Minister's Message: Ash Wednesday and Valentine Love

As part of the 2018 Lenten Covenant I commit to this spiritual practice: following the Bible Reading Guide and prayer, everyday. This simple routine during the 40 days of Lent is meant to groove a positive practice in my life and create a shared experience with my brothers and sisters on this journey towards Good Friday and Easter life.

As followers of Jesus we need to root ourselves in relationship like he did, with God, ourselves and others. How many times in the Gospels do we read that Jesus took time alone to pray? This spiritual practice gave him the strength to face the challenges of each day, the words that would cut across religious observance and the courage to live God's way: in Light and Justice! No matter the cost.

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day were on the same day this year. Some might say: discordant celebrations. The daily reading was that most lovely text of 1 Corinthians 13. For me it linked the celebration of Love and the Ashes that show a commitment to follow Jesus' way. It held up Love as the highest ideal, one that calls us to follow Jesus' teachings and practice.

Here is our Lenten call from Paul’s writings to the Corinthian faith community (from The Message translation, verses 4-8a).

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Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Is this how you will love? 

Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 

Is this how you will love? 

Love puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.”

Is this how you will love?

I say: YES!!
We say: YES!!
This is how we will live this Lenten journey, together!

Rev. David

- Please let an elder or Rev David know if you are committing to the practice of daily bible reading and prayer this Lenten Season. The coupon on the bottom of the Lenten Covenant 2018 can also be placed in the offering plate.

- Ashes will be available during this Sunday's Communion service.

 

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