Many of us know St. Patrick as the great evangelist to the Irish. We know that he was a Briton, captured and sold into slavery by Irish pirates, only to return to the land that stole his freedom in order to free them from bondage to sin and death. It is unfortunate that our neighbors do not know this story, but instead many think of this holy day as a time to fulfill their sensual desires. This year, we will have a service of choral Evensong with a homily for the Feast of St. Patrick at 6:30 pm on March 17th. Both choir and organ music will accompany our prayers and singing. Please mark your calendars for this special Evensong service and expect more to come in the future.
Church News & Events
REC100 Lenten Offering
Beloved, your parish should have received the REC100 Lenten Offering brochure in the mail this past weekend. I do encourage you to share this brochure and the highlights of the ministry of REC100 with your congregations throughout Lent. This annual offering, in particular, have directly impacted the Diocese of the Central States. REC100 offerings have provided planting and revitalization support to Trinity Church (Connersville, IN), Darke County Anglican (Ansonia, OH), Christ the Redeemer (Owensboro, KY), and our newest plant in Johnson City, TN. As we move forward, I would like to see us use these offerings (and other resources) to help strengthen our smaller missions and to begin developing curacies for future clergy/planters. This offering will be vital for that purpose.
I have recorded a short video talking about the REC100 offering that you can use in your parish communications. If you think it is helpful, you can show it to your congregation, share it in your parish email blasts, post it on your parish social media, or in any other way you see fit. I leave it up to you. I simply want to provide the most opportunity for people to embrace the ministry of REC100 and to know that their support directly impacts our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of the Central States and the Reformed Episcopal Church.
Palm Branches – Bring By This Sunday!
In preparation for Ash Wednesday, please bring in your dried palm branches which will be burned to use for the imposition of ashes. You can leave them on the table in the Narthex.
Thank you!
Shrove Tuesday | Feb 17
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Shrove Tuesday pancake dinners will be hosted by our small groups. If you are not in a small group or would like to see one formed in your area, please contact Fr. Eric+ ([email protected]).
Women’s Fellowship
Our next Women’s Fellowship will be on our regularly scheduled Saturday, February 28th at Lois Davis’ home. Lois has selected C.S. Lewis’ Reflections on the Psalms; come prepared to discuss the book and share your favorite Psalm verse(s).
* Location: (Address is in our weekly email: Our Saviour eNews)
* Day/Time: February 28, 9:30-11:30
* Reading: Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis (~$10 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/ecM8GRg)
* Sign up at the COOS Women’s Fellowship link here so we can track attendance
* Please call/ text Lois (Phone Number is in our weekly email: Our Saviour eNews) if you have questions!
We look forward to seeing you!
Lenten Quiet Day – March 7th
Join the Church for a day of silent meditation and prayer on Saturday, March 7th (8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.). Amid a culture of noise and distraction it is vital that the people of God dedicate time to the Lord which is uninterrupted. The prophet Elijah recognized that God is in the habit of speaking to His people in a “still, small voice” as opposed to the howling winds or the rock rending earthquake (I Kgs. 19:11-13). Thus, we must learn to sit in the disquietude of silence to hear Him. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
For further information or to RSVP, please contact Jonathan+
Patrick Henry Chorale Tour
Several Patrick Henry College students who attend COOS are participating in the PHC Chorale’s European Ministry Tour in May 2026. The Chorale will be sharing their wonderful music and the amazing ministry opportunities that God has orchestrated for them in three benefit concerts this month.
For more information, please visit: https://www.phc.edu/phc-chorale.
A Valentine’s Day Prayer
Valentine’s Day is this Saturday. The modern calendar has transformed this holy day into a secular celebration of romantic love. However, the Church celebrates the holy love and martyrdom of St. Valentine on this day. We don’t know much about the real Valentine, but the legend says that he was a bishop in the 3rd century who was killed by the Romans after refusing to refrain from performing marriages. As you make plans for Valentine’s Day, consider reading 1 Corinthians 13 for your meditations and say the prayer below.
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast called us to faith in thee, and hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses; Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of thy Saints, and especially of thy servant Saint Valentine, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through thy mercy, we, with them, attain to thine eternal joy; through him who is the author and finisher of our faith, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
