TCC Flash - Weekly News
Losing It for Jesus
| Rev. Baxter Chism.
"For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it" - Mark 8:35
Nobody likes to lose. If you are a competitive person, I'm guessing that if you feel like you have lost, whatever it is, it eats at you for a while. Competition is definitely not a bad thing because it challenges a person. I know it has helped me over the years.
But as Christians, what are we competing for as followers of Christ?
Jesus definitely has a way with words. Easily He used a story of using words and concepts from life to make people think and challenge what they believed. Lots of people in different places in life listened to what He said. I wonder if those who had it pretty good in life, who heard Him then, didn't like to hear, "lose your life." If it is going well, let's keep that going.
I think of our Racism Discussion Series and how it would challenge us. Over the years, I've heard story after story of people realizing the evils of racism. I've also heard countless stories of those whot deny the severity of it. I guess you could say many over the years have "lost" old views while others weren't ready to lose. The battle continues today.
Jesus, to me, when teaching the good news, was talking about a practice we call today altruism. Altruism is unselfishness. We become more concerned for the well-being of others. Most people who are altruistic respond to help others when they see how challenging circumstances cause empathy and a desire to help.
This is just my perception, but a lot of people today act on ethical egoism. This is different from being altruistic. People who practice this act out of their own self-interest. Sometimes they don't even know it. Maybe they want to look good to others or feel good about themselves. Case in point, you may know friends who get upset when others do not acknowledge what they have done. Their feelings might get hurt.
Fact is, we may be a mixture of altruism and ethical egoism. It’s a hard line to toe.
I think of the Book of Mark and how Jesus wanted people to focus on the good news...not the miracles. Jesus wanted people to hear the good news and respond out of love and justice for each other. He taught a different type of kin-dom than those who surround the people. It was not one built on class and understandings of prosperity and how people got it. Jesus was including and affirming people and challenging those who did the opposite.
Mark 12:35-40 talks, somewhat, about ethical egoism. He critiqued those who loved to be seen in the marketplaces with their fine clothes and always getting the good seat. Jesus also criticized their long-winded prayers "for the sake of appearance." How odd that doing something good can turn into something bad.
The context of how we practice our faith is very important. It is even more important to our neighbors.
Jesus woke a lot of people up. He used the words they knew to bring new light and to see them in different ways. He called out customs that were hurting people that were socially acceptable by many. He became a mirror to many and how they looked at life.
I often refer to the Apostle Paul. His life drastically changed when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Paul had education when very few did. He had backing from people and was a Roman citizen. He could have continued harassing Christians and living the "good" life in darkness. But he did not. He "died" to himself.
The Old Testament, in Genesis, shares the story of Abraham and Sarah. There was nothing wrong with their life. Abraham had stature and wealth. He also had respect. Then God called and he and Sarah would find themselves in places they had never been before. Their old life died and something new began.
The fact is, we are dying to ourselves every day. It has been my experience that dying to old ideas and putting others first can be extremely challenging. I remember the day that I started to wake up to the racism that surrounded me. What was normalized began to be unveiled. I began to ask my black and brown friends about their lives and challenges. Prayer and soul-searching is what I did. I guess you could say I put my Jesus glasses on. Many days I have to clean'em so I can see better still.
What are you losing for Jesus today? Is something dying that needs to?
I hope you have picked up your cross and are following Jesus this Lenten Season. We continue through these 40 days to reflect and seek to be more like Jesus. So, with that, I hope you lose on your journey. This loss does not bring about defeat. It is one of victory.
Lose it for Jesus. Find yourself.
Stay Safe,
Rev. Baxter
Easter Flowers
| Carol Sturtevant.
As part of our celebration that Christ is Risen, we add flowers to the beauty of our Sanctuary for Easter. Choices are native lilies, Farolito lilies, tulips,aAzaleas (pink or white), and blue hydrangeas.
Please complete the attached order form found below and enclose the form and payment in an envelope. Either mail to Carol Sturtevant, 9 Henry J Drive, Tewksbury, MA 01876 or put your order in the Secretary’s mailbox outside the office. Envelopes will be available outside the church office.
Checks are made payable to Carol Sturtevant.
Sunday, March 21st is the FINAL ordering date.
