February 2026
 

Happy February! This also means the following: Happy Valentines Day! Happy Transfiguration Sunday!  Happy Ash Wednesday! Happy Season of Lent and Wednesday night suppers!   One might say that there is much to be happy about as the month of February unfolds.  What makes you happy about February?

 

Our Gospel readings will find us reading the Gospel of Matthew beginning with the Beatitudes in Chapter 5, Jesus fasting in chapter 6 and more fasting in chapter 4.   I invite you to read them as part of your daily devotions. Remember that the readings for each week are listed on the previous week’s bulletin.  That way you are always ready to listen to the sermon and worship themes each week.

 

Ash Wednesday begins this season of Lenten season with confession; we begin with Psalm 51; we begin on our knees. Today this ancient prayer placed on our lips becomes new again: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” We speak our truths from the shadow of our sin, the very shadow that marks our mortality. Like ash traced upon our foreheads, we are marked with the reality of our frailties and failings. It is stark reminder that sin and death are smeared all over us. From this inevitable reality, we cry out for mercy! For as bold as it is to name our sin and sinful ways that lead to death, it is all the more audacious to summon our God! To summon the one who actually has the power to do something about sin and the ways of death! On this day of penitence, through the work and witness of Christ Jesus, we summon God to come, to hear our prayer, and to listen to our confession.

 

So, with our truths laid bare, we confess our unfaithfulness to God, our lackluster love for our neighbors, our neglect of suffering and injustice in the world. In the same breath, we ask God to wash us, to purge us, and to create in us clean hearts. The smears of sin are washed clean through the love of Christ. And yet, we will leave worship Wednesday evening still carrying the cross-shaped trace of sin and death upon us. It is a reminder that, even amid our confession, we continue this Lenten season to listen for the perpetual call to return to the Lord our God who is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love (Joel 2:13).

 

One closing thought about Ash Wednesday…what does this mark on the forehead say about us? About God? About our church community and our work in the world? what does this say about us?

I hope to see you at the Pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday, then again on Ash Wednesday.  I know I will be seeing you at the Wednesday night meals.  Perhaps February really means Fellowship with your church Family…

 

See you in church,                                                                             

Pastor John

January 2026

Happy Hew Year! Life’s slate of keeping “score” is wiped clean and we emerge as individuals who have new opportunities in life. Some of us will make New Year’s resolutions to …better ourselves. Resolutions that set
goals such as losing weight, read more, watch less television and use our cell phones a lot less. What might you desire to change about yourself from last year’s activities?

As for me, I want to spend more time exercising and taking care of my body. I know that I am not as young as I used to be, all of my bodily joints require stretching and moving as well as a monthly adjustment from a chiropractor.
 
The family of God is also developing new identities. We have a new bishop, new council leaders, new WELCA leaders and we all desire to receive “new members” to join us in worshiping God, receiving his
promise of salvation and living a new life of peace. Some of these “new” individuals will offer new ideas and directions for growth. Living life as usual won’t cut the mustard anymore. It’s time to try something new,
different and maybe experimental. What change can we embrace as God’s people to move away from an attitude of “good enough” for us… move in the direction of “better for welcoming a special guest”?
 
Such changes still require us to look in the mirror and take care of our reflection. Take care of the way we appear to others: new paint, new floors, clean tables, dust free environments… hair in place, smile on our
hearts, love shared as bread is broken and offered to others in Jesus’ name.
 
In the “newness” of a new month, a new year, our reflection and witness need to be much more than superficial smiles so that we are truly reflecting a devotion and commitment to shine forth the light and love of Christ. His birth in the manger was not simply a “cute” delivery proving that God can create life and light in mangers. The birth of Jesus is intended to show humanity that they are loved and redeemed by the love and desire of the Almighty. A love that comes for our sake…that we would have a new identity through him. He, Jesus is The King and we are His people. Our allegiance is to Him, and our purpose is like His purpose-to Love. Give love, encourage love, give forgiveness, be extravagant in loving ways.
 
May each member of His church identify with our NEW IDENTITY-Loving disciples who help and care for our neighbors by inviting them into a relationship with the man of the manger.

See you in Church… Pastor John