Pastor Don's Ponderings

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season throughout the Christian community. Many are the parties and much is the 'fat' which is being enjoyed today before the period of 40 days, not including Sundays, begins. There is nothing quite like the suggestion of scarcity which will make us take in and hoard as much as we can, then add to that thought the notion of spirituality, repentance and humility - and, well, it is no wonder Mardi Gras is at its height today. Make hay while the sun shines, party while the food is abundant, sin before the confession starts, and give yourself a good reason to be repentant before the Lord - it is all just our way of giving Easter Sunday morning more meaning. Oy! Through the years, I have come to truly value the Lenten season, if for no other reason than the intentional journey of faith this time calls each of us to be on. Huckleberry Finn's adventures on the mighty Mississippi were all about th...

It is finally here! A new Lenten Devotional for 2023! Written by Rev. Dr. Don Wagner, with Photographs by Fr. Jerry Schweitzer, this new Lenten Devotional entitled, "Beginnings - Living Into the Spirit's Vision of the Beloved Community", is a daily opportunity to walk the road to Jerusalem in a mindful, meaningful manner. Focused on the scripture text from Acts 2.42ff, this Lenten Devotional explores what brings the emerging Christian community together, Who sustains and shapes it, and to what they are called to be doing as a new community in mission. We pray you find this Lenten Devotional to be a helpful way to explore your own spirituality on the Lenten journey! JUST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW! Feel Free to share the link with others and to support the designated ministries as you are able! Blessings on the Way! Don & Jerry Beginnings - A Lenten Devotional

What are the chances the ashes make a difference, a real difference in the heart of the one receiving them? What truly is the power of the words, "Remember, from dust you were made and to dust you shall return"? Is it possible this day that folk will rend their hearts before God, rather than just make an appearance to receive a cross of ash? Will the liturgy of the moment speak to the mounting apathy of the culture? Only God knows, and God does know. So it is that we gather, so it is we worship, so it is that we listen to the Word Made Flesh, so it is that we wait on the Spirit, so it is that we humbly bow before God. God does not care about church membership or frequency of attendance. God wants to be in relationship with you, with me, with us all. God calls us to live as the community of the blessed in the midst of creation. Ashes remind us that we are here but for a few short days, so we make the most of our days. Today, the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, we r...