From the Pastor's Study

This year, throughout Lent, Love is our Host, our Guide. Its transformative power changes lives. Nicodemus is given new life. The Samaritan woman and her whole community love and are loved by "the enemy." The blind man sees and Lazarus lives. George Herbert captures the power of Jesus' love as Christ the Host receives, forgives, blesses and serves the guests who gather at Love's table.

I envision us, individually and as a church community, as guests of Jesus each Sunday as we worship, and especially on Easter Sunday as the Resurrection banquet is celebrated. Who will be at the Easter table? This year's Confirmation Class will be there; as will toddlers, children and youth; those who are not-quite-middle-age and those who are; and those who have the wisdom of many years of discipleship.

"Who are we" you ask "to be Jesus' guests?" Yet how can we refuse the invitation?

I anticipate a faithful Lent and a joyous Easter celebration with Jesus Christ, the One who IS God's Restorative Love.

Rev. Susan J. Morrison, Pastor

Love

Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
     Guiltie of dust and sinne.
But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack
     From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
     If I lack'd any thing.

A guest, I answer'd, worthy to be here;
     Love said, you shall be he.
I the unkinde, ungratefull? Ah my deare,
     I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
     Who made the eyes but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame
     Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, sayes Love, who bore the blame?
     My deare, then I will serve.
You must sit down, sayes Love, and taste my meat:
     So I did sit and eat.

—George Herbert (1593-1633)