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The Weekly Messenger
News of the Church of the Heavenly Rest
in the City and Diocese of New York
March 9 , 2008 |
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Meditation |
Jesus stands outside of whatever tombs we have created for ourselves and says, "Come out!" Lazarus had been dead for four days. It wouldn't have mattered if it had been forty years or more. Jesus has enough life to do the job. |
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The Fifth Sunday in Lent |
8:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite I
Service with homily in the Chapel |
9:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite II
Service with homily and music in the Chapel |
9:30 am |
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Church School and Confirmation Classes |
9:30 am |
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Rector's Forum in Darlington Hall – "Getting Right with God" |
9:30 am |
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Parents' Forum in the Chapel – with the Rev. Philippa A. Turner:
"How to Talk about the Passion and Resurrection with Your Children" |
10:30 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite I
Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
Sermon: The Rev. James L. Burns – "That's Life!" |
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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. |
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Today's readings begin with a vision given to the great prophet of the late sixth century BCE, Ezekiel, who lived among the exiles in Babylon following the conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 587. In this well-known passage, Ezekiel is led out into a barren valley filled with dried bones. There, he is instructed to prophesy to the bones that they will be restored to life - clearly an impossible possibility for they are very dry, disjointed, and scattered about. Resuscitation would take a miracle! But miracles, especially miracles of life, are the very business of the One God by whom and in whom all things are made and brought to life. And so Ezekiel prophesies, and the bones hear the word of the Lord. Sinew and muscle return, flesh is restored, and finally the Spirit of Life blows through the valley and they are made alive - a great multitude. This, says the Lord God, is what will happen for the house of Israel too. Though people may be broken and scattered in exile, they will be restored to new life in God. They will live and return to the land that God gave to their ancestors.
(Ezekiel 37:1-14)
In the Epistle reading for today from Romans, St. Paul contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh. By flesh, Paul does not mean what we would normally think of as flesh, that is the human body and its needs alone. Rather "flesh" in Paul's thinking means the fallen condition of humanity - our predisposition to sin and rebellion against God. Life in the Spirit on the other hand is life infused with and guided by the presence of God, and specifically as that life is shown and given in Jesus Christ. The life of flesh inevitably ends with death while life in the Spirit is eternal. (Romans 8:6-11)
The Gospel reading from John continues the theme of life as the gift from God. The passage for today tells of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus lives in Bethany with his sisters Mary and Martha, and the three have a special relationship with Jesus described throughout the fourth Gospel. When Jesus learns that Lazarus is ill, he oddly does not rush to his bedside; rather he stays where he is and continues to teach. Word reaches him that Lazarus has died and Jesus immediately sets out for Bethany, which is in Judea. His disciples are quick to remind him that it is dangerous for him to return to that region because the authorities tried to have him stoned to death there. Jesus reminds them that his life, as theirs, is in God's hands and he must go to Lazarus' grave to reveal the power of the God of Life. When they arrive, there is a great crowd of mourners. The sisters, while glad to see Jesus, lament that he had not come sooner for they know that he could have saved their brother. Jesus tells them that he is the bearer of God's Life and proceeds to the gravesite. He instructs that the stone covering the entrance be removed, but the people remind him that Lazarus has now been dead four days and has certainly begun to decompose - well on the way to the dry-boned condition in Ezekiel's valley. Jesus persists and the stone is removed. Then the Word Made Flesh, speaks the Word of God and life returns to Lazarus. (John 11:1-45) |
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Palm Sunday Services and Procession
Next Sunday, March 16 at 8:00 am and 10:30 am.
Palm Sunday begins at 8:00 am with the Blessing of the Palms and service of Holy Communion. The 10:30 am service begins with the Blessing of the Palms and a procession of the congregation following Giorgio the donkey. This procession recalls Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before his Passion. During the church school hour at 9:30 am, the children will decorate a saddle blanket for Giorgio to wear during the procession for the 10:30 am service. There will be no 9:00 am service on Palm Sunday.
