses. Luke says that Joseph and Mary offer the option provided for poor people who could not afford a lamb, sacrificing instead "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ." Simeon prayed the prayer that would is known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus. We repeat Simeon’s words in our service of Evening Prayer. “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.” Simeon also prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Israel. Candlemas occurs 40 days after Christmas. Traditionally the Western term "Candlemas" refers to the practice where a priest blesses beeswax candles for use throughout the year for the family home. Traditionally, Candlemas has been the last feast day in the Christian year that was dated to Christmas. February 2 falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and in many traditions is considered the beginning of spring. Source: Wikipedia
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Re f l e c t i o n s f ro m S a l l i e Are you confused? Candlemas puts us back in Jesus' infancy, while the Gospels during Epiphany have us pondering the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the calling of his disciples and the introduction to the new covenant. Candlemas originated in the late fifth century as a tribute to the light of God's glory manifested in Christ Jesus. The earliest known observance within the Church was in the year AD 496. On Candlemas, the custom of bringing candles to church to be blessed by the priest was established. The blessed candles were taken home where they served as light and protection from disasters. Hence the origin for the name, Candle-mass. Some people believe that some of Candlemas’ activities stem from pagan observances, but no matter, Candlemas occurs at a period between the December solstice and the March equinox, the“halfway point” until spring. Candlemas then, becomes a precursor to Lent. For us, this celebration between Christmas and Ash Wednesday is a good time to reflect on what our own spiritual discipline will be for Lent; and since Candlemas heralds the beginning of spring, we can also perform our own ritual acts of purification like spring cleaning. Many of us know house cleaning helps banish the gloom of winter and creates a sparkling setting for spring. Christians in the 5th Century said during the Candle Mass: "Our bright shining candles are a sign of divine splendor of the one who comes to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of his eternal light. Our candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ." Light a candle each night during February to remind yourself of the light of the world among us!
Prayer and Flower List Pray for Katherine, our Presiding Bishop, Thomas and Kenneth, our Bishops. Sick or recovering: Derik, Karen McCown, Tom McMillen, Helen Lee, Michelle Graham, Larry Spencer, Teresa Moore, Denise Smith, Josie Butcher, Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Jeffers, Clara, Heather and Melissa Nicholas, Alisha Layne, Cornelia Fletcher, Robin Clagg, David King, Sydney, Carol Pennington, Tom, Omalee Toleman, Ron and Jessica Canterbury, Kirstie and Tammie Munsen and Dick Walton. Shut-in: Thelma Crance and Maxine Cox. Thanksgivings: Don Pitsenberger, Judy Conroy and Jean Hamm. Flowers given: 2/6 by Don and Nancy Murphy in memory of their daughter, Laura Dawn and Nancy’s mother Mrs. Oliver Stewart; 2/13 by James Collier in memory of his parents J.B. and Betty, and grandparents, James and Faye Collier; 2/20 by Charles and Judy Henthorne in memory of their son, Vint; 2/27 by Parker Bauer in thanksgiving for the people of Christ Church.
Things to Know Evening Prayer, supper and study at 6 pm using the book Paul for Everyone: Letters to the Galatians and Thessalonians. Robert Williams discussion leader, all welcome. Mission Priority meeting for our deanery in Hillsboro, Saturday February 5th, 3 pm Rose Tea, February 5, 11am at the home of Richelle Thompson Queen in Wheelersburg.Collecting food for the Church of Christ pantry, and old glasses for the Lion’s Club, box in the hallway. Celebration of Will Barlow’s Eagle Scout achievement, Sunday February 6, luncheon and slide show to follow inn the parish hall, bring a soup to share. Thanks to Bill Shearer for sprucing up our entry way and to the VanDusan fund for their support.Vestry Retreat at Riverview Bed and breakfast, Staurday, March 5 led by Fr. William Doubleday, Interim Dean at Bexley Hall Seminary.
Christ Church News
February 2011
The Mission of Christ Church is to know Christ and make God’s love in Jesus known to others.
Special Points of Interest: Candlemas Reflections on Candlemas Prayer List Things to know...
