Christ Episcopal Church - Martinsville, VA

For Whom the Bell Tolls

No man is an island, 

Entire of itself. 

Each is a piece of the continent, 

A part of the main. 

If a clod be washed away by the sea, 

Europe is the less.

 As well as if a promontory were.

 As well as if a manor of thine own 

Or of thine friend's were. 

Each man's death diminishes me,

 For I am involved in mankind. 

Therefore, send not to know 

For whom the bell tolls, 

It tolls for thee.

-John Donne

For Whom the News Scrolls

I read John Donne’s For Whom the Bell Tolls when I was a sophomore in High School, and I had no interest in deciphering its dated metaphors and other hidden secrets. Only after a decade and a half did I realize that Donne’s poem is just as relevant, beautiful and uncomfortable today as it was when it was written in 17th century England. The poem’s premise is simple. None of us exists as an island; completely self-sufficient and not requiring the main land. Initially the poem just seems to an appeal to logic. Europe is less if a clog washes away or if a peak overlooking the sea collapses. Regardless of the magnitude it is a loss.

Blessings,
Fr. Nick

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Pope Francis' Words

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Feed your soul in the beauty of silence and candlelight and music. Take on the Lenten discipline of Wednesday evening Evensong, and be fulfilled.

Lynn Gardner, Organist/Choirmaster

Lent Services

Throughout March there are many ways to observe Lent. Tuesday luncheons and lessons at various churches throughout the community, Wednesday soup suppers followed by Evensong at Christ Episcopal Church, Sunday services, and special services for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Join us as we prepare for Easter Day!

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Turn your clocks back and get an extra hour of rest, Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday March 11 at 2 AM!

Easter Vigil

Saturday March 31

The Easter Vigil will be held outdoors at the farm of Lynn and Phil Gardner. Please dress appropriately and bring a chair. The farm is located at 4064 Barrows Mill Road.

Youth Group

Family Sunday School

March 4: We are meeting this at 5 in the Parish House. We’ll learn about the Ten Commandments through competitive water pong and bowling. Who will be the Ten Commandments Champion?

March 11: Family Sunday School at 9:30 in the Parish House, Youth may join Father Nick's class in the Library.

March 18: Lunch and bowling immediately after church for the Youth Group. Bring your A-game and your bowling name! Please RSVP so we can plan.

March 25: Stuffing of the Easter eggs! We’ll grill out hotdogs and hamburgers and stuff eggs for the Easter hunt. Stuff two, eat one…repeat.

Come to Church!

The March Book Club meeting is scheduled for the 8th with disscussion of "The Orphan's Tale" by Pam Jenoff. The Prayer Shawl Knitters group will meet on March 26, the fourth Monday of the month at 10:30 in the Parish House. Loaves and Fishes, our free community meal, is offered on the last Wednesday of the month, March 27. Desserts, warm coats and volunteers are needed. For a listing of all activities, services and events consult our calendar and website.There are many opportunities to be a part of our growing church family, we hope to see you soon.

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311 E. Church Street
Martinsville, VA | 24112 US

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