We are just about halfway through Lent.  I’m here on Tuesday nights for handball practice and I must say the aromas from the kitchen are fantastic.  All of the staff begin smelling the good smells just after noon and the smells make us so hungry.  The soup suppers are simple but the smells are a long way off from “simple.”  I’m sure the soups are from substantial recipes.

Several years ago a movie came out during the Lenten season.  It was produced, and I believe directed, by Mel Gibson.  The movie’s title is “Passion of the Christ.”  Sveral churches in the area got members together and went in groups to see it.  Some thought it was violent, at least more violent than necessary.  I attributed that to Mel Gibson.  He is not a stranger to violent, bloody movies.  Others thought it was realistic and moving to show what Christ went through for us.  On the whole, I thought it was a fantastic tool for preparing us for Good Friday.

 The reason I’m bringing this up is that the State Theater in Modesto is going to show this movie again on Sunday, March 14^th at 2 p.m. and the cost is seven dollars per ticket.  I’ve just checked the website for the State and it says the showing “is an edited and re-cut version for sensitive audiences.”  That means they have probably taken out the most violent scenes.  Evidently, the State is showing a movie on Sunday afternoons for six months as a part of “The Catholic Series.”  I have not heard of this before but I do know that “Passion of the Christ” would be good for all denominations.

 The State often shows old movies and it is really fun to be able to see them on the big screen and not just on TV.  Recently shown movies include “Sound of Music,” “Casablanca,” and “American Graffiti.”  They have all brought memories of the good old days!  The State is a renovated old theater on “J” St. in Modesto between 13^th and 14^th Streets.  It is a great place to see oddball, independent and classic movies.

 I want to add a thank-you to Irene Brunskill for all the work she does for our senior group.  When we have events, Irene is the one who keeps track of everything and makes sure all of our eggs are in a row.  She has been indispensable and I appreciate all that she has done for our group.  I know that she helps out in a lot of other areas at FUMC too.  Now that she has “retired” from her job as pink lady at Emanuel, Irene has been able to come to our knitting fellowship on Tuesday mornings.  It’s great to see her there and she knits some beautiful prayer shawls.

 Until next time. . . Cindy