Dear Friends in Christ,

     Since our celebration of the birth of Jesus this past Christmas, we've been journeying with him toward Jerusalem, sharing the stories about encounters he had with so many different people along the way. And as we share that journey with him, we find that Jesus always did one of four things: He healed the sick, he fed the hungry, he withdrew for prayer, and he proclaimed the kingdom. During Lent (the forty days prior to Easter) I'd like to invite you to consider how important it is for each of us to continue that ministry.

Healing Ministries

     We pray for those who are sick and we stand by their side. We wait with the family for the surgeon to bring a report to them regarding their loved one; we are intentional about finding ways to minister to them in accord with their needs. We visit with them in their homes. Our need for healing is not always physical, so we provide Stephen Ministers to stand along side of those who are having greater difficulty finding healing and wholeness in their lives, especially when tragedy strikes. Our parish nurses have just put together a new post-hospitalization ministry as well. We offer pastoral counsel for those who need healing in relationships as well. Our ministries of healing are an extension of the healing ministry of Jesus.

Feeding the Hungry

     When I get the report that the Rehobeth people have contributed nearly 500 pounds of food stuffs at one time to the Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, or that many of our folks have participated in the "Backpacks for Kids" program, I am so thankful that at the heart of this congregation is a desire to continue that part of Jesus' ministry as well.

Withdrawing for Prayer

     There were significant times when Jesus withdrew from the crowds and his disciples for times of prayer and reflection. How important it is for us to do that as well. Prayer is the most underused gift God has given us, yet it has tremendously transforming power! How thankful I am that in our worship services we are intentional about praying for the needs of others. It is important during Lent, however, for us to take to heart the importance of spending personal time alone in prayer with God. Every time Jesus did, he came back into the midst of crowds empowered afresh with the Spirit of God! Personal prayer, reflection, devotion can have the same effect on us.

Proclaiming the Kingdom

     How many ways are available for us to continue this part of Jesus' ministry as well! In music--our praise team at early service, our Chancel and children and youth choirs and handbells at the later service--all proclaim the kingdom in songs of praise! We preach the word, we study the Bible, we share with others the good news of God's love in so many ways. And of course the chief way we proclaim the kingdom is through love. Jesus said that "by this all will know you are my disciples, by the love you have one for another."

     So during this season of Lent, as we continue our Journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, let me invite you to reflect on the ways you personally participate in His ongoing ministry in the world. Any may God continue to bless you with Grace and Peace.

Yours in the Love of Christ and the Church,

Bob

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