United Church of Warsaw

Thoughts From Kim… March 2008

There is considerable discussion as to the meaning of the word “Lent”. Traditionally, it was assumed that the word “lent” came from the same root as the word meaning “to lengthen,” a logical connection as Lent occurs during that time in the year when the days are getting longer. “Lent Means Spring” was certainly what I was taught in Sunday School, and the season became a time to look forward to the coming of spring, and a celebration of Christ’s resurrection. A dear friend jokes that Lent actually means “gloom and doom”, because it is the time in the church when we focus on sin, confession and reconciliation, and on the painful aspects of Jesus’ life. She cites as evidence for her opinion that traditionally we don’t say the word “alleluia” during the six weeks of Lent, saving it instead for the celebration of Easter. Banners and decorations are usually removed and the church takes on a more austere look – perhaps to reflect the inner house cleaning that we are all invited to do. The mood tends to be sober and solemn – or, in her words, “gloom and doom.”Some scholars now believe that there is a different derivation of the word, linking the word Lent to the Latin word lentare, which means to bend. This gives us a completely different lens through which to view the word, and this season.

What would it mean for us if Lent meant to bend – could it be a reminder that those things in our life that are overly rigid need to soften and become more flexible? Perhaps it is our will and sense of self that needs a bit of softening, or our expectations – or some of the past things we cling to that have petrified in our soul (like an old hurt, or grudge); something we can’t forgive or let go of.

I always thought the best and strongest things were those that were rigid and did not bend. A rock solid foundation with no “give” looked very attractive to me…until I pastored my first church in Bakersfield, California, and lived through my first earthquake. What a blessing to be inside a building that was built to have a bit of “give” and “movement” around the foundation, so the building could ride the waves of the quake, and not be shattered by the force. This experience caused me to rethink my views on what constitutes strength and stability, leaving room for some bending and flexibility.

As the Lenten Season draws to a close with the powerful and painful remembrance of Christ’s passion, I invite us all to reflect on how we might soften, bend, and allow some healthy movement in those places in our lives that have become overly fixed and rigid.

May this softening allow new life to emerge as we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection.

With love and prayers, Kim

February 2008

Today is a beautiful day. The snow is falling (no wind to speak of), and the snowflakes are the big, fluffy variety – it is a picture postcard day…unless you are trying to drive in the ice and slush, or needing to shovel the zillions of these beautiful flakes. My view of the snowstorm from the warmth of the Manse study is delightful, and I can comfortably take time to appreciate the beauty of today. A change of circumstances (like trying to drive to Buffalo in this weather) might significantly alter my opinion of the storm outside this window.A change in circumstances can indeed invite a change in perspective!

There is a saying in Scotland – “a change is as good as a rest.” It reminds us that doing something differently – changing something – can leave us feeling rested, revitalized, and give us a whole different perspective on life. Sometimes a little “shake-up” can make all the difference – a positive difference.

Lent is the season for just such a shake-up. We began the year in Advent with the anticipation of the birth of the Christ, and then celebrated God’s gift of love at Christmas. The Christmas season led into Epiphany – a time to discover the many way God is revealed to us. Now deep in the darkness of winter, we find ourselves in Lent. Lent is one of the oldest seasons in the Christian calendar, and has always been a time to prepare for the joy and wonder of Easter! It is the winter that leads into spring – a time to prepare for new life and rebirth. For Christians, it is a time to prepare to experience a spiritual spring, with the rebirth and rejuvenation of our spirits.

Throughout history, people have approached Lent in many different ways. Most try to attend worship faithfully throughout the six weeks of this season. Many make the effort to attend special opportunities forprayer and learning. Some use the time to seriously take stock of their relationship with God and others, and see if a change of direction (the true meaning of repentance) is required.

There is also the popular “giving up something for Lent” (fasting) – usually something that you love and need to learn to enjoy in moderation, or something you know is not good for you. I have watched people “fast” from things like gossip, worry, over-use of credit cards or drugs/alcohol, with each person finding what is uniquely their weakest link, and working to come to terms with it. Some, take a different approach – instead of giving something up for Lent, they take on something new. Perhaps it is a new good habit that they want to get “bedded in” during these 40 days, like service to those in need, care for one’s health, developing a more regular prayer life – there are as many different approaches as there are people!The key is this: Do something different that will help you to be more in touch with God. Shake things up a bit – get a different perspective! Use these forty days constructively and creatively to open yourself to the God that loves you more than you can imagine. In doing this, you will be preparing yourself to move through the darkness of winter into the beauty and joy of spring – the Resurrection!

In the words of this ancient call to the Christian Church:“Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great

devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season

of penitence and fasting…I invite you, therefore in the name of the

Church, to the observance of a holy Lent…”

Be open to the amazing possibilities that await you this Lent!

With love and prayers,
Kim

January 2008

I said to the man that stood at the Gate of the Year,

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown,” -

and he said “Go out into the darkness, and put your

hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you

better than light, and safer than a known way.”

- Minnie Louise Hoskins

This quote often comes to mind as I stand at the threshold of a New Year – a new beginning filled with fresh opportunities and challenges. If you are anything like me, you like to approach new things with as much security as possible – a light is the minimal amount of security I want before I venture into the dark unknown! Maps, compasses, guidebooks, forecasts – anything that can help me to predict what is waiting for me is greatly appreciated. It is also, more often than not, the beginning of a false sense of security.

Sometimes you just have to walk into the unknown without all those illusions of security, and hold only to God’s hand.

This is easier said than done (I know), but it is an amazing way to move forward. By leaving behind the baggage of agendas, expectations, and the trappings of control and security, we open ourselves to the wondrous possibilities that await us with God as both our guide, and creator of a universe filled with limitless opportunities. Also, with the baggage behind us, we can travel lighter, and faster, and with greater agility. Giving up control and walking into the darkness of the unknown can be frightening (ok, terrifying). But if we trust that God does indeed love us as tenderly as a loving parent does with their precious child, then we can, with confidence, place our hand into the hand of God, and walk into this New Year relying on God grace, mercy, and steadfast love.

None of us knows what the future holds – we can plan, and anticipate, but ultimately the only moment we are sure of is the moment in which we now draw breath. We can respond to this reality by trying to over-control and micro-manage, or we can relax and step, with God, into

this New Year, and allow God to unfold all manner of possibilities and opportunities.

May we all find the faith and courage to place our hand in the hand that is truly more secure than all the light and road maps we can create, and may we venture into the unknown guided by the light and love of Christ.

A very Blessed and Happy New Year to all,

With love,
Kim