The Key

February, 2012

The Monthly newsletter of

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Who’s Your Idol?

I have a confession to make.  Several years ago my brother-in-law, Brad, introduced me to the show, American Idol.  Being a music lover, I got hooked!  It is a guilty pleasure, to be sure, but I love watching these talented young singers develop their craft and confidence as they compete to be the next American Idol. So, who’s your idol?

As I begin to prepare myself for Lent, (beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22^nd), I have been pondering this question of idolatry and re-reading the book of Jonah.  In Jonah’s day, folks worshipped graven images—carved representations of various gods that, they believed held their fate in their grasp. 

Israel’s call in this environment was to be set apart, witnessing to the One true God, Yahweh, creator of heaven and earth, so that the pagan peoples would see the truth that there is but one God who is worthy of honor, worship and devotion.  The problem the prophet Jonah must address is the pagan influence in Nineveh and he has a little trouble screwing up  his courage  to  do God’s bidding. 

An additional ongoing theme in the Old Testament is that the people of Israel were influenced, again and again, by the surrounding pagan cultures and forgot their one true love and calling.  The people repeatedly were reminded by prophets, priests and sages that they had gone astray.  Hence, they would repent and the whole cycle would repeat itself.

So as I consider how I might keep a holy Lent, asking myself what areas of idolatry exist in me is an important first step.  Now, most of us don’t worship graven images, but there are many, modern day idols that vie for our attention and worship.  Some that come to mind include:

·         Food—love those brownies!

·         Drink—that daily glass of wine…

·         Self-importance

·         A long-held attitude or prejudice

·         Habits that develop into obsessions

·         Unforgiveness

·         A desire for the latest, greatest car, computer, stereo, clothing article…you fill in the blank!

This list of potential idols could go on and on.  As I pray about what might be the area of my life in which the Holy Spirit wants to work this Lent, there will surely be some sort of idol I will need to address, with God’s help and leading,  and let go of it. 

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

Jonah 2.8 NIV

I love this passage from Jonah.  We know Jonah’s story.  Jonah’s idols of stubborn will and physical safety overrode God’s call on him to go to Nineveh.

Notice what Jonah 2.8 says.  First, it reminds us that idols are worthless.  Ultimately, that brownie, that iPad, that new pair of designer jeans is of no value.  It won’t make a bit of difference in our spiritual well-being, our growth as a child of God and a person of faith.

The second thing to notice is as we cling to our idols, we miss out on all the grace that God wishes to bestow on us.  We forfeit it.  The very thing we need the most, we just let it go so we can hold on to our worthless idols.  When put that way, our obsessions over things, food, hurt feelings…stuff seems both foolish and dangerous. 

As we prepare to experience a holy Lent, may we allow God’s Spirit to work.  My prayer for all of us is that we loosen our grasp on at least one idol that causes us to forfeit the grace that could be ours. 

In Christ Alone,

Karen+

Important Dates

2/12—Vestry meeting

2/18—Howard Reynolds’ Memorial Service, 11:00 am

2/21—Shrove Tuesday, 5:30-7:30

2/22—Ash Wednesday, 7 pm

2/25—Walk Through the Bible Seminar at St. Clare’s, 8:30-3

3/24—St Patrick’s Pub Night 5:30-9

Howard Reynold’s Memorial Service

Please save the date and try to come to honor Howard’s life on Saturday, February 18^th.  His memorial service begins at 11am and will be followed by a pot-luck that we are providing.  The Daughter’s of the King will be organizing the food.  Expect a call in the next week or two to volunteer a dish of your choosing.

Lenten Opportunities

First, mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 21^st.  St. Peter’s is hosting this year’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  Bring your Fat Tuesday celebratory spirits and appetites to enjoy pancakes with all the fixin’s!  The fun begins at 5:30 and will last till 7:30 pm.  If you want to help cook, let Rev. Karen know: 909-544-9157. 

Second, Wednesday, February 22^nd is Ash Wednesday:   our service will begin at 7 pm with the imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist. 

The third, very important event is our Adult Education offering for the season of Lent.  On Saturday, February 25^th, St. Clare’s will be hosting a Walk Through the Bible seminar.  It begins with a fellowship time at 8:30 am. The program starts promptly at 9 and goes till 3 pm. 

Walk Through the Bible seminars are a wonderful, educational and super fun time to deepen our knowledge of Scripture.  There will be a special instructor who is trained in the very unique techniques that WTB uses in helping people learn and remember important things in the scriptures. 

Your priests have been to a WTB seminar in the past and HIGHLY RECOMMEND your attendance.  The cost per person is $18.00 with lunch being provided.  (The sign-up sheet is in this newsletter for your convenience…give it to Rev. Karen with your check or mail it to St. Clare’s.)  We will need an RSVP so the instructor knows how many people to count on.  Child care will be provided and children 8 years and older may participate in the seminar.  Look for the registration forms coming soon and plan to make this day a part of your Lenten spirituality.

Fourth, Saturday, March 17^th, St. Peter’s will host a sexual misconduct training session.  We will gather at 8:30 am and end around 2 pm.  Bring a brown bag lunch.  This training is for all lay readers, Sunday School Teachers and anyone else who calls on the sick at home or in hospital or who work with youth.  Please make a special effort to come for the training.  There will be more information in the March Key. 

St. Patrick’s Pub Night

Mark your calendars now for our third annual St. Patrick’s Pub Night.  On Saturday, March 24^th, Craic Haus, the Irish Rockabilly band will once again join us in this wonderful Irish Celebration. 

Back by popular demand, the menu will include Shepherd’s Pie and there will be Irish beer to purchase if you wish.  The dinner and show ticket costs $25 per person.  If you wish just to come for the show, the charge is $10. 

Plans are underway to make this the biggest and best Pub night we have ever had…Don’t miss it!