Hello, church!
I know I have been passing on lots of links to you lately. But here is another that I can't resist sending; in fact, it is my favorite so far. It's narrated by Brother David Steindl-Rast, the author of a book called Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer. Skip the ad, make it full screen, and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2ofrX7jAk
This link is also the perfect prelude to our worship this week, on Transfiguration Sunday. I'll be back in the pulpit, preaching a sermon entitled "Now You See Him..." The Youth Choir will sing. And don't forget to bring your Worship Plus 2 "Serve" card to church!
We'll be carrying them forward during the closing hymn, just as we did our financial commitment cards a few months ago, and dedicating them on the altar as an offering of service to God. (Don't worry if you forget your card-more will be available in the pews.)
During coffee hour, reserve your pancakes for next week's Shrove Tuesday festivities. Starting at 6:00 p.m. on February 12, these will include dinner, pancake relays, spirited intergenerational worship, and lots of noise! At the end of the evening, the children will "bury the alleluias," dramatically marking the transition into Lent, the most contemplative season of our church year.
February 13 is Ash Wednesday. We will gather in silence at 7:00 p.m. for evening prayer, the burning of our written prayers on the altar, and the traditional imposition of ashes on our foreheads. In contrast to the festivities of the night before, the mood of Lent is sober and reflective. Its themes are confession, cleansing, the longing for mercy, and the desire for a renewed life.
I am glad to be on this spiritual journey with you. See you in church!
Every blessing,
Pastor Kathlyn
