February 26, 2009
Mar 13th, 2009 by ocfairview
Hi there Fairview!
We began the Lenten journey last night with a beautiful meditative Ash Wednesday service. Though there were only a few of us present, it certainly was powerful. I always love these special services because it allows me to be more creative, to be more contemplative, and to embrace the mystery of the Spirit in a different way than we do on Sunday mornings. The service we did last night reminds me of the Emerging Church services I have been to and been a part of in other spiritual settings. It was just what I needed to give myself that spiritual push into Lent.
Lent is about the inward journey we take to be closer to God. Inevitably, the journey meets the cross –and we’re asked to make decisions about our lives. We take this time to prepare ourselves for the questions: Who are we? What does it mean to follow Jesus? Are we living our lives to our fullest capability?
Some people give up things during Lent – I’m sure you are all familiar with the idea of giving up meat for Lent. Some people give up smoking. I, for one, have decided to give up cheese. People sometimes do this to “sacrifice” for God. I think of it less of a sacrifice, and more as a way of giving up things that no longer serve you, or don’t help you to serve God. It’ll definitely be a sacrifice for me to give up cheese (especially when its melted!) but I’m actually not giving it up because I want to feel as though I’m deprived. I’m giving it up because I want to do something better for myself –to be healthier. And I believe that this what God wants for us –to be healthy physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. So –what will you do this Lent?
I’m THRILLED to invite you to join us tomorrow for a very special service JAZZ for The JOURNEY featuring the Oikos Ensemble. This will be a worshipful way to begin the Lenten Season -but also an entertaining experience as these nationally known performers share their musical talents with us! I know that many of you aren’t used to coming to church other than Sundays –but I believe that this will be an incredible service –one that you will absolutely not want to miss! So please join us for the journey tomorrow evening at 7:30pm here at Fairview Community Church.
Come back again on Saturday evening for the first of our “Jesus in the Dark” Lenten film series. We’ll be watching Nikos Kazantzakis’ “The Last Temptation of Christ” – a controversial film by Scorcese. It was released in theaters in 1988 and believe it or not was the most complained about program on television when it was first aired on TV in 1995 in the UK. The film focuses on the life of Jesus with a definite twist. One of my all time favorite quotes from Paul appears in this film (not a literal quote). Come out and see what all the controversy was about! The film begins at 7pm here at Fairview.
Don’t forget to join us tonight for choir at 6:30pm. If I can do this –ANYONE can! Seriously! We’ll be singing on Sunday! So – why not join in for the fun? Lots going on here! Hope you’ll be intentional about experiencing one of these great opportunities of the Spirit in our midst!
Journeying with you,
Sarah
