Friday, April 15

Third Church Elder
Lent is a period of reflection about our place in creation and how we might better live out our commitment to Christian ideals—Living the faith. Holy Week calls for concentrated self-examination centering not only on our place in creation, but on the power of love and forgiveness as seen through Christ's torment and death for us. Easter is the ultimate rebirth and renewall, coincident with a new season—spring.

Thursday, April 14

Third Church Deacon
Reflecting on how we "Prepare the Way of the Lord...."
     We make our way by charing new horizons, making new acquaintances, and serving God's people. We keep the faith and steer the course.

Wednesday, April 13

Jean Whitney
Deacon
As a teen-ager, I was caught up with the idea of "giving up" something for Letn. My friends were giving up desserts, chocolate, movies, and other guilty pleasures.
     I talked a lot about what I would choose to give up—this? that?
     Quite quietly, my father suggested that instead of "giving up", he planned to "take on" for Lent—extra reading, additional reflection, some "good work".
     Years later, every Lenten season, I still recall those choices, that conversation.

Tuesday, April 12

Emily Stevens
Deacon
Reflecting on Matthew 3:1-3...
     I can prepare the way of the Lord by opening my heart to others. Showing kindness, love, and care to those that need it is part of opening your heart, and this is what sticks and connects to others, ultimately connecting them to God.

Monday, April 11

Christina Lenti
Associate Director of Music

Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Go your way and from now on do not sin again.” John 8: 10-11

The story of the woman accused of adultery show us how careful we must be in condemning others. Unless we experience what they have experienced and lived the life that they have lived, we cannot know what really happened in their lives. But God reads the mind and the heart. God knows our motivation better than even we know ourselves. And God is always merciful. God, who is love, cannot help but be merciful. Let God be the judge.

Merciful God, teach us to be understanding of others and try to walk with them in their difficulties. Give us humble hearts that trust that your forgiveness and grace are given freely to all who hope in you. Amen.

Saturday, April 9

Jane Dickinson
Deacon
Reflecting on Isaiah 40:3-5 and Matthew 3:1-3...
     Going out into the wilderness can be a very frightening thing. We prepare our hearts for the Lord by journeying into the wilderness and allowing Him to show us the way.

Friday, April 8

Jim Chisholm
Elder, Joint Budget and Finance
A Lenten discipline...
     This is a season when we should reflect on the events in our lives that are memorable... for whatever reason. Some of those memories will evoke joy and others will evoke sadness. If we ask ourseves, "How would we convey these thoughts to Jesus?" It might change how these events affect our memories in a very positive way.