A Circle or a Cross?

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

7 March 2019

A circle or a cross?  Consider these two symbols as you journey through Lent.  A circle is in one sense a symbol of perfection, because no matter how a circle is drawn or made, if it really is a circle it is perfectly round—a line for which all points are equidistant from the same point.  A cross, on the other hand, is the intersection of two lines which can vary in length, can vary in the degree of length of each arm which is on either side of the intersection point, and—which if we take just the examples of a cross with right angle intersection and a St. Andrew’s cross (like the “X” on a British flag)—can intersect at different angles.  A cross is not “perfect” as a symbol.  But what about as a sign?

A symbol can be a mark, sign or word which signifies, or is understood to be representing an idea or concept.  A symbol can be arbitrary (like a choosing red and green for “stop” and “go”).  A sign, on the other hand, points to a reality which it itself embodies.  For example, a human footprint in the sand signifies the recent presence of a human being.  The Cross itself points the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice.  This instrument of shameful death by its very nature—as an instrument of torture, public humiliation, and execution—signifies the offering made by God.  That’s why an instrument universally understood in the ancient world as signifying ultimate punishment and loss of honor was proudly and defiantly used by believers to mark their own identity with the One who was cursed as “hanged upon a tree”.

In Lent we are tempted to work on improving our spiritual life.  The danger in this is that we are tempted to become a “circle”, to seek perfection while actually only succeeding in closing ourselves in.  This Lent, focus on embodying not a circle but the Cross, a reality which is far from perfect (and cannot be), but which by its very nature is not closed upon itself.  A cross has arms, arms which reach outward.  Reach out to God and to each other.  Reach out to God, knowing that He reaches out to you, and knowing that despite all of the language we will use in Lent to remind ourselves of our sin, that the fundamental thing we seek to do in Lent is to recognize how we have damaged our relationship with God, and how in turning we can be strengthened again in this relationship.  Reach out to meet the arms which reach to you.

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 

§  Bob and Anne Hanlon, and Robert Beech and Jean Margret Merrell-Beech for the Sunday coffee hours.

§  Bobbie May and Julie Davidson for janitorial help.

§  Chase Beeck and Rachel Boland for office help.

§  Mary Snyder for organizing the Fat Tuesday supper.

§  All who provided food for the Fat Tuesday supper, with cleanup by Bob and Anne Hanlon, Elizabeth Schaffenburg, and Mary Snyder.

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshipers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday in the week of publication.

Don’t forget “Something Extra for Grace”:  Supplemental giving envelopes can be found in pews.  If you want to give something extra, please use an envelope to ensure that you are credited. 

Music this Week:  The First Sunday in Lent

                              Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director

Prelude         Psalm Prelude: De profundis clamavit (Ps.130, v.1)     

                   ‘Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.’

                                                                                                      Hebert Howells                                                                                                   

Offertory Anthem 143      “the glory of these forty days”                  Erhalt uns Herr                             

Communion Motet           Lord for thy tender mercys’ sake                     John Hilton                  

Communion Hymn 301    “Bread of the world, mercy broken”            Rendez à Dieu                       

Closing Hymn 150           “Forty days and forty nights”           Aus der Tiefe rufe ich                   

Postlude                           Chorale Prelude on Out of the depths I cry to thee

                                                                                                             J. S. Bach

Parish Notices:

§  Lenten Meditation Booklets are available on the table in the Narthex.

§  Adult Formation: Growing a Rule of Life: Adult Formation participants will spend five more weeks using a tool from monastic spirituality and the Society of Saint John the Evangelist to develop their own personal Rule of Life. Participants will discover a highly personal, guided way to gently live into who God invites us to be. 

§  Sacrament of Reconciliation: Lent is a time of self-examination preparing for the death and resurrection of our Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered by appointment. Please contact Fr. Schaffenburg to set up an appointment to make your confession.

§  Lenten Program: Friday nights in Lent beginning March 15^th, we will have Stations of the Cross at 5:30pm, followed by a simple Lenten supper at 6:00pm. At 6:30 the program will be Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story. The six-session DVD features Dr. Amy-Jill Levine offering a fresh, timely reinterpretation of the Passion of Jesus. The video segments are approximately 10-12 minutes each. The program will be facilitated by Fr. Karl and Mother Michele.

§  Cooking on Friday Evenings in lent: If you are interested in cooking and hosting a dinner on the Fridays during Lent, please sign-up on sheets in the Narthex. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this ministry!

§  Scout Appreciation Pancake Breakfast, March 17: Mark your calendars and stay a few minutes, after each service, to savor a down home Pancake Breakfast. Scouts will supply all the know-how for the event. As an added bonus, Maple Syrup will be supplied by the Drewry Farms of Plymouth. This award-winning Maple Syrup is served at all the major restaurants in the area and beyond.

§  Save the Date-Chrism Mass: On Saturday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Fond du Lac. In the early church bishops baptized catechumens at the Easter Vigil with blessed oils. Over time this blessing was made earlier so oils could be used at the local level. This tradition includes blessing the oil of catechumens (adults preparing for baptism), oil of the sick (for anointing) and chrism (for baptism, confirmation, ordination of clergy, and consecration of altars). 

§  Ushers Needed: Ushers are often the first people seen by newcomers, visitors, and even regular parishioners when coming to Grace Church. People enjoy being greeted by a smile; Ushers welcome parishioners and visitors, distribute bulletins, and ensure that the worship service runs smoothly.  They provide directions and answer questions for newcomers as needed, collect the congregation’s offering, and bear the alms to the altar. They also maintain an attendance record for parochial reports. Did you realize that Ushers do so many wonderful things? Become a part of this ministry

§  Something Extra for Grace: Envelopes are available in the pews if you are moved

to give an extra gift, beyond your pledge or regular plate donation, toward the life of the church. Gifts are tax deductible if you write your name on the envelope.