Dear St. Lukers,
It’s hard to believe we are past the midpoint of our journey with Jesus into the woods of Lent. We have learned that to Love on Purpose means we follow, speak, and rumble. So far, this purposeful love has challenged me in those places of my life where I would much rather seek comfort, safety, and silence. But with every opportunity to point us toward his suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus is showing me how to love in those places in my life instead of keeping them “ under wraps.”
Many of you have leaned into the idea of love speaking truth and rumbling, and as your clergy, we have had great conversations with you about what’s going on in our community, nation, and around the world, especially in Gaza. I find myself sometimes not feeling as confident in my knowledge about the history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and many of you have said that as well. Working with some of our St. Lukers, we are hosting a virtual webinar on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. entitled “Faith In Action: Christian Perspectives on Peacebuilding in Israel/Palestine.” Click here to learn more about the event and to get the Zoom link to join.
During this webinar event, we will be hearing from Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), highlighting the historic and contemporary Christian presence in the Holy Land. We will hear an overview of the Israel/Palestine conflict and the Holy Land, discuss some challenges and opportunities for coexistence, and Dr. Cannon and her staff will share their expertise on Christian engagement in the contemporary contexts of the conflict. Special attention will be paid to the date of October 7, and how Christian communities around the world have mobilized in support of peace in the face of such devastation in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. We will offer an opportunity to ask questions and engage the speakers in further conversation about how they can get involved in advocating for peace in the Holy Land. We hope you will join us.
That’s how we learn to rumble with issues impacting our nation and world, but what about right in our very own homes as parents, grandparents, and caregivers? Our young people are facing so much challenge in our world and sometimes it’s hard to know how to respond or what to say – especially when it feels like we don’t even know the language! Our Grow Team is offering a great way for you to learn some “parenting hacks” from experts in our congregation on Sunday afternoon, and there’s still time to register. Parenting Hacks from Pros will feature Breane Whiting, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Jeanie Krejcha, Registered Behavior Technician, who will be sharing real life tips and strategies that are research-based and built on applied behavior analysis principles that actually work. There will be childcare available and a family-style dinner provided, and all who are involved in the lives of children are welcome – click here to register and learn more.
Two ways to rumble and learn how to speak in love because that’s what Jesus is calling us toward – prepare our hearts and minds to hear new information, become aware, and learn how to respond in a love that follows the way of Jesus, the Rabbi and Savior.
This Sunday we move closer to the cross as Jesus encounters the question of how we must be saved, asked by a Pharisee in the darkness of night. John chapter 3 is one of the most well-known, but often misunderstood chapters by the world at large. I encourage you to prepare for Sunday by listening to Pastor Melissa’s in-depth lecture on this chapter and our theme text for this week (available wherever you get your podcasts), or if you prefer, watching it by clicking here as we prepare to understand how love on purpose GIVES. Melissa and I will see you in worship as we preach on this text and offer you a new perspective on the wiring of our brains toward generosity that you may not have heard before!
Until then, may you know I pray for you as my family of faith constantly, hoping our journey toward more purposeful love will fill you, heal you, and call you to lead your life in love.
Grace and peace –
Jenn.