If the Sanctuary is open on Easter Sunday, we ask that flowers be taken after the service. Due to the possibility that we may not be able to be in the Sanctuary, your plant(s) will be available for pickup 11-noon or 2-3 pm on Easter Sunday. Call Carol Sturtevant for alternate pickup time and questions. The plants are fragile and should be picked up or delivered as soon as possible. Be sure to take the plant(s) that you ordered. Check the list on the Church Office door, Sunday School entrance door or Fellowship Hall side entrance if you are unsure.
Order early to secure your first choice. Any questions, please feel free to call Carol Sturtevant: home 978-851-4451 or contact by email sturtevantcb@verizon.net.
Attached File: 62Easter Flowers Order Form-2021.pdf
In-Person Worship Services return in March
| Board of Deacons.
The Board of Deacons are happy to announce that we will open up our sanctuary for socially distanced in-person worship beginning in March. In order to continue to adhere to the guidelines of the Commonwealth, those attending are asked to register for the services ahead of time on Sign-Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49a8a92da0f94-march) through our website or by calling the church office.
We are looking forward to seeing your smiling faces under those masks!
A Most Heartfelt Thank You!
| Carolyn Fialkowski.
Please know how appreciated the outpouring of sympathy has been for the sudden loss of my brother.
Grief is painful but it helps to know so many people care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Carolyn Fialkowski
A Tareila Grant Recipient Thanks TCC!
| Tareila Missions Committee.
GROW (Gardening Resources of Wellness), a program launched in June 2019 on the grounds of Tewksbury Hospital by Bob Baden and Emily Sherman, is the grateful recipient of a Tareila Missions Grant, and this program is helping many overcome adversity through the therapeutic benefits of gardening and a natural vocational training opportunity.
Mr. Baden reached out to the Tareila Missions Grant Committee to express his appreciation for the grant, which has been used to follow the 1950s-era planting guide of Tewksbury Hospital gardener Stuart Cogswell. Cogswell’s hand written seed chart, bound in an old leather book, has mesmerized the program participants. “They really have an appreciation for the care and detail that Cogswell took in documenting the plantings,” said Baden.
Here is a part of Mr. Baden's thank you note:
Hello,
I hope all is well with you. Please find attached my Progress Report. I wanted to attach a copy of the thank you card that gets sent along with our flower deliveries as it mentions the grant-I am waiting for my Dir of Ops to send it to me so I can forward that as well.
There are several videos of the Stuart Cogswell project being added to our website. In that many of the videos are short. I have been editing some into slightly longer, more informational packages. That is what is currently being swapped out on our page.
There is so much footage and so much we want share.
Enjoy! Thanks again for everything.
If you wish to learn more about this worthwhile program, click here.
The Racism Discussion Series is Here!
| Rev. Baxter Chism.
Hi Church Family!
I wanted to share a reminder about our upcoming Racism Discussion. As you know, there has been much strife around our country because of racism. The Lenten Season is a good time to reflect and discuss this topic. Please be in prayer for our discussion and I hope you participate.
We will have two guest speakers. I'll also lead a bible discussion. Each session will be on Wednesdays beginning at 7 pm and lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Here is the schedule:
February 24th
Our speaker will be Rev. R.G. Lyons. R.G. is a friend and fellow pastor from Alabama. He has experience in the social just realm working with black and brown people. One of the ways he has served is by beginning a home church in a very impoverished suburb in Birmingham, Alabama. He will be able to share with us the obstacles created by racism. Also, he will be able to share about racism in the Deep South region of our country and how it has affected the culture there.
March 3rd
I will lead a bible discussion and point out how the bible addresses racism. Next week I will send out notes to guide you in preparation for the discussion. Even if you do not participate, please take time and read through the notes.
March 10th
We will be joined by Rev. Darrell Goodwin. Rev. Goodwin, as he likes to be called, is a black person and part of the LGTBQ community. He is also the new Executive Pastor in the Southern New England Conference of the UCC. He will share with us about his life and also inform us of ways we can make a difference in our conference and the Wider Church around the country. Rev. Goodwin will also share the impact of not only racism in his life, but also the discrimination he has faced being a LGTBQ person.
