Thank you for the warm welcome back from my “vacation” I have missed all of you, as has Carol, recognizing that the last prior time I was in the pulpit was Christmas Eve. I will grudgingly admit that I am still not 100 % but continue making progress and self-assessment would put me well into the 90’s, for which I am grateful. I am deeply touched by the kindnesses shown to Carol and I by so many of you, with cards and letters, calls and goodies, offers to help drive to appointments etc, your support has been overwhelming including some needed grocery runs. I am drinking from my saucer cause my cup of blessings has overflowed. Amen Thank you!
It is wonderful to see sunshine and feel the warmth of the suns rays approaching mid-fifties. Not shorts and flipflops yet, but a welcome reprieve in mid-February. Some songbirds announcing their arrival and a few brave flowers poking their heads out of the ground.
Special thanks also, to my dear friend Kathy Lawes who ably filled the pulpit on short notice, and to Bill Gresenauer and to Susan Tyrell for both Sunday and Ash Wednesday leadership. Thanks also to Adolph, our worship leaders for liturgy, and everyone who helps in so many ways, including coffee fellowship, greeters, and flowers.
The journey toward Holy Week and Easter has begun, and it is a time of introspection and renewal of our faith commitments. As we walk the path that Jesus trod beginning with his baptism, and ending in the shadow of the cross and an empty tomb, may we each day pause to reflect on God’s goodness, our unworthiness, and God’s unfathomed grace. It is an annual trek that is both old and new every year, both mysterious and familiar as we recount the steps along the path from the river of baptism, to the Garden of Gethsemane, to the hill in Golgotha and the cross on which he died. It is a journey of faith reminding us of our journeys and God’s promises. It is the essence of hope personified in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection! Let us humbly walk together this new and ancient path.
Blessings and Peace and Love,
Pastor Dave
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