The Weekly Messenger
News of the Church of the Heavenly Rest
in the City and Diocese of New York

February 10, 2008
Meditation
The oldest, and greatest, temptation is always to play God.
The First Sunday in Lent
8:00 am
  Holy Eucharist — Rite I
      Service with homily in the Chapel
9:00 am
  Holy Eucharist — Rite II
      Service with homily and music in the Chapel
9:30 am
 
Church School and Confirmation Classes
9:30 am
  Rector's Forum in Darlington Hall – "The Apocrypha"
9:30 am
  Parents' Forum in the Chapel – "The Family Practice of Spirituality: Tips, Tricks and Ideas Beyond the Pew" with Gina Bria
10:30 am
  Holy Eucharist — Rite I
      Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
      Sermon: The Rev. James L. Burns – "Don't Tempt Me!"
12:30 pm
  Teachers' Meeting in Thomas Hall
4:00 pm
 
Canterbury Choral Society Concert in the Church
   
Coffee Hour will take place in the Narthex immediately following the 10:30 am service. The Good Shepherd Nursery for Infants and Toddlers from newborn to age three is available every Sunday in the Good Shepherd Room from 9:15 am to 12 noon.
 

Today in Word and Song

In the first reading from Genesis, we hear the account of the temptation and fall of humanity taken from one of the most ancient sources for Genesis.  God establishes a garden paradise for the first man and woman, which contains plants and trees bearing fruit for food.  But God also establishes boundaries between divinity and humanity.  In the midst of the garden are two trees which bear the fruit of God:  the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Humans are not to take these fruits, for life and holiness (the true knowledge of good and evil) belong to God alone.  God explains to the man and woman that the attempt to be gods unto themselves would ultimately separate them from the one true God and thus from the source of life, resulting in their death.  Humanity, however, is not content to be less than God.  Sin, represented by a serpent, tempts them to rebellion and they partake of the fruit of divinity.  At once they lose their innocence and acquire the vision of God, a vision that their limited understanding cannot bear, and so it becomes distorted and warped.  Humanity is destined now to see more than it can bear and to know more than it can comprehend.  God's truth will now be distorted by the limits of the creature.  We have chosen to be our own gods and must live, and die, by the consequences.             (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7)
            In the second reading for today from Romans , St. Paul expounds on the salvation from humanity's first rebellion in Jesus Christ.  Alluding to the fall of Genesis, Paul affirms that, in the incarnation, God in Christ came to reverse the consequences of our sinful desire to be our own gods.  Since humanity could not bear the fullness of divinity, God chooses to bear the fullness of humanity.  Jesus, God incarnate, is the reversal of the fall.  While one human rebelled and brought death into the world, God in Christ lived in perfect harmony with the divine, and opened the way for all humanity to be restored to life.       (Romans 5:12-19)
            The Gospel reading for today from Matthew tells of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness following his Baptism.  Having been affirmed as God's beloved son, Jesus must now confront what that will mean as he begins his ministry.  We are told that Jesus began his wilderness trial by fasting for forty days and nights, a time reminiscent of the flood, and of Moses' sojourn on Mount Sinai.  Then, when he is most vulnerable, Satan confronts him with three temptations:  To change stones to bread.  To test God's providence.  And, to worship someone or thing other than God.  Each temptation is predicated by the taunt, "If you are the Son of God," thus heightening the stakes.  Jesus' very identity is being questioned.  In their essence, all three temptations are variations on the original temptation of Eden, to rebel against God's design for all creation and for its fulfillment.  They are temptations for Jesus to use his power and his relationship to God in ways that usurp God's holiness.  Jesus refutes Satan and remains true to God.  The second Adam, as Paul would refer to him, has chosen righteousness over self.  The reversal of the fall has begun.             (Matthew 4:1-11)
 
Announcements & Opportunities

   Shrove Tuesday Thank You: Thank you to everyone who gave their time and talents to make the Shrove Tuesday Carnival such a great success.  Congratulations to the winners of our Annual Chili Bake-off: First prize went to Daron Builta, Second Prize went to Rosemarie Deane, and Third Prize went to Leslie Rupert.


