Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 15

Written By Pastor Sarah Haas

Dear Beloved,

How are you a bit more than two weeks into the season of Lent? Have any particular ideas or spiritual practices been emerging for you or nourishing you? I appreciate the theme of the Sunday messages focusing on courage. The stories we are hearing and exploring together inspire me and give me hope. One of the Lenten devotionals that I have been studying suggested trying to connect with creativity in a new way. As a person not gifted in the area of music but greatly appreciative of music and people with musical gifts, I decided to pick a theme song for my journey with God this Lenten season. I thought the hymn was called Grant Us Courage, Grant Us Wisdom, but the actual name is God of Grace and God of Glory  - grateful the emphasis on our Glorious and Gracious God who is the Giver of courage and wisdom. The first verse of this hymn is below (page 464 in the Chalice Hymnal found in the pews in the sanctuary of Friedens’ church building. It led me to offer this prayer.  

God of dust and ashes, thank you for your grace and glory. Thank you for our humanity - for designing us with sacred limits. Thank you for offering us strength for loving you and all you have created through the Spirit’s outpouring of power - for the breath of divinity with which you create us. Thank you for the story of your church from generation to generation. Thank you for the great cloud of witnesses who hold us and encourage us through the indwelling of Jesus. Please help us to live with courage each hour that we may honor you with all we are and do. We love you and want to serve you and love and one another with all we are and in all we do. Amen.

God of grace and God of glory,

On Thy people pour Thy power.

Crown Thine ancient Church’s story,

Bring her bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

For the facing of this hour,

For the facing of this hour.

I appreciate you! May you feel the compassion of our Maker, Savior, and Sojourner filling you through the ordinary and extraordinary moments of each our hour this season and always. 

 With gratitude,

  Sarah

Pastor Sarah Haas

Sarah is very grateful for the opportunity to serve with Friedens United Church of Christ. She works closely with the Christian Education Ministry Team, the Treasure Seekers Ministry Team, and the Engaging Young Adults initiative. She also works as an occupational therapist in the Center Grove Schools. Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, extended family and friends, spending time outside, and reading. You can reach her at PastorSarah.FriedensUCC@Outlook.com or 317-709-5857.

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Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Mar 8