PASTORS POST
Lent as a Time of Hope?
Lent is a season when the church traditionally focuses on the preparation of baptismal candidates and the continual process of conversion and repentance for everyone. At one time Lent was a time that penitents were expelled from the
fellowship of the congregation as a period of repentance. It remains a solemn and penitential season of the church year with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting and alms giving emphasized. (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, the Gospel for Ash
Wednesday).
But Lent is also a time of hope. Our hope is in the saving grace of God as revealed to us in the ministry, life, and death of Jesus which leads to the resurrection of Christ on Easter. God’s love is most clearly experienced in the Jesus’ self giving love, even to death on a cross.
Lent this year, is also a time when our congregation is planning to resume in person worship with COVID precautions. The Reopening Committee and the Worship and Music Committee are working on the details of gathering in person in a way that is as safe as possible. They hope that we can start in person worship the weekend of February 20-21. This is still in the planning stage but they think this is possible.
Wednesday evening worship using Holden Evening Prayer will be on Zoom. Also in the planning process is a combined Ash Wednesday worship on Zoom followed by the Imposition of Ashes outside the church in a drive through fashion.
The root meaning of the word lent is spring—a time of hope and budding growth. We are hopeful that we can offer safe in person worship as well as worship on Zoom and online platforms. Please “stay tuned” as the details are worked out.
Remember, however we gather for worship this Lent our greatest hope is the love of God in the person and ministry of Jesus our sovereign and savior.
In Christ,
Pastor Michael
MANY THANKS
Our last shared coverage for rotation of Family Promise was in January and a heartfelt thank you is extended to the following folks for covering either the expense of a meal or actual foods provided for two single Moms and three children.
Tom and Shirley Kaetzer
Doug and Kari Chandler
Patti Riesland
Linda Oliverius
We also thank:
Mary Bates for donating curtains and Marcia Talley for donating linens to the house which Sarah and Joe Evans are donating for temporary use for one- or two-Family Promise participants until summer. This will help with the expense of housing Families in a motel. Thank you if anyone else contributed to this plan.
Our next shared rotation week is March 21-28. If there are questions or concerns, please call or send an e-mail to: Margie Sewell
Doug and Kari Chandler
Patti Riesland
Linda Oliverius
LITTLE PANTRY DRIVE-BY AND COFFEE SALE
Good Folks of Ascension Lutheran Church,
We will be having a drive-by donation for the Little Pantry on Saturday March 13, 2021 from 9:30-11:00 AM. You may drive through the church’s east parking lot and drop off any factory packaged, non-perishable food item for the Little Pantry. You may also drop off any canned Green Beans, Corn, or Peas for NEEDS and they will be delivered. The Little Pantry is an ongoing ministry of Ascension and is well used by the community.
In addition, we will have Fair Trade coffee, tea and other items out for your selection at the same time. You may satisfy your coffee desires or try something new. The cost is reasonable and supports fair trade growers. This is your chance to stock your pantry as well!
Thank you and see you on March 13!
Midweek Lenten Services
Please join us for Lenten Wednesday Worship via Zoom
Every week on Wed, until Mar 24, 2021
Feb 24, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 3, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 10, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 17, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 24, 2021 07:00 PM
Contact the church office for Zoom information
Morning devotionals
Morning devotionals via Zoom are held five days a week: Monday through Friday. It opens at 7 a.m. Devotion conversation is from 7:20–7:34 a.m.
Pastor’s Bible Study
Tuesdays at 7:00pm via Zoom
March 2-March 30
“Save the Date!”
Although VBS was cancelled last year, we are planning to be back together this year. We are again working with Sky Ranch to provide a wonderful five-day program June 20th through June 25th for children in pre-school through those completing 5th grade.
Of course we will continue to be flexible and will be following guidance from the Church Council and the state and county authorities, but are hopeful that this year we can gather in person. Please put the date on your calendar and spread the word to friends who might be interested.
Volunteers are needed, especially two adults to lead the pre-school group. If you are interested or have questions, contact Chris Muggenburg, Nichole Morris, or Kris Rude.
Contact Us
Click on the link below to ask for a pastoral visit or request more information.