PASTOR'S PAGE

From the Pastor . . .

So, what do the images of a cross, a dove, a heart and a flame have in common? If you’ve been following our work on core values and the motivating beliefs from which they come, you know that these are the symbols that we agreed represent our strongest faith beliefs here at Peace Lutheran Church. These are the beliefs we hold so deeply that the compel us to move beyond our comfortable arena of self-care and to venture outward to bring the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that needs to hear it.

The cross is the symbol of Jesus’ death on our behalf, through which we receive forgiveness of sin, resurrection and new life. The dove reminds us of the compassion, peace and hope that are ours through God’s promises. The heart speaks of God’s unconditional love for all. The flame is a traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit, which fill us at our baptism and strengthens us for mission in the world.

The hard work of discovering these beliefs and the core values that demonstrate them serves us well as we begin to discern where God is calling us to be in mission. Having immersed ourselves in the work of discernment, the building we prepare will take on deeper meaning in our renewed understanding of our mission.

During the moth of February we observe the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a time of repentance, a time of lamenting our sinfulness and recognizing our need for God’s mercy. When we immerse ourselves in the work of Lent, the message of Easter takes on deeper meaning tin our renewed understanding of our forgiveness.

To help us on our Lenten journey this year, Bethany and Peace will gather for mid-week services. Ash Wednesday will be observed with the imposition of ashes at 7:00 on Wed. Feb. 22. On the following five Wednesday, beginning on Feb. 29, we will share fellowship and a light soup supper beginning at 5:30.

At 7:00 we will worship together in the sanctuary of Bethany where we will listen in on some “Overheard” conversations that take place between some of the witnesses on the way to the crucifixion. We’ll hear from Malchus, the man whose ear was cut off at Gethsemane, as he meets Mark, the young make who ran from the garden naked. We’ll listen to Pontius Pilate and his wife, Procula, as they talk about the dream that caused her to caution her husband to have nothing to do with “that righteous man.” We’ll overhear a conversation between Simone, the man who carried Jesus’ cross and the Centurion who ordered him to carry it.

These and other imagined conversations offer new insights into Jesus’ trial and crucifixion and give us an opportunity to imagine our own participation in the events that led to Good Friday. When we immerse ourselves in the season of Lent, the joy of Easter takes on deeper meaning in our renewed understanding of our discipleship.

In Peace,

Pastor Kathy

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Last Updated 1/29/12