PASTOR'S REFLECTIONS

I can live with the snow, but I do prefer heat and electricity. For me, this weather has brought discomfort (no power) and inconvenience. Struggling with all this snow, power outages and unsafe roads---our vulnerabilities are further revealed in spite of our supposedly being a technologically advanced society. In fact, at times it was a struggle to remember that kindness, patience and caring for each other would help us to get through the snowstorms and the resulting chaos. It is not always easy to put others first when we feel under duress and yet that is the example of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Lenten season is an opportunity for us to reflect on the life of Jesus and his teachings. Jesus always found time for people---all people. He loved humankind even when he did not love their actions. Jesus willingly gave up His life as an atoning sacrifice for everyone. All we need do is repent and accept God's grace shared through Jesus. Death could not hold him and the "empty tomb" reminds of the assurance we have that God's promises are good and true.

When we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have the joy of serving as His followers. We have the privilege of sharing our faith and serving as partners in His work right where we are. Let me encourage each of us to use the Lenten season to examine our commitment to Jesus Christ and find new ways to "serve Christ" so that we can let our light shine as individuals and as Christ's church. How has God gifted you so that you can serve and share your faith in your daily actions?

We will be talking about the record amount of snow for the winter of 2009-2010 for some years to come. Yes, it has created hardship and stress. Still, I am reminded that after two or three weeks of isolation and being housebound, there was a renewed sense of joy and appreciation for the church, its fellowship, purpose, and opportunity to worship as people were able to return. I believe we all had a new appreciation for what the church and Christ means to us. Perhaps, we come to take the precious gifts that God has given us in our church and our fellowship for granted far too often. So as we continue our journey to the cross and Easter, let us not forget how very much KBC means to us all and how much we mean to each other.

Spring is coming! It will bring us new opportunities. May Christ be glorified in all that we do as we offer Him our faith and service.

In Christ's Service,