Our mid-week Lenten series this year has been focusing on ways that God is active in our world and in our lives, opening us up to God’s vision of grace. Each week biblical passages continue to cast light on the ways in which God opens our eyes, hands, ears, heart, and life as we live out our baptismal calling. The service is shaped by prayer, music, and time for reflection in a very unique way this year with a “paperless liturgy” led by Angel Holland. A simple supper will precede each Lenten mid-week service.
This next Wednesday, Rev. Jim Dumond, from Reformation Lutheran Church, Greeneville, TN will offer the sermon “Open My Hands, Lord.” I hope you will come at 6:45 p.m. for this special worship and proclaiming of God’s Word. The meal is set at 6 p.m.
We have experienced Valentine’s Day this month; it is also “Heart Health Awareness Month” throughout the United States. Can you find it in your heart to be opened by God in some special way to help someone else? As the season of discipline is closing in on the half-way point, can we still start anew with hearts of gratitude for what God has done for us through Jesus Christ, and mirror that grace with everyone else we might meet this week?
Here’s a passage for each day to help you “use your heart” in your way of thinking and doing:
Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 23:26 – “My child, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.”
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passes all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
And remember – God loves you with His whole heart, and so do we!
Your friend in Christ,
Pastor Jim
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Wednesdays of Lent (March 2):
Noon – Brief Holy Communion in the nave
6 p.m. – Lenten Meal
6:45 p.m. – Lenten Worship
A Nursery is provided for the 6:45 p.m. service.
Hope to see you there!
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Our deepest sorrow continues for the families of Clint and Jennifer Estep in the death of Clint’s mother, Susie Estep, and for the families of Faith Akin and Gary Shealy. Gary passed away this past Tuesday. His Memorial Service is Saturday, February 27 at 11 a.m.
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Special prayers this week:
Mickey Leonard, who underwent heart catherization and had stints put into his heart; he is doing well; Penny Van Hooser, having a procedure, out patient, to deal with kidney stones; and Tim Boebel, hernia surgery on Friday.