Count Your Blessings - Stewardship Month

As a Christian and a minister of religion, I do not focus much on sin. The reality is very obvious and most people seem to emphasize small lapses, too often feeling guilty about small offenses rather than seeking to eliminate the systemic social evils that are destroying individuals, minority groups, the vulnerable and environmental injustices, and climate crisis.
Furthermore, I have never felt the need to “give up something for Lent.”  Instead, I see Lent as a time to joyfully and authentically open myself to the whole-hearted transformation of my being and to share this transformation with others.

Each day, I yearn for and strive for God to “create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) but not at the cost of seeing myself and others as too guilty or too worthless to be of any good. I am open to daily repentance and forgiving myself and my neighbours which also includes turning around and believing the Gospel of God that “now is the day of salvation and transformation.”

This is a simple and beautiful way of living into my faith leading to joyous celebration.  This lent, I will be counting blessings and putting a coin in my Blessing Jar for each day’s blessing. I am inviting you to the beautiful act.  This season of Lent, invite your family of faith to read and give in support of (Mission & Service Fund - M&S), reflecting Jesus’ own concern for the least, the last, and the lost. Recognize the abundance of opportunities in your own life through counting our blessings and sharing with others.  (If you want to find out more about why we support the Mission and Service Fund, you can check out Joe Catlin’s LVUC blog posting at The-united-church-of-Canada-what-is-mission-and-service)