Dearest Brothers and Sisters of Hope Lutheran Church.
As we journey through this holy season of Lent on our 40-day walk with Jesus, we are called to the Discipline of Lent. The Discipline of Lent is a means by which the Church helps us to wage our spiritual warfare so that we might be renewed, restored, and refreshed in our relationships with God and others so that we might better celebrate the joy and victory of Easter. It’s a call for us to separate ourselves from those things that weigh us down in our walk with Jesus, a chance to reflect upon and separate ourselves from the sins that prove to be obstacles in our faith. The Discipline of Lent is a call to repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love.
Here are some pastoral suggestions for this work that may assist you in your Lenten Discipline.
Repentance – taking time this holy season to turn around and renew our relationship with God as we confess the things we have done and left undone in thought, word, and deed. Taking time to heal a relationships with another person that has been hurt. Reflecting upon the things that separate us from God and making a true effort to find a better way. Repentance is good for our relationship with God.
Fasting – we might abstain from certain foods, or even foregoing food for an entire day. Fridays are traditional fasting days. We might then donate that money to World Hunger or the food pantry. Fasting is good for the body.
Prayer – faithfully attending worship and taking extra time at home or alone or with the family to pray and reflect. Read a devotional book or a book that strengthens your faith during this season so that you can grow in a new way. Exercise that prayer muscle even more than usual! Prayer is good for our souls.
Works of love – supporting our food pantry or other worthy organizations to help those in need. Volunteer in the community. Provide a meal to those who need it. Do something special for someone you love or for someone you don’t love. Works of love are good for our neighbor. A blessed Lenten journey to you! In Jesus’ love, Pr. Jen Schaefer+
Second Sunday in Lent February 27-28, 2021
PRAYER OF THE DAY – Let us pray. O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
READING Mark 8:31-38 – After Peter confesses his belief that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus tells his disciples for the first time what is to come. Peter’s response indicates that he does not yet understand the way of the cross that Jesus will travel. A reading from Mark. 31[Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you O Christ.
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you O Christ.
HOMILY Robert Frost wrote: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
~~~Recently a researcher for a publishing company was interviewing people to determine what kind of books they like to read. The Bible, Shakespeare, and the classics were high on nearly everyone’s list. In return for their cooperation, the researcher offered each person a choice of a free book from a list of titles published by the company. The most popular choice of this high-minded group? Murder of a Burlesque Queen. Two roads – the way of the world or the way of a cross? It is a choice. ~~~Are you a person whose life is oriented toward this world, or is your life oriented toward walking the road less traveled, the way of the cross with Jesus? Two roads. It is a choice. Either our primary focus is on this world, its pleasures and the things WE want, or our focus is on following the way of the cross, walking the path of Jesus that focuses on loving God by loving others.
~~~~This is a choice that must be made by us as Christians – which road will we follow? Are we concerned to discover WHY God has chosen us and WHAT he wants us to do with our lives? WHO is it that God wants to touch with his love through us? WHAT is it that God wants us to say to our friends when they are in distress? WHERE is it that God wants us to go so that we might be a blessing to others? Do we play it safe, following the well-paved path of the world, or do we seek to live a cross-shaped life as we follow Jesus, even knowing that may bring its own share of risks and bumps along the way? It is a choice – the way of the world or the road less traveled. And let’s face it, this road less traveled isn’t always easy.
~~~Our mission here at Hope is that we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all people. That is a call to this road less traveled – it is a baptismal call to let the Spirit lead us and our lives to show our love for God as we love God’s people through Jesus’ example. That means we gather here around Word and Sacrament to be renewed, fed, energized with God’s Spirit, and then WE GO OUT, we walk the path of Jesus in this life, loving God by loving God’s people, making a difference in Jesus’ name, a cross-shaped life which means we share what we have for the building up of disciples and to help those in need.
~~~It may involve sacrificing time or money or energy for others as we share love and dignity when we share food and compassion through the food pantry. It may involve giving up something we love personally during Lent so that we can share the money saved with others. It may mean praying for guidance and direction as a part of Lenten discipline so that we can hear Christ’s voice leading us on his way. It may mean reaching out to a senior citizen or a young person or someone else to be a support, a caring friend, a true neighbor.
~~~The road less traveled isn’t always easy. It wasn’t easy for Peter who ultimately ended up crucified upside down as a martyr for the faith. It wasn’t easy for Paul, as he too died a martyr’s death in Rome for the sake of the Gospel. It wasn’t easy for Dietrich Bonhoeffer who died a martyr’s death in Nazi Germany but called relentlessly for us to follow the way of the cross. And the road less traveled wasn’t easy for Jesus either-he knew he was following a road that took him to Jerusalem. And there, he would encounter the challenges that would ultimately take his life – a life he freely chose to give up – for YOU. For ME. Talk about a difficult choice! It is all a question of choices – a question of faith, a question of which road we choose to travel.
~~~The story is told of a survivor of a shipwreck and was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood and grasses to protect himself from the elements to store his few meager possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little grass hit in flames with smoke rolling up in the sky. The worst had happened. Everything was lost.
~~~He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. “God, how could you do this to me? he cried. Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here” asked the weary man. “We saw your smoke signal” they replied. Moral of the story? It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly in our lives, especially on the road less traveled – but we work to not lose heart – because our God is at work in our lives, in the midst of pain and suffering – and no matter what, Jesus is with us, walking right beside us. God has sent Jesus to the rescue. Remember that the next time your little grass hut is burning to the ground-it just may be a smoke signal reminding you that God’s love is right there in Jesus and his love.
