The Invitation to Lent

A blessed Lenten Thursday to all of you in the strong name of Jesus.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday.  And we gathered with a small group in the parking lot and online with many others to remind one another that life is fleeting.  I remarked at the start of the parking lot service that we needed little reminding of that this year – my goodness, even the way we observe Ash Wednesday is fleeting, apparently!

And yet, it is good to center ourselves in this season of Lent.  I thought for today, I would simply share the “Invitation to Lent” from the ELW service for Ash Wednesday:

Friends in Christ, today with the whole church we enter the time of remembering Jesus’ Passover from death to life, and our life in Christ is renewed

We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance and for God’s mercy.  We are created to experience joy in communion with God, to love one another, and to live in harmony with creation.  But our sinful rebellion separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, so that we do not enjoy the life our creator intended.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor. I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent – self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love – strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The words are profound in their call to do more than simply abstain from a little of this and that for 40 days.  They are a serious call to resist sin and all the keeps us from the love of God and neighbor.  In the end, God’s grace will save us, of course.  But in the meantime, our words and actions matter.  And so the season calls us to love and sacrificial living.  I hope these words bless you and call you into the season

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In-Person Worship Resumes February 21
Our council decided that we can once again resume in-person worship.  We will practice physical distancing and require masks, but if being in the sanctuary is something you desire, you are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30am.  No pre-registration required.  We can accommodate around 50 people at this time, with overflow in the fellowship hall as needed.  Email Pastor Nate (nateloer@gmail.com) with any questions.

Screeners and Ushers Needed

In order to offer in-person worship, we need volunteers.  If you are willing to serve as a Sunday screener or usher, email Pastor Nate (nateloer@gmail.com).

 

Facebook Campus is Launched

We’ve launched a new community via Facebook.  And we’d love to have you join us.  This will be a safe space to discuss matters of faith with one another.  We have several groups launched already.  Go to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/immanuelwadena) and click on the groups tab.  Simply request to join the groups that interest you.  And start forming community.  This isn’t meant to replace in-person gatherings.  But at a time when we can’t always safely meet in person, our Facebook community will provide another way to connect.

 

Community Dinner @ St. Ann’s February 25

Immanuel is hosting this month’s dinner and we’d love your help.  If you can serve February 25 from 4-6:30, talk to Peggy Larson.  Or if you can help prepare the meal in the morning on February 24 and/or 25, talk to Peggy, too.

 

Frozen Meal Distribution March 4, 1-2pm

Catholic Charities is giving away free meals on March 4 at Immanuel’s parking lot in conjunction with the NAPS program.  You don’t have to be part of NAPS to qualify.  Anyone over 60 can get up to 30 meals.  There is just a simple, one-time form to complete.  Spread the word!


Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

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