  
Lenten Devotionals and Mite Boxes:
CHR has a variety of Lenten Devotionals for adults, children, youth and families. These booklets will help you prepare spiritually for Easter through daily meditation and reflection. All Devotionals can be found at the back of the nave on the resource table along with Lenten Mite Boxes. As your family explores the meaning of Lent, place coins in your mite boxes when giving thanks for the blessings in your life. This Lenten collection will be given to Episcopal Relief and Development, which provides emergency assistance in times of disaster. Please return the filled Lenten Mite Boxes on Easter Sunday, March 23.

   Canterbury Choral Society Concert Today at 4pm: The Canterbury Choral Society, Charles Dodsley Walker, Founder and Conductor, will present G. P. da Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli and J. S. Bach's Motet No. 3, Jesu, meine Freude, with guest artists Lyra Davidica, Andrew Sheranian, Conductor, performing a selection of music of the Early Baroque. Suggested contribution: $20; $10 (seniors, students); under 12 free.

   An Evening Celebrating Opera This Week: Tuesday, February 12 at 6:00pm.  Join us for our annual "Evening at the Opera." This FREE one-hour concert of best-loved arias, presented in conjunction with the Richard Tucker Foundation, will feature Richard Tucker Music Foundation Award Winners and opera stars, as well as the Choir of Heavenly Rest.

Lenten Parent Forums
"Beyond Sundays: Deepening Faith in Everyday Life"
Join us on Sundays at 9:30 am in the Chapel (during the Church School Hour)
     
Sunday
February 10
 
The Family Practice of Spirituality: Tips, Tricks and Ideas Beyond the Pew
Gina Bria, anthropologist and author of The Art of Family, shows us how to assign particular and special meaning to the everyday tasks that make up our home life.
 
Sunday
February 24
 
Hitting the Pause Button: Finding Time for Reflection in a Hurried World
Parishioner and award-winning writer, Maggie Jackson, helps parents push back life clutter and recapture the arts of focus and reflection.
 
Sunday
March 2
 
Cultivating Faith In A Competitive World"
Greg O'Melia, parishioner and Headmaster of the Buckley School, will help families navigate their way through our competitive world without losing faith.
 
Sunday
March 9
 
How to Talk about the Passion and Resurrection with Your Children
The Story of the Passion is the center of our faith and yet difficult to grasp ourselves, let alone share with our children. The Rev. Philippa Turner will speak on how to enter into this sacred week with your child.


   Getting Right With God:
The Lenten Rector's Forum, held Sundays at 9:30 am in Darlington Hall, will offer a series of discussions on the various Christian understandings of atonement.  How has the Church historically—and in modern times—tried to understand how the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplished the work of reconciling humanity and creation to God?  This five-week series will explore the roots of atonement in the Jewish sacrificial system and will then examine the classical theories of atonement along with contemporary theological thought.

   Help Build a Home with Habitat for Humanity: On Saturday, February 16, ten volunteers are needed to join Habitat for Humanity to help build a home in Brooklyn.  Parishioners have painted and installed Sheetrock, doors, molding, and tiles—and had an amazing experience.  This is an all-day event.  To volunteer, you must be at least 16 years old. For more information contact the Rev. Thomas Synan at 289-3400, ext. 214 or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.

   Holiday Church School: Sunday, February 17 at 9:30 am. Over Presidents' Day weekend all classes will meet in Thomas Hall at 9:30 am for a Holiday Church School class. We will explore the themes of Lent and make a poster to help us creatively imagine living into the season.  Bagels and juice will be provided and all are welcome.

   The Church Office will be closed on Monday, February 18 in observance of Presidents' Day.

   Friday Fling: Friday, February 22 at 7:00 pm. Our yearly fling at the glorious House of the Redeemer has become a February tradition.  All are welcome to an evening of fellowship, food and fun hosted by Con and Connie Quinby and Judi Counts. So, put February 22 on your calendar.  Bring a dish and beverage to share. Bring yourself.  Bring a friend who may be too shy to come alone.  RSVP to Judi at 212-289-0399.

