Pastor's Message

Lent is coming. Wow. Seems like it was just Thanksgiving. So how’s that New Year’s resolution coming? Anyway, one of the things that people talk about with Lent is what they are going to be giving up. You know…chocolate, smoking, swearing. Giving up a bad vice is a good idea, but it’s not really the focus of Lent. The purpose of Lent is one of discipline…of being a disciple. Certainly we can all get rid of some bad habits, but let me put two alternate versions of Lenten discipline you may not have considered. First, give up that which dares to be godly to you, or in other words, let go of that which approached divine importance to you. See, Lent is a time to remain more focused on God, and maybe there are things that are so important or valuable to you, they become almost godly to you. What do you put “on a pedestal?” What is so important to you that you risk sacrificing something truly more important? Is there a certain TV show you just have to watch (like NCIS or 24)? Is there some activity you just have to engage in (like texting or playing Mafia Wars)? These are things that are not necessarily bad (like smoking or overeating), but their importance to us gets in the way. One example I heard of was the woman who LOVED her earrings. So for Lent she gave up wearing her earrings. Now remember…Sundays are not days of Lent. (And the viewers of 24 rejoiced.) So this woman did wear her earrings on Sundays. Likewise you could save Sunday for watching that taped episode of NCIS or catching up on your texting (just not during the sermon). For myself, I think I will give up on a game I’ve been playing a lot lately…Café World on Facebook. During Lent, I will limit myself to Sundays only. As for the second Lenten discipline option…consider fasting. Many people have done it (again you can skip the fast on Sunday) during Lent, but may not realize the historical reason why. Way back, people fasted so that they would have time to be more disciplined. By skipping lunch, they had more time for something else. Isn’t that an interesting perspective…by giving up the time dedicated to preparing, eating, and cleaning up the noon time meal, we have all that time to do something else more Godly. We could study our Bible, or phone a shut-in, or write a relative a letter. The taking away of one thing gives us the opportunity to do something else.

Well, whatever you are giving up for Lent, remember that the goal is to gain (or give) something more positive.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Rob

BEAR CREEK CAMP OFFERS DISCOUNTS

Bear Creek Camp is the Lutheran Camp in our Synod. Located near Wilkes-Barre, it provides opportunities for youth to encounter God’s Word in an outdoor environment. Yes, it can be a bit expensive, but there are a lot of discounts that make it more affordable. Nicole Manrodt is our Ambassador for Bear Creek. Because she has taken on that role, a member of our church who goes to Bear Creek gets a $10 reduction in price. Likewise you get another deduction of $10 for getting Pastor Rob’s signature on your registration, and another $10 for registering by March 1. There are also discounts for first time campers going to resident camp, and for families sending more than one child. In addition, there will be $500 in aid divided up among any Friedens youth who go to Bear Creek. But, if you want to receive any of that aid, you must let Nicole Manrodt or Pastor Rob know by Sunday, February 21, and you must be prepared to make the March 1 early registration deadline. If you need more information, see Nicole or Pastor, or go to Bear Creek’s website,

www.bearcreekcamp.org

God’s blessings…our heritage.
God’s children…our friends.
God’s world…our mission.
God’s work…our hands.