Pastor’s Report February 2019
Lent is coming!
As we prepare to hear the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we may choose to take some time to reflect, pray, fast, give, and refocus on the life giving Word of God. My personal practice includes writing and reading devotions, being more intentional about prayer, and of course planning Holy Week worship. It’s helpful to find times of rest and recenter ourselves in the Gospel as we move through this busy season. I’m thankful for the support of our staff and leaders in the church.
Taxes are being prepared at Reformation! Our tax volunteers are hard at work scheduling appointments and completing tax returns for our neighbors on Monday and Wednesday afternoons! We are currently scheduled through March 11.
This year, our midweek (Wednesday) worship will begin with soup supper at 5:30pm – a time to gather over a simple meal at the end of the day. I hope you’ll consider participating by signing up to bring a meal or assist in worship. After supper, we’ll move into the sanctuary where we’ll listen to God’s Word and then reflect on a song by the band Mumford & Sons. I have found the group’s music to be deeply spiritual, raising curiosity about faith and doubt, scarcity and abundance, fear, identity, and relationships between ourselves and God, and one another.
New small groups are forming! Did you know Reformation has small groups? Our Friday men’s discipleship group and Bible study meets at Makers & Finders on Main Street at 7:30am each week. Some members are part of a Tuesday evening women’s group. Tuesday evening, our young adults meet at the home of Pastor Matt & Marissa for Bible study and discussion. There’s room for more! If you’d like to start something new, whether a Bible Study, dinner group, or gathering based on a shared interest, let me know how I can help!
Our Welcome Team is meeting with members of the congregation to share in conversation about how we can best communicate with members, visitors, and guests about inclusion and full participation in our ministry! Some great conversations are happening about how we are known by God and by one another! I hope you’ll take the time to sit and talk with Pr. Marta, Christy Lyn, Kay, or Bob in the weeks to come!
As we enter into Holy Week, we’ll gather with Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and Lakes Lutheran for our Spring Worship Festival on Palm Sunday April 14th! Reservations and plans are being made now, and we look forward to a great day of food and worship! Our Fellowship and Events team hosted a great pancake breakfast and raised over $500 for Family Promise! Plans are in the works now for a community BBQ in March!
I am working on convening a new Worship Planning team. This is still in the early planning stages. Staff meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 4pm. My work with clergy coach Mary Frances is ongoing. The Colorado River Conference Gathering will be March 23rd, 2019 at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church. I will attend a continuing education and reunion event at Wartburg Seminary April 23-25 where the theme will be financial stewardship. I will attend the Lutheran Men in Mission Board meeting in Chicago the following weekend.
Thank you for your continued leadership and faithful participation in our ministry! So many are touched by the mission of this congregation, as we share the heart of Christ in the heart of the city!
In Christ,
Pastor Jason
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