Greetings in Christ!
We’re now in the full grip of winter weather, a few weeks later than normal but the cold winds swirling around are a strong reminder that one way or another, the seasons come and go in Michigan. Please stay warm in your homes and safe on the icy roads, and remember that just as winter has settled in for a while, spring will come soon enough!
Our church family suffered a major loss with the passing of our dear friend and sister in Christ, Mary Czajkowski, on January 15th. The celebration of Mary’s life was a moving reminder of the hope we all share in the promise of the Resurrection. Please hold Joe in your prayers, and help us to take good care of our brother as he adjusts to life without his beloved wife of over 60 years.
On Wednesday, February 22nd, we will be ushering in the season of Lent by the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of believers at our Ash Wednesday worship service. This quiet, contemplative service sets the tone for the time of preparation and reflection that the Lenten season offers us as we await Christ’s Passion. Please mark your calendars and join us at this special service.
Looking forward to the end of Lent, please remember that we are hosting this year’s Ecumenical Good Friday service in our chapel. And it’s not too early to be thinking about renting a plot in our Community Garden! Something to hang onto during the cold and dreary days of February.
Planning for our congregation’s 50th Anniversary is in full swing, under the capable leadership of Marlene Schafer. Later this year, we’ll begin our year of celebration leading up to a grand event on the first Sunday of Advent in 2013. Stay tuned for more information in future edition of The Mouse. This is a very big deal in the life of our congregation; I hope you’ll make every effort to enjoy as many of the events as possible.
I want to thank you for the tremendous vote of confidence you gave me by voting to transition my call from Designated Pastor to an unrestricted call. This change takes away any sense of “temporariness” (if that’s a real word) from my service to you, and I am so very grateful that you have given me the opportunity to stay with you for as long as the Holy Spirit allows. I believe in my heart of hearts that we will continue to grow both in numbers and in service to Christ in the community. Thank you again!
See you in worship!
Rev. Greg