Worship this Sunday brings us to the time when Jesus revealed a glimpse of His glory to three of His disciples: Peter, James, and John. While basking the view from the mountaintop Peter says, "Lord, it's god for us to be here." Truer words have never been spoken. But the thought is true no matter where we are, as long as Jesus is with us. Wherever Jesus is is a good place to be. This means Jesus has something to say no matter where we are or what the circumstances of our life may be. We'll talk more about this on Sunday.
Ash Wednesday - February 17
This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Each Wednesday during Lent we gather for worship - two service opportunities are available for you: 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. There will be a light supper offered in the School Commons from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. each Wednesday. Our Ash Wednesday services will include celebration of the Lord's Supper.
The theme for our Wednesday worship services is "Overheard: Conversations at the Cross." Each Wednesday the message will include a conversation that might have happened that first Good Friday. On Ash Wednesday the "overheard" conversation is between Malchus and Mark. These two individuals are often overlooked in the events of Good Friday. Malchus was the person whose ear was cut off in the quick skirmish between Peter and some of the soldiers sent to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane. Jesus quickly healed Malchus - but the healing didn't deter the soldiers' intent to arrest Jesus....and Jesus wasn't deterred from going to His cross for us. Mark is most likely the person who fled from Gethsemane naked when the soldiers grabbed him but he wiggled away by shedding his clothes. Their conversation can shed light on God's grace for us in Jesus.
Lutheran Foundation - Haiti Gift Match
The Lutheran Foundation is challenging us Lutherans to show our love in Jesus Christ for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. The foundation will match, dollar for dollar, gifts that individual members have given to support relief efforts in Haiti. The match challenge is retroactive back to the date the earthquake hit and will end on March 1. The procedure is quite simple. Just call the church office (484-7873) and tell the office which agency received your gift, how much it was, and date the gift was given. The church office will handle the rest of it from there (a form we have to send in to The Lutheran Foundation). This is a great opportunity. I pray you and I will be able to participate so that we can show the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Haiti. Call the church office for more information.
Fish Fry
Thank you for everyone for your work with the Fish Fry. It is a great blessing to see the entire congregation work together for a common purpose - something we do every week in the mission and ministry of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran! Thank you!
God bless you with Jesus' love! I'll see you in His house this Sunday and Wednesday.