St. Clement's Episcopal Church

I was speaking to a friend of mine the other day who is a priest in California. He had just attended aBar Mitzvah and he described it included something close to my Anglo-Catholic propensities: at onepoint during the ceremony the sacred Torah was offered to each person to kiss.

Kissing is one of the ancient liturgical acts of the Church: the osculum pacis or “holy kiss”. It was quite typical to exchange the Peace by a kiss. As time went on the Roman Catholic church began to substitute a “pax board” to substitute the direct encounter. Protestants eliminated the Peace and the kiss altogether.

Kissing, except between those whom one would expect to kiss, has not returned, and, believe me, I am not here to re-institute it. After all, this isn’t France. But it is worthwhile to think about the significance of the kiss: throughout history it was used to conclude agreements, create engagements, as well as a simple a greeting. St. Aelred in the 12th century wrote of the significance of the kiss, as the exchange, not merely of passions, but of spirit: the exchange of a deeper affection which is the gift of God.

We have been here going on fourteen years, but I still receive the newsletter from the Diocese of Chicago. I remember several years ago reading an article by the then Bishop of Chicago, William Persell, which really jumped out at me. Referring to the early disciples, and in particular, in the context of the Transfiguration, he said, “Walking with Jesus was not a spectator sport, but an exercise in sacrificial ministry.” Indeed, when Jesus and the three disciples came down from the mountain, they began their journey to Jerusalem and to Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified. Very truly, their walking with Jesus was not a spectator sport! They were deeply and completely involved in sacrificial ministry. As little as they knew it then, their walk with Jesus was transformational.

Lent is the most holy of seasons when we, through our discipline and devotion, begin the journey with Jesus to the Cross. We come down from the “mountain top” of the light and loveliness of Epiphany, and we enter into the darkness and penitential season of Lent. How can we use these forty days to begin to learn how to truly serve Christ sacrificially? St. Paul says in Romans 12:2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Lent is not just about “giving up” or “taking on.” It’s much more than that. Lent is about discernment, renewal, and transformation. It is about learning what it means to live sacrificially, “giving up ourselves to His service and by walking before God in holiness and righteousness all our days.” Let’s begin this journey anew, together, as we participate in all that St. Clement’s has to offer. May our Lent be truly holy, and may our walking the Way of the Cross be a deepening of our commitment to Christ and a renewing of our minds so that we may truly and completely give ourselves to His service. After all, walking the Way of the Cross is not a spectator sport!

It is that time of year again! The Junior and Senior Youth Groups will be participating in the Annual Valentine’s/ Sweetheart’s Dinner. This is always a fantastic fundraiser as well as a great church mixer. The Youth Groups will be holding this dinner on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2009, this year. We will be selling tickets for $15.00 per couple, $8.00 per person, and $2.50 per child this year. As always, child care will be provided and the children will have a Valentine’s Activity along with their dinner. When you purchase a ticket, it will automatically register you for a chance at some great giveaway prizes that will be drawn during the night. Our grand prize this year will be a Romantic Dinner for two prepared in your home on the day of your choosing. So make plans to bring your sweetheart to a wonderful night of church fellow ship. This Valentine’s plan on bringing a friend, a relative, a sibling, a mother/father, or anyone you choose as your “sweetheart”. Donations are always appreciated. Our Youth Group is fabulous and better then some of the around town service at Restaurants. Make your Reservations with San Clemente Il Ristorante Italiano. Tickets on sale now!

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S^{hrove Tuesday is 24th. We will have our traditional Pancake Supper from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 per person and $10.00 per family. Contact Ino Martinez if you would like to help. 770-516-6976.}

Believe it or not, spring will soon be here and it will be time for St. Fiacre's Garden Guild members to get into action!
A quick review of our goals:
1. To maintain the present flower beds and gradually fill them with low maintenance plants.
2. To keep beds, sidewalk, and parking lots free of weeds
3. To keep grounds mowed and trimmed
4. To prune bushes and trees at appropriate times
5. To maintain and MEDITATE in St. Fiacre's Garden Our grounds have been divided into eleven distinct areas. Some of these areas have been adopted by our members and are being kept in good shape by the dopters. There are still some areas available for adoption. Let us know if you are interested in adopting an area or helping someone who is an adopter.
We have simple requirements for membership:
1. Decide for yourself how many hours you can work a month and fulfill that obligation monthly.