Passion to Pentecost by Linda McCray

We are coming to my favorite time in the church year: Lent, Holy Week and Easter. As an apprentice of Jesus, I love telling and living into this story. I invite you to come along with us this Lenten season on an adventure of joyful reflection.

SCHEDULE:

Ash Wednesday* (2/22) :: 7pm
Palm Sunday (4/1) :: 10am
Maundy Thursday (4/5) :: 7pm
Good Friday (4/6) :: 7pm
Holy Saturday (4/7) :: 7pm
Easter Sunday (4/8) :: 9am & 11am

Services are held at:
Holy Trinity Church
Needham Chapel / Vanguard University
55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa [map]

NORTH COUNTY
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location: The Johnston Home, 2936 Sequoia Ave, Fullerton
RSVP: johnston2936@sbclobal.net

SOUTH COUNTY
Time: 6:30-8:30
Location: The Hunter Home, 2451 Orange Ave, Costa Mesa
RSVP: michelle.n@myholytrinitychurch.com

South County: 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
North County: 2936 Sequoia Ave, Fullerton

I symbolized the five wounds of Christ with the abstract element of red drips of paint, resurrection with gold drips upward, and Pentecost with a few white brushstrokes evoking a dove and the color red flaming down from above. To capture feelings of grace, light and God, I use a number of techniques including the old masters’ use of glazes to capture luminosity. I integrate found objects that abound with symbolism, such as sand from Jerusalem. The triptych format of three panels is a symbol for the Trinity that we see throughout history, especially in early altarpieces. The torn-like edges symbolize that they are a part of something much greater.

Artist Statement

My goal for the abstract spiritual original paintings I create is to translate sacred realities into a contemporary visual language to ignite spiritual imagination. There are a number of ways to translate transcendent reality into paint. To form visible signs of invisible grace, I use abstraction which—so powerfully through color, line, and texture—speaks directly to the heart. I layer my paintings with symbolism for those who choose to read them cognitively. While these paintings have specific religious meaning to me, I hope they invite you to reflect on spiritual realities dear to your heart.

My art direction is connected to the long tradition of artists who have turned to a world we cannot see except through faith. I could not ask for a richer history to follow. The Spirit has motivated art making over time in many cultures. Today, mainstream contemporary art and sacred art are worlds apart. As G.K. Chesterton, an early twentieth century writer wrote “In the beginning there was art for God’s sake, then in the Renaissance there was art for man’s sake. Beginning with Impressionism there was art for art’s sake. Now, unfortunately, we have no art for God’s sake.”

I strive to bring back art for God’s sake.

Blessings and all good things,

Linda

MontanaDesignsUnlimited.com

Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, comprise a three-fold sequence of celebrations that commemorate the dawning of God’s Great Light of Life in the person of Jesus Christ. This triad celebration inaugurates the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and punctuates the new year with emphasis on the Light that has shone in the face of Jesus Christ.

In Advent, Christians look back on the first coming of the Light of the world which was shaped by the centuries old promise that God would shine in the midst of a people who walked in darkness. We now presently wait expectantly in hope for his second coming and the dawning of his glorious reign at the end of the age.

In Christmas-tide, Christians celebrate the nativity of that Great Light. All that has been promised has now come in Jesus, God’s Son. The Word of God has been made flesh and dwells among us and we behold his glory full of grace and truth. Immanuel – God with us.

In Epiphany, Christians embrace the Light that has come and anticipate divine manifestations in our daily lives.

The narratives of Christ’s life that contour the liturgical season of Epiphany are the coming of the Magi to the Christ-child, the baptism of Jesus, the miracle of water turned to wine at Cana, and the transfiguration of Jesus before his disciples. These stories flood our imagination and worldview with the knowledge that God reveals himself to his people and informs us that he is still a God of “epiphanies” - we can see glimpses of his glory in our ordinary daily lives! Therefore the season of Epiphany is marked by attentiveness as we seek and watch for encounters with God.

However, Epiphany also emphasizes witness. In Epiphany we learn that those who are enlightened by the Great Light of life go and tell others about it!

The season of Epiphany might be best summed up by the disciples’ wish to “see Jesus” (John 12:21) and by the two invitations of our Lord: “Come and see” (John 1:39) and “Go and tell” (Mark 5:14; also the commissioning of the twelve to be sent out to preach, Mark 3:14).

We understand what it means to have a “personal epiphany” - to discover clarity through a new insight or thought, or in other words, to experience an “ah-ha” moment. But in the Christian liturgical year, Christ-followers embody the season of Epiphany by our intention to see Jesus, by our attentive observation to what he reveals in our personal encounters as well as how he operates in our daily circumstances, and by our witness to others. In our personal encounters with the risen Lord of light, we see light: this is when true transformation takes place (2 Cor.3:17-18.) And, we take that which we have seen, heard, and handled and go our way telling others of the great things he has done for us!

Jesus said of himself: “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Jesus also said to us: “You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before everyone in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matt.5:14,16

Mary Oliver succinctly described Epiphany:

PAY ATTENTION
BE ASTONISHED
TELL ABOUT IT

Prayer:
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.

Dates: 2/24, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30
Time: 7:00 pm

Location:
Home of Beth Khorey -
208 Coral Ave
Newport Beach CA 92662

Fullerton

Looking for community in the Fullerton area? This is a mid-week gathering where we share a meal, pray, and grow together as a community of Christ-followers. Everyone is welcome, though the group is especially for those who are interested in being part of a church plant in the Fullerton area. The group meets Wednesdays at 6:30pm, except the last week of the month. We take the last week of each month off as a Sabbath, so people can attend the Christianity Rediscovered class. Newcomers are always welcome!

