Monday, March 4, 2013

February meeting

Hi Connect!
How are you? Our next potluck meeting is this Tuesday, March 5th at 7:00 in the youth room. Suzanne will lead the discussion on Lent. Thank you for volunteering! =)

Here's a recap of our meeting last month. I apologize for not sending it out earlier.
We had another great dinner meal. Thank you for bringing a dish. I am grateful we always have more than enough food to share at every meeting. 
We brainstormed volunteer and social event ideas. Volunteer ideas include: continue with Operation Sack Lunch, Rhea looking into Cocoon house for teens, Jonathan looking into helping an animal shelter, continue the 5K Karma run, continue with Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Senior Citizens center. Social ideas include: bowling, miniature golf, Sounders soccer game, Casino night, movie night, happy hour at Buffalo Wild Wings.

I led the discussion topic on Ash Wednesday. "Ash Wednesday is the day which marks the beginning of the season of Lent, the liturgical period of forty weekdays which precedes Easter. It is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance, a day of contemplating one's transgressions. Following the example of the nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth.The ashes are from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. When the ashes are applied the priest says -Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel-Mark 1:15."

Deacon John during mass last month asked if anyone had a spiritual New Year's resolution this year. Not many raised their hands. So I want us to create one for Lent, if you haven't already. You can give up something to help bring change in your life, like quitting a bad habit. But I like the idea of doing something positive to help bring a change of heart, a change in your life to commemorate Jesus' resurrection. Then try to continue this new change the rest of the year. This tied well with the meditative prayer on February 5th. "Lord Jesus, you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving service to others."

Here are some of your fellow group members' resolutions to help inspire you!
Read a chapter of the Bible each day. Give up chocolate for Lent. Take more risks and accept more challenges. Do things that are out of my "comfort zone". Learn to accept things I cannot change. Increase and strengthen my prayer life. Attend church mass more often. Catch up on sleep. Find time everyday to self reflect and write in my journal, at least write/reflect on things I'm grateful for. Cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes, 4 times/week. Try to read daily scripture and meditation every morning.
Next time you see each other, ask how we're doing with our resolutions. Let us encourage and support one another to achieve these changes.

Have a Blessed week!
See you Tuesday!
Reggie

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