First Congregational Church, U.C.C., One Church Street. South Hadley MA 413-532-2262
March message
I’ll be the leprechaun running in the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day race, along with my much faster 22 year old daughter. I’m practicing running often, not daily, but often enough to cross the finish line.
I wonder, do we practice our faith much? Do we take it as seriously or as consistently as eating a well balanced diet or ensuring we have proper sleep, or being in contact with our children or returning emails?
Just as with running, I fall short from practicing my faith daily. Yes, even me. I do forget to pray. I forget there is a higher, greater source that loves me. I forget how nourishing it is to walk into our sanctuary and feel the light streaming through the windows. But when I do, pray, worship or open senses to experience God, I am again committed, committed to practicing my faith.
It’s not too late to begin practicing your faith. It’s not too late this season of Lent to work in a time for devotions, a time to act out being thankful stewards (One Great Hour of Sharing and raising the roof second offering), a time to give, invite, and truly cherish someone else. Practice may not make perfect. But practice does bring us closer to God.
See you in church, along the streets, through emails, practicing,
Lori
While we respond to Haiti and the tragedy at South Hadley High School and as we anticipate Lent, new generating life calls out to us at Center Church. I could not be more inspired by how you respond to our mission and to the Spirit. Your generous spirits have donated $1900.00 to the Church World Service Haiti Relief Fund as of 1/26/10. We just received nine more new members into the church. Thank you sisters and brothers for your hospitality and compassion.
So often as a young protestant I over-looked Lent and focused on Easter dresses, shoes, and gloves (yes, I'm of that age). I spent time wondering how the Easter Bunny would shimmy down the chimney or knock on the front door avoiding ashes.
But now I know. Now I know that it is a time where we can "mix-it-up" (a phrase borrowed from Rev. Andrea Ayvazian). Feb 17 is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, when we repent, forgive, consider do-overs, and re-affirm our baptisms (God's claim on us and God's gift of Grace). Lent can be a time where we can feast instead fast as we mix-it-up. I do not recall Jesus saying blessed is the faster, but rather he invited people to the table to feast on fellowship. During Lent we are often targeted as to what we should sacrifice. Why not do a mix-up and consider instead what we can give. Instead of fasting, why not offer a dinner party or cook like a fiend for one day and bring it to Kate's Kitchen. Or instead of buying your one-a-day latte, how about placing a few dollars in your jacket and giving to the person on the street? Or what about imagining the person you resent/can't understand and praying for them or turning the other cheek and listening to them. Let them be them. What about tucking away the charge card for another day? Or what about believing in yourself and not second guessing?
Lent is a time for self-reflection and an invitation to become better acquainted with our shadows so that we can experience NEW LIFE.
We invite you join us in a Lenten study: From Displacement to Harmony. We will read chapters from the book Dorothy C. Bass edited, Practice our Faith. Copies of the chapters will be available in the office or if you wish, you can purchase a gently-used book through Amazon. On Feb 18, March 10 and March 24, all at 7 p.m., we will discuss 5 chapters from the book.
Journey with us in Lent as we understand how displaced we are and how and where we can seek harmony and peace. You are welcome at Sunday service, Artlucks, Bible Study on Thursday mornings or on these three evenings. For further information on any of these events, call 532-2262.
