“Everyone else serves the best wine first, and after the guests have drunk a lot, he serves the ordinary wine. But you have kept the best wine until now!” Jesus performed this first miracle in Cana in Galilee; there he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.”
–John 2:9b-11

Lent is upon us. Our theme for this season is: “Tell Me Something Good: Grounding ourselves in the good news of Lent.” Lenten devotional guides can be picked up in the Narthex on Sunday, and you will also find inspiration from the series on our Facebook page.

The curriculum is produced by A Sanctified Art, and their Creative Team of Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, Rev. Sarah Speed, Hannah Garrity, Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, Rev. Anna Strickland introduce us to the theme with these words:

Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. As we crafted this Lenten devotional, we studied what was central to Jesus’ life and ministry: radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice.

At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.” Therefore, the good news should bring us back to our roots. Emulating Jesus and embodying his teachings should ground us in who God created us to be. Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news?

This Lent, let us remember that the good news really is good news. It is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It tastes like bread passed endlessly through a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy. The good news is alive in the world. This Lent, let the teachings of Jesus lead us forward. May the good news inspire us to take action in a world desperate to hear, see, and taste what is good.

This Sunday, the story of the Wedding at Cana will remind us that “The good news is… so good it catches us by surprise. Glenn Henriksen will grace us with special music throughout the service, and a potluck will be shared after worship. See you Sunday!

Brett