A Word from Your Pastor

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Never has there been a time when we need prayer more than now. Scripture, in fact, identifies our continual need to pray and in the 17th chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus gives us another model for prayer. His first model was the Lord’s Prayer. This second model teaches us how to live a life of prayer. First, Jesus petitions God to glorify Him. He knows that a life of prayer must begin by looking within. In a prior teaching moment, Jesus says, “Remove the log from your own eye before you worry about the speck in another’s!” First, we must look within in order to give God glory from the inside out. Secondly, Jesus prays to God on behalf of others: “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Jesus goes to God on our behalf! This is the outward focus of prayer. We ask for help for others. By turning to God in prayer, we honestly lay who we are at Jesus’ feet and then pray for others. Thirdly, Jesus prays for unity. “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Our unity in Christ is the starting point for making the world a better place. Together, we do make a difference—you and I together in Christ. As we move toward summer, may we remember: pray without ceasing; give God the glory; intercede for others; pray for unity, and then get busy living for God and loving one another!

Love in Christ, always,

Lucia

A Word from the Pastor

Steven Curtis Chapman has a way of encapsulating the truth.

Listen to this song and think of you!

Fingerprints of God

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's true You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again

Will there be another you Fashioned by God's hand

And perfectly planned To be just who you are

And what He's been creating Since the first beat of your heart

Is a living breathing priceless work of art...

Just look at you

You're a wonder in the making

Oh, and God's not through, no

In fact, He's just getting started...I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's trueYou're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.
(by Steven Curtis Chapman, lyricsandsongs.com)

Thank you for being the church together. We have prayed together, played together, celebrated World Day of Prayer, journeyed through Holy Week, and rejoiced at Christ’s Resurrection. We have said goodbye to friends and loved ones. I can see the fingerprints of God when I look at you, hear you, and share with you. Thank you. Your time, your good food, and many acts of giving from the heart are so appreciated. I count myself blessed to know each of you and pray for God’s continued guidance as we journey together. In the words of Paul,
“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)
Love in Christ, Lucia

Journey to the Cross and the Empty Tomb

A Word from the Pastor

Journey to the Cross and the Empty Tomb


LENT

Lent is a time to take the time
to let the power of our faith story take hold of us,
A time to let the events get up and walk around in us,
A time to intensify our living unto Christ,
A time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
A time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem
or to walk along the sea and listen to his word.
A time to touch his robe and feel the healing surge through us,
A time to ponder and a time to wonder...
Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God!
(Ann Weems, Searching for Shalom)

Here we are, just on this side of Easter. Where do you find yourself? Have you taken time out of the hectic pace to contemplate God’s leading Spirit? Or instead, do you feel like you are being carried by busyness or dejection? Are you overworked or under whelmed? It isn’t too late. In fact, it is never too late. Begin anew. Read again the poem above on Lent. Let the words wash over you. Now is the time to let the events of the Passion story “get up and walk around in us”. I just love that! Now is the time to walk the journey with Jesus: breathe in the smells, see the sights, feel the dirt under your feet (remember sandals only!), feel the cloak of Jesus and the weight of the cross. Now is the time. Our journey has begun. We’ll take it together, ever under girded by God’s gracious hand. Here these words of Zechariah: “Not by my might or power, Lord, but by your Spirit, I will entrust my dreams to you, and walk the pathway of success.” Look out; God is making all things new, not by our power or might, but by God’s good grace through Jesus Christ our Lord, now and forever!

I look forward to celebrating World Day of Prayer, Maundy Thursday, and Resurrection Day with each of you!

May God’s peace dwell in you richly,
Lucia