⁴ Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, ⁵ and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, ⁶ and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace from God our heavenly father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

During the season of Lent, we focus on the amazing gift of life Jesus gave for and to us. The musical Godspell has a haunting song titled, ‘By My Side.’ It refers to the disciples walking with Jesus toward Jerusalem, even before they knew where the journey would take them.

It also describes the journeys we take as disciples. Jesus walks by our side. We walk by Jesus’s side. We walk alongside one another. The term we commonly call this whole walk – ministry. Ministry is the technical term for those varied gifts and activities working together for the common good.

On Ash Wednesday, we gather to confess and receive absolution. We begin our Lenten journey by acknowledging not only our failings, but also our desperate need for God’s mercy. We mark our existence in a broken world. We also witness God’s zeal seen in Christ Jesus to bless the world with healing and wholeness.

Our Lenten Journey continues with Wednesday evening services using Holden Evening Prayer worship service. Holden Evening Prayer is, as the name suggests, a vesper (Latin for evening) service written by Marty Haugen while in residence at Holden Village in the mid-1980s. It takes the form and structure of the traditional Vespers liturgy and combines it with more modern language and musical composition.

As we once again lift our voices in familiar musical arrangement, we will delve into fundamental aspects of shared ministry. This Lent, the youth group will begin training as Peer Ministry Leaders. They will explore some of the fundamental gifts, services, and activities manifested among them. During Wednesdays in worship, we will be taking up this mantle and exploring some of the same Scripture and topics.

God has blessed Our Savior’s Lutheran with a variety of gifts, services, and activities. How is God activating and manifesting them among us for the common good? Where do we sense Jesus walking by our side? How are we walking alongside one another and the larger church?

These questions are best couched in prayer, Scripture, and reflection. None have easy answers, but all are part of the journey God calls us to travel together. Jesus takes us by the hand and walks by our side as we embark.

The grace and peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.