Later this month, we will begin our Lenten journey to Easter. Lent is a time in the seasons of the church year to make space for God. During the 40 days, plus Sundays, of Lent we are invited to focus on our relationship with God – to seek God's presence and guidance in our lives and discover what may be holding us back from a deeper relationship with God. When we take the time to intentionally look at our lives and our faith journeys, we can discover surprising places in our lives and world where God awaits us.
One of the ways I see this happening is through our new Growth Group model that we will begin to implement between now and Easter. My vision for this is inspired by the book of Acts which tells us that in the early days of the church, “they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” (Acts 2:42). Many people today are on a search to find a sense of community, compassion and hope in their lives. Growth Groups can allow us to discover these as we strengthen the bonds of family that we share.
In my letter last month, I shared some possibilities – through life stage groups, shared interest groups, study groups and service groups to name a few of the many potential ways we can live into this model for ministry. Some of our existing church groupings and activities can be thought of us “Growth Groups.” Our Chancel and Hand bell choirs, our Wednesday Book Study, our Revelation study and other study opportunities offered throughout the year, our Children's Sunday school and our new Youth Study, our monthly Taste and See Gatherings, as well as our Friday Morning Kids Story Time provide all who participate with a sense of community, compassion and hope.
If you are interested in helping to implement this vision, or if you have an idea for a grouping, please let me know.
Another way to discover God at work as we intentionally look at our lives during Lent is through worship. Every Sunday we have meaningful worship services planned. Our worship theme for Lent is “No Turning Back.” Each Sunday we will reflect on a person or an event that shaped the story of Jesus' last week in Jerusalem – the Prophets who predicted God would establish a new covenant, Jesus cleansing the temple, Judas and his betrayal, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Pontius Pilate who ordered Jesus' crucifixion. Each week we will celebrate Communion to nourish our hungry souls with the bread of life as we journey with Jesus through the events of Holy Week.
This month as we celebrate Valentine's Day, allow God to fill your heart with God's loving presence. Try and get to know God in a new way. Then, as we enter into Lent, and begin our march towards the cross and the empty tomb, allow God to transform your life one Sunday at a time.
Abide,
Pastor Kent
