The Cross is the judgment seat of Christ, the holy of holies for Christians. In every Eucharist the faithful approaches and comes face to face with the crucified Christ. Here death is not the end but the threshold into eternal life. The gifts of bread and wine, the produce of the earth and of human labor and toil, are united with and transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. In receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, our souls and bodies are united with Christ. This is our participation in the eternal life of Christ here and now (The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin, A Lenten Journey).

I invite any 7-12 grade students to join our confirmation class on Sundays at 5:30 pm. I invite any newcomer to join our newcomer’s classes at 11:15 am on Sundays starting March 20th. I invite any second grade student to take our First Communion classes on Wednesdays at 5pm. I invite all those wishing to be received by the Bishop to join us on Sundays at 5:30 pm. I invite every member of St. John’s to a holy Lent through prayer, study, and worship. Confirmation and Reception will be held on April 30^th at 11:00 am. First Communion will be held on May 1^st at 10:00 am.

Lent is a time of preparation, when we teach our confirmands, newcomers, children, and youth to draw closer to the one we love. It is by our example of worship, study, prayer, and outreach that they will see that Jesus Christ came that we might have life and live it abundantly. Jesus Christ came that we might be transformed from sin to the beautiful children of God that we were created to be. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Eternal life begins today and never ends. Please use these next few weeks of Lent to draw closer to the one who loves you deeply. The most significant preacher in a congregation is not the person in the fancy vestments in the pulpit, but the people in the congregation going out into the world. Apostles have been transformed by the bread of our Lord, to do the will of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The fact of the matter is that priests come and go, but the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the lives at St. John’s goes on from generation to generation. God loves us so deeply that Christ, God’s Son, suffered on a cross that we might be forgiven of our sins.

We have the power to transform the nightmare that the world can be into the blessing of the Kingdom of God. We are transformed through the bread of life, and we become the transforming power in the world. Please have hope that God can transform our hearts to see the problems of war, the environment, racism, and sexism. So if you have been hurting, frustrated, sick, or a little down, have faith that you can come to the altar at St. John’s and receive the bread of life that has the power to transform us all from sin to righteousness. Please join us at St. John’s this Lent. Masks are optional, coffee will be served after service, and small groups are meeting again in the church. Please join us for Holy Eucharist again so that you may participate in the eternal, right here and now.

Here I am, a servant of the Lord, may it be according to your Word,

Rev. Duncan Burns

>>>CLICK HERE FOR FULL EMAIL VERSION