The Friday Letters
12 February 2010
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Lots of things to tell you about this week!
First, it is my proud duty to report to you the results of last Saturday’s 2nd Annual CECoP Chili Cook-Off. In the “Best Presentation” category, the award went to Diana Mears, who’s display was both impressive and tasteful. Second, in the “Most Original” category, the award went to Kathy Mason, who’s turkey and chic pea chili stood out from the crowd. Of the two non-elective awards, the “Father’s Choice” award (chosen this year by my father rather than the Father) went to then five-week old Julian Class, who graciously allowed his grandfather to cook his chili for him; and the “Best 18 y/o and Under” award went to Elena Barry, who deserved it despite the lack of competition. Finally, the “Best Overall” chili award, the coveted Golden Chili Bowl, goes to two pots of chili this year as the voting was split exactly. Congratulations to Barry O’Brien and Elena Barry: your trophy is being engraved as we speak!
Now on to our upcoming events. Hopefully you’ve been adequately forewarned about next week’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Game Night. Come on down next Tuesday around 5pm, enjoy the cooking of our Men’s Group, and stick around to play a favorite board or card game. Bring one to share, even.
Following Shrove Tuesday is Ash Wednesday of course. We’ll have two services for your convenience: the first at noon and the second at seven in the evening.
As in previous years, each Wednesday in Lent will be an opportunity to gather for a shared dinner of soup and bread. Dinner (for which you can sign up to bring something) will be followed by a presentation and discussion. This year we’re doing a DVD by the BBC called, “Ancient Evidence: the Mysteries of Jesus”. Topics for the weeks include, “King Herod: Madman or Murderer?”, “The Real Disciples of Jesus”, “Who Killed Jesus?”, and “The Real Mary Magdalene.” We’ll finish each evening off with a short prayer service. Please come and participate in the food, fellowship, and prayer.
Finally, I want to give you a heads up on a couple more events I have in the works right now. The first will come on Palm Sunday, March 28th, at about 11:30am. Following the 10am Eucharist, there will be a pot luck lunch (sign-up sheet to come) and two different activities for all. One activity will be to make your own Palm Cross out of the palm fronds we use during the liturgy. In previous years these have been pre-made by the Altar Guild, but this year you get to make your own. Skilled Palm Cross makers will be on hand to assist you. The second activity will be Natural Easter Egg dyeing. I’ve done this before, but would love to have an assistant if anyone is interested. There’s an announcement in The eClarion about a few things to save for this—you’d be amazed at the beautiful color you can get out of yellow onion skins!
The other upcoming event doesn’t have a date yet, but it’ll be forthcoming shortly. At some point after Easter, most likely in April, we’ll do another pot luck meal with activities for all. This time both activities will involve wax. To use up the many ends of candles we’ve got lying around (and you probably do too) we’re going to make campfire starters out of cardboard egg cartons, dryer lint, and cedar chips. Also, since we have a couple Paschal Candles to melt down as well and campfire starters seem a bit irreverent a use for retired Paschal candles, we’ll also be making votive candles for you to take home.
Are you detecting a theme here? I hope so. Both I and the Vestry are focusing this year on being thankful for the wonderful community we share, and celebrating that community by being together in simple and fun ways. I hope you’ll come and participate in these events as you feel called. I know I’m looking forward to them!
See you Sunday.
Peace,
Ben.
