• St. Stephen's is having their Ash Wednesday service at noon.  They're located at 9191 Daly Road, just north of Compton Road. >
• Cathedral clergy members will be offering Ashes to Go again this year on Fountain Square during the lunchtime hour for those who cannot attend a service elsewhere, or who wish to have a different experience on Ash Wednesday.

Background:  You may be aware that Maryland Bishop Heather Cook hit and killed cyclist Tom Palermo in a hit-and-run accident while driving with a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal living and while she was texting and driving.

Episcopal Church Presiding bishop Jefferts Shori's statement (following) gives food for thought to members and friends of Grace Church, whose emphasis for many years has been on healing.  

Healing is the primary work of people of faith and the communities of which they are a part.  Christians, as disciples of One who came to save (rescue, heal, make whole) the world and its inhabitants, seek to heal their relationships with one another and with all that is.

Episcopalians believe this is God's mission and we are its ministers or servants.  We are meant to seek to repair what is breached and broken, to stitch up what is torn, to heal what is sick, to release what is imprisoned and oppressed, to comfort the dying, to encourage the ignored, forlorn, and grieving. Our life finds meaning in responding to the cries around us and within us, as individuals in community. We follow One who was himself vilified, tortured, and finally executed for proclaiming the possibility of reconciled relationships in communities divided by poverty, violence, and religion.

The tragic death of Thomas Palermo challenges us all to attend to the work of healing.  We cannot restore what is past, but we can seek reconciliation and wholeness for all who have been affected--the Palermo family, Heather Cook, the biking community and others in Baltimore, the Diocese of Maryland, bystanders and onlookers who have witnessed any of these traumatic events. 

You can read the rest of her statement here.  

"Anger is like a cloak we wrap ourselves in that cuts us off from God. I tell people that being resentful is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. This is not what God wants for you," says Ona Graham, 62, a parishioner at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Hamilton, Georgia. At least 90 percent of Georgia neuropsychologist Ona Graham's counseling work with individuals and families involves assisting those "who feel resentment and carry grudges and ... teaching people how to identify where they're holding onto anger and hatred" and to seek and extend forgiveness. 

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The diocesan youth department will host a spiritual retreat for youth in the diocese, similar to our Genesis and Exodus retreats in years past.  This retreat will focus on what the youth want, particularly where we feel God calling us.  We will let the youth attending this retreat help mold and shape the spiritual experience they are looking for.  We will have worship opportunities, time for reflection and fellowship, tons of singing, games and fun in a wonderful community.  We are hoping to provide a space for youth to grow closer to God in a safe and fun environment.

The retreat will be held April 10 through 12 for grades 6 through 12.  The cost is $40, and scholarships are available on request.  

Register here.

If you would like to donate for altar flowers on any Sunday, please sign the Flower Sheet by the Belmont door or call the church office or email spikelyon@gmail.com or donate online at gracecollegehill.org.