   Bring In your Donations for our next Thrift Sale: Our next Thrift Sale is Saturday, February 23 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in Darlington Hall.  If you have gently used, cleaned and pressed clothing or household goods that are in good condition (nothing broken please) we'd love to sell them. Please drop off your donations at the church office as soon as possible so our volunteers have time to sort them in time for the sale.  Volunteers are also needed to set up and work the sale. Call Marilyn Budzanoski a 212-663-7923 to sign up to help.

   Yorkville Common Pantry Service Project Saturday, February 23 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, all 6th through 12th graders are invited to a workday at Yorkville Common Pantry (YCP). Come and brighten the lives of those in need. Meet at the 90th Street entrance at 9:30 am and bring a bag lunch. We will walk to YCP together (at 109th Street) and return to CHR by 12:30 pm.  Registration is  necessary to participate. To register, please contact Caren Miles at 212-289-3400, ext. 207 or cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.

   Ice Skating Trip for Youth Group: Sunday, February 24 at 12:15 pm. All 6th through 12th graders are invited to join us, along with their parents and families, for Brunch and Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center. Admission and skate rental is $22, and brunch will be about $10, so bring $35 and you should be covered.  If you plan to bring your own skates, let us know. To join in the fun, sign up with Caren Miles by calling 212-289-3400, ext. 207 or emailing cmiles@heavenlyrest.org.

   Adult Confirmation, Baptism and Reception:  Adults who are interested in being baptized, confirmed or received from another denomination, or who would like to renew their baptismal vows at the Bishop's Visitation on May 25, should contact the Rev. Tom Synan at 212-289-3400, ext. 214 or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.

   Pageant Photos Now Available Online:  Christmas Pageant photos taken by Janet Charles Edahl are now available to view and order online at www.eventonline.us. To view pictures use Login:  CHR and Password: JOY.  Note that CHR and JOY are all capital letters, ie: case sensitive. All proceeds will benefit the Children's Ministries at Heavenly Rest.   Orders must be placed by March 1.  
 

New to Heavenly Rest?


Visit our Welcome Table in the Narthex where members of our Welcome Committee can provide you with information about our Parish Programs and answer any questions you may have.  Just look for the blue Church of the Heavenly Rest Banner on Sunday Mornings; the Welcome Table will be there.
 

Volunteer Opportunities


  
Fun at Lunchtime!  Dedicated volunteers are needed for our Friday Senior Lunch Program.  Help turn Darlington Hall into a café by setting decorative tables, serving a catered buffet lunch, clearing disposable plates, and mingling with diners.  Lead post-meal rounds of Bingo as guests play to win back their $1.00 lunch tab!  This outreach brings needed opportunity for socialization and enjoyment, as well as tasty and nutritious meals, to our neighborhood elderly.  If you can commit one Friday per month from 12:30 pm -2:30 pm, please join this important fellowship.  Contact the Rev. Tom Synan at 212-289-3400, ext. 214 or by email at tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.

  CHR Shelter:  The church provides shelter to pre-selected elderly guests Monday through Thursday.  Volunteers are needed to welcome and supervise guests for the night.  Volunteer Coordinator: Marilyn Budzanoski, 212-663-7923.
 

This Week at Heavenly Rest
 
MONDAY, February 11
7:00 pm
  Alanon meets in the Music Room
7:00 pm
  A.A. meets in Darlington Hall and Thomas Hall
8:00 pm
 
