Author: Church Office

In the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, I was privileged to have the opportunity to read something really important. After finishing my reading, I just sat quietly for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and gave thanks for what I just read.

What I had just read, at one sitting, was all forty of the devotions that appear in our Lenten devotional book. While the primary task was to make any edits that were necessary, I just marveled at the spiritual insights and spiritual depth contained in our little booklet.

In this booklet, there are prayers, meditations, text studies, poetry, and honest revelations of how God is working in your lives. I am very grateful to everyone who contributed to the book, and equally grateful to you who are spending a small part of your day reading each daily devotion.

Friends, this is what sharing your faith is all about. This devotional booklet is a perfect example of how we share our faith. You who contributed to the book as well as you who did not are capable of sharing your faith in a meaningful manner.

Therefore there should not be any hindrance to you sharing your faith with a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or family member, and then taking the next step, which is inviting them to be part of our weekly fellowship of the worship of God in word and sacrament.

This needs to happen. As we move through the remaining days of Lent and prepare for the most holy week of the year, give great consideration to your ability to share and invite. This is something all of us must do, as we share Jesus’ love in word and deed.

CLIFTON D. ESHBACH

Pastor

 Welcome to 2015!

The start of a new year brings with it the feeling of new beginnings. This year is no exception.

At Holy Spirit we begin the year with the season of Epiphany, a season where we not just hear about, but witness once again how Jesus, the Son of God, is made known to the world. Our worship allows us to give thanks to God for the gift of a savior, and also strengthens us for witness and service to our neighbors. Our schedule of Christian education brings our neighbors closer to us as we hear updates about important work being done.  There is much to learn and many places where we are able to serve.

Therefore it is important for each of us to make regular attendance at Sunday worship a priority. I know some have been thinking about this, saying, “I know it is something I need to get back to doing.” The start of this new year is the time to put that thought into practice.

The new year has also brought about the start of a new relationship with an emerging worshipping community.  On Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, a prayer group of Ethiopian Christians in Lancaster County is meeting in the nave for prayer and worship. The group is being coordinated by Holy Spirit member Melese Anamo. Conversations began some time ago as the group was outgrowing the private home where they have been meeting. Following a presentation to the Congregation Council and additional meetings, the prayer group had their first worship just after Christmas.

Long time Holy Spirit members will remember that at one time, we too were a “house church” in search of a home. Knowing that and given our unity in baptism and our common desire to worship Jesus, we welcome this prayer group as they offer ministry to the Ethiopian community. And we look forward to planning a time of fellowship with them in the future.

Finally (I know…I’m getting “windy”) this newsletter covers the month of February, which is the month the season of Lent will begin. Once again we will be offering two services on Ash Wednesday and every Wednesday of Lent, at 12 noon and 7 p.n. The adult Sunday School will be a Bible study on the preaching texts used at the mid-week services. A daily devotional booklet will also be published. Take part in all of these opportunities to worship and renew yourself at your church home.

Clifton D. Eshbach

Pastor