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Dearest Church Family,
The United Women in Faith really knocked it out of the park with their Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner. There were decorations, music, coffee, pancakes, fruit, sausage galore, and lots of fun! It was an incredibly joy-filled way to kick off what is often the serious season of Lent. Thanks to everyone who participated in this wonderful event.
The theme for Lent this year is "Tell me something good!" We are grounding ourselves in the good news this Lent. And this week, the good news is so good it catches us by surprise! John’s Gospel doesn’t begin with a temptation story but instead opens Jesus’ ministry with a wedding miracle. It may feel a bit lavish to start the season of Lent with a wedding banquet, but the good news begins with joy! Our Fat Tuesday feels like a great segway. This week, we focus on the subversive and playful nature of the good news. Like a mustard seed, the good news can grow from the smallest seed into the tallest tree. Like an unruly weed or fine wine saved for last, the good news is abundant and cannot be contained. As we sink into Jesus’ teachings throughout the season, we may not always be comfortable, but we can trust that these teachings are good, rooted in love, and worthy of celebration. John 2:1-11, Matthew 13:31-32
I'm so excited to share about our upcoming Lenten study, "Why Did Jesus Have to Die?" by Adam Hamilton! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to dive deep into the meaning of the crucifixion and engage in meaningful discussions. Join us for the class, led by Jim Geddes, on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM at the Nestor Senior Village or on Thursdays at 2:00 PM in the Conference Room. I've had the pleasure of reading the first couple of chapters, and I can’t wait to explore this thought-provoking book with all of you! The books won't arrive until 02/27, so I have made copies of the first chapter that will be available to you in the library on Sunday.
Additionally, I want to keep you informed about my schedule: I will be preaching tomorrow, and later that evening, I’ll be heading to Florida for a United Methodist conference focused on Fresh Expressions—a ministry model that seeks to reach those who may not typically step into a church. On Sunday, March 1, we will be blessed with a sermon from our own Kent Raysin, and Rev. Skip L'Heureux will preside over communion. Let’s come together in fellowship and community as we live out God's surprisingly Good News!
Grace and Peace to you,
Pastor Kim
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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