This is a week where much action is happening around the castle. Although this seems odd for Lent, it seems very appropriate for Green Lake UMC to be making changes at this time. It has been a couple of years of contemplation about new ministries, and with tenants moving out, and congregation members contemplating how best we can all serve the community, just as the 40 days in the wilderness had jesus ready for active ministry, so are we!
This week’s sermon (sorry not online, and sorrier still that some of our beloved were out sick) was on repentance and how God is constantly inviting us to return to wholeness and love (repent) from our wayward ways. As a great metaphor we had a table that had been stored for years in the dungeon of the church, covered with red contact paper and years of dust and debris. This week it was beautiful thanks to some time and effort, all good things take effort. Just as the table, this congregation is renewing itself, pealing away and searching for the beautiful essential grain to show forth. And a wonderful part of this process, which is central to Lent’s exploration, is that each change is being shared, discussed and discerned. Just as facing “Diabalos” was not easy for Jesus and was work that left him tired, so is the work happening here. Just as the wilderness left Jesus set in motion for ministry of healing, hope and redemption, so we are getting set for all that at GLUMC.
It is an exciting time for all of us, as we ask ourselves the question, “How is God, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit calling you to ministry?”