Learning and Lent

People of God at Ebenezer,

It is hard to believe that December was my sixth month as your vicar! Our time together is moving so quickly that it is difficult to quantify all the learning that I have done among and alongside you all. Suffice it to say that our time together has been transformative to my faith and to my ministry. Ebenezer will live up to its name as a stone of help in my heart for the duration of my ministry.

This year, 2020, not only brings a look back at 190 years of ministry for Ebenezer Lutheran Church, but also gives us an opportunity to look forward to where God might be calling us in our life together. This will likely mean that some things will have to change. We may have to let go of some things that have meant a great deal to us in the past. This may mean we have to embrace new ways of doing things. It may also mean a recommitment to the things that mean the most to us. No matter what the future might bring, it will be important to embrace change as God’s calling and our common mission.

To that end, during the season of Lent, we will spend some time learning how to have difficult conversations with honesty and respect. Learning to respond to vulnerability with grace is our hard and holy work, the work of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Each Wednesday night during Lent, we will gather for a light meal and guided conversation where we will learn how to engage in respectful and fruitful dialogue. More details will be forthcoming. Keep an eye on the weekly bulletin and e-News for further details.

Grace and Peace,

-Vicar Ashton