From the Pastor’s Desk… March 2024
Lent – traditionally a time for reflection and searching, a time to live in the darkness, a time for fasting, prayer, and the walk – today I encourage all of us to step away from tradition and to embrace the light as we travel along an unknown path. For that is what our journey is about – the unknown, guided by the Holy Spirit, side by side our Savior and Lord, loved by God, our Father, our Creator.
Palm Sunday – the waving of palms, the shouts of Hosanna, cloaks on the ground, and a donkey – the lowest of creatures. At this gate, no trumpet sounding, no guard to accompany him – the air filled with excitement, curiosity, disdain, and hate. On the other side of town, another gate – complete will pomp and circumstance, for the “king” has arrived. To which gate are we drawn to? We tend to relish in what we don’t have, and shy away from the reality of our lives. This day it is not about the dreams, the what-ifs, the splendor prevailing in the wind. It is about calling it out, naming what it actually is, and seeing what is right in front of us. It’s a day to wave our palms and shout our Hosannas, for this is our calling, as we watch from the sidelines.
Holy Week – three days of remembrance, for without this it makes little sense. It’s a time that provides for a multitude of horizons, each waiting in the near distance for you, for me. It’s about a meal, a gathering of like minds as we partake of the food for our souls, watching and listening as we grow into the light. It’s about the journey along the rocky earth, acknowledging our pain and our suffering until we come to its climatic ending. It’s about a cross, the opportunity for you and for me to lay down our burdens and sorrows at its feet, to hear his words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they have done.” It’s about the heavens opening up, preparing for what is to come, and understanding the meaning behind the words, “It is done!” It is dark now, but let us cast aside tradition, and remind ourselves that we aren’t finished yet, for our story continues.
Easter – the morning dawns, the sun rises in the sky, the birds chirp, and the rock has been moved. We will follow those who go, we will feel their pain and fear, and together we can sense the anxiousness and awe that fills our very existence. Like the tomb, we are empty but there is hope, there is promise, there is grace and mercy and peace. He is here, the light is here…in and with us. This is a day for praise and alleluias; this is a day for a reminder, a glimpse of what tomorrow is and forever will be. “For God so loves us that he gave his only Son so we would know the truth.” And the truth is Christ Jesus; the truth is in the time spent outside of tradition, as we embrace our Light. We walk together, you and me, as we live into who we are and who we are called to be. Each day brings feelings of renewal and joy, glimpses of hope and promise, a sense of love and peace for we are not alone. The light walks among us; and it is our faith that allows us to focus on our tomorrows, to walk towards the horizons that await. So let us do just that!
Sisters and brothers in Christ, God has called us to ministry, to our walk together, as we journey through the unknown, proclaiming the light of Christ Jesus. As we look outside of tradition in these days and weeks to come, let us walk confidently and boldly in the Light of Jesus – knowing in spite of it all, in spite of ourselves, we are forgiven, we are blessed, and we are loved.
God’s Blessings and Peace
Pastor Neil
Pastor Neil’s Office Hours
Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm