St. Andrews Lutheran Church

Grace to You!

Jesus is the “Great I Am”. He himself uses this title, “I Am” throughout the Gospel of John. It describes various aspects of his life, his purpose, his ministry and his desire to bring “glory to the Father” through his own life of obedience and the death he dies that brings glory to himself.

Lent is coming. It begins this month on February 25th with Ash Wednesday. You are invited to take a journey with Jesus, the great “I Am” as he walks through the deserts of this life on his own way to the cross. Following this Jesus to the cross is the way we understand how this Jesus walks with us through our own desert wanderings in life. Have you experienced desert times in your life-times when you are dry and parched and wanting of some waters of true life? Who will give you this water? Who will take away your sorrows, your pains, your struggles and give you a refreshing drink?

As many have done in the past, Lent is often a time of self-reflection and a time to contemplate our sinful lives as the reason that Jesus went to the cross. This will be a part of our journey, but not the focus of the journey. Our focus will be on the character, the personality, the power, and the purpose of the man who is God-Jesus Christ, our Lord. In the process you will hear a Lord and Savior who loves you, who feeds you, who gives of himself for you, who prays for you, and who chooses you to be his follower and disciple.

One new thing I will try this Lent will be a 7:00 a.m. Ash Wednesday Meditation that will last no more than ½ hour. The purpose will be a confession of sins and opportunity to receive the sign of the cross, either upon your forehead or your wrist, so that in forgiveness you may testify to the great “I Am” who gives your life purpose and direction. We will continue the Noon devotions and the 7:00 pm Service of Light each week through Holy week in April.

On another note: congratulations to all the new members of St. Andrews and to ourselves for keeping the church open for the sharing of this Word of Life! In our growth we are blessed. In our growth, we are also challenged. How will we keep the focus of a community of believers who share together the Gospel of life in Jesus Christ? How will we get to know each other and learn of new talents that have come our way? How will we support each other through the changes of life that continue with all members over time? Church growth will always be a challenge and opportunity. Please take time to meet, greet, and invite our new members to your small groups, your Bible studies, and to your community celebrations.

Thank you family of St. Andrews-for your faith, your love, and your desire to share the Word of Life to the world, beginning at home, then into your community, then into the world.

In Christ’s service to you,
Pastor Jeff Duncan