The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.

Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.  Jeremiah 18:1-6

Just as the potter molds the clay, God is molding us.  We are incomplete, still forming and being formed.  Each step of our spiritual journey is a step closer to the whole person God calls us to be.

During this Lenten journey, do not consider the “failures” or lack of spiritual discipline, rather continue forward knowing that everything you do in God’s name is part of your formation.

May you allow this Lenten journey to be the Potter’s Hands,

Peace,

Pastor Bill

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  ²a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, ³a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, ⁴a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, ⁵a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, ⁶a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, ⁷a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Philadelphia Icon has closed.  The Macy’s department store in Philadelphia shut its doors on Sunday, but the bigger part was Saturday.  Macy’s was located in the John Wanamaker building, home of a legendary organ (and, of course, the Eagle statue).  On Saturday, a day long concert was held, with the various organists performing. 

The place was packed as people came to see the organ for what will hopefully not be the last time (the new owners of the building are still working on plans), yet it seemed important to be there.

With all the things we had to do on Saturday, we decided to go to the concert.  Sometimes you have to lay aside what you have on the “to-do” list and experience something.  For us, it was a time to enjoy something we may never enjoy again, and that was far more important than the tasks.

As you travel through this Lenten season, make sure you truly contemplate some of the times you are presented.  Often the last time to do something may be in front of you, grab it and enjoy.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house… Isaiah 58:6-7

We are well into the season of Lent and many of us have given up something we like.  Self-denial can be a good spiritual practice, as long as we do not abuse it. 

Another great spiritual practice, not only for Lent but all year long, is to notice the needs of others.  Many do not have enough to eat, many are being denied basics of life, many are just in need.  It is not our “job” to question them as to their needs, rather to help when others need help.  We are not to judge people, nor should we assume someone’s need is due to some unrepentant sin in their lives, rather we are called to love and to give.

As you travel through this week and this Lenten journey, take notice of those around you.  Is there a need you can fill?  If so, do so with love.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Hear, O Israel, the beginning of the statement of faith for Judaism, known as the Shema (for the Hebrew word “hear”).  It is the beginning of Christian faith as well, God alone is God, and we are to love God with all our heart, soul and might.  Jesus will later reinforce this with a passage from Leviticus to love your neighbor as yourself stating this dual commandment of love is the most important in the law.

As we begin this season of Lent this week, keep this in mind.  God alone is God; we are to have no other gods before us.  God calls us to love each other and our neighbor. Let us take this special season in the church and make this the center of our Lenten journey.

Peace,

Pastor Bill