Worship Guide - Lent 1, Year W

The Sovereign God crafted the human from the dust of the humus and breathed into its nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living soul.
~Genesis 2:7
 
It all sounds so easy, doesn’t it—this process of creation? “The Sovereign God crafted the human…” It’s such a lovely image. We see the potter at her wheel perhaps not effortlessly, but joyfully, skillfully, mindfully giving such unique and exquisite life to the dust.
 
For God, all things are possible… But what about for us? This creative process of (re)making ourselves is anything but effortless and emotionless. What’s the aphorism from Thomas Edison, that prolific inventor? “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” It seems, sometimes, it will be the death of us.
 
Indeed.
 
Colossians 3:1: “If indeed you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above…”
 
Sanctification is a word our Wesleyan siblings are more familiar with, but it is a good word for Lent—this process of becoming more Christlike, more like the God who is crafting us into and for a beloved community. The uncovering, the testing and self-testing of assumptions and patterns in our lives and our communities for what gives life and what takes it away, for truthful stories that speak to the whole of who we are, not just a part. These require a lot of time behind the wheel on this journey. Steer us away from self-delusion and simplistic conclusions, we pray, as we peel away layers of privilege and layers of presumption.
 
Take heart, beloveds, you extraordinary creatures. As we begin Lent, Wilda Gafney’s reading selections (read about Year W here), give us a little Easter in Mark 16. Resurrection is always appearing. Remember this.

​Enter into worship.

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