Dear Siblings,

You may recall a sermon from a few years back when Rev. Scott said “I like reading the biographies of former presidents.” I remember chuckling because I’m the opposite. I like reading the biographies of people who could have been president, but either didn’t run… or didn’t win. A few of my favorites include Mario Cuomo, Shirley Chisholm, Colin Powell, and Jesse Jackson. 

In a speech before the 1984 Democratic National Convention, Jackson said this:

“… We are not a perfect people. Yet, we are called to a perfect mission: our mission to feed the hungry; to clothe the naked; to house the homeless; to teach the illiterate; to provide jobs for the jobless; and to choose the human race over the nuclear race… My constituency is the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected, and the despised. They are restless and seek relief.” 

Not a perfect people. Yet, called to a perfect mission. Serving a constituency of the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected, and the despised. Among the many reasons why Jackson’s campaigns never really took off is the reality that he was speaking beyond politics in an effort to call our attention to the soul and substance of who we are and who we might become. 

I think much of our faith does that too. Ordained or not all ordained, we’re all ministers! And this season of Lent is the journey that Jesus took in preparation for his ministry. 40 days in the wilderness to get ready for all that would soon come. Our 40 days is preparation for the ministry that God and Jesus are calling us into. 

What are you getting ready for? What is Central Congregational Church getting ready for?

On this First Sunday in Lent, we’ll return to the story of Jesus being tempted on the mountain, refusing those temptations, and setting off for the wilderness. We’ll imagine what it means to be “rooted in resistance.” Bring your walking shoes for the Story for All Ages! We’ll spend a few minutes “in the wilderness” of the labyrinth on the chancel. Looking for community before worship? Our Christian Nationalism series and Lenten Devotionals small group start Sunday morning!

And, please plan to come stay in the area for lunch and join us for our Black History Month Concert, featuring the Trey Clegg Singers at 3pm. 

Be well, 

Thomas