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Dear MRC Family,

Lenten blessings to you

Despite the snow we had yesterday and a return to colder temperatures, I see signs of spring all around the church campus. Despite the atrocities happening in our world, I know that Love is up to something; Love is always up to something. And that “something” is new life is here and more is surely on its way. This is the promise that waits for us at the end of our Lenten journey. This is the promise of abundant life; this is the promise of joy as followers of Jesus. And beloved, don’t ever let anything or anyone steal your joy. They are simply not that powerful.

So, with rejoicing in my body and soul for new life around us, I look forward to worshiping with you this Fourth Sunday in Lent at 10:30 AM. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “Compass” and the Anthem “Shelter in the Rain.” I am preaching from John 18.12-27 — Jesus is arrested and sent to the High Priest and Peter denies knowing Jesus — and my sermon title is Light & Shadows, Truth & Lies. Also, we will come to God’s table of amazing grace and receive the bread and cup together as the body of Christ. If you are unable to be in person for worship, we will be streaming live on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@mrcafabulouschurchoflove1611. And if you are one of our many followers on Facebook, subscribers on YouTube, or you worship with us online, please consider donating to the ministries of MRC at www.mrchurch.us/give. Thank you for your generosity!

We are trying a little something new this Sunday. You will see in your bulletin different words for the Doxology but with the same tune: From all that dwell below the skies; Let faith and hope with love arise. Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung; Through every land, by every tongue! Amen

Several of our members who attended Grace’s ordination last Saturday appreciated some of the different language and phrasing for the familiar liturgy. So, during Soup & Scripture we thought why not try this Doxology out? (I’ve had these words in the notes on my phone for years now.) It is hopeful, joyful, and still praises God from whom all blessings flow. Let me know what you think! And not to worry, the change won’t be permanent. We will mix it up like we do with the Halle, Halle, the Gloria Patri, and the Celtic Blessing. 

Lastly, here is the reflection question for this upcoming week from our Lenten devotional TMSG from A Sanctified Art based on the Scripture readings Matthew 19.13-15 and Deuteronomy 24.17-22: What’s one way your church or community can extend radical welcome? And before worship, don’t forget to write where you saw, heard, received, shared, or enjoyed the good news of God this week in the “Goodness Book” on the Lenten table.

Keep following and bothering Jesus, beloved

 

With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish

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