Sunday, February 14, Last Sunday After the Epiphany
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, February 14 is the Last Sunday after Epiphany. Find the readings here.
Dear Friends in Christ,
This week’s worship videos are now available:
Morning Prayer, Rite II
Morning Prayer, Rite I
I'm fond of saying, "There's never a dull moment in the Church," and while I believe that expresses a general truth, it's also true that some times are busier than others. The past couple of months have certainly been such a season. There was much to be done in the runup to the Annual Meeting, and then there were a great deal of tasks that I promised myself or others that I'd get to after the Annual Meeting. And busy times force us to set priorities.
My highest priority besides worship is pastoral care. Please don't hesitate to tell me when you or a loved one need pastoral attention. If the need is urgent, I will gladly drop everything and call or visit, whatever you need. I'm also happy to schedule less urgent pastoral appointments.
But of course, prevention is better for everyone, and we have the opportunity to prevent a crisis in our parish by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. It should be easier for everyone if we work together. If you haven't already gotten a vaccination, or scheduled one, please take advantage of the companion vaccination program by signing up with Marge — just call or email her. If you're over 75, you'll get help with scheduling and transportation from a member of our church family; if you're under 75, you'll get vaccinated at the earliest time the state's program permits.
Please also make it a priority to join us for coffee hour at noon:
• To join on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with the Zoom app installed, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86398096400?pwd=dk5oTjNkYzNIOVl4TEExcCtiZEw2dz09
• To call in on a smartphone, tap here: +16465588656,,86398096400#,,,,,,0#,,296917#
• To call in on a conventional phone, call (646) 558-8656 then enter the Meeting ID: 863 9809 6400 and the Passcode: 296917
Here are Mark's music notes:
I love to sing Hymn 135 on this Last Sunday before Lent begins which features the Transfiguration story at the Gospel reading. But we’re not singing it this year. I’ve chosen the same tune (which I also love) a new text based on the themes of Hymn 135. I think it is really quite fine, in making quite a good singing text that is not confusing or trite. We’re doing this because of the command: “Sing to the Lord a new song!” We’re also doing this because we’ll have a new hymnal someday. We’ll be continuing to explore new hymnody.