Actually, let me tell you something good. . .
This week, Jason Piracini came into the church office with a smile on his face. You might remember that, last fall, Jason was struck with a terrible infection that impacted his heart and nearly took his life. He was very, very sick and unable work. It was thought that, once his infection cleared, Jason would need open heart surgery to repair some damaged heart valves.
Last fall, members of our congregation as well as Jason’s friends and fellow volunteers from the Bedford Community Food Pantry rallied together to offer financial support for Jason and his wife, Kat. All-told, the church’s Pastor’s Discretionary Fund received between $5,000 and $6,000 in gifts for the Piracinis. And all of these funds were given directly to cover some of the Piracini’s bills. The family was overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people and we were able to keep them in their home, feeling loved and supported.
Eventually, Jason felt well enough and was cleared to return to work, some of the financial burdens were lifted, and this week he came to share the best possible news: there is now no need for Jason to have open heart surgery! Apparently, with all that was going on with Jason, medically, last fall during the height of his illness, the cardiac tests were showing damage to his heart valves BUT now they are all working as they should. He came in to tell us this news and wanted us to share it with you. Thanks be to God for this good news!
This week, during our Ash Wednesday service, I introduced our theme for the Season of Lent: “Tell Me Something Good.” Over the course of the next six weeks, we will be looking at the “good news” of Jesus from a variety of angles. In this day and time when the news is so bad, so many of us are longing for good news. Well. . . you have come to the right place, my friends! In case you missed it, you can find a copy of the Ash Wednesday sermon, here: https://johnhardinsawyer.tumblr.com/post/808938375008616448/all-are-invited
The church has good news to share. . . and to embody, especially at this time in the life of the world. Over the next few weeks, here are some of the texts and themes we will be exploring, together:
February 22 – Lent – Week 1 – John 2:1-11, Matthew 3:31-32 – “The Good News is. . . So Good it Catches Us By Surprise” (Guest Preacher – Blair Moffett)
March 1 – Lent – Week 2 – Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 25:35-40 – “The Good News is. . . Great Love for God and Neighbor” (Guest Preacher – Blair Moffett)
March 8 – Lent – Week 3 – Mark 6:32-44, Ephesians 3:20-21 – “The Good News is. . . Together, the Impossible is Possible”
March 15 – Lent – Week 4 – Matthew 19:13-15, Deuteronomy 24:31-32 – “The Good News is. . . Protection and Care for the Vulnerable”
March 22 – Lent – Week 5 – John 8:2-11, Matthew 23:23 – “The Good News is. . . Rooted in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness”
March 29 – Lent – Week 6 – Palm Sunday – Mark 11:1-11 – “The Good News is. . . Inspiring Us to Act
April 5 – Easter – Matthew 28:1-10 – “The Good News is. . . Alive in the World”
My family and I will be away for the February break this coming week, but we will look forward to seeing you when we get back. I am thankful for all who will be taking care of things here at the church, especially for Blair Moffett who will be preaching while I am away.
The church office will be open for limited hours this coming week. Both Kenny Gardner, our Church Sexton and Lynne Lorentsen, our Director of Communications will be here.
Grace and Peace,
John