Some Things from May's Logos

From Father David - 

 THE NAMING OF EASTER

In most languages, the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord is known by some variation descended from the Hebrew word PESACH, meaning "Passover". Examples are Pasch, Pasque, Pâques or, in Welsh, Pasg.  This gives the related adjective “paschal”, as in lamb or mystery.  (Think “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us”.)  

However, the feast of the Resurrection is called by another word in English, German, and a few related languages of which our variant is EASTER.  One possible explanation is that given by the Venerable Bede, monk of Northumbria and England’s only native “Doctor of the Church”, who died in AD 735.  Bede derived the word from the name of an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring called EASTRE.  However, Bede's is not the only theory that has been proposed

Among Latin-speaking Christians, Easter week was known as "hebdomada alba" (white week), since the newly-baptized Christians were accustomed to wearing their white baptismal robes throughout that week. Sometimes the week was referred to simply as "albae." Translators rendering this into German mistook it for the plural of "alba," meaning "dawn." They accordingly rendered it as EOSTARUM, which is Old High German for "dawn." This may have given rise to the form EASTER in English.

O.K. schools out now and however we define the origins of the word, or whatever we call the Feast of the Resurrection, interesting as that all may be, the important point is that this event is the central fact of Christian faith.  In the resurrection God has revealed his love for the world and demonstrated that the power of good will have the ultimate victory.  Knowing this, we can start to experience that victory in this life; we don’t have to wait for the hereafter. Resurrection people are free from the fear of death and evil and know that while the flesh is weak, the spirit is strong.  

Whether “Passover”, “Eastre” or “Eostarum” this feast is a spring alright, the springtime of our hopes; it’s a dawn alright, the dawn of a better way of living and being.  Let’s embrace it whatever we call it.

Christopher L. David +

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Sunday, May 13 is Mother’s Day and once again, the gentlemen of the congregation will prepare and serve breakfast to all Mom’s and mothers at heart.  Breakfast will be served from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, before our worship service. Any men wishing to help with this event should speak with Dana Peterson or Elaine Foskett.

Parish History Discernment

On Sunday, May 20, immediately after church, everyone is invited to join us for a Parish History Discernment gathering. We trust all the wonderful Trinity cooks will bring finger food (like we do for Annual meeting), and the whole congregation will put minds and hearts together to create a history of Trinity as we see it now.  The Ministry Discernment Committee needs to hear from you to inform the first stages of the discernment and search process. We realize many of you have participated in similar meetings, but our history and our perspectives have changed. So please plan to come and share in the process. It is important that we hear from everyone!

Trinity’s Gifts and Spiritual Lifts 

Gift Shop Hours

The gift shop will have regular open hours during the two weeks prior to Mother’s Day (May 13).  The shop will be open everyday from 11:00am to 1:00pm, with the exception of May 5 when it will be closed.  And as always, if you cannot make it to the shop during those allotted times, it can be opened by appointment as well—just call the office to arrange a time.

Be sure to visit Trinity’s Gifts and Spiritual Lifts soon because we have much new stock, including live plant gift baskets, costume jewellery and a number of other varied and eclectic items.  There is a lot to choose from to find a gift that’s sure to please Mom!

Children’s Education News:

Children's Formation Regarding the Eucharist

Father David would like to invite any parents and children who are interested in learning more deeply about taking communion to meet. Over four sessions he will answer questions about and give instruction regarding the sacrament of the Eucharist, culminating in a special service recognizing the children’s' reception into the Eucharistic community. This is, essentially, a celebration of ‘First Communion’, even for those who have been receiving for some time.  These sessions are particularly geared toward elementary school children ages 7-10, but all who would like to learn more are welcome! Interested in learning more? Talk to Fr. David, or Katya Cooke.