UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION An inclusive community, sharing Christ on campus and in the city A Reconciling in Christ Congregation UniLu Weekly Newsletter - 22 February, Ash Wednesday, 2012
The devotions written by members of the parish, based on the Psalms appointed for Lent, are available both in printed form in the Narthex, and also are available on the website at
You may navigate through the calendar on the left side of the page to go directly to the devotion for the day.
A huge thanks to Steve Szewczyk for setting the page up!
Commemorations
For Next Week
Thursday, March 1, 2012 George Herbert, hymnwriter, died 1633
An excellent scholar, Herbert served briefly in the English parliament, then became a parish priest. He was known for devoted care of his parishioners, as well as for writing poetry and hymns, including "Come, my way, my truth, my life." He died at age 40.
Friday, March 2 John Wesley, died 1791; Charles Wesley, died 1788; renewers of the church
These brothers led a revival originally intended to remain within the Church of England, one that involved frequent communion and advocacy for the poor. Except for a brief time in America, they worked in England. Charles was also a prolific hymn writer. After their deaths, their work led to the formation of the Methodist Church.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2012 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #23577.
Today at Noon: Verger: Fred Wolfe; Deacon: Ray Kvande; Lectors: Robert LeBlanc, Bobbie Burnett;
Today at 7:00 pm: Verger: Bruce McCullough; Deacon: Emma Reuschel; Sub-deacon: Faith Garrett; Crucifer: Stephen Mann; Lectors: Suzanne DiNello, Benjamin Eckert; Prayer Leader: Ángel Marrero; Communion Assistant: Michelle Eckert; Usher: Carl Beck;
Sunday, February 26, 10:30 am: Verger: Gary Bronson; Deacon: Rich Tolsma; Sub-deacon: Sharon McCullough; Lectors: Madison Butt, Kelby Reed; Usher: Emma Reuschel; Greeter: TBA; Counters: Nancy Selinger, TBA;
Ash Wednesday
Christians gather on this day to mark the beginning of Lent’s baptismal preparation for Easter. On this day, the people of God receive an ashen cross on the forehead (a gesture rooted in baptism), hear the solemn proclamation to keep a fast in preparation for Easter’s feast, and contemplate anew the ongoing meaning of baptismal initiation into the Lord’s death and resurrection. While marked with the ashes of human mortality, the church hears God’s promise of forgiveness and tastes God’s mercy in the bread of life and the cup of salvation. From this solemn liturgy, the church goes forth on its journey to the great baptismal feast of Easter.
Readings:
Isaiah 58:1–12 Shortly after the return of Israel from exile in Babylon, the people were troubled by the ineffectiveness of their fasts. God reminds them that outward observance is no substitute for genuine fasting that results in acts of justice, such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked. Sincere repentance will lead to a dramatic improvement of their condition.
Psalm 51:1–17 Have mercy on me,O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps. 51:1)
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10 The ministry of the gospel endures many challenges and hardships. Through this ministry, God’s reconciling activity in the death of Christ reaches into the depths of our lives to bring us into a right relationship with God. In this way, God accepts us into the reality of divine salvation.
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commends almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, but emphasizes that spiritual devotion must not be done for show.
Music for Ash Wednesday Evening: O Lord, throughout These Forty Days # 319 Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church # 321 Our Father, We Have Wandered # 606 Savior, When in Dust to You # 601
Note: the noon Ash Wednesday service will be a spoken service.
Sundays in Lent
"What would happen if you would walk in next Sunday morning and you would see that the whole chancel has been veiled? You know what lies behind the veil, but you cannot fully get to it, you cannot fully see it. Would it change the way that you think of worship? Would it change the way that you think of God? Would it change the way that you move throughout this upcoming season of Lent?" Pr Wiesner's sermon on 2-19
"In time the Jews gave up their portable Tabernacle in favor of a more permanent Temple in Jerusalem. First planned by King David, and then built by his son King Solomon, the Temple plan was very similar to the Tabernacle. Begun about 957 B.C., the Temple’s plan, dimensions, and materials are listed in I Kings and II Chronicles. The first account records that the entrance to the Holy of Holies had “doors of olive wood,” indicating that it was demarcated by a wall. The second account, however, says that there was a “veil of blue and purple and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and worked cherubim on it.” Perhaps both of these were used, as is indicated in a fresco found in Dura Europos. In any case, either a fabric veil, or a more substantial veiling structure such as a wall, or both were used." The Institute for Sacred Architecture "Veiling the Mysteries"
"Our Sunday morning worship will reflect the reorientation process of Lent as well. Lent is a season both of repentance and preparation for baptism. We not only prepare people wishing to be baptized, but we also prepare to renew our own baptismal vows on the Great Vigil of Easter. Our communal worship will reflect this reorienting process centered around the font.
It’s all about reorientation. . . " from Pr. Wiesner's message in last week's newsletter.
