THINK ON THESE THINGS
Philippians 4:8

Ever since January 12, we have seen images of the suffering and loss in the nation of Haiti.  Our hearts have been moved.  Even with the nightly newscasts, we cannot begin to imagine the sorrow and grief.  We cannot begin to imagine the overwhelming tasks of recovery and rebuilding.  We cannot begin to imagine the questioning that is taking place, the “why God?” that rings in hearts and minds at a time like this.  Our church is involved with the United Methodist Committee on Relief in several ways that you can read about in this newsletter – tangible ways that you can help.  We cannot bring back that which was lost but we can support and extend love by our gifts and support.

This month we begin the Lenten journey – the 40 days that lead to Easter.  The 40 days are intended to remind us of the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness after his baptism, when he was taunted by visions of glory and earthly riches.  He was tempted to show his power in earthly ways.  He was alone as he wrestled with those demons that called him to use his gifts in ways that God did not intend.

Often, in remembrance of that time in the wilderness, we consider what we will give up for Lent.  Often, those are luxury items – chocolate, soda, and candy come to mind.  We don’t have to have those things to live.  Our lives are not changed significantly by not eating chocolate, or drinking a soda.  We may be healthier, but if we are not changed for good, we won’t be healthier for long.

Over the past weeks we have seen images of people who have lost every earthly possession.  They have searched for loved ones.  They have mourned the loss of church and societal leaders.  They have celebrated in the midst of devastation when even one was pulled from the rubble.  Families have held one another, strangers have embraced, and with each sunrise they have found new ways to move through this life.

On February 17 we will observe Ash Wednesday.  Those who choose to participate will come to the sanctuary and have their foreheads marked with ashes.  For all of us it will be the beginning of our 40 days in the wilderness.  I challenge each of us to prayerfully consider the luxury of our lives, the extravagance we enjoy, and to determine what we need to give up in order to follow Christ more faithfully.

                                                            Ready to begin the Lenten journey with you,

Pastor Morita