Seeking Authentic Voice

Do you recognize any of these wrappers? [Hold up empty chocolate wrappers.] Too bad these are empty! Is one of these a favorite of yours? [Allow suggestions of favorites.] Have you ever heard anyone say that he or she plans to give up something for Lent? Maybe something like chocolate?  Giving up something we find tempting—especially chocolate—serves as a tool to help focus our minds and hearts during the season of Lent. Every time we crave whatever we have given up we are reminded that its Lent. Whether we give in to the craving or not, the practice is intended to be a trigger to focus on the real point of Lent, growing our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with others; growing deeper in our faith and growing as Christians. During this Lenten season, I want to suggest a different way to prepare for Easter. Instead of NO – N-O—chocolate for Lent, how about KNOW – K–N–O–W—chocolate for Lent? This is the curriculum our youngest children in the Prayer Room ar...

Here we are, the first Sunday of Lent. As you can tell by looking at our worship space, the season of Lent has some distinctive features to it: the baptismal font filled with rocks reminding us that a life of faith is often rocky. But like this water fountain in the midst of the rocks, God is with us on the journey – sustaining us, nurturing us, and nourishing us.  The dried plants remind us that our spiritual lives can be dry, dusty, and barren, wintery.    Lent is a season that calls us to do three things: 1.        Remember who we are – a people of God, made in God’s image – made good to do good. 2.        Become intentional in our practice of faith 3.        Focus on gratitude Our reading from Deuteronomy opens this season with a clear call to remembrance – the Hebrew people have finally come to the end of their forty years of wandering in the wilde...

Ash Wednesday: Know What - Know What we often take for granted Our Lenten commitment to “know chocolate” challenges us to recognize that we often take life’s best gifts for granted—whether it is chocolate or God’s loving presence. Ash Wednesday: Know What Chocolate candy wrappers from chocolate products Do you recognize any of these wrappers? [Hold up empty chocolate wrappers.] Too bad these are empty! Is one of these a favorite of yours? Have you ever heard anyone say that he or she plans to give up something for Lent? Maybe something like chocolate?   Since today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the forty-day season called Lent, you just might hear people say that there will be NO chocolate until Easter arrives. Giving up something we find tempting—especially chocolate—serves as a tool to help focus our minds and hearts during the season of Lent. Every time we think about and want whatever it is we have given up we are reminded that it’s Lent. In order to manag...