You Are Invited
To Walk/Run Against Hunger:April 14
The Walk + Run Against Hunger is an important event that works to raise money and awareness about hunger in our city. Funds are distributed to over 100 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations across Philadelphia. Last year over 4,000 individuals participated in the Walk + Run, including members from many local churches. UniLu campus ministry is looking to start a team to walk (or run if you are moved!). The walk is on Saturday, April 14th beginning at 9am. It starts and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We’re looking for at least 7 people to join the team to walk to initially commit to raising $350 as a team. If you’re interested, please e-mail Colleen Montgomery, team captain, at colleen.r.montgomery@gmail.com. Once a team is assembled, then a team page will be made and we can begin to register. There is no registration fee to walk. Check out this link for more information:http://www.hungercoalition.org/hungerwalk.
We will be walking to raise funds to support the food pantry at Grace Lutheran Church, 36th and Haverford Avenue.
Wednesdays in Lent
Add Evening Prayer to your Lenten Observance
There are three traditional practices traditionally added to many an individual’s observance of Lent: Prayer (for the soul), fasting (for the body) and alms (for the good of the neighbor).
We invite you to add Evening Prayer on five Wednesdays ( February 29, March 7, 14, 21, & 28) Beginning at 6:00 PM, there will be a Soup Supper, followed by Holden Evening Prayer, with a homily meditation series on The Psalms, and celebration of The Lord’s Supper.
Holden Evening Prayer has become the most popular rendering of Evening Prayer in recent years. Many Lutheran congregations use it primarily during Lent for its calm beauty and its inspirational texts. It is the composition of Marty Haugen, renowned Lutheran composer. It is also strongly used in Roman Catholic tradition. Interim Director of Music, Douglas Barclay, will provide keyboard leadership. Pastor Wiesner will be presiding.
Prayer Concerns
For all those who live with HIV and AIDS, for those who know their status, and for those who have not yet been tested, that they might receive the support and treatment that they need, and that they be able to live lives free of prejudice and stigma.
For the nearly 12 million people around the world are stateless, that their status and residency might be recognized, especially for Kerstin.
For those serving and those who have served in the armed forces, that they return home safely, that they find employment, education, and adequate health care; and especially for those being treated for cancer at the VA hospital, that they have successful therapies and healing.
For all students and teachers, that they may work together in mutual respect and find joy in the challenges of academic life, especially for Cynthia, Sim, Julie, Richard, Suzanne, Colleen, Angel, John, Rory, Cari, Alexa, Bee, Kate, Chris, Rob, Emma, Gillian, Kelly, Alan, Faith, Maddie, Sarah, Douglas, Tom, Danielle, Noelia, Gabriela, Christy, Josh, Alyssa, Nicholas, Michael, Austin, Alex, Michael, Lucas, Nathan, Lauren, Kyra, Bianca, Mike, Angela, Grace, Matt, Daniel, Olivia, Ingrid, Judith, Ibi, Althea, Tammy, Allie, Carrissa, and Jason.
For peace for those experiencing troubling times, especially for Carrie, for Kevin, and for Bobbie.
For the newly married, especially for Colleen and Nick, for Chris and Kate, for Laura and Daniel, for Amy and Chris, and for those preparing for marriage, especially for Alexa and Ray, for Beki and Uel, and for Sarah and James.
For congregations in transition; for congregations touched by stress and strife; and for congregations struggling to deal with untimely deaths.
For our President, our Governor, and our Mayor, and for all elected officials, that they govern with wisdom and compassion.
For all the guests of Feast Incarnate, especially those without homes or shelter, and for all those who minister to those who are less-homed.
For all who are discerning God's call to ministry.
For those who mourn, especially For Michael Glatfelter and his family, as they mourn the death of his father, Richard; for the family and friends of Theodore Behrens; for Susan and her family as they mourn the death of her son, Aidan Alexander Garcia; for Bobbie and Nancy as they mourn the death of Sherry; for the Newhouse Family as they mourn the loss of their son, AJ; for Suzanne DiNello and her family as they mourn the death of her grandmother, Ruth; for the family and friends of Marjorie Twiford; for the family and friends of David Ansel; for Matt O'Rear and his family as they mourn the death of his mother and his grandmother; for John Eskate and his family as they mourn the death of his father, Michael; for Johanna and her family as they mourn the death of her grandfather; for Sue and her family as they mourn the death of her aunt, Dorothy; and for the family and friends of Sarah Thompson.
For those for whom death draws near, that they be free from pain and suffering, that they die in God's peace.
For healing for Louise, for John, for Scott, for Suzanne, for Richard, for Sue, for Bob, for Kevin, for Kimberly's mother, Gail, for Joe, for Bill, for Gretchen and Albert, Sharon, Inez, Ruth and Hank, Dwayne and Paula, Rakkeem, Sydney, and for Gloria.
