March 22^nd, 2020

                                                                                                                         Lent Edition

 

The News in a Nutshell

          ·      Sunday Services- Live Streaming

          ·      Online Giving- Now Available

          ·      Tips and Info- About Streaming the Service

          ·      New Church Office Phone- (864) 593-6904

          ·      FYI- Lent What and Why

          ·      Ideas for Lent- How Will You Observe Lent

          ·      Chocolate For Sale- Lucy and Abigail

          ·      Katie Killinger- New Address

          ·      Sunday School- for all Ages, 9:30 Sunday Morning

          ·      Like and Share- All Saints Facebook Page

·      Lent Web feature- All Saints Art Gallery

 

 

 

For more information see the full announcements below

 

 

Sunday Services- Live Streamed

We will continue live streaming our Sunday morning services until the precaution requested by our local officials is lifted. Please be sure to attend faithfully and to share this information with any you know who may be interested.

 

Service will begin at 10:30

 

The service can be attended either on:

 

1.   The All Saints webpage. LINK

2.   The All Saints Facebook page. LINK

 

The All Saints Facebook page will be better for those using a cell phone.

 

On the other hand, the advantage of the webpage page is that all the service material will be included in such a way that you can view the live stream and scroll through the service material at the same time.

 

May God bless, keep, and protect you during this difficult time.

 

 

Online Giving- Now Available

We have integrated a secure online giving option so you can continue to tithe even while we are under these precautions. There are two ways you can make use of this option:

1.   You can give by clicking on the “Donate” button embedded on the live stream page of our website and follow the instructions: LINK

2.   You can download the free App from either the Iphone App Store (LINK) or from the Android Google Play Store (LINK). Download the desired version of the app and then follow the simple set up instructions.

Let me add that for those who would like to retain the option of online giving as a part their regular tithing, the app provides the quickest and most efficient means to do so.

 

 

Tips and Info- About Streaming the Service

First, if you are having trouble with the volume on the live stream, make sure the volume is on and turned up on the video feed itself (as well as on your computer or device). You can do so by moving your mouse over the video box (or by taping it when viewing by phone).

 

Second, it is our hope that the precaution set forth by our elected officials will be short lived. However, as we proceeded, we will begin to integrate new aspects into our service (including hymns and a return to or study of I John). We are also exploring ways to stream various Holy Week services and options for celebrating Easter. It is also our plan to continue the live stream even after the precautions are lifted so our higher risk folks can attend on line in safety. We will announce these upcoming

 

Finally, we had a few glitches that we are working to have ironed out by next week (I’m sure Jim and Tammy Fay had weeks like this). Anyway, thank you for worshiping with us this Sunday!

 

 

New Church Office Phone- (864) 593-6904

All Saints has a new office phone and number. It will be the number posted on the webpage. Blythe (our official church secretary/receptionist) will be checking the phone throughout the day. Fr. Charlie’s contact information will remain the same. We are just adding a separate church line. The new Church office number is (864) 593-6904

 

 

FYI: Lent What and Why

Lent is the 40-day period following Ash Wednesday and is a time of penitence and preparation for Easter.

 

Why is Lent 40 days? Just as Jesus prepared Himself to undertake the work of salvation by fasting and praying 40 days in the wilderness, so we prepare ourselves to celebrate that salvation and to remember our need for that salvation by fasting, praying, and meditating on Scripture for 40 days.

 

The term Lent is derived from an old word for "lengthen," and refers to the lengthening days of early spring. As such, the very name Lent proclaims the Gospel and sets the greater framework of this season. As we turn to God in repentance, we do so with our eyes on Easter and the assurance that it gives.  Each day of repentance brings us renewal, assurance, and a lightening of our burdens until at last we arrive at Holy week and then Easter to celebrate the forgiveness and life that God has given us in His Son. Simultaneously, as Lent progresses, the days of the week grow brighter, warmer, and longer. The result is that the Gospel proclaimed by the season of Lent is mirrored by the very season of the year.

 

The purpose of Lent remains a sober assessment of, a true sorrow for, and a turning away from our sins. In other words, the giving up of certain worldly things during Lent is not an act of special piety, self-denial, or extra devotion that we give to God. Instead, the idea is that one does not approach the throne of our heavenly Father with sincere repentance and true sorrow for sins while feasting on and rewarding one’s self with the fineries of life. Rather, one lays aside the pleasures and niceties of daily life and comes before God for undeserved mercy and favor. During Lent we aren’t giving things up for God. In fact, during Lent we acknowledge that we have nothing worthy to give.

 

 

Ideas for Lent- How will you Observe Lent

Let me suggest 7 ways that Christians have traditionally used Lent to prepare for Holy week and the Easter celebration. As you read through the list, prayerfully consider if God is leading you to try one or more of these observances

·      Abstinence- giving up something that you enjoy during Lent. The idea here is that Lent is a time of sober examination and repentance. Therefore, we do not enter this season rewarding or treating ourselves. Instead, our laying aside of something special helps us set the proper attitude during Lent. Likewise, our denial provides a very stark reminder that it is sin, which robs life of its sweetness, joy, and beauty.

·      Give something out- The idea here is to do something during Lent (service, ministry, charity) that you normally do not do. Thus, if you have given up going to the movies during Lent, take the money you would have spent and donate it. You may have an older neighbor who needs their yard raked or flowerbed weeded. Regardless, the point is that as God’s grace changes you, God intends you to be a blessing to others. Finally, this is a great way for younger children (who might not understand fasting or abstinence) to take part in Lent. It is also a great way for families and individuals to move past mere abstinence to the real intent of Lenten devotion (Isa 58:5-8).