If you would like, please submit questions for our speakers and myself. This will help us learn as much as possible during our time together. You can send your questions to pastor@tewksburycc.org. Any type of question is welcomed.
Many have registered and you still have time! Also, if you prefer to participate by dialing in using your mobile phone or Land line, a phone number will be provided too. Please contact Mercy at 978-851-9411 or at office@tewksburycc.org if you plan to participate.
In Christ,
Rev. Baxter
Tech Team Volunteers Needed
| Technology Committee.
With the completion of our AV system in the sanctuary, we have all enjoyed the ability to stream and record our services. In order to keep the system running, we need to identify volunteers that can support the technology needs of the service. Training will be provided. We will require three individuals each Sunday to make this system run smoothly. Please contact the Tech Committee at tech@tewksburycc.org if you are interested in helping out
Called to Care
As a community of Faith, we are Called to Care for one another. Please visit our Called to Care page to learn how you can offer or request care for yourself or for a member of our church family.
Welcome to Called to Care!
Join the Care Team
Request Care
View the current Care Calendars
Make a Care Connection
Submit a Prayer Request
Lenten Series Book Study
| Board of Deacons.
Last year we started a Lenten Series with the book "24 Hours That Changed the World", and we had to stop the meeting due to the pandemic. It is a year later and even though we still cannot meet in person, we can meet to discuss this book using a Zoom Meeting platform and pick up right where we left off last year.
Please contact Sue Bradley to join the book study and get a book at 978-729-3044 or email her at Sue.Bradley@tewksburycc.org.
The book study meeting dates and times are:
Thursdays, February 18th, 25th, March 4th, March 11th, March 18th, March 25th, April 8th, 7-8 pm
Saturdays, February 20th, February 27th, March 6th, March 13th, March 20th, March 27th, April 10th, 9-10 am
We look forward to seeing you on Zoom!
CE Youth Lesson - Love Your Enemies - 2/28
| Sue Panilaitis.
Jesus brought His followers to a mountain to explain to them what it means to live as part of God’s kingdom. During that message, He said something surprising about love. In Matthew 5:43-47 Jesus said, You’ve heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor. Hate your enemy.’ But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you, (NIrV). Jesus wanted to be sure that love is bigger than we think, and everyone deserves love. Video, lesson and activity can be found here.
Bottom Line: Love others because they matter to God. We tend to make judgement calls on who deserves to receive love. But that’s not the way God works. All people are created in God’s image, and regardless of how much we get along or not, we should work to be nice and show God’s love to them. We’ll help kids understand how they can do this for the people in their life.
CE Youth Lesson - Mary and Martha - 2/21
| Sue Panilaitis.
This week, we find Jesus at the home of His friends, Mary and Martha. In Luke 10:38-42, we find how these two sisters had different things in mind when it came to having Jesus in their home. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while He talked. Martha was busy doing all the things that she felt needed to get done. She complained to Jesus, but He answered that what Mary was doing was better in this moment. Video, lesson and activity can be found here.
Bottom Line: Love others with your time. We often think that the only way we can show love for others is by being busy doing stuff for them. But people don’t need us to busy, they just need us to be there for them. The time we spend with others can speak volumes to show them how much we love them.
Missions Committee Needs Your Ideas!
| Missions Committee.
The Missions Committee, on behalf of TCC, continues to support various non-profit agencies to help with their needs (Lowell Transitional Living Center, Tewksbury Food Pantry, The Wish Project, House of Hope, to name a few). We would love to hear suggestions from members of the congregation about other viable local agencies that could use some support during these challenging times. Please send your suggestions to committee member Judy Boyson (j_boyson@yahoo.com).
Thank you!
Please Keep Praying!
| Board of Deacons.
Please include the following members and friends in your daily prayers. If you know of anyone who needs prayers, and they would like to be included on this list, please reach out to the church office at 978-851-9411. We're also attaching the Prayer Pages with the most recent prayer requests.
Prayers get put on the monthly Prayer Pages as requested by individuals. If you wish to have your prayers, concerns, and celebrations listed on the Prayer Pages, please contact Sue Trudeau at 978-640-9716 or the church office at 978-851-9411.
Let us all remember to celebrate God's abundance in our lives! Please pray for all those in Texas without heat, power and water. Prayers of thanksgiving for those who have been restored. Pray for our first responders as they deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases. Pray for everyone impacted by this pandemic. Just keep praying. Our nation needs those prayers.
