This is the Day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

This week has been an unexpected week at Mantua Center. Although, I must say, I have learned to expect the unexpected! I learned unexpected news of families struggling with a family situation. I have learned of moral and ethical dilemmas in the workplace. I have heard about medical situations and diagnoses that are difficult. I have heard about lots of good news as well. What has become clear to me is that most every person and family in our church is dealing with something difficult and celebrating something wonderful. Sometimes people see me as a resource and someone to talk to in the midst of it. Others ask for prayers. Others simply need someone else to know what they are going through. As a pastor I feel greatly privileged to come alongside people through their greatest joys and sorrows. I hope all who read this know they can reach out to me when life hits in unexpected ways. 

This Sunday, as we continue our Time to Grow during the season of Lent, we will focus on Light. Of course, light is essential for all life on earth and helps make our gardens grow. We also learn from the scriptures that Light is seen as a symbol for God, even Jesus says, “I am the Light of the World!”  How is God’s light shining in your life? How are you sharing God’s light with others?  

As we prepare for Sunday I couldn’t help but think of a wonderful song the youth shared with us years ago called “Carry Your Candle” by Kathy Troccoli. The song celebrates the image of God’s light and challenges all people who love Christ to share that light in the world. Here’s a short part of it that I want to share with you: There is a candle in every soul 

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold 

There is a Spirit who brings fire 

Ignites a candle and makes His home 

Carry your candle, run to the darkness 

Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn 

Hold out your candle for all to see it 

Take your candle, and go light your world 

Take your candle, and go light your world

As life hits us in unexpected ways, let’s show up as God’s light for each other. Let’s carry our light to the darkness and let God’s light shine through us.  This week, let your light shine! 

Hope to see you Sunday!

Peace in Christ,
Chad