A Monthly Newsletter of SAM’s Lambs
A Single Adult Ministry at
The Episcopal Church Of The Good Shepherd
Webster NY 585-872-2281

METANOIA (med-a'noi(y)a): A fundamental transformation of mind, heart and character. Penitence, repentance. Reorientation of one's way of life. Spiritual conversion.

According to our church calendar, Lent is traditionally a time for penitence, sacrifice and purification, in preparation for the glory of the Resurrection. Jesus spent 40 days and nights fighting spiritual, physical and emotional temptations in preparation for His inevitable future, but today there are few of us who could follow His example of sacrifice.

Oh, sure we could give up chocolate, or Cable TV, or go on a diet, or some other nicety in our lives, but could it really be called a 'sacrifice', when it would really be good for us to give it up anyway.

Jesus struggled against many temptations to atone for the sins of people who lived then, as well as now. Could we make serious sacrifices to atone for the sins of others who live now, and in the future? No one can come close to what he did for us. But, maybe we can honor his example by making a serious sacrifice in our own lives, for only 40 days, and we don't even have to die on the cross at the end.

I was intrigued by an idea from Debra K. Farrington, author of 'One, Like Jesus'. She wrote an article for Lent entitled - 'Give Up Neglecting God'. In it she suggested paying more attention to God and less to the rituals; take a break from work and spend time in personal reflection, prayer and spiritual reading, take a break from unneccessary spending and give the money you save to charity, study God's word and world - read a book during Lent, simplify your life and take care of God's temple - your body, by eating, sleeping and exercising better, be more tolerant - give up being annoyed by others who do things differently than you do.

You could: - learn more about your faith by attending Bible Study or Christian Education classes; double your weekly pledge during Lent and plan creative ways to meet that pledge; pick a fasting day each week if you can't handle 40 days like Jesus did; give up time from work each week - take some 'mental health' time from work and spend the time volunteering; turn off the Cable TV early, read a spiritual book and get a full 8 hours of sleep; learn to be a good listener when you really want to out-shout that angry person in your face.

When temptation is about to overcome you, try doing it not just for yourself, but for others as well; and remember too that God never gives us more than we can handle.

May you use this Lenten season to reorient your way of life and feed your hungry heart with God's word.

On Solo Flight: http://www.singlescenter.com/Publisher/solo.htm

The Rev:   Father Lance’s pearls for singles:
http://www.samslambs.org/TheRevSays/index.htm