INTERIM PASTOR

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

As we look at the February calendar, I see  four important dates.  On February 12 we vote on whether or not to leave the ELCA.  Valentine’s Day is on February 14, and we begin Lent with Ash Wednesday on February 22.  We will have an informal youth service on Sunday, February 26.

 

First, the vote.  The church council wants as many of you as possible to vote.  The problem with votes is that no matter which side wins, there are people on the losing side who are disappointed.  I am asking all of us to neither gloat if we are on the winning side, nor to stay away too long if we end up on the losing side.  I hope that we can be a church that welcomes and respects all people no matter what their opinion on this question.   I hope that being part of Jesus’ mission at First Lutheran  is more important than being right or winning the vote.  Jesus Christ is our foundation, and the Holy Spirit gathers us together to be God’s church. 

 

Second, Valentine’s Day.  God gives us the gift of love and marriage.  We all need a little romance and fun in the midst of hard or serious times.  So have fun, and come to church with a smile!  Being married can be very good for us.  We can also be sensitive to those who are single.

 

Third, Lent.   Traditionally we focus on Jesus’ work of dying on the cross and rising again.   Jesus died so that our sins may be forgiven, and our old selves would die.  Jesus rose triumphant over death so that we might rise with Jesus to new life.  Lutherans focus on Jesus’ dying and rising for us. 

 

On Ash Wednesday especially, but also throughout Lent, we focus on confessing our sin, which means admitting that we are powerless to keep from sinning and we need God’s mercy.  We let our sin be nailed to the cross as we remember Jesus’ willingness to die for us.  Thank you, Jesus!

 

At the end of Lent on Maundy Thursday, and at each Sunday service, we hear Jesus’ words,  “You are forgiven.  You are made right with God.  God invites you to live in new life, eternal life.”  God’s word acts on us to create what it says, forgiveness of sin and new life.  We are both guilty of sin and innocent in God’s eyes at the same time.  The church is both a hotel for the saints, of which we are proud, and a hospital for sinners who need Jesus’ help. 

 

Fourth, we have needed a more informal, more youth-oriented service in a more informal setting like the fellowship hall.   Educate to Grow members are working on this project  If interested in helping to lead, talk to Janelle Johnson.

 

Thank you, Gary Hennigar for being our church custodian these past 8 years.  You cleaned our large building, kept the boiler going, cleared snow and mowed grass, ran the sound system most Sundays, set up for various events, and did many other things as well.  We will be advertising the position soon. 

 

Finally, a reminder that your continued offerings are an act of worship.  You can decide that the first check you write for bills will be to God’s work through our church.

Pastor Karen Grandall