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O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany, p. 216, Book of Common Prayer
At first reading, I feel like arguing with this prayer -- "that without love whatever we do is worth nothing." Really? Whatever we do? You mean, even if we give money or time for a good cause, without love it is nothing?
Then I remember being part of an intentional learning and living community. We gathered twice a year for 2-4 weeks at a hotel and hot springs in Montana. There were people from all over the United States and Canada and sometimes other parts of the world. We helped the kitchen staff prepare meals for the entire gathering. I remember a conversation about how important it was to prepare the food with love. It is so easy have your mind wander or to be caught up in your cares of the day while preparing food or even just mindlessly do it. Being mindful about preparing a basic meal with love was something new to consider.
Sometimes I am able to do tasks and to say prayers for the people I am thinking about while doing the task.
Without love, whatever we do is worth nothing.... Something to think about this week.
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
Scot, Tootser, Wendy, Jim, Marie, Cookie, Jamey, Scott, Jason, Colton, Emily, Stephania, Charles, Lori, Wendy, Dave and The Rev. Joe Mitchell
Vestry Meeting, Tuesday, February 22, 1pm
Altar Guild Zoom Meeting, March 5, 10am
First-ever Episcopal Worship in the Metaverse, Monday, February 28, 7pm.
To learn more, visit: https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2022/02/02/episcopal-team-to-launch-virtual-reality-church-services-in-metaverse-all-avatars-welcome/
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
We will be collecting one specific item each month for the Food Bank. The item for the month of February is Cereal.
For Juniata County Food Pantry:
Online: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=fca5HNjQZV1obXLecwgJLccS7-f46jLRVL5vQqfYp8GZp7gPUhT6CdXi5Hr0V5uhTh3UvHa8BTono_sp
By Mail: PO Box 44 - 114 North Main St. Mifflintown PA 17059 or drop off donations on Tuesdays 9am-5pm or Saturdays 9am – noon.
Virtual Chat & Chew, Monday, March 7, 6:30pm on banned books sponsored by the Race and Unity Action Coalition.
Registration information available soon.
Help People in Need when you buy your Groceries!
See Gail Shull or Pat Szabo to purchase cards in various amounts to use at Giant, Weis, or Karn’s Stores or stop by the office. 5% of the cost of each card stays with the church and is used for outreach and mission projects.
The Stevenson School for Ministry: Lenten Opportunities
Journey to Jerusalem: Our Gospel Call to Racial Justice
A 5-week Lenten series for all parishes, 7pm on Thursdays, starting March 10. Join racial justice and equity educators, the Revs. Carla Christopher Wilson and Kevin Barron, for a Lenten series on uncovering the practical aspects of our scriptural call to community activism (free of charge). Register at: https://diocesecpa.org/stevensonschoolforministry/events/journey-to-jerusalem-our-gospel-call-to-racial-justice/
My Soul is Thirsting!
A 5-week Lenten series for all parishes, 7pm on Wednesdays, starting March 9. Explore the places where God promises to meet us: worship and honest lament, sanctified time, walking in integrity, and a Eucharistic approach to all of life. Led by formation specialist, the Rev. Gina Campbell (free of charge). Learn more at: https://diocesecpa.org/stevensonschoolforministry/events/my-soul-is-thirsting-a-lenten-series-for-all/
By Yourself Or With Yourself? Saturday, February 19, 9:30am - 12:30pm - Free for all to join!
A presentation led by the Rev. Gina Campbell - Cultivate Courage and Hold on to Hope Join the Rev. Gina Campbell as we explore the difference between loneliness and solitude and learn to cultivate an aloneness that is spiritually whole and fruitful. This webinar will be followed by a 5-part Lenten Study that is designed to tend to our souls and hold open and cultivate hope. Register at: https://diocesecpa.org/stevensonschoolforministry/events/by-yourself-or-with-yourself/