~~~Are you willing to follow the road less traveled? Are you willing to do the work of God as Christ did – even if it may lead you to some loss or difficulty – even when it might mean that you may be bucking the crowd. Are you willing to follow Christ even though it may mean you might have to make some choices? Are you willing to imitate the example of our Lord, forgiving those who hurt you badly and give all of yourself for others even if they don’t care for you? Are you willing to follow Jesus even when it might lead you to a cross? Are you willing to walk with Jesus? ~~~These are the questions of our Lenten season as we watch Christ himself struggle to focus on what God has called him to do and to walk the way of the cross. Today, Jesus calls you and me to follow him. He calls you and me to the loving embrace of his arms – the arms that he stretched out on the cross for you and for me and for all who follow him in faith on the road less traveled, a road that yes, leads to Calvary, but then, thanks be to God, continues to lead on to Easter hope, joy and Easter resurrection – for Jesus, and for US! Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION – Relying on the promises of God, we pray boldly for the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence.
Your gift of grace is for all people. Give confident faith to all the baptized, that they may follow you wholeheartedly. Give new believers joy in your promises; give hope and courage to those who suffer for their faith. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
All the ends of the earth worship you. From galaxies to microorganisms, preserve your creation. Teach humanity to wonder at your works and to join you in tending to creation’s well-being. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You rule over the nations. Raise up advocates for peace and justice within and between nations. Give life where hope seems dead; call into existence new realities we cannot even imagine. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
In Jesus you joined humanity in suffering and death. Reveal to all the depth of your love shown on the cross. Accompany all who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. Restore all who are sick or grieving. Bring vindication for victims of injustice, exploitation, and oppression ( especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We await the day of Christ’s coming in glory. Lead us by the example of all the saints whom you have called to take up their cross and follow you, that together we may find our lives in you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OUR FATHER…
BLESSING – Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.
DISMISSAL – We go in peace with grateful hearts for all God has done for us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!!!.
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen.
Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church!!!!!
Next Week’s Readings: Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22
The January thru March Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS Financial Information
Altar Guild: Candy Ogden 2020 Total Income $129,023
Usher: Mark Packer 2020 Total Expenses $132,080
Counters: M Outerbridge & B Musgrove 2020 Deficit $ 2,157
Flowers and Oil donated by Mark & Marlene Packer in honor of their 56th Anniversary.
PRAYER LIST – Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Cindy Beicht for healing after surgery
Cyndi Carley for strength and healing
Vinny for healing
Josh for God’s peace and comfort
Dale for healing and Sue for God’s loving presence and strength
Ian for sure and strong presence of God’s healing grace
Beth Bercaw for prayers for protection and strength
Doris Puerner for healing
Marirose for a healthy pregnancy
Helen for healing
Kristin, Ron and Carolyn Rasmussen’s daughter, for healing after surgery
Jean Holcomb for healing
Florence, Lou Szepi’s mom, for God’s comforting presence
Dawn Seibert for healing
Carol for healing, hope, and God’s will.
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing
Pr. Pat for healing
Susan for healing
Jason for healing
The Miller family for healing and God’s strength
NEW AT HOPE
EASTER FLOWERS – If you would like to purchase Easter flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please complete the sign up sheet in the Narthax or call the office at 941-697-2345.
LENT AT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Mid-week Lent Worship will be held on March 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at 10:00 AM and 4:30PM in the parking lot. Leading up to Holy Week, we will meet on Wednesdays in worship to share in prayer and learning on the subject of “The Liturgical Year That Wasn’t” as we explore the seasons of the church year and why we do what we do in worship. Please be sure to join us as we follow the Discipline of Lent with repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love and focus on walking with Jesus to the cross and beyond.
HOLY WEEK WORKSHIP SCHEDULE
Passion/Palm Weekend – March 27th at Saturday 5:30pm; March 28th Sunday 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM.
Maundy Thursday – April 1st at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Good Friday – April 2nd at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil April 3rd at 5:30 PM.
Easter – The Resurrection of our Lord Sunday, April 4th at 7:00 AM & 8:30 AM in the parking lot and 10:00 AM in the sanctuary.
Please join us as we grow in faith and love together throughout the Lenten season and prepare our lives and our hearts to celebrate the saving events of Holy Week and Jesus’ glorious resurrection at Easter. ALL ARE WELCOME!
DORIS PUERNER is currently recuperating in Windsor House of Canfield. If you would like to send her a card, her address is Windsor House of Canfield, 6445 State Route 446, Canfield, OH 44406-8475.
LUTHERANISM 101!! – Monday from 11:00 to 12:00PM. If you have never studied Luther’s Small Catechism or have questions about why we do what we do as Lutherans in our worship and faith, this class is for YOU! Please join Pr. Jen as we explore the five principal parts of the Catechism-Baptism, Holy Communion, The Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments as well as worship and liturgy and more so together we can grow in our understanding of our Christian faith and our Lutheran expression of that faith.
MONDAY BIBLE STUDY on God sightings every Monday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
WOMEN OF HOPE – Congratulations to the 2021-2023 Officers: President Linda Kraigenow; Vice President Candy Ogden; Secretary Marlene Packar and Treasurer Cindy Beicht. Next meeting with be April 18th, 2021.
HYMN REQUESTS – If there are any particular hymns that you would like to hear at worship, please submit the names to Pastor Jen at hopeluthern1@comcast.net. If our licensing agreement permits, look forward to hearing them soon.
HOPES AND DREAMS FOR HOPE – If you have a suggestion for a Hope or Dream for Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen and your council would love to hear it. Please feel free to place any Hope or Dream in the mailbox in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All requests will be kept confidential and you will receive a timely response.
Leave a Reply