·      Fasting- the traditional Lenten fast is one full meal and two light snacks on fast days (Wednesday and Friday). However, please note: fasting is not an effort to pay for our sins or to punish our bodies for our wrong doings (remember, we are healed by His wounds not our own). Rather, biblical fasting is always a turning our undivided attention to God. The idea or picture behind fasting is that we are faced with such a great concern that we are too preoccupied to even eat. We have put everything else aside in order to turn to God first.

·      Evening Fast- An alternate form of the traditional fast that may be more conducive to today’s schedules is the Lenten Evening Fast. Here is how it works: on fast days (Wednesday and Friday) eat a light supper, with these two restrictions- no alcohol and no gorging. After dinner, forgo all snacking, shopping, and all media (i.e. no T.V., DVDs, video games, newspapers, magazines, web surfing, texting, etc…). Instead, enjoy time together as a family (plan an activity the whole family will enjoy, take a walk together, or work on a fun project together). Conclude this time with a family devotion.

·      Online: The Daily Offices of Prayer (AKA the Divine Hours).  From Old Testament times on God’s people have turned to God at set hours within the day to offer God their prayers, their work, and to renew their focus. We see this practice in both the Old and New Testaments (Psalm 119:164 /Acts 3:1) as well as down through Church History. A great way to observe lent is to incorporate these hours into your daily devotions. If you are not familiar with the Daily Offices or would like more information, I invite you to begin by checking out the brief “Introduction to the Offices” which you will find on the page linked here: LINK.

·      Online: Morning or Evening prayer- I encourage you to make use of our online prayer services (especially on fast days). These provide a great way to begin or end the day or spend a quiet lunch break. I recommend that you use the short forms of the services found at the top, right hand side of the page. You may find the services by clicking on the following link: LINK.

·      Attend the special services provided throughout Lent- So far this year we have the following services planned (these are in addition to our regular worship services)

-February 26^th Ash Wednesday

-March 4-7 (Ember Friday)- traditionally Ember Days are a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual rededication at the beginning of Lent.

-March 14^th- Ordination and Convocation

-March TBA- Stations of the Cross

-April 9^th Maundy Thursday Passover Meal

-April 10^th- Good Friday Service

 

 

Chocolate For Sale- Lucy and Abigail

Lucy and Abigail are selling candy bars to help support the Logos School. If you would like to pick up a few they will be available on the information table in the Parish hall

 

 

Katie Killinger- New Address

Below is Katie’s address in Japan. I know she would love to hear from you! Please keep Katie in your prayers for a wonderful job experience and for solid Christian fellowship. And when you have a moment drop her a card or a letter and let her know you are thinking of her.

 

Katie Killinger

1 Goto No. 124

Dai-2 Kenshokuin-shukusha

Hatta, 253 Johoku-machi

Okinoshima Town, Oki

Shimane Prefecture

Japan

685-0016

 

 

 

Sunday School For all Ages

Sunday School begins at 9:30. Invite a friend and plan to attend! I know it will be a blessing to you!

 

 

 

Like and Share- All Saints Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/All.Saints.Greenville.SC/

 

        

 

Lent Web Feature (www.allsaintsgreenville.com)

As a part of our Lent devotion, this week’s web feature is the All Saints’ Art Gallery. In the Art Gallery you will find a collection of beautiful religious art by some of history’s greatest artists. These paintings are not only beautiful, they also show deep insights into the subject matter they depict and thus provide a visual commentary on many Biblical themes.

 

During this Lent season I invite you to ponder the Cross through the eyes of some of the world greatest and most devout artists. I can think of no better way to prepare to celebrate the salvation that Christ has accomplished than by letting these artists fill your heart with their visual prayers and praise. Enjoy!!!

 

To find the All Saints Gallery, go to the All Saints’ Home page (www.allsaintsgreenville.com), locate the tool bar at the top right of the screen, find the Resources tab and select Bookstore from the drop down menu. On the Bookstore page select Art and Artist.  On the ensuing page, click the thumbnail picture of a particular artist to view their work. Enjoy!!!

 

 

 

 

Spread the Word about All Saints’

If All Saints’ has been a blessing to you, invite someone you know to church!

 

 

Weekly Servers  (Lent )

 

 

How can we pray for you?
If you have any special prayer needs or praise reports that you would like to share with the group, feel free to email them to me (or you can call me if you prefer) and I will be glad to include them in our weekly newsletter.

Prayer Requests

 

All those affected by the Corona Virus or who are at high risk

 

For a response of prudence (not panic) to the virus

 

Don’s Father- who is recovering from aneurism surgery

 

Tylor Kelly (painter’s 16 year old son)- who has been in the hospital

 

David Crossman- who is having surgery and chemo

 

Mei-li- for continued recovery from knee surgery

 

Pat Childers- for continued strength and recovery

 

Paul Dowdy (Darlene’s dad)- who has Pancreatic cancer

 

Michelle Willis- who has been diagnosed with cancer

 

Fr. Bill Jerdan (Director of REC Foreign Missions)- who has lung cancer

 

Katie Killinger- for Christian fellowship and a smooth transition

 

All those serving in our armed forces, especially Matthew Orders, Eden Basinger, David Willis, and Samantha Childers Leamy

 

 

~Dates to Remember

Please, email your events to Fr. Charlie with a brief description. Your description should include: date, time, location, cost, as well as the name of the parishioner participating in the event (when applicable).

Church Yard Sale                                   May 2^nd  8:00 to 1:00

 

Movie Night (Emmanuel)                        May 3^rd at 5:00

 

REC General Council                             June 10-12, 2020

(Charleston SC)

 

Diocesan Synod                                     September 18-19, 2020

(Nazareth, Monks Corner)