Since I am writing this before the parish meeting, I do not know the results of any of the votes that took place there. But I do want to thank all those who offered their names to stand for the offices that were available. I especially want to thank Mark Rambin, Senior Warden, Keith Harrell, Junior Warden, and Secretary of the Vestry, Jim Crandell for their lengthy and distinguished service to our parish. Their contributions have been almost incalculable over the last several years. The new Vestry will have to elect new officers at their first meeting in February with the exceptions of the Senior Warden, whom I have the responsibility to appoint. There are big shoes to fill. 

Lent

February 10 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. As is our custom, we will have Holy Communion with the distribution of ashes at 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm. As you are well aware, Lent is a time of introspection. The church calls upon us to make time during this six week period to go inward and reflect upon our relationship with God. As I am looking at our liturgical calendars, both the one we use and the one the diocese uses, I am drawn to two terms which are prevalent throughout the season of Lent: fast and abstinence. I'm sure you have been asked countless times in your life “What are you giving up for Lent?” While that is certainly an appropriate question, it doesn't quite get to the heart of the matter. It tends to focus on an action rather than the purpose for the action. The gospels tell us to deny yourself not deny yourself something. Too often the fulfillment of a Lenten resolution becomes the focus of our Lenten observance. But the only Lenten resolution that is appropriate is the one that endeavors to come closer to God by denying oneself and focusing on the Lord. This is the reason for fasting and abstaining. Fasting, of course usually means eating less (sometimes not at all, although I don't recommend that). Abstinence refers to not eating meat, usually on Fridays in Lent along with Ash Wednesday. You may of course fast from other things of which you may be particularly fond. TV maybe. But don't simply try to get to the end of Lent without breaking your resolution. Remember, the purpose for all of this is to come closer to God by positive means. More Scripture reading, more spiritual reading, attendance at additional Lenten services (see below). The question becomes how will I deny myself and what will I do to make myself more available to God so that He can form me into the person He wants me to be.

One of the ways we have observed Lent as a parish for the past several years is by having a food drive for the benefit of The Storehouse in Pflugerville. We will do so again this year. Beginning on the first Sunday of Lent and running through Palm Sunday, please bring non-perishable food items to the church. We will deliver them to The Storehouse during Holy Week. Financial contributions are also accepted.

Lenten Services

On the six Wednesdays in Lent following Ash Wednesday, I will celebrate Holy Communion at 7:00 pm in the church and offer my reflections on another spiritual classic, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. You will recall that last year we looked at The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. We'll follow the same format. There isn't time to cover the whole work, nor to go into a great deal of depth. But I believe that there is a wealth of material in the book that can aid us in our spiritual lives. Books such as these are classics in the spiritual life because real spirituality is timeless. There is a tendency in the church sometimes to run after the latest fad, something clever, something that may never have been tried before. A lot of these new things tend to omit the gnarly aspects of the spiritual life because they are uncomfortable. But Thomas à Kempis and Brother Lawrence are still around after hundreds of years. That's because they deal with the real questions of our spiritual life, and the real answers. I hope that you will make an effort to join me on Wednesday evenings during Lent. 



Kevin Burnette, Brendle Glomb, and  David Norris and were elected to a three year term on the Vestry. Congratulations.

Ed Sandlin was elected to be the delegate to the Diocesan Convention in November.  Jim Crandell was selected as the alternate.

 

40 Days for Life, Spring 2016 Campaign

 

Church address:  Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 472-7514
E-Mail: rector@StFrancisAustin.org
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