Trinity Connections

March 2

Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

…But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain.

I Corinthians 15:8, 10

This past Sunday, we heard some of the foundational texts of our tradition, from Genesis, Romans and Mark.

This call to worship gives voice to the “surprise” of God’s grace. I think of the title of an autobiography by C.S. Lewis: “Surprised by Joy.”

May you be surprised anew by God’s great grace, poured out for you and all the world in Jesus Christ.

Call to Worship

(based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Mark 8:31-38; Romans 4:13-25)

Pilgrims, we are invited to journey through this season of Lent

towards the One who calls us each by a new name.

Disciples, we walk with Jesus wherever he leads us,

pulling our fears, our doubts, our longings behind us.

Believers, we seek to trust the God who always surprises us,

whose promises take on flesh and blood

in the good news called Jesus.

- written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies blog. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/

March 1

The sun rises and the sun goes down,

and hurries to the place where it rises.

Ecclesiastes 1:5

Can it possibly be March already?

I saw a funny line. The writer offered a friendly reminder for us, considering March was on the horizon. She wanted for us to beware:

"March is a false idol that will break your heart.”

HA!

Today, with the warm sunshine, we see hints of spring. Is this a false idol? Probably not. At the same time, there are almost certainly a few more winter storms in store for us later in March, or in April, or maybe May, or…!

Right?

As the sunshine gives rise to hope for spring and summer, let me remind you of the hope of the Gospel.

This is more certain than the fact that there are storms - as well as nice weather - ahead.

God loves you with a never ending love, and has sent Jesus to make you God’s own.

We look ahead to Easter as a celebration of this truth that lights our way, every single day, even when the snow flies, and darkness threatens all round.

Peace to you, Pastor Phil

I will be sending the March Newsletter a bit later today - let me know if you have any problems opening the pdf…

The sanctuary and chapel are open each day, you can stop by for prayer.