DAILY LENTEN REFLECTION from the PASTOR

Lenten Journey:

Finding God in the Wilderness

As we prepare for Easter, Pastor Seok-Hwan will be sharing daily Lenten Reflections delivered right to your email inbox. Please take a moment to read them and reflect. Join us for services as you are able, either in-person at UMCW or online at www.umcw.org.

In the Wilderness with the Demon

“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

 

I shared a sad story last Sunday in church about Jean Vanier, who was best known for being the founder of L’Arche communities that aimed to help disabled people. He was loved by thousands, respected by millions, a man who has inspired people across the world, including me. He was once seen as a Nobel or sainthood candidate. Now, sadly, he has been identified as a serial sexual abuser, 25 cases. Learning of Jean’s abusive behavior makes me feel deeply betrayed, sickened, confused, ashamed. The apparently saintly, well loved and respected person can still fall in this way. The shock and betrayal. The breaking of trust. Why?

 

We say, “How are you?” Then most of us respond, “I am fine, thank you!” Actually, we are blind to our weaknesses. We all have demons. There is a shadow in each of us. We often prefer not to talk openly and honestly about our weaknesses to our loved ones or close friends. Did we hear what St. Paul groaned and cried? “Wretched person that I am! So then, with my mind I am enslaved to the law of God, but with my flesh I am enslaved to the law of sin.”

 

A courageous admission of our weaknesses is the first step to getting into the world of true faith. “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The good news is that we are not the sum of our failures, no matter how many voices are telling us so. And we are beloved children of God, called and claimed by God’s grace, chosen to be a royal priesthood, a holy people, called out of the darkness and into God’s glorious light. (1 Peter 2:9-12) For “God’s grace is sufficient for us, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

Pastor Seok-Hwan

PRAYER

Lord, sometimes we are tempted to insulate ourselves from people

who are different than we are.

We don't want to deal with them.

Help us to surrender to you, even when it goes against what we want to do. Help us Lord. Amen.


ACTION

We admit our weaknesses as the first step to

getting into the world of true faith.

Palm Sunday Service

April 2 at 9:30 am


In-person worship service

(music from our Youth Choir)


Online service available at www.umcw.org

Holy Thursday Service

April 6 at 7:30 pm


In-person worship service

(music from our Adult Choir)


Online pre-recorded service available at www.umcw.org

Good Friday Service

April 7 at 7:30 pm


In-person worship service

(music from our Bell Choir)


Online pre-recorded service available at www.umcw.org

Easter Services


Sunrise: April 9 at 7:00 am

In-person service outside at UMCW by the pond


Pancake Breakfast: April 9 from around 7:30-9:00 am

Our Youth Groups' Annual Pancake Easter Breakfast is back! Join us in the Fellowship Hall for delicious food and fellowship. Free will donations will be accepted to benefit the youths' summer mission.


Worship: April 9 at 9:30 am

In-person worship service

(music from our Adult Choir)


Online Easter worship service available at www.umcw.org

Our Mission Statement

“God calls us to be disciples of Jesus, building community through service and fellowship and sharing the love of Christ with all.”

 

Our Openness Statement

“The United Methodist Church of Westford is an open and welcoming community of Christian Faith. Without any exceptions, we welcome anyone who seeks to love and to serve God.”

United Methodist Church of Westford

10 Church Street, Westford, MA

978-692-4176 • office@umcw.org www.umcw.org

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