THIS LENTEN JOURNEY

​For me, the season of Lent always begins in the same way. I pour olive oil in a bowl. Then I stir in the ashes of the palms we raised in worship last Palm Sunday. I mix the two ingredients into a paste, roughly akin to peanut butter. This will become the crosses born on the foreheads of the faithful on Ash Wednesday with the words, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” It is a sign of our baptisms. It is a reminder of our finitude. It is a reminder that only God’s grace can transcend the human condition. 

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The Lenten journey has deep roots in the spiritual disciplines and practices of the faithful followers of Christ for millennia. Its roots go deeper into our shared life with our Jewish siblings for thousands of years. Prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. These are the disciplines and practices of God’s people. 

This year we invite you to a deepened life of prayer. You will find a Lenten devotional book, Gathered into One, available in the narthex (while supplies last) to give you a daily scripture, reflection, and prayer. We also invite you to take home the weekly bulletin (or access it on our website) and pray for those people and concerns listed each week.  

This year, once again, our almsgiving – supporting those in need in the world – will provide M&M tubes you can enjoy with the understanding that you will return the tube with an offering for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Our goal is to raise $7,000 (we surpassed this last year) to feed, support, and advocate for the hungry in our community and around the world. This year, the ELCA World Hunger Appeal celebrates 50 years of following the command of the Lord to love our neighbor. You can return your gifts to the collection box at the “Red Wall” anytime during Lent through Holy Week. 

This year we are inviting members to consider fasting in two ways. Fasting is a discipline of self-sacrifice that leads to a closer relationship with God and neighbor. To that end, try giving up something that often leads you to doubt, anger, and frustration about the world. Give up something that saps your hope. Maybe it is suspending your interaction on social media if that makes you surly. Maybe it is stopping a habit of gossip or complaint that just leads you to be less of a person than God calls you to be. If something doesn’t bring you joy and makes peace in your soul and the life of the world, give it up.  

Second, try fasting from a behavior that makes your mind, body, or spirit sick or less healthy. Maybe it's cookies (guilty!). Maybe it's alcohol or too much time on the couch. Maybe it's holding a grudge or staying up way too late. Whatever it may be, give it up for the season of Lent. Resurrection may wait for you as a new habit is formed that makes you well and whole.  

Prayer. Giving alms. Fasting. These are the stepping stones of the Lenten journey that lead to God; lead to life; lead to resurrection! 

Pax Christi, Pastor Tim – Lead Pastor