We are in the season of Lent. Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination, repentance and fasting, in preparation for Easter. Irenaus of Lyons (c.130-c.200) wrote about Lent in the earliest days of the church, but back then it lasted only two or three days. We observe Lent for 40 days in remembrance of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness.
Lent is also a time when we traditionally give up something that we like as a sacrifice. It's supposed to help us grow closer to God. Some people give up chocolate, some give up sweets; last year I gave up burgers for Lent. Giving up burgers or sweets will help our waist line, but does it really help us with our relationship with God? Does fasting from sweets help us to have a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us?
Again this year instead of fasting or giving up a favorite food, we will be doing a spiritual fast; we will do this by giving up communion. We intentionally do this spiritual fast, to grow in our faith; because for many of us, coming to communion has become rote, just something that we do during the service, without really repenting/being sorry for what we have done.
In our Lutheran faith, either careless practice or rigid uniformity can distort the power of the gift. It is at our Lord's Table that God nourishes and strengthens our faith, forgives our sins and calls us to witness to the Gospel. We will receive communion on Maundy Thursday and Easter morning, where we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and our new life in Christ in all its fullness.
Peace,
Pastor Joe
|
|
.
|
Mission Trip Meeting This Sunday, March 8
Sorry for the late notice but on Sunday during the learning hour (9:45 am), we're going to be meeting to go over some things in preparation for our youth mission trip. If you're thinking about going, come and hear a little bit more about the trip. We'll meet in the Church House.
|
Children, Youth & Family Lenten Project
This year for Lent, the Sunday School (Preschool - 5th Grades) will be trying to provide 15 pigs through ELCA Good Gifts Program. Around the world, a pig in the pen is like money in the bank. Within months, a tiny piglet grows to weigh over 200 pounds! Should a family have a failed harvest, medical expense or other unexpected financial need, this pig can be sold for much-needed cash at the market.
These pigs will go to different worldwide communities supported by the ELCA. One pig costs $30 so our goal is to raise $450 total. If they meet or surpass their goal, we'll have a breakfast for the Sunday School children during a latter Sunday School.
|
Easter Baskets for LSSI With Our Youth
The Confirmation and Youth Group will be working to assemble 42 Easter Baskets for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. For the foster and client children who receive these baskets, this is one way to share the blessing of Easter. We are asking for donations of baskets, factory sealed candy, and little toys to include in the baskets. All things need to be turned in by March 21st.
If you have any of these, please pass them along to Chris Buresh. For more information, contact Chris at [email protected].
|
|
.
|
One of the central practices most appropriate to Lent is prayer. Evening prayer is one of the most beloved services in the Lutheran Church. As we take our Lenten journey we should set aside a time for prayer and contemplation, preparing our hearts for the glorious resurrection of our Lord.
During Lent we will offer a Wednesday evening service of prayer. Set among candlelight the service will begin at 7:00, coffee 6:30-7:00 p.m. Beautiful music, prayer and meditation will provide time for reflection...a respite in the middle of the week.
Come at 6 p.m. this week for a soup and salad supper prepared by Marni Denk, Joanne Benbow, and Joan Liss.
|
Yoga for Seniors
Every Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m., an group of seniors meet in the gathering space of ELC for an hour of yoga exercises. Led by church member and Certified Yoga Instructor, Karen Castillo, they spend an hour doing gentle stretching exercises which are designed specifically for the over 50 crowd. There are standing exercises, seated exercises and a few that are done lying on the floor. (If the standing and lying down exercises are too challenging for an individual class member, Karen modifies them to suit the student.)
This is a faithful group and everyone will attest to the fact that yoga makes them feel better! They also share personal health tips. This class is open to anyone in the church or from the community. The classes are $5 per session and the first one is free.
And men.......don't think that yoga is just for ladies! Check out this article on the benefits of yoga for men! Why Men Should Practice Yoga
|
Reminder: We are looking for volunteers for our Divine Dinners Program
Every once in a while an ELC member will face a situation in which they are unable to prepare meals for themselves. It may be someone who is recovering from surgery, going through chemo, or maybe, happily, just home from the hospital with a new baby.
That is where our Divine Dinners program steps in. Meals are prepared (or purchased) and delivered to the individual/family in question.
We are looking for people who are willing to be ready to step in with this much appreciated assistance. Just call the Church Office or Mary Sikorski with your willingness to help. When such a need arises, you will be notified of what is needed. If you are able, you inform the Divine Dinners team when and how you can help.
|
Don't forget to pick up your Lenten Devotions Book! Find them in the Gathering Space at Church!
|
Starting this Saturday, Pastor Joe will be on vacation. He will return on Saturday, March 14
If you are in need of pastoral care, please contact the Church Office and they will get you in touch with the appropriate person.
|
Meetings & Activities at ELC Next Week
|
Saturday 3:45 p.m. Discussion Group
Saturday 5:00p.m. Spoken Word Service Sunday 8:45 a.m. Traditional Worship Service Sunday 9:45 a.m. Coffee Hour-Sunday School-Confirmation Sunday 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service Monday 7:00 p.m. A.A. Meeting Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Quilting Wednesday 1:15 p.m. Small Group Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Lenten Service Thursday 1:00 p.m. YOGA
|
March 27
OASIS Trip to Garfield Park Conservatory for their Spring Flower Show.
|
CONTACT INFORMATION
Church Office Phone: 773-763-2121 Pastor Joe Schultz 773-647-1739
Youth Ministry Director
Communications Team
|
|
Sincerely,
The Staff at
Edgebrook Lutheran Church
|
|
|