Pastoral Message

   I am excited for Lent!  I am using a new resource “Vincent Van Gogh and the Beauty of Lent” published by SALT.  Their self-description from their website: “At SALT, we tell stories that matter.  SALT is an Emmy Award winning, not-for-profit production company dedicated to the craft of visual storytelling.  We love creating stories with sparkle and imagination, lovely little windows through which the world can catch a glimpse of who you are and what you do.”  (www.saltproject.org/what-is-salt)

   In the spring of 1991, I spent a semester in Paris.  My favorite act of rebellion was that while I was there, I acquired a fake ID.  I claimed to be 1 year younger than I was so that I could get into the Musee D’Orsay for free anytime it was open.  I loved it there.  I did my homework there.  I lived in the impressionist rooms and absorbed the gorgeous views.  So, it is probably not surprising that my favorite Dr. Who episode is Vincent and the Doctor - some of which takes place in the very same Museum.  Despite my admiration for the works of Vincent Van Gogh, I did not know very much about him. 

   This Lenten Study incorporates the traditional Gospel Lectionaries for Lent with letters and paintings of Vincent Van Gogh.  It also offers history as well as thoughts and practices for meditations.  We started on Ash Wednesday (3/2) and will continue to use this devotional through Lent. 
   Because this devotional is not my own work and I have ceased law-breaking rebellion habits, I will offer a different version for our online worship.  Typically Lent is viewed as a chore or a season of “can’t”.  I hope that your Lenten journey brings you closer to knowing and living into God’s loving call on your life.  Whether your journey is mostly at home or also brings you into a wider community - may these lengthening days bring evermore enlightenment to your path!

Blessings!
Pastor Kristi