Pastor's Message for Lent into Easter

Our Lenten Exploration Adventure Continues!

It is a bright post rain spring day in March as I write this, but it will be April when you read this. Yesterday was the 5^th Sunday in Lent – a day marked by some exciting new experiences.

I was joyfully surprised by the gift of a stunningly beautiful new stole – made more special by being in the form of a Jewish prayer shawl with the Lord’s Prayer embroidered in both English and Hebrew. I thank you for this precious gift which celebrates the one-year anniversary of our journey of transition and transformation.

As we begin our second year together let’s be conscious of our purpose – to discover and reveal the direction in which the Holy Spirit is leading First Christian Church in ministry and service in Santa Barbara. We have had a year to begin to know each other and to prayerfully consider just where this congregation is headed in the coming years. Now the time has come to step things up, to tighten our focus, and in order to do that, we will need the prayers and participation of the whole congregation. What each of you and the whole congregation receive from our time together focusing on spiritual and congregational transformation will be directly related to each one person’s own participation in worship, study groups, and concerted prayer for the congregation, its members, its ministry, and me as your transitional pastor.

But Wait, There’s More! Our Table Talk Transformation Lunches!

These monthly meetings are the place for our congregation to meet, to create, and unfold our future. Your participation is important – in fact it is essential to the process! Those who were present in March did a thoughtful and intense job interviewing each other about their best experiences of God and of Love in the church. If you missed this or the previous Table Talk, please pick up a copy of the interview forms to complete with friends or family or even on your own.

Did you get that? If you can’t make one of our Table Talks, be sure to contact the office, and we will mail you a copy of what we worked on so you can participate and share your ideas and experiences and prayers and dreams.

Each Table Talk builds on the previous one – so please be a part of our congregational journey of discovery!

The Season of Lent – Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday

Palm Sunday is April 1 -– come and fold a palm cross and celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Don’t forget to order your Easter Lilies. After worship we will enjoy Pizza and Table Talk number three. On Maundy Thursday (April 5) we will recall Jesus’ Last Supper with a Simple Soup Supper followed by a Service of Remembrance. The Community Interfaith Good Friday Service will take place the next day. (I will be speaking on Jesus’ fourth word – My Lord, Why Have You Forsaken Me?). On Holy Saturday, the Combined Easter Choir of FCC and Grace will sing at 11:00 am and again during our Easter Sunday Worship Celebration at 10:30 am . The following Sunday will be Holy Hilarity Sunday – want to help? Talk to me!

May we journey with Christ on our adventure, and be touched by the openness of Christ’ Love along the way.  I am with you on the adventure!