Difficult Places and Spaces ...
2 by Pastor Ben Cieslik
When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up , he set his face to go to Jerusalem . - Luke 9:51
From here , there is no turning back . The above verse ( 9:51 ) from Luke ’ s gospel functions as a significant turning point in the story . From this moment on , Jesus ’ energy and focus will be on the city of Jerusalem which , as we know , is where he will be crucified . There ’ s an inevitability in how Luke frames this shift . It ’ s as though there is no other path that Jesus could or would take . We might prefer that Jesus exercise an alternative option , accomplish his purposes through some other means , wishing that new life needn ' t come from death . I think we ’ re quite willing to see Jesus die , but to follow him to his death , to go with him to the cross is another matter . We would much rather avoid suffering altogether , thank you very much . But God ’ s salvation project invites us to follow Jesus , to enter into the darkness , the suffering and the pain of this world so that life may somehow emerge from waste of death .
Over the course of this season of Lent we ’ re inviting you to be confronted by “ sacred interruptions .”( see right sidebar ) For a season , we ’ re inviting you to set your face on the needs of your neighbors . Each and every day we have opportunities to see differently , to see as God does , and to be moved to compassion .
Rather than give something up or take something on for this season , focus your energy and your vision on the people and places that we have gotten really good at not seeing . Follow Jesus into those difficult places and spaces and trust that in him beauty and life will emerge .
Worship on Wednesdays in Lent 7:00 pm at Both Campuses
Soup Supper 6:00 pm ( MTKA ) Dinner 5:30 pm ( MPLS )
This Lenten season we will gather for worship on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm . Enriching our experience , we will be led in worship by special music vocalists and instrumentalists at the Minnetonka campus and guest choirs at the Minneapolis campus . Together we ' ll sing the beloved " Holden Evening Prayer ."
Ash Wednesday , Mar . 1 : Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion 7 pm ( MTKA ); Noon , 5:45 pm ( Family Blessing ), and 7 pm ( MPLS )
Guest Choirs at Mpls Campus : Wed . Mar . 8 : Partners in Praise Wed . Mar . 15 : Cherubs , Choristers & Youth Choir Wed . Mar . 22 : National Lutheran Choir Ensemble Wed . Mar . 29 : Washburn High School Choir Wed . Apr . 5 : Minnesota BoyChoir
Follow Jesus into those difficult places and spaces and trust that in him beauty and life will emerge .
ON THE COVER :
SALVATION PROJECT continues through Lent ...
SACRED INTERRUPTIONS
You have a neighbor who needs your help . Who is your neighbor in need ? This Lent , get your hands dirty doing God ' s work in the world ! Be open to who God places in your path . Commit to answering a need of someone in your community each week . This could be as easy as shoveling a walk or donating some clothes , or maybe your neighbor will invite you to grow and take action in unexpected ways . Can we follow the example of the Good Samaritan ? Can we more clearly see the hurt and the needs around us and be the one who is willing to engage ?
Here are some ways to get started :
• Pray for your friend in need .
• Combine your skills with your passion and volunteer .
• Take initiative and follow through on an inspiration that you have .
• Walk or drive through your neighborhood . What needs do you see ? How can you address those needs ?
• Keep a news journal , jot down the story that addresses a need or that the need has been met .
• Listen to your friends at school , how can you quietly meet a need ?
• March 5 – Pick up a “ blessing bag ” in the Gallery / Friendship Hall . Find someone that needs this bag . ( socks , bus pass , lotion , McDonald ’ s gift certificate , protein bar , etc .) or make your own to give to someone in need .
• March 12 & 19 – Write a letter for “ Bread for the World ” ( watch for details in worship bulletins )
Next CONNECT deadline : March 10 , 2017 pdunn @ bethlehem-church . org
CONNECT newsletter online bethlehem-church . org