Sunday Traffic Alert

Paul reminded us in the service that I-405 through Bellevue will be closed this coming weekend. People who come to church that way should consider an alternate route.

About the "Stations"

Fr. Davis has been deciding on a week-by-week basis whether or not to have the "Stations of the Cross" Friday nights, at least in part uncertain of turnout. Apparently the interest is high because they've been every week -- until this week. But there is a conflict with something happening in Bremerton this Friday --I forgot to write down what it was-- so we won't have it this week.

Unable to report

Between travel and illness, I don't have much to report. It was looking like a relatively light travel regime this spring, but more trips popped up and I'll be away away a significant amount of time until late-May. Yesterday morning a trip to Germany wound up on my schedule, and I don't know if it will end up overlapping Synod -- and won't until next week.

And if that weren't bad enough, I returned last night from the first of the series of trips ill, maybe just a bad cold but also leaving me without much energy. So not only will I be missing all but maybe one of the Lenten Wednesday evening Bible Studies, but probably tomorrow's Stations of the Cross (though I did make that last Friday).

Voces in Silvae

It looks like St. Bartholomew's choir, FKA(?) Schola Cantorum will rise like a phoenix once again -- maybe not a good analogy because we're rising not so much from ashes as rust, and maybe not even that; it's just never quite taken wing. But I think it requires more effort than the Rector can regularly provide,

So I'm quite pleased to see our organist Scott (who today added his voice for a special First Sunday in Lent) also take on choir leadership -- and has he done so in a big way! Not only in signing up volunteers and seeking to fill under-represented elements of the choir, but adding Internet communications of significant value through his new blog, Voces in Silvae, or "Voices in the Forest." What name could be more appropriate!

Take a look. You'll also learn about the new Johannus Opus 17 organ coming to St. Bartholomew's. (And there will be more to follow, but that's for future times.)

They're safe!

Soon after I learned (Saturday morning) about the earthquake and tsunami, I sent an email inquiry of concern to my friend and colleague in Japan, Takeji and his wife Kyoko, who visited us five years ago. And later asked that they be added to today's prayer list, particularly after seeing a video of the earthquake in Yokohama.

Not long after we got home this afternoon we received an email from Kyoko and Takeji, reporting that they and their home (and by extension, some and daughter-in-law) are all fine. The note concluded with a quote from scripture:

Who(You) through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.(1 Peter 1:5)

Shrove Tuesday

I can only plead illness/low-energy for this photo from the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper this evening. I had positioned myself to get some good photos, but every time I took a shot something went awry. This was the best, though it doesn't show many sitting further back.

But regardless, we had a good turnout for Evening Prayer, with more showing up later. (In part this is due to Seattle traffic; rush "hour" is a difficult time to get around.)

And our chefs Gordon, C.J. and Bob (assisted by Geoffrey) were in usual good form serving up plain, apple, blueberry and (at a certain person's request, echoed by the kids) chocolate pancakes! With a choice of maple or Mrs. Butterworth's syrup. Bacon and sausage as well.

Kathy brought the syrups and was shocked at the price of maple syrup this year, but I seemed to recall they are having trouble with sugar maples -- some kind of root fungus? (Maybe next year I'll order some light and sweet Michigan maple syrup for the Michiganders in our midst.)

Kathy was also the first on the answer to Fr. Davis' question: "What is 'Shrove' in Shrove Tuesday?"

I ducked out a bit early because I really need more rest, but it was a good time regardless. And things seemed to be still cranking up at that point.

But tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and we'll be into Lent.

Looking ahead

I was out ill so I missed today's service. Reports are that the church was pretty full, despite some notable absences -- folks ill or away.

But we ramp up a bit this week with Shrove Tuesday and the Pancake Supper (my stomach hurts already), two services on Ash Wednesday (but not at noon, so I can't break away from work that), and what I assume are regular Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent.

No "Truth Project" this Wednesday evening, but I am told we'll finish it next Wednesday. Starting the following Wednesday evening (the 23rd) we'll be having Bible Study again. I don't have my flight itinerary in mind (there are three trip packets on my desk at work, and this week I will probably be submitting a travel request for a fourth trip) but I think I will be getting in from... Atlanta... a bit too late for that.