May 2004

Issue 175

While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

(Luke 24: 35-48)

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace:  So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name.  Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 101)

 

 

Dear Friends,

             We had a wonderful Holy Week and Easter Sunday here at St. Philip’s.  I hope that you also, in your family and circle of friends, were strengthened and renewed for the ministries to come.

             I am particularly thankful for our music ministry at our various services, and our dedicated Sunday and youth ministry leaders.  The Labyrinth was well-received, and I look forward to bringing it back for another visit.  We remember as a community that Jesus stretched out his arms to us on the cross, and that God raised him from death as our risen Lord and Savior.  Now we, who are just beginning to understand this wonderful mystery, are called to reach out our arms and invite others to experience God’s love through the stories, sacraments and friendly community of this church or whatever church they are drawn to attend.

             This Easter season lasts fifty days – let us keep our Alleluias resounding and extra candles burning to the Feast of Pentecost and the celebration of the Holy Spirit.  This year, Pentecost (Whitsunday) will be on May 30.  Yes, that is the Memorial Day weekend, but if you are not physically out of town on Sunday morning, I both eagerly and solemnly urge you to be in Church that Sunday.  (Read the second chapter of Acts in preparation.)

             A highlight of this month at St. Philip’s is our Spring Garden Tour and English Tea Luncheon, on May 8.  (Think about who you will invite to attend.)  Sheryl McEwan, Nancy Jackson, Julie Edwards Levy, Jack Doscher, Vicky Granger-Jones, Lucy Gowan, Karin Clift, and so many others have been working hard to make this ‘second annual’ event spectacular.

             I would like to mention two events on my calendar.  May 13 to 16 I will be serving as Spiritual Director for the Spring Cursillo Weekend for our Monterey Bay area.  Please pray the weekend, and consider ASAP if you wish to be a candidate (more information within).  Then I will be gone May 16 through 24 to Ellenton, FL to participate in CREDO (Clergy Reflection, Education, Discernment Opportunity), an enrichment program of the Episcopal Church Pension Fund.  “Through a holistic approach to wellness, clergy are invited to examine their mind, body, spirit and heart.  CREDO provides a profound opportunity for clergy to renew, reaffirm, and recommit their core belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ as expressed in the Baptismal Covenant.”  The program is by invitation, and I am very excited to participate.  Please pray for me and my family while I am away.

             Let us all step eagerly ahead in ministry, at home and work and in the community and in the Church.  And let continue to proclaim:

Alleluia.  Christ is Risen!

The Lord is risen indeed!  Alleluia.

Yours in Christ,

Martin Yabroff