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From the Pastor's Desk |
By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever ... Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:8, 15-16
February 22nd is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. This is the most sacred time of the Christian year. The 40 days of Lent commemorate the 40 days Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert before beginning his public ministry. For us, it is a time to reflect upon his ministry, to meditate upon his teachings, and to fully appreciate the sacrifice he made for each of us and for all people.
Each year, Bud and I hear more and more people saying they're 'giving up' something for Lent. Whether it's chocolate or TV or texting or you-name-it, we applaud your efforts and urge you on. Special acts like these make Lent, Holy Week and Easter more meaningful as we spend 40 days with Jesus in mind and in prayer.
During Lent, Our Founder, John Wesley, gave up lunch and supper one day a week. The money he saved went to help the poor. Those with diabetes or hypoglycemia or a host of other ailments shouldn't try this! However, everyone, no matter their circumstances, can participate in Lent through sacrifice.
Here's another idea: give something instead of giving up something; Do something instead of 'don't do' something. For example, say a special prayer each day for all our Christian missionaries. Perform a random act of kindness in the name of our Savior. Or select a particular charity for a sacrificial gift of time or money. Ways to express our one-ness with Jesus during the Lenten season are only limited by our imaginations.
Bud and I hope you will join us as we start the 40 days of Lent on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd). Our brief service will include the distribution of ashes. We invite everyone from Gaither and St. Paul's to join us at 6:30PM in St. Paul's sanctuary-and bring a friend! Remember, Lent is the season when we reflect on who made us-to whom we belong-and act upon that knowledge.
Your servant in Christ,
Chuck