Lenten Opportunities

The True Meaning of Fasting:
         The Season of Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. One comment I heard from some of our youth the other day was "I haven't decided what I am going to give up for Lent". For many, Lent is often associated with fasting. I often thought I had to give up something for Lent, until my first year of college when I read Isaiah 58, about what type of fasting God calls us to do in order that our salvation might break forth like the dawn. Verses 6-7 read: "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs 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; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"
       How can each of us loose the bonds of injustice and break every yoke during this Lenten season? How can we each fast in a way that shares our bread with the hungry and covers the naked?   I look forward to hearing from each of you as to how God is calling you to rise up the foundations of many generations and restore the streets we live in.
On Monday the 1st, I was blessed to attend United Methodist Advocacy Day in Des Moines, and when we were at the Capitol we were able to meet our area Representative Gary Worthan, right outside the House Chambers. Our Storm Lake delegation had the opportunity to speak the Rep. Worthan about various issues that are legislative priorities for Iowa United Methodists in 2010. In the area of poverty and economic justice, we encouraged Rep. Worthan to support House File 2166, that would allow low-income families access to propane for heating their homes. And House File 2127, that caps the interest rate that payday loan companies can offer, to stop the cycle of predatory lending.
       In the area of immigration, we encouraged Rep Worthan to support House File 2071, the "Iowa Opportunities Workforce Act", that provides access to in-state college tuition to qualified and eligible high school students who have called Iowa home for at least 5 years, but are not afforded the same tuition rates due to their immigration status. We were speaking as peoples of faith, encouraging our elected official to vote for bills that bring God's justice to God's people and creation
If you want to learn more about our United Methodist Legislative priorities, check out www.iaumc.org ("Advocacy" page), read our Social Principles, or speak with Jerry or myself. Be open to contacting our State and Federal representatives to encourage the passage of bills that promote justice and respect for all of God's people and creation. We are truly active participants in the search for justice for all God's people.
My sisters and brothers, be daring hope and tender love this Lenten season and always. And may all that we do, in our acts of charity and justice, be done in the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lenten Study For Parents

Parents of young children and teens are invited to a DVD based Bible Study on parenting that will be led by Russ Chrischilles every Wednesday during Lent, beginning on February 24th, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The class will be using the book Re Create?Building a Culture in Your Home Stronger Than the Culture Deceiving Your Kids by Ron Luce. Participants may choose to buy the book, however, there are no reading assignments or preparation requirements for the class. Child care will be provided in the nursery. It is not necessary to pre-register for this class.

Lenten Study For Young Adults

You are invited to journey together through Lent, as we together remember God's faithfulness and given the "bread of Life" that sustains us through the wilderness. Hope you can join us as we continually receive God's abundant grace to sustain us. We will meet Mondays at 7:00 pm in the Fireside Room during Lent starting February 22nd.

Lenten Study

Beginning on February 18, Rev. Oakland will lead a six-week Lenten discussion on The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith, a book by Marcus J. Borg. Professor Borg asks the question, "how can we be passionate believers today?"

Jerry will lead two groups for hour-long sessions on Thursdays, at 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the church. Books and study guides may be picked up in the church office.

In this book Dr. Borg analyzes "an earlier paradigm" of Christianity and then the remainder of the book he describes what he calls "an emerging paradigm." He says the emerging paradigm sees the Bible and Christian tradition as historical, metaphorical and sacramental, while the Christian life can be seen as relational and transformational.

You are invited to sign up and join in this challenging and engaging Lenten study.

Study Guide for week one:

The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus Borg

A Guide for DailyReading and Reflection-Week 1

Day One: Read Preface, pages xi - xv

Borg says he has a conviction and a passion. What are they?

Conviction: _____________________________________

Passion: ________________________________________

Borg says the book is "for lovers of faith and those seeking a faith to love." Describe how one of these descriptions fits you at this time:

_________________________________________________

Two ways of seeing Christianity, which Borg will examine in this book:

An ______________ paradigm and an _______________ paradigm.

Day Two: Read pages 1-5

Borg lists 3 specific issues which divide the contemporary church. How have you been affected by one of these issues, or some similar issue?

_________________________________________________

In what ways do you see you are more comfortable with the earlier paradigm?

_________________________________________________

With the emerging paradigm?___________________

_________________________________________________

Day Three: Read pages 6-12

Borg says the earlier paradigm "sees the Bible as a

__ _______________________" (p. 7). He says (p. 8) it

__ "interprets the Bible _______________________". On p. 10 he says 2 things are central:

__ ______________________ and ____________________ .

Christian life (p. 10) is about __________ and ________ .

How comfortable are you with this description of the earlier paradigm?

_________________________________________________

Day Four: Read pages 13-16

On pages 13 & 14 Borg identifies three adjectives describing a way of seeing the Bible. List these:

_______________, _______________, and _____________

And two adjectives describe a way of Christian life:

________________________ and _____________________

Day Five: Read pages 16-21

On page 18, Borg states, "the issue is functionality, whether a paradigm ?works' or ?gets in the way.'"

What questions or issues in Christianity "get in the way" for you?

_________________________________________________

Day Six: Browse through the book and prepare any questions you have for the group or the group leader.

Day Seven: Gather in group for conversation on the week's readings.

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

11:30 A.M. & 7:00 P.M.

In Sanctuary

12:05 P.M. Sermons ala Carte at

Lakeside Presbyterian Church

United Methodist Women are preparing the lunch

Jerry Oakland Preaching