On The Table

Dear Friends:

As Lent begins today and we remember afresh our frailty and sinfulness, we look forward to the Sundays to come and their new theme. For the next few weeks, we'll be engaging in repentance and reconsideration of ourselves and our lives by taking a fresh look at Jesus. But we won't do this by exploring some innovative idea, or revealing some new theological or historical insight. Instead, we'll do it by looking in plain sight; by exposing ourselves to the very familiar teachings of Jesus. Each week, we'll look at some of his words which for 2000 years have been venerated but often not deeply considered. By reminding ourselves of how much we don't understand about Jesus, and the many ways we neglect to follow his teachings, we hope to embody the penitential season ahead. And, at the same time, we want to gather together in mutual encouragement, to remind ourselves of Jesus' great patience, acceptance and love for everyone, even and especially those who don't 'get it'.

And the embodiment doesn't stop when our meeting is over, oh no! A couple of years ago, The Great Maggie (who is currently CEO of CT's satellite office in suburban Detroit) suggested an idea that stuck: to honor the traditional call of Lent by sacrificing our beloved post-church Chipotle. As in the last couple of years, we'll instead be gathering at the home of one of our members to share some very simple (which is to say, very, very cheap!) food each week. If you're visiting with us, we'd be happy to add you to the caravan, or to give you a ride!

Hope to see you this Sunday, starting at 10am at Jammin' Java.

Mike Stavlund

Labels: Jesus, lent