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For years I found this week's scripture passage to be problematic. "Deny yourself, take up a cross, and follow me." When I read that, I thought, "Really? I have enough struggles already, thank you. I don't need my practice of faith to add to them. Besides, what kind of savior is that?"
So, for many of years, I took the Weight Watchers approach (don't know why that's on my mind this time of year!): cut back on the things I like, don't overindulge in things that make me happy, reduce the enjoyment calories because clearly Jesus doesn't want us to have too much fun.
Now I'm confident that's not what Jesus is talking about at all. Instead, I think Jesus is suggesting that the "life" that has been packaged and sold to us as the good life isn't the fullness of life at all, and to embrace the "life that is really life" will include dying to our illusions and being borne into something new.
We'll explore it in depth this weekend. You can prepare by reading this passage ahead of time (Mark 8:27-37). In addition, we'll ordain and install Elders at three services and celebrate communion in the 9:30 Chapel service where J en Christianson will be preaching.
Can I also ask for your prayers for our Elder Retreat this weekend? I'm looking forward to working with this fine group of folks and hope our time together will chart a course for a dynamic future.
With gratitude for you all,
Bob Henderson, senior minister | 
