LIVING GENEROUSLY
ASH WEDNESDAY’S WAKE-UP CALL “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” With these words from Genesis 3:19 and the swipe of a dirty thumb across our foreheads, Ash Wednesday propels us into Lent with the proper context to understand our lives as stewards of all that God entrusts us. Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 22, teaches us that we are mortals. It crushes our ego, dispels our pretentions, and drives us deep into God’s mysteries: Why are we here? What are our lives all about? What is really important? Pray over these questions and profound insights emerge. WE ARE DUST. Yes, but we are God’s dust. Our body consists of trillions of atoms, each a speck of “dust” created by God billions of years ago. God put us together from the stuff of the universe. Therefore, we are quite literally “earthy” beings, made of the same material as air, water, soil, and stone. As part of creation, we work to preserve, protect, and sustain creation. Therefore, we have reverence for our bodies, expressed through healthy living. WE ARE BREATH. We are “dust” into which God has “breathed the Holy breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). Therefore, every breath that we take is holy, reminding us of God’s life force in us. Therefore, we look to God to align our lives with God’s holy realities of peace, love, joy, justice, and truth. OUR TIME IS BRIEF. Our “dust” will return to the earth someday. We are mortal. Therefore, every hour, every second is sacred. We spend our time wisely, carefully, prayerfully. Therefore, we do not cling to possessions, knowing that we hold onto them only for a little while. Therefore, we fill our lives with treasures of lasting value – friendships, trust, love, joy, service, generosity, and harmony. This Lent, spend time in prayer, with openness and honesty. See how God will turn your heart and mind, transforming you into the person that you were created to be. Reflect each day on Ash Wednesday. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Source – Reverend Rob Blezard, content editor for www.stewardshipoflife.org) |
Flocknote: Our Mission Vision & Values Committee has set a goal to focus on improving communication to our members. Your Church Council has chosen to try Flocknote for the next 12 months. We will continue using Facebook, Worship Bulletins & the monthly newsletter to inform members. However Flocknote communication will be instant so members get information instantly about activities, programs, meetings, funerals, etc. We invite you to try it out by the following steps to get updates from First Lutheran.
- use your smartphone, send a text to this number 84576 - Type HFLC in the message section and send your message - Within a few seconds, you will receive a reply. "Thx for connecting with Harvey First Lutheran Church! Click to complete signup: http://fn2.co/oysVkW or reply with your email. Powered by Flocknote When you click on the signup, you will be directed to sign up by entering your name and your cell phone number or you can choose messages to be sent to your email. - Once you complete this, you will be added to the Flocknote group so you can receive Information from First Lutheran. - If you have trouble, please feel free to call the church office for help. |
Harvey First Lutheran has 4 Easy ways to help support our Missions at First Lutheran Church.
1. Send a Check or Drop off at Church First Lutheran Church 1520 Advent St. Harvey, ND 58341 2. Text to Give from your smart phone GivText1st: 701-401-8636 3. Give Electronically through your bank. Call Karla at 701-324-2548 and she can get you set up. 4. Vanco - Open your photo page - point at QR Code - fill out information and make a donation. We hope you enjoy these new way to share your generosity, and we thank you for helping our Missions at Harvey First Lutheran. |