Annual Palm Sunday Evensong
Next Sunday, March 16 at 5:00 pm
Please join us for a one-hour reflective Passiontide Evensong featuring the beautiful "Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross" by 17th-century composer, Heinrich Schütz. This work, scored for choir, soloists, organ, and string quintet, will be presented as part of a traditional Evensong service. |
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Announcements & Opportunities |
 Lenten Parent Forum this Morning: At 9:30 am in the Chapel (during the Church School Hour) please join us for our final Lenten Parent Forum of the season: "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.
Easter Memorials: Anyone wishing to memorialize a family member, friend, or occasion through the Easter flowers in the church may notify the church office by Monday, March 10.
Friday Fling: March 14 at 7:00 pm. Come get a jump start on spring! Gail Zimmermann and Daryl VanValkenburg will host the first fling of the spring (a few days early). So, pop a daisy in your lapel, bring a dish and a beverage to share, and plan to spend the evening of March 14 greeting the season. Who knows, we may even be able to balance an egg. RSVP Gail and Daryl at 212-222-8169.
Palm Cross Making: Thursday, March 13 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Friday, March 14 from 10:30 am-4:00 pm in the Choir Room. Heavenly Rest makes about 2,000 palm crosses for patients in hospitals and nursing homes throughout the city, as well as for the Palm Sunday services. The recipients are most grateful to receive these small reminders of Palm Sunday and often keep them by their beds for months. The work is organized by the Altar Guild, and everyone is welcome to come and spend an hour or two turning palm branches into crosses; (it takes about 10 minutes to learn how). Do join us!
Easter Basket Drive: CHR is collecting donations of Easter Baskets to be given to families who come to our holiday meal and for the Yorkville Common Pantry. Suggested contents are individually wrapped Easter candies, small toys or storybooks, and coloring books and crayons. We ask that all baskets be tied with cellophane and ribbon. You may drop off completed Easter Baskets at the church office before Monday, March 17.
HAPPENING Retreat in the Diocese of NY April 4-6, Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Garrison, NY. Happening is a spiritual retreat weekend designed to deepen the Christian experience of youth in grades nine through 12. Youth who have never attended Happening are encouraged to attend. The cost is $70 per person and the registration deadline is March 19. Call Caren Miles at 212-289-3400 ext. 207 for registration materials.
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 email him tsynan@heavenlyrest.org.
Easter Holiday Meal Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve our Easter Holiday meal, which provides a hot luncheon for over 400 hungry guests each year. Volunteers are needed Good Friday, March 21, from 9:00 am to Noon and 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm to help prepare food and set-up; Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm to finish cooking and make final preparations; and Easter Sunday, March 23, from Noon to 3:00 pm to help serve the meal and clean up. If you cannot come to the church to help, but can bake a Heavenly Spice Cake for this year's meal, recipes are available in the Narthex on the Parish Programs Table, or online by clicking here. Donations of dyed Easter eggs are also needed. Cakes and Easter eggs can be dropped off at the church on Friday, March 21 or Saturday, March 22.
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HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT HEAVENLY REST
Please join us as we bear witness to God's Love
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17, 18 and 19
A Eucharist will be offered at 6:30 pm in the Chapel. On Wednesday, March 19 there will also be Holy Eucharist at noon in the Chapel.
Maundy Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 pm
This service recalls the institution of the Last Supper and Jesus' humble act of washing his disciples' feet. It ends with the stripping of the altar and an all-night Vigil.
Maundy Thursday All-Night Vigil
Thursday, March 20, 8:00 pm - Noon, Friday, March 21
Join us for a special time of prayer and meditation, inspired by the question asked of all of us by Jesus: "Could you not watch with me one hour?" This all-night prayer vigil in the Sanctuary follows the Maundy Thursday liturgy and ends with the noon service on Good Friday. Parishioners, alone or in groups, are invited to sign up at the Parish Programs table.
Good Friday, March 21 from Noon to 3:00 pm
This three-hour service begins with silent prayer, meditations from the clergy, choral music, Solemn Collects, and Veneration of the Cross, and concludes with the Stations of the Cross.
Holy Saturday Easter Walk, March 22 at 10:30 am
Children of all ages are invited, through story, reenactment, and song, to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and journey with Jesus through the days of Holy Week. Parents are welcome too! Call for Youth Volunteers: Older children and youth are invited to participate in a reenactment of these stories. Please talk to Pippa or Caren if you are interested.
