youth

 
 
 

Welcome to Shepherd of the Hills!

 

 
 
 
From the Pastor’s Desk
 
Lent begins in February. An opportunity.
 
Ash Wednesday is February 22, 2012. Worship will happen that evening. Marking with ashes and hearing the reminder of our mortality is an opportunity. Some argue that all fear is rooted in our fear of death. Ash Wednesday is the time when we look death square in the face while at the same time looking Jesus square in the face. Jesus wins!
 
The other five Wednesdays of Lent will be used for growth in the life that God provides. We will look at Luther’s “Small Catechism.” (Copies are available on the Narthex desk. An outline of the material to be covered was sent via e-mail earlier.)
 
Those of you who are cradle Lutherans made your way through the Catechism as adolescents. Some of that study may have stuck with you, but I confess that I had too many other things on my mind when I should have been studying.
 
Reviewing the Catechism will be an opportunity for growth. With your life experiences and the guidance of God’s Spirit this study should mean a healthier outcome.
 
Together we will discover that God’s first Word is “I am the Lord your God.” That is a statement of relationship that God establishes and that we live into through all our lives and times.
 
God has provided the Ten Commandments to enable us to enjoy that relationship.
 
Creeds. There are three of them. Saying “I believe” is akin to signing a name on a check. Integrity is at stake. Faithfulness to others is at stake. Reminding God that we are aware of God’s loving activity is at stake.
 
Praying is an art form.  A model for our prayer life was given when Jesus taught the first disciples to pray, “Our Father ….”  Jesus’ prayer is sufficient for our welfare, and encountering the prayer in study will be a “blessed assurance.”
 
Baptism is new life for persons and the entry Rite for the Church.  Talking about Baptism makes the new life even stronger and enhances commitment to all the people that God has chosen to represent God in the World.
 
The Holy Communion is a regular feature of our life together.  The hymn says, “We become what we receive.”  The Body and Blood of Christ make us into the Body and Blood of Christ for our neighbors.
Each Wednesday will begin with soup at 6:00 p.m. Each Wednesday will end with “Prayer at the Close of the Day” (Compline) by 8:00 p.m. Beginning, middle, and ending will be a joy.
 
Giving up something for Lent is an honored tradition.  When you consider what to give up for Lent think about giving up two hours each Wednesday for worship, soup, and study.  It will enable you to take full advantage of the opportunity that Lent provides.
 
God’s peace,
 
R. L. Christensen
Pastor