Wow! We have had a very busy (and productive) month of January. February looks like more of the same. Thanks be to God! We are doing our best to not only talk the talk but also to walk the walk. I thank God each day for each of you who do your part to make this such a wonderful community of God. Together we can do wonders here in this little corner of God’s world.
I want to report again on our Tree for Life contributions that all of you made during the seasons of Advent and Christmas in 2011. The total amount contributed exceeded $4,200. That is absolutely terrific. Many flocks of chickens were purchased, a pig, goats, even a couple of cows, bees and honey, roving health clinics, smokeless stoves, fruit trees, mosquito nets (and training), vitamins, and providing food for the Littlest Scholars. These efforts were terrific. The items purchased are life changing for the recipients. Thank you.
In January our attendance, once again, climbed up and that is always welcome. We had three weeks of Stewardship presentations followed by our State of the Church Message which always proceeds our Annual Meeting. This coming weekend we will be visited by Bishop Dabney Smith. He will be with us for the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday. After the service we will have about an hour (if needed) for discussion time with the Bishop. Then we will be able to enjoy another of our sumptuous luncheons in the Gathering Place. Please plan to attend and bring a dish to share.
In January we also completed (for the first time ever) our study of the Gospel According to Mark. We then started a new program on Wonderful Wednesday’s known as Living the Questions 2.0. This is a very challenging program that deals with a separate topic every week. So far we have worked on Reclaiming the World (defining the status of humankind in relation to the rest of the creatures of the world). In February we will discuss A Kingdom without Walls,
Social Justice: Realizing God’s Vision, and Incarnation: Divinely Human. The next Wednesday (February 22nd) is Ash Wednesday. Wewill not have a program on Ash Wednesday. Then, for the next five (5) weeks we will be offering our very special Lenten Program we will be offering Embracing An Adult Faith. This is a five-part series narrated and instructed by Marcus Borg (via DVD). It is a very good program and covers the following topics: God, Jesus, Salvation, Practice, and Community. We have thirty (30) books (small but mighty) on hand. You will need to purchase one of these for use in the course. Scholarships are always available. These five topics are a wonderful opportunity for each of us to consider a new and enlightened and adult faith. Please plan on attending these sessions. I guarantee you will meet new people, have great snacks, learn to stretch your theology and spirituality, and help all the rest of us.
Then, after Easter we will return to Living the Questions 2.0. Hopefully, you can find some offering that interests you.
Please note that ASH WEDNESDAY is really right around the corner. This year Ash Wednesday is February 22nd. We will offer the imposition of Ashes followed by Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m.
Also, please note that Pastor Kerry Stewman is facilitating a bible study course on Friday mornings. There is a brief description of the topic being studied that appears elsewhere in this newsletter. Please read that article and consider joining that group.
Later in this month we will be welcoming new members for the first time in 2012. I already have several people on the list and would be delighted to add your name if you are not already a member of Iona-Hope. If you wish please give me a call to discuss this topic.
We have all been energized by recent events at Iona-Hope. First, we all participated in the Celebrate the Spirit stewardship program. My thanks go to Doug Madeley for chairing this effort. He did and continues to do an outstanding job. Next, we will have the visit from Bishop Smith on the 5th of February. Members will be confirmed, received, and reaffirmed. What a wonderful opportunity for all of us.
Also, this congregation’s participation in Justice Ministry (here in Lee County known as L.I.F.E) is continuing to grow. Please see another article later in the newsletter. You may wish to respond to God’s call to you to participate in this ministry. There are major events coming along very soon.
Peace, John
