The carriage lights at the parsonage have crowns of snow.
Nancy and I had heard it snowed in Lexington. Now, we have proof.
A peaceful soft-falling snow started after church today and is still continuing as I write this post after dinner. Sure, things got cancelled or slowed down. But that’s not always a bad thing (except that Virginia Draper had cooked enough lasagna for 30-plus college students and youth and only seven Cadets braved the weather for this evening’s church activities. Even this turned out fine–she brought Nancy and I dinner!). Virginia and Al took it in stride, and that’s what snow does for us–stops our routines in their tracks and allows us to approach life differently.
Another photo of the snow from the parsonage backyard.
Church today
I was back in church today, but in the role of worshipper not worship leader. Good thing I wasn’t worship leader. I’m still “brain dead” from what I’ll attribute to jet lag. I was about 50-50 on peoples’ names in church–this people I know well. I even wandered into the sanctuary and just sat down in the pew and got ready for worship, not thinking to look around to see where Nancy was (got read “the rules for husbands” over that). It’s just like I’m in a fog…or snowstorm.
The work of worship leader was performed admirably by Lay Leader Tom Davis, whose humble spirit and sharp wit I enjoy.
Tom shared an excellent sermon about letting our light shine in this community.
Brown bag lecture
Our third “Brown Bag Lecture” will be given by Washington & Lee professor and Trinity UMC member Bill Hamilton at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the church fellowship hall.
Bill is a biologist who has been leading teams of students to Yellowstone National Park for a number of years as part of an ongoing project. He’ll speak about this work.
I’ve had a couple of conversations with Bill about this work and found it fascinating. I think you will too.
Ash Wednesday
We’ll meet at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, Feb. 22, for an Ash Wednesday service.
The focus of our worship will be to orient ourselves to the season of Lent, the time of reflection, penitence and preparation that preceeds Easter.
I’ll invite all who want to have the symbol of the cross imposed on their foreheads in ashes to come forward at the end of the service.
Recommended reading
Saturday’s essay in The Wall Street Journal was an insightful look at the vital role religion plays in human society. “Religion for Everyone” argues that the growing absence of religion in modern society has brought a decline in community spirit.
Individuals need contact with others. Many do not get it today because we Western folks live in societies that prize individualism.
Church is about the only place you can lean over and start a conversation with a total stranger, the writer points out.
It’s not even a “religious” article, but really manages to put its finger on the great value of being a part of a church community.
I really recommend this essay.
FROM MY “I’VE GOT 500 PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP TO ISRAEL FILE”:
Roman soldiers' board game
Notice the board carved by use into the granite floor. This one was found in Galilee, but the same board game can also be seen in Jerusalem in the place where Jesus was tried.
This simple board game is what kept Roman soldiers occupied between tasks. When Jesus was placed in their hands on the night of his betrayal, he became the object of their games as they set about abusing him.
Trinity UMC