Leaders:
Michael & Ansley Swanson
Phone: 714-925-4438
Email: michael [at] myholytrinitychurch.com

Hosts:
John and Julie Johnston (PLEASE NOTE the change of location)
2936 Sequoia Ave
Fullerton, CA

Irvine

This is a mid-week gathering where we share a meal, pray, worship God, and grow together as a community of Christ-followers.  In particular, we are exploring together the spiritual formation subjects into which Todd is leading us.  Everyone is welcome. You are welcome to join us even if you can’t make it to every meeting.

Time: Wednesdays at 6pm
Where: The Home of Michael Chesney
14 Elfin, Irvine, CA

Leaders: Michael Chesney and Dennis Okholm
Michael’s Phone: 949-400-8924
Michael’s Email: michael.chesney [at] herronco.com
Dennis’s Phone: 949-646-8117

We are offering an eight session, once per month class titled, Christianity Rediscovered: Following Jesus in the Anglican Way. The course offers an introduction to the unique resources for following Christ in the Anglican way, and will also explore some of the essentials of the faith, using The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer as a guide. The course is required for confirmation, though one need not have interest in confirmation in order to attend. Youth age 12 and up are welcome to attend and are invited to consider confirmation. The class is team-taught by Todd Hunter, Michael Swanson, Dennis Okholm, and Scott Pedersen. Location and schedule are listed below. You are welcome to join us, even if you can’t make it to each session.

Time: Last Wednesday of the Month at 7pm
Where: The Home of Michael Chesney
14 Elfin, Irvine, CA

Class Schedule:

1. Wed, 9/28: The Anglican Way: An Introduction

2. Wed, 10/26: The “Daily Office” & The Book of Common Prayer

3. Wed, 11/30: The Church’s Calendar and Symbols

No class in December.

4. Wed, 1/25: The Catechism - Part 1

5. Wed, 2/29: The Catechism - Part 2

6. Wed, 3/28: The Catechism - Part 3

7. Wed, 4/25: The Catechism - Part 4

8. Wed, 5/30: Confirmation

We invite you to join us Sunday Mornings from 9:15 – 9:45am in the Forrest Room as we pray for HTC, Bishop Todd and his ministry, and for the church plants associated with the Anglican Mission in the Americas. It is exciting to join together in the Lord’s presence to pray as the Holy Spirit directs. Each week we discover something new about what the Lord is up to at HTC and beyond.

Matthew 18:19 (MSG)
“When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action.”

Sunday Mornings at 10:00 a.m.

:: Join us for quiet time of reflection starting at 9:45 am ::

Needham Chapel at VANGUARD UNIVERSITY
55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
(map link)

Special Announcements

NEWCOMER’S DINNER – Friday, February 3, @ 6:30PM
Todd and Debbie Hunter invite all newcomers to Holy Trinity Church to join them for dinner on Friday, February 3rd, at 6:30 p.m.   The  party,  hosted  by  Dennis  and  Trevecca  Okholm,  will give you an opportunity get better acquainted with some of the leaders of the church, as  well as other people new to our community.  If you haven’t already done so, please RSVP to  the email sent from HTC this week, or call Michelle Nanney at the HTC office (949-631-2820) for more details.

LENT/HOLY WEEK SERVICES: We are coming to my favorite time in the church year: Lent, Holy Week and Easter. As an apprentice of Jesus, I love telling and living into this story. I invite you to come along with us this Lenten season on an adventure of joyful reflection. - Schedule and locations

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE: If you would like to help out on Sunday at Holy Trinity Church, we have many areas where additional hands are needed.   Please see Michelle Nanney or Beth Khorey after services on Sunday, or call Michelle at the office – 949-631-2820.

Sermons Online

LISTEN TO SERMONS - in case you missed a Sunday, Todd’s sermons are available for download.

Sunday Readings

Reading List Online

Epiphany

On January 6, Christians around the world celebrate the Feast of Lord’s Epiphany. On January 8 we enter the liturgical season of Epiphany. Epiphany means “manifestation.” To Christians, the concept of “manifestation” means that which was obscure or hidden has now become widely known or revealed. [read more]

Are You Visiting?

Here’s the bottom line. We are deeply interested in Jesus Christ, the church, and the world around us. We admit that our services are a bit eclectic: a combination of biblical teaching, openness to things of the Spirit in worship and prayer, and, believe it or not, Anglican liturgy.

Within these three “hubs,” our Sunday services incorporate the evangelical, charismatic and liturgical traditions. While we’re not sure if Orange County is ready for a church with all three of these expressions (in a single service!), we are excited to watch the building of this new community.

TELOS Events - “Living with the end in mind”

During the season of “Ordinary Times” The church focuses on GROWTH. This art piece will develop over the course of the next 24 weeks.

Instructions:

Your part doesn’t need “artistic” ability – but it does require you take some quiet moments of reflection with God to honestly discover where you are in your present season of life and how you might describe this present moment in one word or simple phrase.

• On the attached card write, paint, draw a symbol or glue a picture of that which best describes your present state.

• Bring your card to church the following Sunday. Give your card to Joe, Michelle Pritzl or Beth.

• Your card will be added to the ongoing art work.

• Small children who want to be involved may bring a small “object” no bigger than a Lego, small car or cross to affix to the art piece. If you want to add this small object please bring it back to church A.S.A.P!

Your contribution to this art work is considered priceless! Thank you.

• Arrive early–Rockharbor also has a service starting at 9:00. Parking might be congested!
• Do not park on Fisher Avenue. Park in the Rip Curl lot, just right of 3080 Airway.
• Do not follow the masses! Do not go into the Rockharbor sanctuary.
• You will see a Holy Trinity Church sign in front of 3080 Airway Avenue.
• If you have children, please arrive early. Infant and kindergarten fills-up.