In this class, we will be reading

The World’s Religions by Huston

Smith. (Copies are in the St.

Michael’s, Bookstore or you may

order your own. Please buy the

1991 edition.) This book pro-

vides an unbiased look at the

world’s major religions. We will

be exploring the spiritual treas-

ures hidden in traditions that are

unfamiliar to us. We will be

reflecting on the wisdom of each

tradition rather than engaging in

“proving” the “superiority” of

Christianity. Hopefully, we will

be able to cover Hinduism, Bud-

dhism, Islam, and Judaism! For

our first class, please read the

chapter on Hinduism.

March 8th

The Anglican Consciousness

March 15th

The Story of Anglicanism

March 22nd

The Anglican View of the Bible

March 29th

“A class for those who are inter-

ested in knowing more about

the Episcopal Church and those

who don’t remember what they

learned in their “Confirmation

Class”!

WORLD RELIGIONS

Dr. Lisa Whitlow

Formation Opportunities

Soup/Salad Dinner 6 pm Classes 6.30 to 8 pm

CONFIRMATION/

INQUIRER'S CLASS A Sacred Journey: An Inquiry

into the Episcopal Church”

April 5th

The Anglican View of Sacraments

April 12th

The Anglican View of Authority

April 19th

The Anglican view of Spirituality

April 26th

The Anglican View of Ministry

Sign up www.stmaa.com

WHAT EVERY CHURCH MEMBERS SHOULD

KNOW ABOUT POVERTY Fr. David Cox

This class offers an oppor-

tunity to better under-

stand the comprehensive

nature of poverty. We will

learn how we might better

engage, empower, and be-

friend those who live in

poverty, being the Christ-

like presence we are called

to be.

Saint Michael and All Angels

episcopal Church

2017 6630 Nall Ave.

Mission, Kansas 66202

913-236-8600 www.stmaa.com

Boot camp for the soul

7

5.30 to 7 pm

Spencer Hall

Come support our work in Haiti with a financial dontation

(Family Service) 5.30 pm

7 pm

March 1st 7 am

9.30 am

12 pm

EASTER VIGIL—Saturday, April 15th

FIRST CELEBRATION OF EASTER

8.00 pm Lighting of the New Fire

Lessons/Baptismal Liturgy

EASTER EUCHARIST with incense

9.30 pm Easter Feast (Spencer Hall)

EASTER SUNDAY—April 16th

CELEBRATION OF THE RESURRECTION

7.00 am Holy Eucharistic (Rite I)

8.45 am Holy Eucharist with incense

10.00 am Hot Cross Buns in Spencer Hall

10.45 am Holy Eucharist with incense

Sunday April 9th Palm (Passion)Sunday

Palm Procession and Passion Narrative at all services

5.30 pm (Saturday evening) Holy Eucharist

7.30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I

8.45 am Holy Eucharist

10.45 am Holy Eucharist

Monday, April 10th

7.00 pm Holy Eucharist

Tuesday , April 11th

7 .00 pm Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, April 12th

9.30 am Holy Eucharist/Healing (Cloud Chapel)

7.00 pm Holy Eucharist

Thursday, April 13th Maundy Thursday

5.30 pm Family Maundy Thursday Service

7.00 pm Holy Eucharist Washing of Feet

Stripping of the Altar

8.30 pm Watch at the Altar of Repose

(Cloud Chapel)

FRIDAY, April 14th Good Friday

6.30 am Stations of the Cross

12.00 pm Good Friday Liturgy Silent Communion

Veneration of the Cross

5.30 pm Family Good Friday Service

7 pm Good Friday Liturgy

Veneration of the Cross

April 15th HOLY SATURDAY

9.00 am Holy Saturday Liturgy

4.00 pm Easter Baptisms

“We approach the Lenten season with an emphasis on interiority, personal investigation, and

contrition— the intentional work of seeking a change of heart or actions. Reflection and change take

work, hard work. Lent can be like a boot camp for the soul, a restart in a focused area. We walk this

season together, demanding the best of ourselves, ready to support one another, and prepared to see

truths that shatter our self-understanding. The range of the readings in this season is the full breadth

of lived human experience from creation to death and new life. The preacher has the opportunity to

place the foundational Christian narrative on the significant life events of the community in this sea-

son, paralleling the false choices of temptation with the conditions of suffering in the world today.

We get the term “boot camp” from the military, but one encounters boot camps in various ar-

eas of life: a particularly rigorous exercise regimen, a period of training before a new job, or even an

intensive retreat for personal or marital transformation. The Lenten disciplines we adopt are intended

to make the season “hard” in the way a boot camp can be, pushing us beyond what we think our lim-

its are in ways that strengthen us. “

Lectionary Sermon Series: Thematic Plans for Years A, B, and C (Kindle Locations 678-681). Westminster John Knox Press.