Candlemas The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, falls on February 2 and celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. Other traditional names include Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, or the Meeting of the Lord. In many Western liturgical churches, The Feast of the Presentation marks the end of the Epiphany season. In the Church of England, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple is a Principal Feast celebrated either on February 2 or on the Sunday between January 28 and February 3. Candlemas is about the light, our savior Christ coming into world. The event of Candlemas, is described in the Gospel of Luke. According to Luke, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the law of Moses. Luke says that Joseph and Mary offer the option provided for poor people who could not afford a lamb, sacrificing instead "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ." Simeon prayed the prayer that would is known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus. We repeat Simeon’s words in our service of Evening Prayer. “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.” Simeon also prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Israel. Candlemas occurs 40 days after Christmas. Traditionally the Western term "Candlemas" refers to the practice where a priest blesses beeswax candles for use throughout the year for the family home. Traditionally, Candlemas has been the last feast day in the Christian year that was dated to Christmas. February 2 falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and in many traditions is considered the beginning of spring. Source: Wikipedia
Page 2
Re f l e c t i o n s f ro m S a l l i e Are you confused? Candlemas puts us back in Jesus' infancy, while the Gospels during Epiphany have us pondering the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the calling of his disciples and the introduction to the new covenant. Candlemas originated in the late fifth century as a tribute to the light of God's glory manifested in Christ Jesus. The earliest known observance within the Church was in the year AD 496. On Candlemas, the custom of bringing candles to church to be blessed by the priest was established. The blessed candles were taken home where they served as light and protection from disasters. Hence the origin for the name, Candle-mass. Some people believe that some of Candlemas’ activities stem from pagan observances, but no matter, Candlemas occurs at a period between the December solstice and the March equinox, the“halfway point” until spring. Candlemas then, becomes a precursor to Lent. For us, this celebration between Christmas and Ash Wednesday is a good time to reflect on what our own spiritual discipline will be for Lent; and since Candlemas heralds the beginning of spring, we can also perform our own ritual acts of purification like spring cleaning. Many of us know house cleaning helps banish the gloom of winter and creates a sparkling setting for spring. Christians in the 5th Century said during the Candle Mass: "Our bright shining candles are a sign of divine splendor of the one who comes to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of his eternal light. Our candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ." Light a candle each night during February to remind yourself of the light of the world among us!
Prayer and Flower List Pray for Katherine, our Presiding Bishop, Thomas and Kenneth, our Bishops. Sick or recovering: Derik, Karen McCown, Tom McMillen, Helen Lee, Michelle Graham, Larry Spencer, Teresa Moore, Denise Smith, Josie Butcher, Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Jeffers, Clara, Heather and Melissa Nicholas, Alisha Layne, Cornelia Fletcher, Robin Clagg, David King, Sydney, Carol Pennington, Tom, Omalee Toleman, Ron and Jessica Canterbury, Kirstie and Tammie Munsen and Dick Walton. Shut-in: Thelma Crance and Maxine Cox. Thanksgivings: Don Pitsenberger, Judy Conroy and Jean Hamm. Flowers given: 2/6 by Don and Nancy Murphy in memory of their daughter, Laura Dawn and Nancy’s mother Mrs. Oliver Stewart; 2/13 by James Collier in memory of his parents J.B. and Betty, and grandparents, James and Faye Collier; 2/20 by Charles and Judy Henthorne in memory of their son, Vint; 2/27 by Parker Bauer in thanksgiving for the people of Christ Church.
Things to Know Evening Prayer, supper and study at 6 pm using the book Paul for Everyone: Letters to the Galatians and Thessalonians. Robert Williams discussion leader, all welcome. Mission Priority meeting for our deanery in Hillsboro, Saturday February 5th, 3 pm Rose Tea, February 5, 11am at the home of Richelle Thompson Queen in Wheelersburg.Collecting food for the Church of Christ pantry, and old glasses for the Lion’s Club, box in the hallway. Celebration of Will Barlow’s Eagle Scout achievement, Sunday February 6, luncheon and slide show to follow inn the parish hall, bring a soup to share. Thanks to Bill Shearer for sprucing up our entry way and to the VanDusan fund for their support.Vestry Retreat at Riverview Bed and breakfast, Staurday, March 5 led by Fr. William Doubleday, Interim Dean at Bexley Hall Seminary.
