For this first week of Lent, I spoke of our wilderness journeys. So many things can create a wilderness for us: illness, poverty, time in recovery, grief for personal losses recent and those from years ago, worry about our country and the world. I can’t promise any quick fixes. And while specific difficulties may draw us from God, prosperity may be a far greater temptation to forget God and things of the Spirit. And so we are given the challenge of a forty day period of Lent for a reason. We may have to put up with the wilderness longer than we’d like. Jesus did not receive quick fixes either. But stories and the wisdom of Scripture can strengthen us and clear our minds from the temptations of many different kinds of deceivers.
Scripture’s story is a staff of hope to learn upon in time of need. When the way grows steep, hope strengthens our dependance upon God. Hope shows us how to turn towards God, rather than away. Hope given through Scripture is a way of being in which we look to a truth bigger than what is possible on our own. Through hope, we commit ourselves to the healing of a wounded world. Hope grounds us in a future that is worth striving for and teaches us to see the world in a new way. Hope leads us to what we could not have believed would happen: Easter Morning and Resurrection. Filling our Lenten Season with hope, day by day, means intentionally opening each day to God’s grace and to the on-going mystery of Immanuel, of God-with-us. Blessings continue, Pastor Dora
We worship together every Sunday morning at 11:30. To survive, we need your presence and your support in all sorts of ways. We need your input and your questions. All are welcome!
Remember also that Open Mic this month is on Thursday, March 20, 7:30 to 9:30.
May grace fill your week.
About Our Church
Our church has been part of the South Side community since 1833. The building was begun before the civil War with the main section completed in 1869. Our gym was the first gym for public use in the neighborhood. We have space for all kinds of community projects. A vital current ministry is our Open Mic, held the third Thursday of every month for poets and musicians, experienced and just starting out. There is a $5 cover, but we provide refreshments as well as a safe and nurturing space with terrific acoustics.
We worship every Sunday morning at 11:30. You can also join us via telephone conference call by calling (412)-307-7952 ten minutes before services start & hold on until we greet you. You can contact the church at 412 431-0118 or on our email, [email protected].
At South Side Presbyterian Church, we take Christ’s Social Justice seriously. We serve this community and the poets and actors who are drawn to it. We invite your presence and your contributions. Join us!