Kindle Edition.

PRAY 20 MINUTES A DAY

Prayer is responding to God, by thought and by deeds, with and without

words.

God is a self-giving and loving presence in our lives. God creates, redeems and sus-

tains the whole universe in every minute of every day. We cannot draw a single

breath – nor live a single moment – except by the grace of God. Because God’s power

and action in our lives is so phenomenal, the human relationship with God easily be-

comes one sided. How are we to respond to God’s amazing grace? How can we be in

an ongoing and meaningful relationship with such a great and generous friend?

The answer: Prayer.

By praying 20 minutes a day, we attend to our relationship with God. By regularly praying, we respond to God’s

grace, offering something of our selves (our time and energy) as a gift back to God. Prayer may be a conversation

with God in which words and thoughts are exchanged, but it need not be, for prayer is first and foremost a response

to God’s presence and grace in our lives. Prayer is a thank you and it is a gift. Praying is how we stay in healthy rela-

tionship with God.

Resource:

The Daily Office is an ancient way to pray. It marks the passage of time by offering Morning and Evening Prayer as

written in the Book of Common Prayer of Prayer, especially pages 123.

A resource to follow the Daily Office: www.missionstclaire.com

WORSHIP 1 HOUR A WEEK

When we worship, we unite ourselves with others to acknowledge the

holiness of God, to hear God’s word, to offer prayer, and to celebrate

the sacraments.

And yes, when we say, “Worship 1 hour a week,” we are talking about going

to church. Church worship offers a number of things other means of worship

and praise do not. Worshipping in the church means being exposed to ancient

customs that have been perfected over centuries of use. Worshipping in the

THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDING THE THREE GREAT DAYS OF HOLY WEEK

"Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and res-

urrection..." (Book of Common Prayer, page 264)

The three Great Days of Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter) have been historically

termed the Triduum. These three days are at the core of the Christian faith, without them the rest of the

church year, the weekly Celebration of the Resurrection and our faith become empty. It is the bounden duty

of all Christians to participate in the liturgies of these days. This is the opportunity to experience once again

the glory, despair and exaltation of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. The services are especially appro-

priate for children, as they sometimes grasp the significance of the symbolism in ways that adults do not.

While the services can be long and arduous at times, they are deeply moving and spiritual. They can nurture

the soul in ways as few other events do in the life of the Church.

"The real meaning of Christianity is always and forever the relationship of redeemed human be-

ings with the person of Jesus Christ in faith, trust, forgiveness and love. In this context we can un-

derstand what happened in the courtyard. Peter, swearing falsely in order to secure a moment of

warmth and acceptance from the world, had turned against his Friend. And when that Friend

turned back at Peter, Peter suddenly realized what he had done. He saw what he had just thrown

away, what he had forgotten, what he had denied., what he had betrayed. He had not denied a

doctrine. He not embarrassed his culture. He had hurt a relationship. There was nothing left to

do but to stumble out into the dark, blinded by burning tears, never, never to forget this moment

of shame. Yet he was destined to hear a few weeks later the voice of that Friend again, compel-

ling, warm, and healing, saying to him by the lake, 'Simon, Son of John, do you love me?'"

(William Bausch, Storytelling the Word)

…This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy

Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated

from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to

the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message

of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Chris-

tians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by

self examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and medi-

tating on God’s holy Word… (BCP, p.264f)

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US LITURGICALLY?

COLOR: Violet/Purple

MUSIC:

We will begin each service with an Introit rather than a Processional Hymn. On the first and

fifth Sundays we will begin with THE GREAT LITANY in procession around the Nave. All services

will begin with the Penitential Rite found at the beginning of the Celebration of Holy Eucharist

(BCP, Rite I, page 319; Rite II page 351)

READINGS: Year A

We will have a moment of silence after each reading. On Palm Sunday we will use the

Matthew Passion reading.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

We will use Eucharistic Prayer C in Rite II. (BCP, p. 369)

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

We will be using Form IV. (BCP, p. 388)

POST COMMUNION

We will use the second or alternate form (BCP, p. 366) FINAL BLESSING during the season of Lent. In-

stead of a blessing over the people, there is a Solemn Prayer over the people which begins with the

words: “Bow down before the Lord.”

Finally, all “Alleluias” will be omitted during Lent.

church means being challenged by people and ideas that will cause you to grow and change. Worshipping in the

church means being united with the larger body of Christ where many members contribute uniquely to bring to life a

larger whole. The Church is the only place where you will encounter the sacraments – especially Baptism and Holy

Communion.

