Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe that we have served together in the ministry of Jesus for 14 years. It both seems like just yesterday that I started here, and like I’ve been here forever. I remember that first month, as so busy with getting acquainted with you all while also navigating through the days of Lent. Later I would tell people, “If you can avoid it, I don’t recommend starting a new Call at the beginning of Lent.” Seriously though, I like the season of Lent, with its invitation to slow down a bit and more deeply contemplate Jesus’ journey, his death, his love for us, and his invitation to us all to join in his mission.
With Ash Wednesday on February 14, we are well into Lent in March…and even celebrate Easter this month! For me, this anticipated celebration of Easter feels a bit like a culmination of my time with you all. I hope that you will be able to join us at my favorite worship service, which is the Easter Vigil. This will be on Saturday, March 30 at 8 pm. It’s a beautiful service, with candles, and story through scripture, remembering our baptisms, and Holy Communion.
One of my favorite memories of this service is of an activity that I used to do alone just before the service. As you know, prayer requests are almost all verbal, and offered during the time of prayer. A few years ago, prayer requests were written on cards that were handed to me during the service. I never felt good about disposing of these prayer request cards in the trash, so they accumulated. Then, we added the Easter Vigil, a service that starts on the patio, with a new fire. With this fire, I discovered the perfect way to dispose of these cards in an honorable way. And so, just before everyone arrived, I prayed while I burned these cards. It was very moving for me.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
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