March 2003 - Tower - Page 3
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My daughter was one of 20 graduate students excavating an Indian site in Arizona when a student was bitten by a rattlesnake as he walked along the path to the site. He thought a stick had snapped against his leg, so he proceeded with the business of digging.
Back at the camp the injury was diagnosed as a snake bite, and he was immediately given treatment. Medical personnel said that because he had remained completely calm, the venom did not race through his body as it does when someone panics.
Today we are bombarded with "rattlesnake venom" in the form of terrorism threats, fears of new wars and the increasing hazards of modern life, all waiting to overwhelm us with their poisons.
As people of faith, we can ask God to help us create a sanctuary of peace within ourselves that no outside force can ever invade. We can attain this serenity by seeking God's presence through prayer, and He will send us His steadfast love and comfort.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
John 14:27
Please pray for the following members of the congregation who are no longer able to take an active part in church activities. And share God's love with them by dropping in for a visit.
Several residents of the Hidenwood who would appreciate our prayers and a visit include:
Della Burney -- Apt. 220
Senora Pritchard -- Apt. 218
The Hidenwood is located at 50 Wellesley Drive, Newport News, VA 23606
And please remember the following persons at Warwick Forest:
Virginia Burcher -- Room 553
Margaret Gillis -- Evergreen #517
Claud Sykes -- 866 Denbigh Blvd.
Warwick Forest is located at 850 Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, VA 23608.
Also, remember Edna Bellamy at The Manor House, 655 Denbigh Blvd., #216, Newport News, VA 23608
The Epiphany season ends on March 2 as we observe the Transfiguration of Christ. On Wednesday, March 5 we observe Ash Wednesday and will impose the ashes on our foreheads as a symbol of our mortality as we begin the 40 days of the Lenten period of self-denial. Epiphany was that period in which we reflected on the radiance of the Christ born at Christmas. He brings life, healing, and new meaning to all of life. All the lessons for Epiphany reflect this. The church year is now in transition: this week begins Lent, with its tradition of intense spiritual struggle, of entering the cloudy way that blocks the light, of contemplation, penitence, confession, before Easter's dawn. Transfiguration tells of the mountain top experience of God's light shining in the face of Jesus whose glory fills the skies. The story feels strange if we have been following Mark closely. Jesus has experienced healing, teaching, and conflict, has tried to teach disciples that his is the way of the cross. The Lenten gospel will tell us "This is my beloved son: Listen to him."
John LeGault
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update:March 8, 2003
