SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

James 1:2  Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Here we are again in the midst of economic misery, two wars, stunning natural disasters, personal loss and sorrow, illness and every kind of conflict small and large.  “When will things ever get back to normal?” you may be asking.

Well, after many years of asking that very thing, I’ve come to believe this is normal.  Although there may be times of seeming ease and calm, they are always interrupted by the bad stuff.  Problems and challenges will never end.  This is what living is about – to figure out how to handle them and to work for a better future.

For me, being part of a church family is a great place to do that.  Here we have a group of people who may have plenty of personal issues, but who feel very blessed and want to spread the blessings to others.

Not only that, we are doing it with a strong sense of hope that comes from our faith.  Right in this church, for a couple of years there was a lot of anguish about where we were going and what would become of us while we searched for a new pastor.

Now, after hard work from the Pastoral Nominating Committee supported by prayer, we have one, and suddenly the atmosphere here has brightened.  At session meetings, there seems to be a renewed sense of direction and purpose.  Life hasn’t become any easier, but here, in this community of faith, we can do something to help.

Prayer:  Dear Lord,  Help us to meet our problems and challenges with a joyful spirit, knowing we can find strength in facing them together, buoyed by your guidance and love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Barbara Hoover

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Joshua 1:9  Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident.  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

The study of Joshua reminds us that God's people are, and always have been, connected. How are we now connected?

On a December day, a group of willing souls gathered to prepare FIRST NEWS for mailing.  Camaraderie filled the room as the new USPS requirements for bulk mailings were learned, practiced, and double checked for accuracy.  We connected with each other amid chatting, laughter, and refreshments.  It was a joy and blessing to connect.

Later, family members, from 9 weeks to 92 years gathered for hugs and stories, gifts, pictures, more laughter, and food.  It was a joy and blessing to connect.

In the family and in church, God's gift of connection provides strength, support, and direction.  We connect in meetings, Bible studies, potlucks, social events, mission projects – with friends, newcomers, and visitors.

The story of Joshua illustrates continuing connection with and among our ancestors in faith.  Acts tells of the early church's connection with the disciples of Jesus.

God's plan for connection blesses us and our church in the journey of faith, not only in Lent, but all year long.  Thanks be to God.

Prayer:  Loving God, make us always thankful for family, friends, and church.  May we live to serve and care for others, as expressions of gratitude for these precious gifts.  In Jesus' name.  Amen

Ginnie Spurr

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Joshua 1:2  Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River.

My mother-in-law gave me a gift when my daughter Erin graduated from high school.  After a busy party in the backyard, sitting under a tent, she gave me a small box.  In it was a lovely antique diamond ring with a butterfly setting.  As I began to read Joshua for Bible study, I looked down at my hand and that ring.  “Lord, lead me across this river Jordan.”

A few days prior, my son Matt showed me an engagement ring.  Matt had decided to propose to a girl he had known for only five months.  Her name was Jordan.  In the few times we had met I had noted all the ways she was different from the women in my family.  She smoked, she wore black nail polish, and she had lots of tattoos.  What did those observations say about me, the woman with a magnet on her fridge with a quote from Joshua that read:  “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”?

More importantly, what was Jordan really like?  It is so easy to fall back on stereotypes, but as I continued my studies that week I discovered that God was urging me to achieve my full potential just as God had encouraged the Israelites while crossing the Jordan River:  “Be strong and courageous… the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9)

A few months have passed now, and Jordan and I are getting to know one another better.  She is a sweet and kind young woman.  With my own mother-in-law as an example, I have seen how reaching out in Christ’s love creates a special bond.  Now it is my turn to continue that tradition.

Prayer:
“Lord bring us to our Jordan
Of newly opened eyes,
Through love, immersed in living
As you were once baptized.”  Amen.
(Lord When You Came to Jordan Brian Wren 1979)

Colleen Fisher

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Romans 12:6  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.

A few years ago Chris Gannon preached about the opportunities, presented throughout our lives, to answer God’s call to serve.  She said the calls come over and over, kind of like the charity calls we all receive.  You know what the call may be, so often you don’t answer.  Charities keep calling and calling.  God keeps calling and calling.  Different times, different places, God keeps calling.

When I retired from my teaching career, I was asked to share my skills, in a multitude of ways, within our church and with charitable organizations.  I ignored all requests.  I just wanted to indulge myself in every leisure opportunity possible.  I had breakfasts with friends, computer lessons, knitting lessons, cooking lessons, and socialized from dawn to dusk.  While rushing from one indulgent activity to the next, I began to become aware that something was missing.  Still, I ignored the calls to share my talents.  

Then, one morning, I met a school parent I knew who asked if I would consider tutoring.  When I declined, she became just a little confrontational and asked, “How can you NOT share your talent when so many children are in need?”  I didn’t know how to answer.

Soon, thereafter, I began to answer some of my calls.  I realized God had given me gifts I needed to use to be a whole person.  We have all been given different gifts through grace, and by combining our gifts in the service of others, we renew our world in God’s image.

During Lent, listen more carefully to the calls for your gifts.  Answer the calls!

Prayer:  Lord, make us more aware of your calls to serve.  Help us use our gifts more wisely.  Amen.

Joan Palleschi

Lenten Devotional 2010

LENT: Our broken world is in God's hands and the peace of Christ has been
given to us.

The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 17 this
year. Our 2010 Lenten Devotional is printed and available around the
church. Look for a new Lenten Devotion posted one per day during the season
of Lent.

If you would like to receive the devotional every morning in your inbox,
see subscription information in the box on the right.

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