"And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5
One of the daily online devotions that I subscribe to comes from Richard Rohr who asked this week; "how has love or suffering transformed you?" His premise is that the two primary paths to transformation go through either love or suffering. Rohr submits that "only love and suffering are strong enough to break down our usual ego
defenses, crush our dualistic thinking, and open us up to Mystery."
So what do you think? Can you look back on your journey and see how either moments of love or suffering have transformed you?
I think of my marriage, the birth of my children and the profound love and acceptance that my parents offered me as I was growing up. Yet, I also think about the miscarriage of our first child, my bouts with depression and times I found myself with so much debt, I couldn't see a path through. All of these times and many more have shaped me.
Finally, Rohr says that its;"no surprise that the Christian icon of redemption is a man offering
love from a crucified position.... Love and suffering are the main
portals that open up the mind space and the heart space, breaking us
into breadth and depth and communion."
Peace and blessings today in all your encounters with love and suffering. May God more and more transform you into the likeness of his Son through them.
Pastor Tony
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February Mission of the Month
St. Dysmas Prison Congregation
Join us this weekend as we welcome Pastor Marlin Wagness from St Dysmas who will share stories with us about how the church is present and making a difference in the lives of penitentiary inmates. Pastor Marlin will preach on Saturday evening and Sunday morning and will also provide information during our Adult Forum at 8:45 am on Sunday morning.
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Beth Moore Study to Begin
Lynn White will be leading a seven week study of Psalms 120-134 on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm. Study will begin this Sunday, Feb. 14th Cost will be $13 for the study book. We are asking that people pre-register for the study by calling Lynn at 987-4267 or dropping her an e-mail at jlwhite@iw.net. This study is open to all women regardless of church affiliation. Please invite others.
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 Ash Wednesday: Feb. 17th
The Season of Lent begins next Wednesday, Feb. 17th with Ash Wednesday. We will have a Fellowship Supper being served beginning at 5:30 pm and Ash Wednesday worship at 7:00 pm with the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. Our theme this year is Broken Pieces. We especially want to invite children and families to attend as we have a special puzzle for the kids and each week we will be giving them another piece to put back together the broken pieces.
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