Pastor Clayton ~ March

What a great time we had welcoming our community through our doors and then celebrating this new space in which God is at work! Throughout those days, I saw the joy as people came in and as we gathered together as God’s people in this space. Now that we are here our attention is turning towards Lent.

Lent is a time of preparation with the cross in mind. It is the season in which we especially reflect on what it is that Jesus has done for you and all those around you. That He has gone and died the death you and others deserved, because you are a sinner. The season begins with Ash Wednesday which is the day when we are reminded of the truth spoken to Adam and Eve about death, “from dust you came and to dust you will return.” The season will end with Good Friday and Easter, the days we celebrate Jesus’ death and His victory over it.

These couple of verses from Joel, often read on Ash Wednesday, highlight what God calls us to do not just during Lent, but each and every day. He calls us always to return to Him, not just in actions, but with our hearts. He calls us to come to Him and confess the truth that we are sinners. Why? Not because He will judge us harshly if we forget to do so, but rather so we can hear that He is, “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”

I want to leave you with the following words from Martin Luther. In his Large Catechism — which are sermons that go along with the teachings of the Small Catechism — Luther speaks to his people about the importance of coming to confess their sins. I think what he says highlights the importance Joel speaks of. We come and confess to God not so we make ourselves right, but so that we can hear how He has made us right.

Luther writes, “We urge you, however, to confess and express your needs, not for the purpose of performing a work but to hear what God wants to say to you. The Word or [forgiveness], I say, is what you should concentrate on, magnifying and cherishing it as a great and wonderful treasure to be accepted with all praise and gratitude.”

Blessings,

Pastor Bryce Clayton

March Youth Group Schedule

Mar. 2 | Activity: Youth Gathering Meeting | Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church

Mar. 4 | Activity: Lent Meal Prep | Location: Mission Center

Mar. 5 | Activity: Serving Lent Meal | Location: Mission Center

Mar. 5 | Activity: Ash Wednesday Service | Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church

Mar. 12 | Activity: Lent Worship Service | Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church

Mar. 19 | Activity: Lent Worship Service | Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church

Mar. 26 | Activity: Lent Worship Service | Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church