Message from Pastor Stanton for Feb. 2020
“What if I looked up from the gray monotony to really see God’s presence? And what if I had the courage to not just see it, but say something about it?”
In her essay, “Embodying Epiphany”, Karoline Lewis considers the role of a preacher as they encounter the story of God being born as one of us (Christmas).
“It’s one thing to acknowledge Jesus’ glory, Jesus’ identity in the season of Epiphany. It is quite another thing to take on Epiphany in our own lives… what will this Epiphany be for you? Will you go through the motions or will you point to how all of us are called to point—to give witness—to how God is present, to how Jesus reveals God, to how the Kingdom of God is here and now and actually makes a difference for our here and now?”
I don’t think that’s a question meant only for those called to preach in a church. Each and every one of us preaches with the words of our Facebook posts, Instagram stories, attitude at work, generosity to those in need and in so many other ways. February is my least favorite month of the year. I am tempted to ‘go through the motions’ to simply survive the winter drab. But, what if I looked up from the gray monotony to really see God’s presence? And what if I had the courage to not just see it, but say something about it?
How will you ‘show up’ in the presence of God? And how could you share that encounter with others?
I have a few invitations for you as February is a month when First Lutheran is running at full steam…
January 26 (in worship): Sugar Creek Bible Camp Sunday… even if you’re receiving this after Sugar Creek Sunday, just know that camp is where a lot of faith formation happens. For kids, families, small groups and really anyone who goes. We have a new executive director there, Jesse Klosterborer and I am truly excited about the present and future of this camp. Sponsor a camper this year! Make a special gift to take the financial burden off a family.
February 9 (after 2nd service): First’s Annual Potluck… our annual meeting is closer to a pep rally than a budget reading. It is essential for any organization to celebrate what we’ve done together and look ahead with excitement for what is to come. Maybe there are questions, concerns or other fresh ideas. They are all welcome. Please come! Childcare is available and everyone eats first.
February 16 (eat at 5:30, presentation at 6:00): Lutheran Worship… Why? If you have ever wondered ANYthing about worship, this is your chance to either find out or ask an unanswerable question. Too often, Lutherans apologize for our style of worship without understanding how effective it is at shaping humans into Jesus-followers. In an era when many churches are moving toward ‘entertainment-as-worship’, ELCA Lutherans have an opportunity to distinguish our Christian personality by claiming the rich depth of meaning our worship holds. Childcare is available for birth through 10 years.
February 26: Ash Wednesday Worship at 6:15pm. Lent is a season of remembering… not only that we are dust, but that we are called to place our self and our community in the grace of God seen most obviously on the cross. We will practice that remembering work throughout the season of Lent by having small groups read Waking Up White while worshipping through some of its themes as well. Lent promises to be a profound season of growth for our church. Make time for a small group! Sign up at 1stlu.org/lentsmlgrp.
