Hello Faith Friends!
March means Lent is nearly here. Over the last couple of months, I’ve been in touch with a few of our ecumenical partners to try and develop a joint Lenten devotional series. (Ecumenical partner is fancy church speak, it just means these are different Christian groups that the ELCA works with and shares resources with, even if we have slightly different traditions or beliefs). Lent is among my favorite seasons of the liturgical year, and I am extra excited about what Pr. Lindsey of Christ Church, Pr. Diana of First Congregational and I have put together for our three parishes! We have some really wonderful opportunities for fellowship and building important relationships throughout Santa Rosa this year.
This year’s Lenten series is a journey of connection and discernment. We’re calling it All Our Needs. Each Wednesday we’ll come together at a unique location throughout Santa Rosa where we’ll meet local organizations and explore our community’s needs, hopes, and challenges. At its core, this is more than a devotional series—it is a sacred opportunity to open our hearts to God’s calling, to listen deeply to ourselves and our neighbors, and to experience the kind of wholeness that only emerges when we honor the intersecting needs of all God’s creation.
Martin Luther spoke of the human condition as incurvatus in se, being “curved inward on oneself.” It’s a powerful image of how fear and sin can shrink our world, pulling us into a narrow place of self-focus. But this Lenten season calls us to consider a different posture—one of turning outwards to openness, curiosity, and compassion. God meets us powerfully in the places of struggle and pain- whether our own, or that of our fellow humans. It is precisely in these raw and vulnerable spaces that new life is possible. You’re invited to stretch your heart out wide, to listen and learn about lives of others, and to let the stories of your community do transformative work among us.
Over the time I’ve been here, between reading council meeting minutes to learn about Faith’s history and listening to the many stories you’ve all told me, it’s been very clear that Faith Lutheran has seen its strongest and most vibrant days when deeply connected to our broader community. The All Our Needs project is an invitation to re-root ourselves, to find new strength by intertwining our lives with those around us. It is a chance to show up fully and to witness the beauty of God’s presence in the most ordinary places.
This journey also helps all of us prepare our own hearts for our upcoming strategic planning process. By exploring the community surrounding us and learning about the lives of our neighbors, we gain real insights into the needs of our area and help ourselves discern what it is God envisions for Faith Lutheran to best serve, love, and live out the Gospel.
I hope you’ll join me, Pr. Lindsey, and Pr. Diana in this sacred little tour we’ve set up for ourselves this season. As we open ourselves to the needs of others, we are drawn closer to the wholeness God desires for us all.
We begin by gathering at Faith on Ash Wednesday (March 5) for a 7 pm service. Imposition of Ashes and communion will be offered. All three choirs are invited to participate in a joint choral effort. Pr. Lindsey, Pr. Diana, and I will all be working together as presidents.
The schedule for each Wednesday of Lent (including where we’ll be visiting) is below this little article (and will be emailed to you, and also in your worship aid each week).
Finally, we’ll end our communal journey together by gathering together at Christ Church on Yulupa for Holy Thursday, focusing on the mandatum (Jesus’ command to “love one another, as I have loved you”). This will be a special day with opportunity to spend some time at Elisha’s pantry getting people groceries, as well as gathering for a collective shared meal and Holy Thursday service in the evening. There will be more specifics about this day and timing for various activities in the first two weeks of March.
Like I said at the beginning of this letter— Lent is among my favorite liturgical seasons. It’s a truly special time to come close to one another and God. So, let’s gather, and go together—seeking justice, offering love, and finding new life together along the way.
with joy and gratitude for the gift that is you,
– Intern Pr. Sam
