Dear Caldwell,
Are you having pancakes for supper?
Many are, on this day often referred to as Shrove Tuesday. Down in New Orleans, they are wrapping up the party. All of this means that tomorrow we begin the season of Lent.
For the next 40 days (not counting Sundays), we will remember how Jesus spent time in the wilderness, where he faced temptation after temptation. For us, it’s a chance to examine ourselves and our faith a little deeper than usual – and Caldwell will offer two paths for that journey.
Tomorrow and for the following five Wednesdays, the Elizabeth Communities of Faith will combine worship and a simple meal at noon in Belk Hall. Our theme is “A Meal and a MESSage,” which recognizes the timeless value of pausing amid the mess of the world to gather at table to be fed both spiritually and physically. Each week, we will consider a story of when Jesus ate a meal with others of all types. Come and be with our neighbors and each other.
If you can’t make the noon service tomorrow, come at 6:15 pm to Caldwell for a meditative taize service led by the gifted Anne Hunter Eidson. Ashes will be offered at both services.
Alternatively, on Sundays, we will preach and pray about what it means to make ourselves “empty,” based on these words from Philippians 2:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a servant,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
You may choose one, both or neither of these paths of prayer and contemplation. The point is that Lent offers a chance to enter into a space of truth and openness to God. As I said Sunday, God wants us to take off any masks or veils we may put on. Because, guess what, God knows us anyway.
See you tomorrow!
In Christ,
John