Calvary Baptist Church 120 W. Pennsylvania Avenue Towson, Maryland Telephone 410-825-3360
	Visit Calvary on the Web, point your browser to: http://www.calvarybaptist-towson.org

From the Pastor:

The last Sunday in February was also the first Sunday in Lent. Lent marks the beginning of the 40 day period (with 6 Sundays which are not counted because they are feast days) of serious reflection and preparation. The period of forty days was significant because it relates to the number 4 and the 4 compass points, 40 days of Noah on the ark, 40 years the Hebrew people were in the wilderness, Moses was on Sinai 40 days, it took Elijah 40 days to reach Mount Horeb; 40 was believed to be the length of a generation, and it was the limit of endurance when it came to being beaten. Within the Church, Lent is a central and significant season, but the world appears to be content with the celebration of Fat Tuesday, Marti Gras, or Carnival.

However, the world also enjoys celebrating the Church’s seasons with questions and controversies. This year’s pet controversy appears to be the ossuary (the limestone bone container) marked with the names of Jesus and Joseph. This container was found around 1980 in a chamber just south east of Jerusalem. One article I read said that the chamber contained two other ossuaries marked Mara and Yose. So the entire holy family was represented. The article also mentioned that there were 3 other ossuaries found with Jesus’ name and “countless others” with forms of the names Mary and Joseph. I don’t think that Miriam, Mara, or Mary were uncommon names in the days of Jesus (or Joshua, his Hebrew name.) The gospels indicated that Jesus was buried by a man named Joseph, so Yosef was probably a common name back then as well.

My concern isn’t with debunking the stories of those who believe their artifacts would disprove my faith. I am familiar with the gospel accounts of the “empty tomb”, and of Matthew’s account of Pilate placing guards at the tomb so that the disciples wouldn’t take the body and claim it had been raised (Mt. 27: 62-66). My faith doesn’t really hinge on Jesus being raised, bones and all. My faith is founded on the testimony of people like those two travelers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35). Their words “Didn’t our hearts burn within us, as he spoke to us on the way, and as he opened to us the scriptures” define the power of the resurrection for me. Throughout my life I have met many people whose hearts burned within them because of their encounter with the resurrected Christ, and indeed it is Jesus who opens the words of scripture to them and me as well. So if Jesus’ bones were found it would do little more for me than to prove his incarnation and physical presence. His resurrection will always be a mystery opened to me through the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the hearts of people of faith.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday Evening Programs as usual.

March 4^th Communion

Sunday Morning Class on the Parables:

The pastor is leading a six week Lenten course on the teachings of Jesus, through April 1^st meeting from 9:45-10:45 on Sunday mornings. Actually there will be only 5 classes, and if you missed the first class come any way, because the snow last week kept a number of others away as well.

March 11^th: Daylight Saving Time begins. Set your clocks forward.

On March 11^th at 9:45 a.m. Dr. Arthur Abramson from the Baltimore Jewish Council will be coming to speak on the current and historic situation of Israel and the Palestinians. Arthur has expressed his interest in speaking with, and listening to, congregations from the more main-line traditions about their feelings relating to what is going on in the Middle East. This is a most important meeting especially in light of Jimmy Carter’s new book on his work in the Middle East peace process..

March 11^th

Coffee Hour immediately following Church Service.

Kelsey Highcove will be in “Guys and Dolls” at Loyola High School March 9, 10, 15-17 at 7:30p.m. and March 11^th at 3:00p.m.

March 12^th 12 Noon – Annie Armstrong Circle meeting, at the Church Social Room. Wendy Wallace is the hostess. Call her 410-321-0043 for any information. Please bring a sandwich.

7:30 p.m. Needles & News meeting at the home

of Libby Field, 10518 Longbranch Rd., 410-666-3127

March 14^th 8:00 p.m. Deacons’ Meeting

MONDAY March 26^th Sarah’s Hope Work Day

Come help in the morning or afternoon… Just sign up on the back of a card today to let me know of your plans.

April 1^st Palm Sunday, Communion

April 5th Maundy Thursday Service

7:30 p.m. Service of Prayer and Communion

PRAYER FROM THE PEOPLE: If you are willing to say or share a prayer on Sunday morning in worship, please call Don or Dianna Romano 410-377-6505. A number of books of prayers have been placed in the foyer of the church to help give you ideas for prayers.

Special Congregational Meeting

This is the slate of new officers 2007-2009 to be elected at a business meeting called for this purpose immediately after Worship Service on Sunday, March 18^th, 2007.

Chairman Fred Ray (to complete term of Paul Gillespie)

Communication Kathy Wright

Treasurer Randy Lott

Church Clerk Mary Frantz

Bldg. & Grounds Susan Byrne

Children & Youth Susan Edwards

Church & Family Life Wendy Wallace

Dear Members of Calvary Baptist Church;

Than you so much for your kind cards and prayers for healing. Your kindness and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated!

All the Best, Margery Holland-Lamberger