ESUMC News­let­ter

Dear friends in Christ,

As we continue along our journey of faith in this season of Lent, I pray God's blessings on you and your loved ones. 

In the Lenten season, we bear in mind the reality of our sinfulness and our mortality. But in so doing, we turn to God for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the assurance that our faith leads to life everlasting. May this season of penitence and prayer bring each of us to a greater understanding of the love and grace of God.

I give thanks for your participation in the events that have marked the start of this solemn season. One week ago, on Ash Wednesday, we gathered in our sanctuary for a quiet service of the ashes. As each of us received the mark of the ash on our forehead, we remembered our mortality, and embraced God's gift of forgiveness.

Last Saturday, it was our blessing to host the annual Ecumenical Study Day, a yearly event sponsored by the community of English-speaking Christian churches in Vienna. About 45 persons from four congregations met together for a day of learning, sharing, and fellowship. Our guest speaker was Father Elias Carr of Klosterneuburg Stift (photo below), who gave a series of presentations on the life and scholarship of René Girard. We give thanks to Father Elias and our friends from our sister congregations for their participation in the day. And we express deep appreciation to our own Farzad and Sadaf for preparing a beautiful and delicious meal!

This gathering reminds us that even in the season of Lent, we are invited to celebrate the gift of life and rejoice in the blessings of God. In that light, we invite all members and friends to our congregational Talent Show this Saturday 28 February, starting at 17:30 in the sanctuary. Please bring a finger food to share with others, and come to enjoy the talents of your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.

And on Sunday 1 March, immediately following the worship service, we shall gather in the sanctuary for our Charge Conference, the annual meeting with Superintendent Stefan to reflect upon the ministry of our congregation. This gathering offers the opportunity to celebrate the good that God is working in our church and our lives, and to reflect upon the ministry and mission to which God may be calling us in the coming year.

May God's blessings and peace be upon you in this holy season, and I look forward to seeing you in worship and fellowship.

Yours in Christ, Pastor John