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The Kingdom Purpose – Take it up
Take it on.
Lenten Journey 2012
Although Lent is several weeks distant, by the time the
March Caller is out we will already be in the second Sunday, so it will
be too late to introduce our Lenten journey.
Our Lenten journey is built upon the Lukan account of
the “temptation”. There is only one problem. The “temptation” narrative
isn’t about temptation. The temptations which Satan offers Jesus are
tests of God’s purpose, but they are not about personal interest or
selfish desire. The traditional question for Lent is, “What are you
giving up?”, as if the attention to selfish desire advances faith; as if
penance advances the new life. Do you walk forward looking back?
If you want to grow in Lent – then take on God’s
purpose. It’s not about what you give up – it’s what you take on! That’s
what Jesus did. Fasting is a spiritual practice which is about physical
and spiritual clarity. So, get clear! And take on God’s purpose.
If you need to give up some personal distraction in order to move
forward – then do that. But the key is to move forward in God’s purpose.
So take on – serving at the soup kitchen. Take on making
a donation to relief efforts in Darfur. (and maybe give up eating out so
that your donation can be larger) Take on a dedicated practice of
relationship or of listening. Take on the Kingdom purpose of forgiveness
. Be specific in practice and action . God’s kingdom purpose is bigger
than you, so get beyond yourself in practice and action. Take it on!
Ash Wednesday.
In keeping with the Lenten purpose of taking on the kingdom purpose our
Ash Wednesday service will begin with the imposition of ashes BUT it
will then move through the Baptismal promises to the Dis-position of
ashes. We use the resolve of the Baptismal questions to take on Christ’s
new life power – and move forward in new life. Please join us for this
special service which begins our Lenten Journey.
Please begin the Lenten Journey with us at the Ash Wednesday Worship
Service Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm (immediately following Soup
Supper downstairs).
Additional note of interest from W & M:
Pastor Dave (& company) will be leading a “POWERPOINT
101” Workshop during the month of February for anyone interested – Exact
date to be determined.
Watch & listen for announcements.
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