Restoration Journal
News, Updates, and Resources
The season of Epiphany is drawing to a close, and Lent is just around the corner. Lent, the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, is a spiritual pilgrimage; it is a great fast before the great feast; it is a giving up and a putting on; it is prayerful and slow; it is ancient and new. I encourage you to enter into Lent with intentionality and anticipation.
The Great Easter Vigil is coming soon (Saturday, Apr 19) and is our biggest service of the year. It is a 2.5-hour full immersion into the Gospel of Jesus. Anglicans like to say that we are a “three streams” movement: fully sacramental, full of the Scriptures, and full of the Spirit —and the Great Easter Vigil is when all three streams are on full blast. You should come. Invite your friends.
One of Restoration’s core values is Contemplation. We love how the annual rhythm of Advent naturally creates space to be confronted by the mystery of God's presence. During this season, we consider God’s faithfulness and wait for his return; we lament the world’s brokenness, and we anticipate the promised arrival of Christ the King. This year, there will be a few liturgical shifts to mark the season of Advent.
We are about to embark on another liturgical year together with the season of Advent. It is fitting that we enter into the year in darkness, mystery, and anticipation. It is the sacred vocation of the church to stand in the midst of a dark world, heralding a great mystery, eagerly anticipating the return of our king.
Advent begins December 1st, when we get ready to enter the mystery of Christmas. How do you prepare to enter such a wonderful mystery, and how do you help your children do the same? There is no right or wrong way to do Advent, but the practice of slowing down and waiting for our Savior helps us make room in our hearts to wonder at His love. As Ashley Wallace says, “Advent in the home puts the world in its proper place.”
We have much to be grateful for! This weekend marks many special occasions both in the life of our church and the Church universal. Come and join us! Note that this Sunday, to create space for all, we’ll be holding three services: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00. Please plan accordingly and invite anyone who might be blessed by our vibrant and joyful celebrations!
