Greetings to all,

February is the month of LOVE. How appropriate that we begin our Lenten journey this month as we travel toward the greatest display of God’s love in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Lent starts early this year with Ash Wednesday on February 18th (worship at 7:00-St. John hosting). Subsequent mid-week (Wednesday) services will be hosted by Emanuel with a light meal at 6:00 and worship at 7:00.  

Our Lenten theme for the year is “Onward Through the Fog! Following the Example of Christ.” There is a great deal of confusion and uncertainty in our world today. Things can get pretty foggy. Through a series dialogues we shall meet various individuals dealing with this reality and learning about the example we have in Christ for dealing with temptation, faith and obedience, love, meekness and strength, power and deed, and humility. Join us throughout Lent as we journey together through the fog.

One example of Christ that I have tried to follow in my ministry comes from the numerous examples we have of Jesus stepping away at times to engage with God in prayer and contemplation. I have found it helpful to designate one day a month specifically to step away from the day to day demands of ministry and focus on prayer and contemplation.  With the council’s approval I am designating the last Tuesday of each month as a “Quiet Day of Prayer.” On that day I won’t be in the office or answering the phone (except in case of emergency). It will be used as a time of prayer, study, and devotion; a feeding of the spirit and contemplating the guidance of our Lord.

February is also the month of Annual Congregational Meetings. “Meeting” has become a dreaded word. Take it from someone who ends up with far too many meetings; it doesn’t have to be that bad. Maybe some re-framing is in order. It is really just a group of people getting together for a specific purpose. If we stick to our purpose and treat one another with respect and dignity, nothing needs to be that scary or painful about a meeting. Sometimes they can even border on “fun!” See you at a meeting soon. 

LOVE in Christ,

Pastor Steve