Rev. Craig Goodrich

This year the entire month of March is in the Season of Lent, a season for reflection, soul searching and going deeper in our faith. It is a season to take stock of the “whys” of our lives as we approach the celebration of Easter resurrection on April 4. How are you observing this Lent, or are you at all? Lent began with Ash Wednesday when ashes were imposed on our foreheads in the sign of the cross and the echo of the words of God in Genesis “From dust you came and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19). A sober reminder of our mortality. Of course, we hardly need a reminder of our vulnerability in the season of a world-wide pandemic, of suffering and death. And our prayers are for all who are ill, for those who grieve, and we give thanks for healthcare workers and vaccines. But the truth is that most of us live in denial about our own death. Professor J. Todd Billings of Western Theological Seminary writes in his recent book, The End of the Christian Life: How Embracing OurMortality Frees Us to Truly Live,it is only as we acknowledge our mortality that we are free to live in the day we have been given. Billings, himself a cancer patient, writes: “But the path of Christian discipleship involves honest and regular reminders of both our mortal limits and those of our loved ones and neighbors. The path of Christian discipleship involves moving towards the wound of mortality, not away from it. Paradoxically, this is the life-giving path, a path of freedom and love.” (page 12).

So, this Lent won’t you consider the precious gift of your life and consider embracing some new practices or habits: to pray more regularly; to explore fasting; to give more generously; to refrain from obsessive social media or “news” consumption; to reach out and express your love and care. Let these ideas and practices come to you and as we remember we are dust, and also that “in life and in death we belong to God” and that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And yes, there is much for which to be thankful. Our worship of God continues, both online and in person. Our Reopening Task Force and Session continue to evaluate the virus data in making decisions for all of us. Vaccines are now available and increasingly we are hearing more “success” stories. Yes, we will get through this. Please read thoroughly this edition of the Outreach. We are grateful to Kathleen Law for her faithful work in Communications which has kept us all connected during this time. Please see the Session update (page 3); the update on our Generosity Campaign; (page 4, and thanks to all who have pledged!); the “Staff Spotlight,” this month featuring our Director of Finance, Anna Focht (page 10); news from Presbyterian Women (page 8); Wednesday evenings Zoom fellowship (page 9) and much more! And let’s pray that in this Lenten season and month of March, we may all have patience, perseverance, faith, hope, and love. And gratitude for this day, remembering that it is truly the only day we have! Faithfully and Gratefully,

From the Pulpit

March 7 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Overturning Tables” March 14 Rev. Craig Goodrich “Eternity Now” March 21 Rev. Rex Childs “A Single Grain” March 28 Palm Sunday ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION Rev. Craig Goodrich “The Coming Kingdom”