I Corinthians 1:11-13, 17

“For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? . . . . For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.”

 Four of the deadliest words ever spoken in the Church are: “This is my church.”

Remember those words when you are about to tell someone how much more of a right you have to make decisions or take actions because you have, ‘. . . been here longer.’ Remember those words when you are about to complain because things in the church aren’t the way they used to be when you were in control. Remember those words when you are about to give someone a piece of your mind because their vision of faithfulness doesn’t match with yours. Remember those words when you are sitting at home on Sunday morning, withholding your gifts from God, just to make a point about your unhappiness, whatever may have caused it. Remember those words . . . . . when you look at the cross, then ask yourself if anyone belongs to your  church . . .besides you.

Christ did not die to prove you are right: Christ died on the cross because it was the only righteous act that could atone for the depth of our self-righteous sinfulness. The blood of his hands and feet and side wash over the death of our arrogance and his broken body becomes the mute testimony, the physical evidence of our rage and anger with One who will not fight back, yet is winning the war against evil.

Four of the most life giving words ever spoken in the Church are: “I belong to Jesus.”

Remember those words when someone new or different enters the sanctuary and regard those persons as you pray Jesus regards you. Remember those words when you realize that today’s congregation is not the same one you grew up with, then be grateful . . . for Jesus welcomes the difference you make as well. Remember those words when people are becoming excited about new ministries and missions that extend the reach of the gospel far beyond the walls of this congregation’s sanctuary, even as you are humbled by the notion that once you heard those life-giving words for the first time, too, because someone reached out to you. Remember those words when you are about to stomp your feet in a fit of anger and are ready to walk out of the room in a huff because people aren’t turning to you as people once did . . . remember those words and be glad: Because you belong to Jesus, in everything that is good and right and holy, maybe others, too, will know the depth of His love and feel His presence . . . . and He will not have to be crucified again, and again, and again, so that once more it can be your church.

In a few short days we will be entering into the season of Lent, a period of 40 days, not including Sundays, during which the body of believers we know and love as the Church of Jesus Christ spends intentional time in prayer, fasting, service,  and worship as, together, we move with Jesus towards Jerusalem and the cross. This is a time of pondering the deeper truths of God’s love come to us in Jesus. This is a time of meditating on the depth and width and height and length of God’s grace revealed to us on a cross. This is a time of deep humility before the One whose heart of mercy is laid open in an empty tomb. This is a time of confession: That the Church is not ours, but that we are of the Church only by the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a time of contrition: Acknowledging before God and each other the Divinely Human cost of our need to own, to be in control, to be recognized, to be lifted up . . . for that, He was lifted up on a cross that we might see the Source of our salvation. This is a time . . . to belong to Jesus, for once and for always: For life can be found in the Church only when the Church belongs to Jesus. All else is crucifixion. All else is death.

Come on this Lenten journey to find the life God intends for all of humankind. Come, not because you must, but because you may. Come, not because you are fulfilled, but because in your emptiness you stand in need of God’s mercy and assurance. Come, not to express an opinion, but to seek a Presence and to pray for a Spirit. Come then, sisters and brothers, as you are. Partake in and share of His journey for you. Come, that it may be said by Jesus of you, “I know you. You belong to me. You are a member of my Body.” Come, receive His Life this Lent, forever.

Have a blessed Lenten journey with the Church of Jesus Christ!

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Lenten Worship Schedule

Ash Wednesday, February 9, 2005: Service of Word & Sacrament with Imposition of Ashes (for those who so choose), 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16 (all Wednesdays): Lenten Bible Study, “Dying to Live” a Lenten Bible Study for Adults by James A. Harnish, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

          7:15 – 7:30 p.m. Prayers and Hymns in Fellowship Hall.

          [The text for this class, “Dying to Live”, is available in the Office, one per family, $5]

Maundy Thursday, March 24: Service of Word & Sacrament with Tenebrae Service, 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Good Friday, March 25: Lebanon Ministerial Alliance Community Stations of the Cross, 12:00 Noon, beginning uptown in front of Wilken Insurance Company

          Good Friday Service of the Word: 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Holy Saturday, March 26: Region 8 Easter Vigil Service, 7:00 p.m. St. Paul UCC, Lebanon

Easter Sunday, March 27:

7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service, Word & Sacrament

8:00 – 9:15 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Easter Breakfast

9:15 a.m. Children’s Choir Concert in the Sanctuary

9:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for children, grades 4 and under

10:30 a.m. Easter Resurrection Celebration, Service of Word and Sacrament in the Sanctuary

Lenten Daily Devotional Guides: “Never Said a Mumblin’ Word” available in the Office.