Please pray for Russ Adams as he grieves the loss of his cousin, Jim, who died on Monday, February 22nd, after a series of heart attacks. Please pray for Jim's wife, Sandra, and their two daughters, Patty Ann and Amy, as they mourn the loss of their husband and dad.
Please pray for Carolyn Fialkowski and her whole family, for the sudden death of her brother, Mike, due to a heart attack on February 5th. Please pray for Ed Stoddard, our long-time member, Stephanie Muse's father-in-law and Ken Muse's step-father. Ed died on January 25th after suffering a stroke. Please pray for Kathleen SanClemente, Paul SanClemente's mom and Sarah SanClemente's mother-in-law, who passed away on December 28th from complications from COVID. Please continue to pray for Diane O'Toole and her family, a long-time member of TCC who's brother, Dan, passed away due to complications from COVID on December 17th. May they rest in peace.
Please pray with TCC for those who are in recovery from alcohol and drugs. Give them strength and help them know they are worthy of love and support.
Thank you to the Holy Ghost Crew for their flexibility and ingenuity in continuing to keep us connected during worship every Sunday!
1. Christopher J.- Prayers of comfort and healing for his Dad, Bob, who is in the hospital with congestive heart failure.
2. Sue T.- Prayers of thanksgiving for her Mom, Jennifer, who is home recovering from hip replacement surgery.
3. Trish & Jim K.- Prayers of celebration for the birth of their first Grandson, Zion, a healthy baby born February 21st to their daughter Leanne and son-in-law Gopi, and weighing in at 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 19 inches long!
4. Carolyn & Jim F.- Prayers of celebration and gratitude for their son and daughter-in-law, as they wait in joyful anticipation the arrival of their first granddaughter this summer!
3. JoJo S.- Prayers of celebration and a Happy 85th Birthday to Donna H. Prayers of healing and comfort for her nephew, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer; and her brother-in-law, who is battling lung cancer.
4. Alice G.- Prayers of celebration and gratitude that Alice is home! Prayers for continued healing and recovery.
5. Deb A.- Prayers of comfort and healing for Kyle's friend, Alex, who broke his leg during a hockey game. Prayers that his doctors can set the bones properly and for God to guide their healing hands.
6. Marilyn S.- Prayers for her sister Marcy who was diagnosed with Covid this week and her brother-in-law Wayne, struggling with the long-term effects of Lymphoma treatment.
7. Melissa A.- Prayers for her daughter Hailey, that her doctors may find a way to stop her seizures. Prayers of celebration and gratitude for her Papa, who is home from the hospital and still recovering.
8. Russ A.- Prayers of comfort for his daughter-in-law Sharon and her mother Rona, after the passing of Rona's father, Samuel.
9. Juscini D. and Carmen - Prayers for their hospice patient Celia, who they care for around the clock. Prayers for comfort and support for them and their patient's family.
10. Sue H.- Prayers of healing and comfort for her friend, Craig, who's wife has pancreatitis and pneumonia. Prayers for her sister Joanne as she heals and learns her next steps for breast cancer treatment.
11. Nancy G.- Prayers of gratitude and continued healing that her mom, Ruth M., is home from the hospital. Prayers for her grandson, Billy, to fully recover from Covid.
12. Jacob T.- Prayers that he feels better.
13. Carol and Bob S.- Prayers of comfort and peace for their son-in-law, Eric and Family in CT. His mother, Sylvia, passed away last Sunday, Feb.14th. She was a remarkable & caring woman. She is missed by her family & friends.
14. Christopher B.-Prayers for peace and comfort as he grieves with the loss of his Dad, Al, and must cope and adjust to life in a new home.
15. Pam D.- Prayers for her Uncle who has been hospitalized with Covid. Prayers of celebration for her father's recovery from Covid.
