Newsletter Thoughts March 13, 2025

Dear Friends,

As you know we’ve been following a theme of “Everything in between…” for Lent.

The words for this weekend are “faith” and “works.” These words were central to the Lutheran Reformation as Luther and others sought to explain that works (what we do) cannot earn us anything. Faith is what gives life. The real trick is the understanding that what we do, works, are what demonstrates to the world that we have faith. Hence the phrase, faith without works is dead.

As I contemplate these words I wonder what those outside the church see. Do they see people of faith? Or something else? Is it a proper motive to be concerned about what people see? As I ask myself this question I am reminded of Jesus’ words as he began the Sermon on the Mount.

He told those present that they are SALT and LIGHT.

He did not say, “through lots of self work, you can be salt and light, so get busy.”

No, he just declared them salt and light. With this he said that salt that has lost its saltiness is useless. How salty are we? He then admonished them to not hide their light. I think of this light as a beacon, as something that invites and offers safety. Not a light that is uncomfortably shined in someone’s face. How are we doing as people of light?

These questions help me to think about where I am residing in the tension between faith and works. What are your thoughts? You can share them in worship tomorrow. Meanwhile I hope you are able to enjoy today’s sunshine.

Peace,

Pastor Nancy

I’m sharing a sunset photo from last night…God does indeed give us glorious light