Lenten Mini-Series: "The Power of Forgiveness" Part II

 March 7th

Dinner at 6:30 pm,

Presentations at 7:00 pm

"It is not possible to achieve by vigilance in anger and revenge what the soul is longing for. The soul longs for peace."    -The Rev. Dr. James Forbes

Join us as we address issues related to forgiveness - both what it is and what it is not - by watching and discussing an award-winning 2007 documentary by Martin Doblmeier called "The Power of Forgiveness." On February 28, we'll see the first half of this moving film, followed by group discussion. The following Sunday, we'll watch the second half and continue our conversation. The documentary includes questions of forgiveness faced by the Amish Community, Northern Ireland, and South Africa, as well as interviews with renowned Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, and others. We'll hear from a renowned expert on forgiveness whose theories were put to the test after the brutal murder of his mother.

The link between forgiveness and blood pressure, as well as other health implications, will also be presented. Discussions will be facilitated by parishioners Carole Christian and Chris Hayden, as well as Pastor Emily.

We will begin at 6:30 pm with a simple meal of soup and bread (please bring your own beverages!), followed by the presentation and discussion at 7:00 pm. Register by contacting the Parish Office (609-737-0985/pattiecurtiss@verizon.net).

Lectionary Bible Study Continues

Sunday, March 14th at 9:15 am in the Chapel

If you have ever wondered, but were afraid to ask how Lectionary Readings from the Old and the New Testaments fit together each Sunday to provide a cohesive message, come and let's spend half an hour or so wondering together.  Deacon Frank will lead the discussion. NOTE: Cuban coffee and a morning snack will be offered!

Dinner and a Movie at St. Matt's: Days of Heaven

Friday, March 12 in Parish Hall (Rescheduled from 2/5)

Potluck Dinner at 6:30pm, Movie at 7:15pm

Days of Heaven (1978) is a dark, beautifully composed poem of love and loss. The film is exquisitely photographed, following a man on the run with his lover and little sister. Together they hide among itinerant workers traveling to Texas at harvest time. A wheat farmer's property becomes the desperate trio's opportunity to reshape their lives. A love triangle develops involving the farmer which results in a volatile situation. And it's all seen through the eyes of the little sister. Her voice throughout the drama adds a poetic dimension as the story unfolds. Days of Heaven's unforgettable images and evocative score weave a timeless story with biblical overtones as old as the story of Ruth. The film was directed by Terrence Malick. It was photographed by Haskell Wexler and scored by Ennio Morricone. No sign up necessary - just bring something to share for the potluck beforehand!

Dinner and a Movie at St. Matt's: Jesus of Montreal

Friday, March 19 in Parish Hall

              Potluck Dinner at 6:30 pm, Movie at 7:15pm

Come see one of Father Jack's favorite movies! Winner of the Grand Prize of the Jury at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, this French-Canadian film (R) depicts a group of actors hired by a local priest to put on a production of the Passion. All involved get more than they bargained for - including the actor playing Jesus, who finds himself identifying more and more with his character. The film offers up provocative, contemporary parallels to several events depicted in the Gospels - from Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness to his death and the impact it had on those who followed him. No sign up necessary. Join us for the potluck, the film, or both!

Lenten Mini-Series:  Brahms' German Requiem

Sundays, March 21st and 28th

Dinner at 6:30 pm

Presentations at 7:00 pm

During Lent, many choral societies perform Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem to mark this solemn season of the church year.  But Brahms, the great humanist, regarded his master work as a personal testament of his own spiritual beliefs. With the opening lines "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted," Brahms has given us a work that aspires to comfort the living and not mourn the dead.  Join us as we examine the creation, the text and the music of this great musical work, and view it in the context of the Requiem and Lent. Dr. Nora Sirbaugh, a long-time St. Matthew's parishioner and Professor of Music at the College of New Jersey, will lead our discussions. We will begin at 6:30pm with a simple meal of soup and bread (please bring your own beverages!), followed by the presentation and discussion at 7:00pm. Register by contacting the Parish Office (609-737-0985/pattiecurtiss@verizon.net).