A Word from Jerry
Author: Dr. Jerry Russell
Feb 7, 12:46 AM
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From the Pastor’s Desk:
A modern day writer Frederick Buechner says of the story of Jesus, “It is a tragedy, a comedy and a fairy tale.”
As we begin the season of Lent and look closely at the life and ministry of Jesus in the last few weeks of His life among us, we see a story of faith and love. We see just how far God is willing to go to declare His love for the whole world. The story of Jesus is the story given in the flesh for all mankind for each of us.
This week at Fairview we will be looking together through the eyes of women who identify with the last words of Jesus from the cross. These women are without names in the Biblical stories but are remembered because of their personal encounter with Jesus and His touch on their lives. Each of them is uniquely affected yet affirmed. They are hurting yet healed, alone yet not left alone; each in need and Jesus brings His grace and love to bear on their situations. Out of their struggle and life experience, we are given insight into the wonderful love of God and see the cross as God’s greatest gift to us, His children. In the cross and through the suffering and death of Jesus, we are able to experience the wonder of grace, peace and hope.
Each week during Lent we will design our worship service around the stories of these women. We will also bring our small groups and Sunday school classes, if they desire, into a church wide examination of the story of God’s profound love for each of us and for His church.
Worship, study, conversation and preparation will allow us to arrive at the Easter celebration with a great appreciation and openness for what God has done for each of us and has promised us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Join me in praying for new insights as I prepare in the reading and preaching and as we ask God for a new openness to receive the Easter celebration.
Pastor Jerry
