Services

The Episcopal Church of St Raphael the Archangel

From the Rector—

 

 

You know, I haven’t met my goals for Lent.

 

I set out not to eat cookies, which are a big downfall for me—especially chocolate chip.  As soon as Lent started, I went to the Convent of the Community of Saint John Baptist with the women of our parish.  We were on retreat Friday night and all day Saturday.  Now, the retreat was a good experience for me, and I think for the ladies as well.  But no sooner did I get there than I found what the guest house staff leave out.  Cookies!  Without even thinking about it, I was helping myself.

 

I set out not to drink alcohol during Lent.  Now I am not a big drinker.  As soon as I got back from the retreat my daughter called to say that her brother was stranded at Dover Air Force base in Delaware.  He was on his way to further training in the Navy, and his whole platoon was stuck until the plane was fixed.  So I went down to Delaware and had the rare privilege of spending an afternoon with two of my children at the same time.  At the end of the day I took my kids to dinner, and we ordered a bottle of wine.  Without even thinking about it, I had a glass of wine.

 

I set out not to eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.  It’s an old pattern.  Fortunately, the Holy Spirit has been with me in that resolve.  I have been trying to do simple meals anyway, and I find that I’ve been choosing rice and veggies, pasta too.  And I’m good with that.

 

So I’m about 50-50 on paying attention to the Lenten disciplines I said I was going to adopt.  If I were in school, 50% would not be a passing grade.  Thankfully, I know that God is preparing me anyway.   I’ll concentrate on making the adjustments I need to make—mostly in paying attention—and be grateful. 

 

What about you?  What is this Lent doing in you?

 

Peace,

 

Gretchen+

 

St. Raphael’s is a prayer book parish. That means we use The Book of Common Prayer for our Liturgies. Our Sunday services are celebrations of The Holy Eucharist. We may change our style from time to time, but the ritual is taken from The Book of Common Prayer. During the summer we switch to the celebration of the Eucharist using one of the approved forms from the Supplemental Liturgical Materials.

 

Rite I 8:30 am

This is a said celebration of The Holy Eucharist using Rite I. This service is more traditional and particularly appealing to the retired parishioners among us. Rite I retains the formal language of The 1928 Prayer Book. The early mass is also helpful to those who work on Sunday.

 

Rite II 10:00 am

This mass changes pace just a bit as we celebrate The Holy Eucharist using Rite II. Our organist supports the congregation with it’s singing from The Hymnal 1982, and supplemental hymnals such as: LEVAS, and Wonder, Love, and Praise. The first Sunday of the month is Youth Sunday, which means that all jobs that can be done by young people are done by young people. The children greet people at the door, read the lessons, offer intercessory prayer, and acolyte. Even the youngest Sunday school students participate by collecting and bringing up the gifts to the altar.