Holy Saturday, March 22 at Noon
A brief service of prayer recalling the reality of Jesus' death.
The Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday, March 22 at 8:00 pm
Early in the life of the Church this was the first celebration of Easter Eve. All those who had spent Lent preparing for baptisms were presented. Join us for this very special candlelight service and the First Eucharist of Easter.
Easter Day,
Sunday, March 23 at 8:00 am and 10:30 am. Easter morning begins at 8am with a celebration of Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. There will be no 9:00 am service this day. An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 9:30 am for all children in the Music Room. The 10:30 am service is a Festival Holy Communion with full choir, trumpets, and all the glory of Easter Morning. Children's Chapel will be offered in the Chapel. Don't Forget: Please bring your filled mite boxes to church on Easter Sunday, March 23. |
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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.
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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. |
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This Week at Heavenly Rest |
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MONDAY, March 10
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7:00 pm |
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Alanon meets in the Music Room |
7:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in Darlington Hall and Thomas Hall |
7:30 pm |
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Canterbury Choral Society Rehearsal in the Church |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Tuesday, March 11
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7:30 am |
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Women's Breakfast Group meets at 3 Guys' Restaurant |
12:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in the Cloister |
3:30 pm |
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St. Cecilia Choir in the Choir Room |
4:15 pm |
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Choristers in the Choir Room |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Wednesday, March 12
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9:00 am |
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Mary Anne Hall's Music for Children Classes |
12:00 pm |
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Holy Eucharist in the Chapel |
6:30 pm |
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Holy Eucharist and Service of Healing in the Chapel |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Thursday, March 13
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9:00 am |
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Mary Anne Hall's Music for Children Classes |
12:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in the Cloister |
5:00 pm |
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Palm Cross Making in the Choir Room |
7:00 pm |
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A.A. meets in the Thomas Hall |
7:00 pm |
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Alanon meets in the Music Room |
7:00 pm |
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Education for Ministry meets in the Choir Room |
8:00 pm |
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Shelter in the Narthex |
Friday, March 14
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9:00 am |
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Bible Study in the Choir Room |
10:00 am |
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Palm Cross Making in the Choir Room |
10:00 am |
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Parents and Babies Group meets in the Good Shepherd Room |
1:30 pm |
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Friday Lunch for Senior Citizens in Darlington Hall |
Saturday, March 15
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4:00 pm |
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Evensong Rehearsal in the Church |
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Next Sunday — March 16
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday |
8:00 am |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite I
Service with homily in the Chapel |
9:00 am |
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There will be no 9:00 am Service on Palm Sunday |
9:30 am |
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Holiday Church School in Thomas Hall |
9:30 am |
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Rector's Forum in Darlington Hall – "Getting Right with God" |
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Holy Eucharist — Rite I
Service with sermon, hymns and choir in the Church
Sermon: The Rev. Philippa A. Turner |
5:00 pm |
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Palm Sunday Evensong in the Church |
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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; 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; Roberta Connolly; Billie VanderNaald; Becca; Bill Vericker; Lela; Jimmy; Wendy; Susan; Frank; Ansley Dauenhauer; Sgt.Tim Donoho; Ward; Isabelle Hallam; Dan Umansky; Edward Toohey; Jane Edwards; Innosainte St. Preux; Jack & Holly; Sarah Cameron; Marie Miller; Lt Pat Vardaro; Lt Scott Quilty; Lt Ferris Butler; Ted; Mary Hamilton; Amanda Pearson; Tony Langella; William Meredith; Heather; Stephanie; Hennrietta VonMoy; Mary Lou Huckaby; Diego Vaca and Family; Sharon; Christopher; Daniel, and Christopher McCulloh; Paulino Morales; Forrest Church; Stavros; Carolyn Berger; Michael Bayko; Maja Christina Arcos & family; Mahid; Bob Callender; Leslie Mackey.
For the repose of the souls of: Sergeant Rafael Alicearivera; Chief Petty Officer Nathan H. Hardy; Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Koch; Specialist Christopher J. West; Specialist Chad D. Groepper; Specialist Luke S. Runyan; and Sergeant Conrad Alvarez.
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. |
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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.
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