February 2020 The Tower
We all made it to February! A month known for chocolates, flowers, and love. This month I would like us to celebrate Black History Month and Baptist Women in Ministry Month. As a church family that seeks to welcome and invite all people, I invite you to read 4 pieces of writing that are written by African Americans. It is so easy for us to hear voices that look like us and think like us. The readings listed below, and they will be printed in the bulletin each Sunday. You are invited to read them and participate in an e-mail discussion chain. Our hope is that we would learn and be challenged to speak out against the narrative and sin of white supremacy. All people were created in the image of God with equal worth and value, and we need to continue to confront our own prejudices.
In celebration of Baptist Women in Ministry Month, I have invited Pawsbeh Moo to share her testimony the last Sunday of February. Pawsbeh is a member of the Karen congregation and a current seminary student. As a church family, it is important that we support and encourage her as she follows the call of Christ. God has called men and women over centuries to lead churches and organizations in various way and in February we celebrate that.
As we celebrate love this month, let us be aware that true abiding love comes from Jesus Christ. We Christians are called to share that love with our neighbors. Christ showed His love for us when He willing gave His life on the cross. We rejoice in this great love that we are cared for, known, and comforted by a God that creates out of love. Love is a verb. Love is hard work. Love means sacrifice, commitment, service, and so much more. This month let us not buy into a red roses consumer holiday and instead be grateful for the love we receive in Christ. Read 1 John 4: 7-21. The verses below are found in 1 John 4:16-21:
16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Let us love fiercely and deeply for this is Christ’s command to us.
On February 26th we will celebrate Ash Wednesday during our bible study. We will take about the significance of it in our lives as Baptists and Christians. It marks the beginning of the season of Lent, in which we journey with Jesus to the cross leading to our Easter celebration. Know that I am here to support, pray, and care for each one of you.
Peace,
Pastor Joy