Shelter in the Narthex
Tuesday, February 12
7:30 am
  Women's Breakfast Group meets at 3 Guys' Restaurant
12:00 pm
  A.A. meets in the Cloister
3:30 pm
  St. Cecilia Choir in the Choir Room
4:15 pm
  Choristers in the Choir Room
6:30 pm
  "An Evening at the Opera" Concert in the Church
8:00 pm
  Shelter in the Narthex
Wednesday, February 13
9:00 am
  Mary Anne Hall's Music for Children Classes
12:00 pm
  Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
6:30 pm
  Holy Eucharist and Service of Healing in the Chapel
8:00 pm
  Shelter in the Narthex
Thursday, February 14
9:00 am
  Mary Anne Hall's Music for Children Classes
12:00 pm
  A.A. meets in the Cloister
7:00 pm
  A.A. meets in the Thomas Hall
7:00 pm
  Alanon meets in the Music Room
7:00 pm
  Education for Ministry meets in the Choir Room
8:00 pm
  Shelter in the Narthex
Friday, February 15
9:00 am
  Bible Study in the Choir Room
10:00 am
  Parents and Babies Group meets in the Good Shepherd Room
1:30 pm
  Friday Lunch for Senior Citizens in Darlington Hall
SATURDAY, February 16
8:00 am
  CHR Helps Build a Home for Habitat for Humanity
     
Next Sunday — February 17
The Second Sunday in Lent
8:00 am
Holy Eucharist — Rite I
      Service with homily in the Chapel
9:00 am
Holy Eucharist — Rite II
      Service with homily and music in the Chapel
9:30 am
  Holiday Church School in Thomas Hall
9:30 am
  Rector's Forum in Darlington Hall
10:30 am
Holy Eucharist — Rite I
      Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
      Sermon: The Rev. Thomas N. J. Synan

 
Intercessions

The Church has been asked to pray for these people and concerns.
Please remember them in your own prayers.


Michael Warner; Nell Callen; Matthew Mortimer; Michael Chaparro; Murray Schron; Arlene Rubinson; Frank Hilke; Jesse Vasquez; Christopher Challancin; Emily; Phil VanderNaald; Catherine Pearson; Mike & Martha; Jamie Fargo Balliet; Irene Gordon; Tommy Mitchell; Sarah; Aaron; Anna; Tina Zimmerman; Reggie; Tony Denin; Ursula Eland McCracken; Jeff Cook; Debby Berniker; Douglas Williams;  Jennifer Sandoval; Ann Hall; Ann Haigney Roome; Amy; Charles Stewart; Amy; Roberta Connolly; Billie VanderNaald; Becca;  Bill Vericker; Lela; Jimmy; Wendy; Susan; Frank; Ansley Dauenhauer; Sgt.Tim Donoho; Ward; Isabelle Hallam; Gilbert; Dan Umansky; Peter Arroyo; Edward Toohey; Jane Edwards; Innosainte St. Preux; Jack & Holly; Sarah Cameron; Jeremy Yates; the Wankel Family.; Marie Miller; Lt Pat Vardaro; Lt Scott Quilty; Lt Ferris Butler; Ted; Carla Alcazar; Mary Hamilton; Amanda Pearson; Tony Langella; William Meredith; Heather; Stephanie; Martha Yates Linde; Hennrietta VonMoy; Mary Lou Huckaby; Diega Vaca and Family; Sharon, Christopher, and Daniel.

For the Repose of the Souls of:  Eugene Gallin, Sergeant Mikeal W. Miller, Sergeant James E. Craig, Staff Sergeant Gary W. Jeffries, Specialist Evan A. Marshall, Private First Class Brandon A. Meyer, Private Joshua A.R. Young, Captain Michael A. Norman, and First Lieutenant David E. Schultz.
Please note that prayers are offered for a period of four weeks for those placed on our Intercessions list. After four weeks, names are automatically removed from the list unless the church office is notified that prayers are requested for an extended period of time.

Please send your prayer requests to kvalentin@heavenlyrest.org.

 
Order of St. Luke – "A Ministry of Healing"

Each Sunday, while the Eucharist is being served, CHR's members of OSL pray in the Chapel. They are present to individually pray, with the laying on of hands, for and with all who come with special requests for healing. God is able to do much more then we can imagine, so why not avail yourself of this wonderful grace and come to be prayed for. OSL will be present in the Chapel, ready to welcome and pray for you; do come.