04/08/2022
Hi all,
Hope you are well!
First, some administrative news: we've decided to start meeting at Family Legacy (rather than Hyperion) each week going forward -- INCLUDING THIS SUNDAY. Hyperion has served as a great (and economical) venue, but we've been enjoying the more intimate vibe at FLC -- and, frankly, it's easier to remember. So, we'll see you this Sunday at 3 at FLC!
Second, don't forget to RSVP for Easter (10 a.m. on 4/17) at the Walks'. Would love to see you! And feel free to bring any friends or family that need a place to church!
Third, a final thought as we end this Lenten season of reflection and prepare for Holy Week. On April 19th, the City of Johnson holds its annual "Spring Cleanup" day -- affectionately referred to by some as "dump day" -- when residents can drag all their extra junk to the curb for disposal. As we take stock of what to throw away this year, I was reminded of a famous prayer by St. Augustine, as he was wrestling with his Christian conversion. He prayed to God: "Give me chastity and continence [self-control]; but not too soon." See, Augustine wanted to be fully committed to his walk with Christ, but he was having trouble giving up certain, ahem, unwholesome passions -- clutter, if you will -- that were getting in the way. Sometimes we, too, hold onto "clutter" that holds us back from seeking Christ. That crowds out God's voice. That distracts us from his direction. That keeps us from going "all in." It might be a belief, an attitude, a behavior, or relationship. As we prepare to celebrate next week the grace and forgiveness that comes through Christ's death and resurrection, I pray that -- like Augustine eventually did -- we would reflect on and toss to the curb whatever it might be that is cluttering our spiritual house. That we would hold a spiritual Spring Cleanup of sorts. And that we would instead remain laser-focused on running "with perseverance the race marked out for us" with Christ. Heb. 12:1