A Lenten Call for Christian Ministers

January has been an exciting first month of the New Year at Simpson. With enthusiasm and excitement built up for a new pictorial directory, almost every family came to take the pictures. I cannot wait to see the directory which will be an historical document as it marks the 150th anniversary edition. Soon after, the Facilities Planning Committee received four bids on our building addition project. I witnessed the faithfulness of the committee members fill the room with spirit, energy, and anticipation as Frank Kardashian opened the bids one by one. I imagine myself holding a shovel to break the ground with all of
you in the near future.

By February of each year, most of us start to feel guilty as we begin to lose the battle to keep some of our more lofty resolutions. I believe that the Holy Spirit encourages us not to lose heart and give up. Just because we haven't kept
all of our resolutions does not mean we should abandon any of them. We are called to renew our promise and commitment to God. This attitude is very important in our faith journey as we enter into the Lenten season. On the third Sunday of this month, we will burn palms that will become the ashes we will use on Ash Wednesday.

Dating back to the third century, Lent is a part of the rich history of the Christian church. In fact, our observance of Lent pre-dates the observance of Christmas. The first Lenten observance was only a 40-hour fast for catechumens before their baptisms on Easter, coinciding with the belief that Jesus spent 40 hours in the tomb. Over the years, it was expanded to include all the faithful and was lengthened in duration. The church finally settled on a 40-day Lenten fast, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding the Saturday before Easter. (Sundays are not included in the count, as each Sunday is a little Easter, a weekly reminder of the Resurrection.) During the Lenten season we are called to humbly ponder the depth of Jesus’ sacrificial love for each of us. We are challenged to find ways to respond to God’s unfathomable blessings. Ultimately, we are privileged to share in the unmatched joy of the resurrection that brings us the gift of life.

Ministry is not the work set apart for clergy, but it is for all who are called upon by Jesus.

We, as a church and family of God, want to grow and expand our ministry more each of the days. This is the holy task that Jesus entrusted to us. As
faithful disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord, we are called to continue his work.

In Christ’s Service,
Heasun Kim, Pastor