In a single generation much has changed about worship in the church. The greatest change of all may be the ex-

pectation people of faith now have about what constitutes sufficient church worship in their lives. We know worship

in the church can be challenging in many ways. We know your lives are busy and that there are competing goods

that can make it hard to worship weekly. But please do not kid yourself: putting God first in your life means setting

aside time on every Sabbath day for worship with your church community. There is no substitute.

SERVE 7 TIMES A

MONTH

Our duty is to love our neighbors as ourselves, to

care for the sick and serve the poor.

Saint James wrote that faith without works is dead.

This idea has caused controversy ever since, but there is

no doubt Jesus cared for the sick, served the poor, and

made friends with the outcast all through his earthly ministry. He commands his followers today to do the same.

We serve others to ease their pain and share the love of God. Human life is hard, and for some, the complications

and sadness of life can be unbearable. One of the principal ways God’s love is made known to a hurting world is

through the actions of people of faith. Serving others also opens our hearts and minds to the wider human experi-

ence and so causes us to grow. Finally, serving others is a reliable way of encountering Jesus himself, who teaches

that when we serve “the least” among us, we serve Him. Serving seven times a month means you will have to com-

mit sufficient time and energy to actually slow down and get to know the one you intend to serve. Serving means

you will have to extend yourself beyond writing a check and taking a walk. Serving means you will have to do some-

thing real.

You can find opportunities that fit your interests and are located close to you by going to the following sites:

Idealist.org AllForGood.org Contact Fr. David

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER —FEBRUARY 28, 5:30-7:00 pm

Everyone is welcome to enjoy traditional pancakes and activities to usher in the season of Lent. Bring your palm crosses

to be prepared for Ash Wednesday. Children will decorate and “bury” their alleluias in the tomb. This year, our Haiti

Outreach Team will host the pancake supper. http://www.epicenter.org/why-do-we-bury-the-alleluia/

ASH WEDNESDAY— MARCH 1, 5:30 pm

Imposition of ashes, children’s homily and participatory celebration of the Eucharist. Family Services offered during

Lent are designed for elementary aged children and their parents, though all ages are welcome. Services are approxi-

mately 45 minutes in length and will begin in the Nave at 5:30 pm.

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT (MARCH 8, 22, 29 A ND APRIL 5)

All children, Preschool – 12th Grade, are invited to observe Lent by joining weekly activities & worship designed spe-

cifically for them. (Nursery will be provided for children under age 3.) Choose from the options listed:

4:30-6:00 pm

Plain Talk About Sex (for children in grades 4-6 and their parents) This signature class for both kids and parents

together addresses anatomy, physiology, sexual reproduction, abuse prevention and communication. Registration is

Closed.

Living Lent – (PK-6th grade) Through art, music, games and worship, children will focus on the Lenten disciplines of

prayer, fasting and alms giving in engaging activities. There is no fee for these 4 sessions. Reserve a place for your child

by emailing the Children’s Minister: gayelynn@stmaa.com

Adult Conversations and Coloring—(for parents not participating in the sexuality class) Parents will enjoy visiting and

have an opportunity to color new Stations of the Cross, to be used during Holy Week.

DINNER SERVED 6:00 – 6:30PM

OPTIONAL SOUP/SALAD DINNER WILL BE SERVED IN SPENCER HALL.

COST: $5 PER PERSON OR $15 FOR A FAMILY

CREDIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOO R.

6:30-8:00 pm

Plain Talk About Sex: A Course for Pre-Teens/Teens (for youth in grades 7-12) This class will focus on the changes

both males and females go through during puberty, sexual reproduction and decision making as well as responsibility

and abuse prevention. Registration and fees required.

Living Lent – (1st-6th grade) Through art, music, games and worship, children will focus on the Lenten disciplines of

prayer, fasting and alms giving in engaging activities. There is no fee for these 4 sessions. Reserve a place for your child

by emailing the Children’s Minister: gayelynn@stmaa.com

Adult Conversations (for parents of 7th—12th youth)

Mother Amy Cox will facilitate discussion with parents about teens, sexuality and faith. Conversation will parallel the

Sexuality Course for Pre-teens and Teens.

Holy Week Workshop- Sunday, April 9, 2017 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

This afternoon full of activities is designed for elementary aged children and their parents. Explore the events of Holy

Week through music, food, art, storytelling, puzzles and games. The workshop will begin in Spencer Hall. Make reser-

vations for your family to attend by April 5th. Email: gayelynn@stmaa.com

Holy Week Worship Services

Family Services offered during Holy Week are designed for elementary aged children and their parents, though all ages

are welcome. Services are approximately 45 minutes in length and will begin in the Nave at 5:30 pm.

Maundy Thursday- April 13 5.30 pm

Foot Washing and instructed Stripping of the Altar, no Eucharist.

Good Friday- April 14 5.30 pm

Participants will walk through 5 interactive Stations of the Cross, concluding with Christ’s resurrection.