. . . WHY BOTHER WITH LENT? . . .
Pastor Dave
February 2012
That might seem like a rather strange question for a pastor to ponder or pose. I realize that for many of you, Lent is no bother at all. It’s an important and meaningful time of the year – a time to contemplate the life and death of Jesus Christ and to intentionally deepen your own personal connection with the Divine Source of Life. I think that’s a wonderful and beneficial practice to follow.
However, there may be others of you for whom this whole idea of Lent is a bit more hazy. Perhaps you weren’t raised in a faith community or a home where this forty-day period before Easter was set aside as a special season for prayer, meditation, and personal dedication. Therefore, Lent may seem a bit artificial or arbitrary. It’s something that Roman Catholics and Lutherans observe, and maybe some Methodists or certain UCC-types. But it definitely is not mentioned in the Scriptures, and there are many highly- dedicated people of faith who have never bothered to observe this particular season.
Regardless of what your own history with Lent may be, I would like to suggest two very basic, traditional Lenten practices which may help make this season more meaningful for you.
The first, is to "give-up" something, as a way of remembering the gracious life and sacrificial death of Christ. This "giving- up" can help strengthen our own self-discipline, while at the same time increasing our appreciation for some of those things we often take for granted. The second practice is to use that now-available time or those extra resources to "take- on" something positive and fulfilling.
Obviously, you and I don’t need a special season, or reason, to "give-up" our excesses or to "take-on" new and positive projects or behaviors. What we do need, is the desire and decision to do it, and the dedicated commitment to do it now. After all, now is the only time that you or I have to act. The past is gone, the future is yet to come; therefore, now is the perfect time to take action! And this season of Lent provides us with the perfect opportunity to begin.
Our Lenten Season begins with our Ash Wednesday Soup Supper at 6:30 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall, followed by our Service of Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m. We will also have opportunity each week for study and growth, which is being coordinated with the members of the Richfield UCC. I hope that you all will find something extra to "take on" during this Lenten season. I also hope that you will consider inviting a friend [or more] to join us at our Soup Supper and Service. We always have good food and great fellowship at these gatherings. But beyond that, we also have remarkably wonderful Good News to share: the message of God’s love and grace which is revealed to us in Jesus Christ. Good News that is always in season!
With You in Christ’s Service,
Pastor Dave
. . . WHAT A YEAR WE’VE HAD . . .
Pastor Dave
January 2012
Those of you who had the opportunity to worship at BUCC during our Advent and Christmas celebrations were no doubt touched by the beauty of our worship space. The symbolic greens, festive candles, and colorful flowers not only add to the allure of our sanctuary, but also help convey the wondrous significance of this Holy Season. In addition to the visual beauty of our worship area, that space was filled with the glorious sounds of celebration and praise. Dave Debick once again did an outstanding job of bringing together music, texts, and talents to produce a magnificent Christmas Cantata. And though I’m writing this before it has been presented, I’m certain that our Children’s Pageant will once again be a spectacular spectacle!
Our Stewardship theme this year was Count Yourself Blessed. As I think about our marvelous music ministry, our inspiring worship, our energetic children, and all our dedicated members who participate so faithfully, I truly do count myself blessed to be a part of this church! This year’s Stewardship drive not only prompted our highest financial pledging in recent years, but also helped inspire a record number of people signing up to serve on our various Ministry Teams. It is in and through the generous sharing of your time and talents, resources and faith, that the message of Divine Love and Grace comes shining through for all to see. And the caring hearts and warm smiles of all of you – our members and friends – make this a place where all people can truly feel welcome and accepted.
I offer a grateful "Thank You" to you all for making this past year at BUCC such a joyous and positive one. And to those of you who are new to our church, or perhaps have not taken an active role here for some time, I want to encourage you to consider joining in the effort. This month, our Church Council and Ministry Teams will be regrouping to gear up for a new year of activities and events, ministries and missions. Their meetings are open to anyone who is interested, so please feel free to attend, participate, and find out more about the work of this congregation. With all of us serving together, we can continue to do great things for our Great and Loving God!
May God bless you all in this New Year!
Pastor Dave
