Dear PPPC –

Welcome to the liturgical season of Lent. It is a common Christian practice to “give up something” during this season; the act of self-denial is a way to both acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice and focus on our own limitations and mortality. As I wrote to you on Ash Wednesday, you might be “giving up” something OR you might consider “taking up” something new, such as a spiritual practice, hobby, service opportunity, or community building activity, as a way of acknowledging the transformative life to which Christ calls disciples. Last year during Lent, I took up the practice of pottery as a spiritual discipline…it was eye-opening and led to a transformative Lent (more on that another time). This year, as a worshipping community, we are going to take up something new…a Lenten theme:

Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Our Faith with Peter

This Lent, in Worship and in Adult Education, we will focus on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we will watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people – in fact, time and time again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls. When you look at Peter’s story, you find Jesus at each step along the way – offering him abundance, catching him when he begins to sink, challenging him when he stands in the way, washing his feet, predicting his betrayal, and offering him agape love. We won’t idolize or vilify Peter, instead, we’ll wander alongside him, opening our hearts to what we might learn about Jesus the Christ along the way.

Let me be the first to encourage you to come to worship in Lent, as we prepare our hearts, minds, and whole selves for Easter…for the good news of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Come to worship as often as you can and let the music, scriptures, hymns, prayers, and Holy Spirit work on your heart. This Sunday, I am delighted that we will be handing out Bibles to eight of our Young Disciples – what a joy that will be!

See you in church!

Yours for the journey,
Pastor Molly