Faith Lutheran Church

Greetings, FLC!

 This month we begin our Lenten journey. You have perhaps learned already that one of my prevailing metaphors in describing the spiritual life is that of discipleship as journey. So, I’m excited to introduce our Lenten midweek theme this year: Discovering Jesus. A theme that will explore various people in the Bible whose own journeys led them to discovering Jesus and experiencing transformation. I invite you to attend the weekly Wednesday night services starting at 5pm with a soup supper, with the service starting at 6:30pm. The schedule of which church is hosting each service will be posted in the bulletin and on Facebook each week.

 I’d also invite you to consider reading the Scriptures for each week which will be the particular focus of this Lenten theme before each service. Here are those Scriptures in order:

• 3/5 (Ash Wednesday) – Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus)
• 3/12 – Acts 9:1-19 (Paul, referred to as Saul in this text)
• 3/19 – Luke 23:32-43 (Dismas and Gestas, the two criminals crucified with Jesus)
• 3/26 – John 19:31-37 (Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus)
• 4/2 – Luke 7:18-23 (the disciples of John the Baptist)
• 4/9 – Luke 7:37-50 (unnamed woman who anoints Jesus’ feet)
• 4/17 (Maundy Thursday) – John 13:12-35 (Judas)
• 4/18 (Good Friday) – Shadow Way of the Cross (a program put on by confirmation youth)

 Rev. Teresa Baker of the Church of the Nazarene will also have a kid’s sermon at each Lenten service. The offering collected from all of the Lenten services will be evenly split between Loving Lunches and the Columbus/Fall River Food Pantry.

 Also, please note we will have a Maundy Thursday service at Faith at 7:30pm. The ecumenical service will be at 6:30pm at Olivet, but the decision was made to have our own service so that we can strip the altar together and experience the importance of the day in our own sanctuary.

 I look forward to journeying this season with you all and discovering the meaning of a particular line from the hymn Bless Now, O God, the Journey (ELW #326):

 Bless sojourners and pilgrims who share this winding way;
 your hope burns through the terrors, your love sustains the day.
 We yearn for holy freedom while often we are bound;
 together we are seeking the road where faith is found.

  May the peace of Christ guard your hearts,
  Pr. Andrew

Read more from the March newsletter and previous newsletters. Also visit the Calendar page to know more about Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus, Wisconsin.