The Lenten Journey- Ash Wednesday 2021

“Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a 40-day "season of spiritual refreshing" called Lent. The word Lent translates from a Middle English word that means "spring." In a real sense, Lent can be a 40-day springtime for the soul. A time of planting, nurture and God's care.” -

REV.DARRELL STUEHRENBERG in the Florida Sun-Sentinel, 2001.

I do not observe Ash Wednesday and Lent out of a sense of requirement or rigid, compulsory duty. In some ways I do not necessarily observe it at all. But I do see it as an opportunity to seek Christ, come out of myself and spring into deeper relationship with Christ crucified. Today we begin this journey towards “springtime.” We do so through the lenses of readings in “Bread and Wine” grounded in the revealed reality of Christ in scripture.

Today's reading is “My Messy House” by Kathleen Norris. Norris talks about teaching the Psalms to children and their honesty in constructing personal Psalms. One child wrote about “The Monster Who was Sorry,” the repentant monster sits in his messy room destroyed out of his own anger and laments, “I shouldn’t have done all that.” Our preparation towards the joy of spring begins with continued recognition of our own messiness. We must not fall into a self loathing despair, but sincerely apologize to God and perhaps others then go forward. Today, Ash Wednesday, we sit and say we’re sorry. All the while clinging to the love of a merciful God who invites are honesty, accepts our brokenness, and happily forgives.

Another Journey

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. I will focus on the Biblical texts and idea of beginning lent during tomorrow’s Prayer and Bible Study that will post on YouTube.

I will also begin tomorrow, daily blogging from the readings in “Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter.” You can find those here and please feel free to comment, email, or text any responses.

I hope this will be a fruitful exercise for us individually and as community to journey through lent.

Blessings,

Justin

Lay Led Service for 9-20-20

Thank you for your flexibility as our Lay Led Service is a little different format this week. Our message is from a chapel devotional by Scot Loyd professor of Mass Communications at OBU. This is a timely message on sharing the gospel of Christ.

Scot Loyd, assistant professor of communication studies and director of forensics and debate, shared OBU's weekly online chapel devotion Wednesday, April 29....

Update on Worship Services

Hello,

This is a quick video explaining our worship service times beginning this Sunday, September 13th. 8:30 will be broadcast on Youtube and in the parking lot over the radio. 11:00 will be live streamed on the internet and in the parking lot, and available for in person worship with protocols in place. Please pass this link on to anyone who might be interested. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

In Christ's Love,

Justin

Lord's Supper This Sunday

This Sunday we will observe the Lord’s Supper virtually together as part of our morning worship service. All who have a relationship with Christ are invited to participate. Here are some practical things you need to know for this observance. UBC has pre-packaged wafer/juice cups available at the church . You can pick up how many you need Thursday and Friday 8-Noon or during a drive through disbursement on Sat. from 10-Noon. If you come Th. or Fri. just buzz in the double glass doors and pick up what you need. On Saturday just enter the parking lot on the North side and drive under the canopy on the South end. If you are not able to make it to the church either time please ask someone to pick up and drop off for you. If you know someone who is not getting out, contact them and ask them if you can get and drop off a cup for them. This is different but can be meaningful and worshipful. If you don’t participate “LIVE” feel free to do so when you are able to view the service. Please let me know if you have any questions. I can be reached by phone or email.

Thanks,

Justin