From the pastor

From the pastor

We are in the midst of Lent…
a time when we are called to “clean out our closets”, to look at ourselves, and to know that God is always there. Lent is a time that helps us move to growth in faith. The stories of Lent, are ones of hope and promise. The Old Testament texts are calling us to remember the covenant that God has shared with us, promise of a rainbow, of naming, of the law, a new covenant. The Gospel texts calls us to remember the wilderness, a wilderness of life. Wilderness like knowing that active shooter drills are part of the norm, that “shelter in place” is terminology that fills our vocabulary, that marches and hope can fill us as well.

We are in the midst of Lent…
A time when winter grey begins to move to buds and flowers, where crocus’ pop up under the snow and the cold to remind us of the hope of new life. A time where one day it is 22 degrees with snow, and the next day it is 73 with sun. At time when the laughter of children playing outside becomes more normal. A time of hope…

We are in the midst of Lent…
A time when ministry opportunities outside our 4 walls can call to us, a time when we move outside our walls to do the ministry of love…

We are in the midst of Lent…
There are opportunities for us. Every Sunday at 10:30, the community gathers to hear that word of hope and love and offer God our praise. On the Sundays in March; 4, 11, 18, and 25 we will gather to eat together. This will be potluck time, something that this church does really well. After eating and fellowshipping together, we will watch an “Andy Griffith” show: March 4- Opie’s Charity, March 11-Barney and the Choir, March 18- Barney and the Cave Rescue, and March 25- Rafe Hollister Sings; after watching each show, the youngest among us will go with a leader and be together, and the rest of us will have a conversation about life, and scripture, and values. I sure hope you will join us.

We are in the midst of Lent….
Which leads to Easter… On Palm/Passion Sunday March 25 we will have a parade and hear the story in silence, and words and music. On Maundy Thursday March 29 we will gather in silence, the last Supper, washing of the feet, music and word at 7:00. On Good Friday, March 30, the sanctuary will be open from 8:30-12 for quiet contemplation, the memorial garden in always open. On Easter morning, April 1, we will gather at 8:00 for a more casual service of the resurrection. At 8:45 there will be a time to eat together at Easter Breakfast, at 9:30 the Easter egg hunt, at 10:30 the Easter celebration of worship will take place.

We are in the midst of Lent…
It is a time of hope and grace. Join me, will you?

Pastor Mindy