Dear Church,
It is good to be back among you after the first part of my sabbatical! The last month was spent resting, enjoying family time (including visits throughout the southeast), and prayerful renewal. I am energized to be reconnecting with you these next two months (before the remaining two months of my sabbatical in April and May) as we also “Connect with Jesus” during Lent and Easter at First Presbyterian Church of Garner.

The season of Lent-those 40 days before easter—marked by deep reflection and humble confession—begins on February 14 with Ash Wednesday. But I have always felt that the Sunday before Ash Wednesday—this Sunday!—is also an important initial step in this annual season of our Christian faith.

As many of you reading might already know, this coming Sunday is called “Transfiguration” Sunday and the scripture we read in worship will be a depiction of Jesus’ remarkable transformation in blinding light—an event that reveals Jesus to his closest disciples as the fulfilment of God’s promised salvation and redemption shared in the Old Testament law and prophetic writings.

And it is no coincidence that in each of the gospels this event takes place almost immediately before Jesus prepares to go to Jerusalem for the last week of his earthly life. This shift, like any change, can feel challenging. In fact, in the story, Peter is often seen as embodying the anxiety and fear we can feel when something overwhelming and different happens. But, as our denomination’s office of theology and worship reminds us:

In celebrating [Transfiguration], we rejoice in the divine majesty of Christ, whose glory shone even when confronted with the cross. It is given us for our journey through Lent toward the agony of the cross and the victory of the empty tomb. We celebrate this mystery in order that our faith may be renewed. We are transformed into the new being in Christ as we join Christ in his death and resurrection in Lent and Easter.(from: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/christianyear/transfiguration-lord/

As you approach Sunday therefore—either to worship with us, another community of faith, or in some other way—have courage that the changes and transformations that happen around us are still marked by God’s love, presence, and hope. Pray for changes in the world that need to happen so that peace, justice, and wholeness for all people prevails. And consider that change you might need to make or be part of to share this hope with others.

The Lord Bless and Keep You As You do so!
Rev. Ben

Announcements

• The 2024 Flower Chart is up! The flower chart is posted in the hallway and ready for sign-ups. The cost of the flowers for the coming year is $45.00.
• CALLING ALL KIDS!! Today is Game Day…in more ways than one. After enjoying a filling lunch at “Souper Bowl” Sunday in the Fellowship Hall, join the Faith Formations crew for more games and activities than you can toss a football at!! Fun for all ages! 12:30 to 1:45pm starting in the Fellowship Hall.
• Souper Bowl Sunday is today, please see the additional insert for details.
• Ash Wednesday: The Ash Wednesday service will be held on February 14th at 7pm. After two years of Ash Wednesday services centered around prayer stations, we will resume a more traditional service this year. Let us begin the Lenten season with humility and penitence.
• Ida Joy Bible Study: The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 13th at 10am. They are looking forward to starting a new study on the Women of the Bible! February’s study will be on Priscilla. All are invited to attend regardless of age and gender. Hope to see you there!
• The Thursday Morning Bible Study: The Thursday Morning Bible Study has resumed meeting after the break for the holidays. They just finished taking “A Brief Tour of the Sermon on the Mount” and are looking forward to beginning their Lenten studies. Please join us each Thursday at 10am!
• The Adult Sunday School class meets each Sunday morning at 9:30 am for thoughtful discussion and fellowship in the comfort of your home or live & in person. They are using THE PRESENT WORD Bible Study. Please contact Karen Lovering or Mike Koenig for more information. Hope to see you there!
• Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. The walking group meets at the Village at 6pm to walk. We will park at Cadence assisted living on Minglewood Dr. and walk 2 laps around the Village. If you have any questions, contact Martha Long. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.
• Liftavator update: The Building & Grounds Team is pleased to announce that the initial deposit has been placed for the installation of the exterior vertical lift to be placed near the church office and choir room. Installation of this “Liftavator” will allow greater access to our building for those with mobility issues. Information on the liftavator and FAQ sheets can be found in the narthex. Additionally, Karen Lovering and Komivi Ekoule are available to answer any questions and are happy to have a “site visit” at the church to discuss how and where the lift would be installed.