Weekly Update // Pastor Durwood

  Many years ago I had shoulder surgery that required many weeks of physical therapy. A few times a week I showed up at an office and worked on my shoulder with two wonderful physical therapists, Melissa and Kayla. It was always a pretty painful experience going through the various exercises. One of the therapists would invariably ask me if it hurt. I would always say yes! She would nod and direct me to the next exercise--the pendulum! Oh my. After making my way around the machines and the stretching, I would be attached to a stimulator machine for a little relief. It always felt so good – so refreshing – so soothing!!!

That has me thinking about the journey we are all on in this life. There are bumps in the road, injuries from time to time, and moments when we wonder what can possibly happen next. What spiritual exercises do we have in place to endure the tough moments, or even the peaceful ones? What “stimulates” our pursuit of growing closer to Christ? Finding our rest and Hope in Christ’s love?

The journey of Lent has invited us to exercise the things God has given for us to use to overcome injury, pursue wholeness and find peace in life. Holy Scripture, prayer, communion and worship are among those most ready to aid us. Conversations with others on the journey offer us glimpses of hope in our hurting moments. All to point us toward the eternal Hope that is ours in Christ.

So, how are the exercises going for you today? Do you feel the pull of a muscle, the twinge of new healing, and the sharp pain of realizing the hurt? Do as Kayla and Melissa commanded—next exercise!

This Sunday we gather for Palm/Passion Worship at 9:30 and 10:50am. Each service is designed to takes us on a powerful journey as we begin the holiest of weeks in the Christian faith. Please make these services a priority and note that our regular 11am service will begin earlier than usual.

Stay on the journey!  

I love serving as one of your pastors,

Durwood