I know some of you have heard it several times now. However, to be sure everyone is included, I will repeat a little! The sermons thus far in Lent have been thematic, based on the traditional United Methodist membership vows of Prayers, Presence, Gifts, and Service. My aim should be apparent because it has been stated very directly. I hope you have heard new possibilities and meanings in these words. We have been called to a time of self-examination in the spirit of the Lenten season. I have asked you to consider the nature of these vows based on your understanding of the church, and hopefully to conclude that these are sacred vows.
This weekend Rev. Karen Taylor will conclude the sermon series. The last session of the United Methodist General Conference changed our traditional vows by adding one new word to them. We will, from now on, pledge ourselves to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Thus, it becomes Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. In one sense, this is a very obvious addition. When we live out the other vows, witnessing is something which seems to naturally grow out of that life. But in another, perhaps profound, way, this is a needed addition to our understanding of Christian discipleship. Without witnesses the Gospel does not spread. And, we witness in a variety of ways. One of them is verbal. Words are certainly not the only way we witness. Words may not even be the best way. But it is important for us to have words to express our experience of the grace of God in Jesus Christ. The words may be very simple. It may not require many of them. But each of us needs to share the words which witness to our experience of God's presence and grace in our lives. Your simple, heartfelt, witness may be the tool God uses to open the door for someone to a life-changing experience of God's grace.
 
We all have multiple opportunities to witness. And, I know many of you already assume that sharing God's love is your mission. This weekend, as Rev. Karen preaches on the theme of "Witness," we will have the opportunity to renew our vows with the new addition.  The aim is the same as it has been all along. That is, to encounter new meanings and possibilities. And, we enter into a Lenten spirit of self-examination. And finally, we answer the question, "Are these sacred vows?"
  
Of course our Lenten journey continues, even after this sermon series has concluded. Palm Sunday is April 5. Holy Week, with worship services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and Stations of the Cross on Friday from noon to 6:30pm, follows. The Saturday evening before Easter we will join in the Easter Vigil. On April 12, Easter Day, we will joyously celebrate the Resurrection. Let us make this journey together.
 
Grace and Peace be with you,
Steve Campbell