Feb 21 2012
Pastor’s Notes – February 19 2012
Lent starts on Wednesday! Have you given some thought about what you would “give up” for the 40 days? There seem to have been a number of discussions in homes around the Parish on the subject. Some are taking to walking for short trips around town, some are turning their morning tea into water and some are giving up Facebook. I have decided to follow Wesley’s example to fast on Fridays. The denial is not just to raise money, but also to challenge us about the ordinary things we take for granted and bring our thoughts back to the One who gives us all things. The forty days is a reminder of the 40 year journey of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land; and also of the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. In the Bible, periods of forty, tend to mark a change or metamorphosis in people’s lives. It is my prayer that this Lent period will be the same for us.
The money “saved” by giving up things should be set aside in a LentEvent Box or even just a bottle. We will collect it all at Easter and the intention is to sponsor some of our young adults (or anyone really) on a Short Term Mission Trip. The weight seems to be swinging in favour of going to India with Leprosy Mission at this stage. It will be a life changing experience. The cost is $3500 pp and the dates are 18 Sept to 6 Oct.
How do you value what you “give up”? Some things are easier than others. Two cups of tea a day over the 40 days is probably around $5. A soft drink each day, probably around $30. Fasting one day a week, about $120. Facebook … who knows, it could be as much as $500 in time saved!
On another front, its time for us to have a couple of meetings to get things going for the year. Ride for Life have already met and will be launching the first course for the year on March 3rd.
I want to meet with the worship leaders & Sunday School folk after the service today.
Merredin United in Prayer meets on Thursday at the Anglican Church.
The Parish Council will meet next Saturday.
We need some men to help with a Busy Bee around the church on Saturday March 3rd – mainly the grounds and Muckaround Room.
A meeting of the congregation will take place after the service on March 4th.
God bless
David
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