Pastor's Corner
February. The time of wintry winds, snowy roads and hopes of spring expressed ground hog shadows -- except this year.
I write these words on the first day of February listening to bird songs and balmy breezes blowing. It seems the world has gotten its seasons mixed up. We have experienced 60+ degree days here in mid-winter suggesting that spring is not six weeks hence but already among us. Of course all that could change tomorrow. Winter is surely not over and this coming month will undoubtedly bring some chilly weather and perhaps snowy days. One thing is for certain, February brings with it a special day inviting us to pause and reflect on our faith journeys.
February of course marks the time when we think of love – Valentine’s Day. The heart-shaped boxes of candy and colorful cards have once again appeared in store displays inviting us to remember those we love. The images of cupids with their bows and arrows once again calling to us think amorous thoughts. And indeed it is good to give gifts and share tokens of affection, expressing our feelings of love for our spouses, children, friends and family members.
But what of the One who loves us as no other?
Scripture reminds us that “God so loved the world he gave his only Son”. What greater gift could be given than our Lord’s sacrifice for a sinful humanity? This season of reflection on love in our culture also invites us to ponder this mysterious gift of God’s love –Jesus Christ. His willingness to die on the cross for us that we might have eternal life is a gift unlike any other. Cards and sweets maybe nice nice, but nothing can compare to the love found in Christ Jesus. Love freely offered without price.
February marks the beginning of the season of Lent,as we begin our journey to the cross and the empty tomb of Easter. The time we in the church reflect on the powerful gift of God’s love given to us in Jesus Christ. On February 22nd we begin our special Lenten Dinners on Wednesday nights at 5:45 p.m. This year, our dinners will also include a time of study and reflection on Adam Hamilton’s book 24 Hours that Changed the World based on the last day in Jesus’ earthly life among us. It promises to be a great time of fellowship and spiritual growth.
During this season of love, you are invited to join us at Duffey Memorial UMC as we reflect on the love of Christ in worship Sunday mornings and our special study beginning Feb 22nd. Our services, dinners and studies are open to all. I believe you will find Duffey Memorial UMC a friendly caring place to experience the warmth in God’s love in Jesus Christ this February. And that holds true whether some groundhog sees his shadow or not.
Walk in Peace,
Pastor Jay