16. Lynette A.- Prayers of thanksgiving for her daughter-in-law, Lauren, who is now doing well.
17. Jean M.- Please pray for comfort and healing as she struggles with breathing issues due to her diagnosis of COPD.
18. Nancy M.- Please pray for comfort and healing for Pat & Mark over the loss of Mark's Mom, Mary.
19. Matt K.- Prayers of thanksgiving for the life of Nathan, who celebrated his 7th birthday on February 14th.
20. Linda M.- Prayers of celebration for Helen Hammond's 91st birthday on Valentines Day!
21. Jody A.- Prayers of gratitude for her father, who got through his cardiac ablation well. Celebratory prayers for her parents, who celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day.
22. Mercy D.- Prayers of comfort and peace for her sister-in-law, Michele, who just lost her uncle Tibor to cancer this past week. Prayers of comfort and peace for her friend Mariví, who lost her youngest son Ryan in a tragic car accident in South Florida on Super Bowl Sunday. Ryan was 27 years old. Prayers of comfort and peace for the family after the death of Mercy's Aunt Rosa, who passed away from Covid complications and Alzheimer's on January 28th.
23. Evelyn F.- Prayers of healing as she continues her rehabilitation.
24. Kait B.- Asking for prayers of comfort and healing for a friend whose 14-year-old daughter is being brought to Boston Children’s after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome following a flu shot.
25. Kelly & Steve R.- Please continue prayers and thoughts of healing and comfort for Kelly as she continues her fight against cancer.
26. Sven H.- Prayers for Karolyn's workmate Jackie, whose cancer has returned and is undergoing chemo again.
27. JoJo S.- Please pray for her daughter Trish as she is going through a rough patch right now. Prayers for her friend Dean. Please pray for Sherri Mercer who is undergoing chemo.
28. Pat & Mac T.- Requesting prayers of recovery for, Betty, a Florida neighbor suffering the effects from two strokes.
29. Desma K.- Prayers for the fathers of three of her good friends. All are struggling with health issues right now. Prayers for a friend from work who had a miscarriage.
30. Nancy M.- Prayers for Nick, as he continues to battle cancer. Prayers of gratitude and thankfulness, that her sister Pat is home and continuing her recovery there with the support of family.
31. Kim B.- Please pray for her friend as she begins chemotherapy for breast cancer. Please pray for all those who are in need of prayers. Pray for God to watch over all the people in the way of fires, floods, and earthquakes, and to keep all of those warm and those who need food safe. May God bless them all.
32. Marlene G.- Prayers of gratitude for her sister Joanne who got a good test after breast cancer surgery and will not need radiation. Prayers for healing as she learns the next steps of treatment. Prayers of thanksgiving as her friend's daughter is found safe. Prayers for staff member Drew Page at the Southern New England Conference office, who is facing cancer surgery.
33. Heather and Steve R.- Prayers for Heather's mom, who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is showing symptoms.
34. Joanne K.- Prayers on behalf of two friends. Her friend, Mary lost her younger sister, tragically, last month in a bicycle accident. Please offer prayers of comfort and grace to that family. Another friend, Lisa, needs prayers of hope and strength and belief in God to get her through a very hard time. Continued prayers for Kelly R., Alice G., and my neighbor, Ashley.
35. Ginny & Richie D.- Prayers of healing for Richie, who is recovering from a fall and is back at the Veteran's Hospital.
36. Linda M.- Prayers for her colleague, Bob, who lost his wife suddenly.
37. Sheila P and her family- Prayers of gratitude and healing as she finished her radiation treatments while wearing her mask to stay safe. Renewed prayers for continued healing as she begins to deal with the effects of the radiation.
38. Barbara B.- Prayers for comfort as she is homebound and convalescing in Methuen.
39. Trish R.- Prayers for both her children as they struggle. Prayers for mental health, peace, and comfort during this time of quarantine.
40. Mary and Dana L.- Prayers they all stay healthy as Dana continues to work as a police officer in town.
41. Loretta M.- Prayers of healing and comfort as she continues convalescing at home.
42. Arlene S.- Prayers of healing and comfort as she continues undergoing cancer treatments.
43. Tammy- Prayers for Godson Billy to stay strong.
44. Kymberly- Prayers for her mom's new cancer diagnosis.
Attached File: 36February 2021 pp.pdf
Click HERE to view all TCC Sign-ups!
| Church Secretary.
Click HERE to launch our TCC Sign-up Genius page. Use the tabs to switch between the sign-ups. Thank you for lending a helping hand!
