Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect, First Sunday in Lent, BCP, pg. 218
Our Gospel reading this week reminds us that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, tempted by Satan. Our Collect for the day reminds us that we, too, are “assaulted by many temptations.” The pray asks God to help us with these assaults.
Temptations take many forms. Sometimes the temptations turn into addictions to substances (food, alcohol, drugs) or behaviors (co-dependency, gambling, hoarding, cynicism, despair). I guess they share a common denominator — in the end, giving in to them causes great harm….harm to our community, harm to others, harm to ourselves.
Our Lenten readings from Living Compass Faith & Wellness Ministry, Living Well through Lent 2015, can help us discover our temptations, as well as where we are open to God’s guidance and wisdom in addressing them.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Rebecca will be at St. John’s Corbin, Thursday and Friday. She will be on vacation Monday through Wednesday. Deacon Amanda Musterman will be handling pastoral care needs during that time. You can contact Deacon Amanda at 859-227-1791. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Godly Play offered for children. All children are invited to participate in this special program of spiritual development.
Adult Forum
During Lent, we are discussing various issues in Appalachia. This week, Professor Joseph Pearson, Union College will speak about the Race Riots in Corbin. Here is the schedule for the following weeks:
March 1 Professor Jimmy Smith; How people interact with the land and its consequences.
March 8 Rebecca; 20th Century Progress and Why Appalachia was Left Behind, Part I
March 15 Rebecca, 20th Century Progress and Why Appalachia was Left Behind, Part II
March 22 The Rev. Stuart Hoke will lead a discussion on the church’s role in addiction recovery
March 29 Rebecca; Discussion of themes from the movie “Matewan.”
The Vestry proposes the following Mission Statement for St. John’s Church: Proclaiming the Gospel, promoting justice, and preparing a diverse community of seekers to reflect the welcoming love of Christ. Let us know what you think about this statement, which guides us to goals and actions that embody our Mission.
Family Game night is the 4th Friday of the month. The next Family Game Night is February 27, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Bring your favorite games, snacks, and drinks. Pizza will be provided.
The Annual International Dinner will be held February 28, 7pm, London Community Center. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of London and Corbin, the proceeds of the dinner support the eradication of polio. Tickets are $25 each. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will provide of match of $100 for a purchase of 2 tickets. Tables of 8 are also available for $250. If you’d like to attend this fun event or if you’d like to provide food for it, please see Rebecca.
Wednesday Evenings During Lent, February 25 – March 25, 6:30pm, series on Appalachia. Plan to come on Wednesday evenings for a soup and bread supper, followed by a special series on Appalachia. Soup and bread will be provided. If you are interested in contributing the soup and bread, please see Rebecca or Anne Day Davis.
February 25 – Professor Joseph Pearson; 20th Century Progress and Why Appalachia was “left behind,” Part I
March 4 – Professor Joseph Pearson continues the discussion on 20th Century Progress and Why Appalachia was ‘left behind,” Part II
March 11 –How People Interact with the Land and its consequences
March 18 – Professor Jimmy Smith; on the first half of John Sayles’ movie, Matewan
March 25 – Professor Jimmy Smith; on the conclusion of John Sayles’ movie, Matewan
Reading Camp Meeting, February 26, 10:15am. A group is forming in Corbin to support sending at least 5 children from Corbin to Reading Camp at Pine Mountain Settlement, July 12-18. We are also exploring the possibility of starting a Reading Camp program in the area. If you are interested in helping recruit children, mentor children, volunteering for Reading Camp, or raising funds, let Rebecca know.
Pot Luck Sunday: This Sunday is our monthly pot luck. We will be eating pancakes, bacon and sausage since we didn’t have our pancake supper on Shrove Tuedsay. Bring a dish or drink to share. And all are welcome! Plan to fellowship with each other. Our pot luck schedule shifts in October and November, depending upon the Bishop’s visit and our Annual Meeting.
Property Committee will meet Tuesday, February 24, 6pm. Please see Billy Hibbitts if you are interested in being part of this committee.
The Grow Appalachia Committee will meet Thursdays, at 6pm through March 26. If you’re interested in planting your own garden, either here in St. John’s Park or in your own backyard, or helping with a community plot here in the park, please plan to attend these meetings.
Join Rebecca and the Members of Corbin Presbyterian Church at 3:30pm, Sunday, February 22, as they install their new Pastor, The Rev. Lisa Eye.
Donations are being accepted until March 29, for flowers to decorate the church for Easter. Use the donation envelopes and write if the donation is “in honor of/in memory” of a loved one or a special occasion. Donations in any amount will be accepted.
Sunday, March 1, we welcome The Rev. Phillip Haug. Rebecca will be at St. Patrick’s Somerset to talk about St. Agnes’ House and to celebrate the service.