Lent, the forty days of preparation for the Great Feast of Easter, is a time for fasting, prayer and study.  We are offering a number of services and programs to help you renew your faith in this important season.

Shrove Tuesday, February 24, will be celebrated at Saint Paul’s with a festive pancake supper from 5:00-7:00.  You may also be “shriven” through the Sacrament of Penance by Fr. Mark in the church from 4:30-5:30 and 6:30-7:30.

Lenten Services: Once again, Saint Paul’s will be participating in the Route 34 Community Lenten Services.  We will be hosting the Ash Wednesday Eucharist on February 25 at 7:00. The service will include the traditional penitential rite and the imposition of ashes. Continued

“For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  II Corinthians 4:6

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Over the past three weeks, I’ve spent an awful lot of time looking at my new son, Philip.  But he hasn’t really looked at me.  It’s not just that I’m a definite number two in his life because I don’t produce milk.  Part of it has to do with the way he sees things. Continued

“But Naaman was angry, and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.”  II Kings 5:11 In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

When President Obama was inaugurated last month, the press couldn’t say enough about how a new era of bipartisan cooperation had dawned.  The old politics of fragile egos and underhanded power plays was out, and the two parties were now ready to walk hand in hand towards a bright future.  The debates and vote over the President’s economic stimulus package this past week have revealed, rather sadly, that very little has changed. Continued

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him.” 1Cor. 8:1-3]

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I don’t know about that accent son, Just where do you come from?

I said where I come from its cornbread and chicken.

Where I come from a lotta porch sittin.

Where I come from tryin’ to make a livin’.

And workin’ hard to get to heaven.

Where I come from.

These are the words from country singer Alan Jackson’s son, “Where I come from.” I can tell you that my computer spell checker highlighted every other word. Sittin, tryin, livin, workin, Who talks like this? Continued

Some of you have probably noticed the blue ribbons adorning the front porch of Saint Paul’s Rectory the past few days.  They announce the birth of our new son, Philip Thomas Michael, who arrived on February 1.  He weighed seven pounds, thirteen ounces, and to his father, at least, the world has never seen a more beautiful baby.  For now, at least, he must be the newest Sharpsburger, and Allison and I are delighted to raise him in such a safe and friendly community. Continued