Shop Online and Help Support TCC!
| Board of Ministries.
Amazon has a shopping program that benefits non-profits and the Tewksbury Congregational Church is now registered! It's called AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to our church. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know, same products, same prices, same service. You are able to support TCC with your AmazonSmile purchases at no extra cost to you! Feel free to share this info with your friends and family, too.
Simply visit smile.amazon.com and enter "Tewksbury Congregational Church" as the charity you wish to support. For TCC to get credit, all your purchases must be made through the 'smile.amazon.com' site...so be sure to bookmark it to make future purchases easier;-) Happy Shopping!
Sunday School & Nursery Information
| Sue Panilaitis.
Due to the world health crisis currently going on, TCC will not be offering in person Sunday School nor nursery care at this time. Youth are invited to participate in the weekly worship either in person or on public access TV/Facebook live.
To supplement the family worship experience, the CE committee will be providing weekly lessons that you and your children can enjoy at home. These lessons will include a 15 minute video as well as follow up activities that you can do together to reflect on the lesson and open up additional dialogue.
Calling All Scripture Readers!
| Board of Deacons.
If you are interested in reading the scripture for our remote Sunday worship services, please email Mercy Delgado (secretary.tewksburycc@gmail.com) and let her know which Sundays you are available to read. You may also click here to sign up for the Sunday of your choice.
You can either join the Holy Ghost Crew in the Sanctuary and read the scripture live or record your reading at home ahead of time, whichever you are more comfortable with. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred date(s).
Additional Usher Team Members Needed!
| Stephanie Muse.
If you are planning on being present at in-person worship in the fall and winter months, please prayerfully consider joining the Usher team. Duties are somewhat different than they have been in previous years. Training will be provided.
Please email Stephanie Muse with questions or offers to serve at slmuse1965@gmail.com.
Dusting Time
| Rev. Baxter Chism.
"By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." - Genesis 3:19
Dusting the house is not one of my favorite past times. In the past, I have purchased air purifiers to do the job. Late last year, Christina purchased for us a new purifier and it excited me because of the potential of less dusting. After a few weeks I shared with Christina that it was working great! You are my friend, air purifier!
At the same time as I shared my glee, she asked me to check it to see how much dust was on the filter inside. So, I opened it to check and found the filter was still wrapped in plastic. You see, I took it out of the box and plugged it in without considering this needed to be done. It is no secret that I'm a periodic idiot living in the grace of God.
There is a saying that I use, if I can remember it, when imposing ashes on all your foreheads on Ash Wednesday. It goes, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." You can find this saying or variants of it in the Old Testament. It is a reminder of things like repentance and that we will not live forever. Seeing these are things we do not like to talk about, why would we put dust enhanced with olive or vegetable oil on our foreheads?
Lent is here and it is time to pick up the cross and follow Jesus to Jerusalem. Whenever Jesus talked about this, the Disciples were like, "What the heck is the Lord talking about?" Jesus is the Messiah and the Messiah doesn't go to no cross!
It would have been easier for Jesus to stay in miracle-mode and build upon His rock star status. It would have been easier to teach the Disciples and live on. It would have been easier to go around preaching and preaching and not go to the cross. It would have been easier just to live a long life and return to dust like every other person. It would have been easier to lean upon His divine-side and just rule over Israel like King David.
Jesus didn't take the easy route. It was time to take the plastic off the filter.
You see, we are more than dust. Yeah, after our life is finished here, our bodies will return to dust. Our souls will not, however. Following Jesus is sanctifying grace. It purifies the soul. And sometimes the soul gets a little dusty. It needs a little cleaning.
Last night I did some dusting upstairs in the parsonage. Although it wasn't a complete disaster, it was nice for everything to be very clean and in order. As you all know, unless I keep it tidy it could become a complete mess. A little dusting now prevents a lot of dusting later.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The writer also says in 1 John 3:3, "And all who have this hope in him purify themselves even as he is pure." James 4:8 reminds us that we are to draw near to God because it will “purify your hearts.”
Matthew 16:24-25 says, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them.”
Let us journey with Jesus this Lenten Season. Let the dusting begin. Turn the air purifier on. Time to clean up the soul. To do so, pick up the cross and follow.
Stay Safe,
Rev. Baxter