Love is in the air!

Dear Friends in Christ,

Love is in the air! Valentine's day quickly approaches and we will once again make our romantic plans with loved ones. I remember as a kid in school we always had a Valentine's Day Party. Our teacher would plan for snacks to be brought into class. During that party there was the dreaded Valentine ex-change. My Mom, every year, would take me to the store to pick out Valentines to share with my classmates. Of course, for me there was always a girl in my class who 1 wanted to impress. I would pick out a special Valentine just for her. There were boxes for each student and like little postal workers we would dutifully place a Valentine in each student's box. I would nervously wait to see if the girl I was sweet on would return my affections with a special Valentine for me. Unfortunately, every year my heart was crushed as I just got "plain" Valentines from my classmates. I tell this story not to garner sympathy, but to highlight for us the nature of our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus sends us special Valentines every day. Washed in His Font of Grace we are free to live and love. Jesus saves us because we can never save ourselves. Jesus feeds us at His Table, with His very Body and Blood. Jesus does not demand a price be paid for His love. Jesus is however hopeful that we freely will give that love back, not as payment, but in gratitude for the blessings of our lives

Love is in the air! Lent also begins this month. Once again, we will travel to Calvary and the Cross. Along the way we will hear of the promises of love and grace. We will experience the betrayal of Maundy Thursday and the grief of Good Friday. Together we will also walk to the Empty Tomb of Easter, and we can do so knowing of Jesus and His LOVE.

I am so proud to be your Pastor.
Pastor Bob