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Messagerie Throughout These Forty Days Lent 2025 PO Box 288 Oak Creek, WI 53154 Phone (414) 764-1620 Email: naccc@naccc.org Website: www.naccc.org

LLeenntt 22002255 TThhrroouugghhoouutt TThheessee FFoorrttyy DDaayyss FFrroomm YYoouurr EEddiittoorrss:: We are blessed to bring you this collection of devotional writings from fellow Congregationalists. Thank you to all of our contributors! We have a variety of offerings from people around the world. We pray these writings are inspirational to you during this Lenten season. Has God nudged you to share a devotional thought with Congregational friends, coast-to-coast? Your writings will be gratefully received any time during the year. Details about the themes, our devotional format, and the email addresses for submission for Advent and Lent are found on the last page of this booklet. Your editors have intentionally left the writers’ theological and spiritual expressions intact, editing minimally for grammar, clarity, spelling, and punctuation. We sincerely respect the breadth and depth of theological understanding embraced within the NACCC and are honored to reflect that variety in this devotional booklet. We are honored to participate in this devotional expression of our worldwide fellowship of Congregationalists in this holy season. Blessings to all our readers in this time of preparation and, once again, thank you to our writers. Your co-editors, Casey vanderBent Carol Taylor Terry Bobzien

AAsshh WWeeddnneessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 55,, 22002255 FFooccuuss oonn tthhee WWoorrdd “During that time the devil came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’” But Jesus told him, ‘No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’” -- Matthew 4:3-4 (NLT) Growing up unchurched, I was confused by my friends’ conversation on the way to a Girl Scout meeting, when they discussed what they were giving up for Lent. Most were giving up chocolate. I didn’t say anything, but when I got home and asked, my parents explained. Mom had grown up Lutheran, Dad had been Catholic, so it was quite the discussion! But I still didn’t get what chocolate had to do with Jesus in the desert. Mom said they didn't even have chocolate in the Middle East back then. Now that I am a Pastor, I help explain to others about the Lenten season. And I still have trouble giving up chocolate. But I love this time of year. Reading additional devotional or bible studies, attending special Lent services, and the music all seem to reach deep into my soul. As I write this, I just made bread for a family gathering and it smells so good! I can barely resist cutting into the loaf, and I just had a meal! Can you imagine how hungry Jesus was in that desert! But the Word of God gave Him strength to resist. Throughout these forty days, let us keep focus on the word of God, so as to better do the work of God in our communities. Lord Jesus, by your Spirit, keep us on the right path, following you in all our ways. In your holy name, Amen. Pastor Carol Taylor, Interim Minister United Church of Beloit Beloit, WI NACCC Board of Directors jazzytay@gmail.com

TThhuurrssddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 66,, 22002255 AA DDrryy aanndd TThhiirrssttyy LLaanndd “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” – Psalm 63:1 (NKJV) We’ve traveled all over the country and have learned to appreciate its variety of beauty . Driving through southern Utah once, in the middle of the desert, we passed a small manufactured home. The only mailbox to be seen for miles was decorated with painted daisies. A metal trough in front of the home held slightly faded plastic plants and flowers. “There is,” Dear Husband observed, ”a place for everyone, and someone for every place.” Here lived a hopeful person who found their spot worthy of at least a little beauty in the midst of a “dry and thirsty land.” Sometimes—no, often—this world is a spiritually dry land with no water. We, as God’s creations, are thirsty for connection to our Creator God. We are bereft and incomplete without it. The world does not offer any water that can slake that thirst. It cannot; we cannot devise, invent, or discover any, because the creature cannot replace the creator. But like the person in the modular home, we have hope. When we put our faith in God, we are provided with Living Water for which He paid the price, with the love of Jesus Christ. We can share this water with others, showing them that the Source is God alone. There is the place for everyone, the relief for the thirsty soul. Gracious loving God, we wander in the dry and thirsty land, sometimes far longer than forty days. We turn our backs to you, ignoring the fount of living water that you offer to us. We long for reconnection with you and give thanks that it is made possible through your Son. Help us to live each day washed in your love and grace, sharing your endless bounty with all we meet. Amen. Dr. Helen T. Gierke, Th.D. First Congregational Church Cape Coral, FL Hgierke51@gmail.com

FFrriiddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 77,, 22002255 WWaallkkiinngg iinn aa MMaannnneerr WWoorrtthhyy ooff OOuurr CCaalllliinngg “I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:1-3 (NRSVUE) As I pondered the theme and title of this year’s Lent devotional, I was struck by something. It isn’t “through these forty days,” it’s “throughout these forty days.” Lent isn’t something to get through, but something that should require our full attention throughout every part of it. It is both opportunity and instruction to be supremely attentive to our spiritual journey and our relationship with the Lord. The Ephesians passage referenced above provides some guidance in that regard. Part of the way that we show we are in some way worthy of our calling is through, “humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…maintain(ing) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” These days it seems that these qualities are scarce and some of the people least likely to display these characteristics are church folks, like me and you. Yet there is no denying the truth of our calling, to be people of love and compassion, of peace and justice, of mercy and of inclusion. This Lenten season is perhaps a perfect time to pause and reflect on all of our behavior and to rededicate ourselves to living lives, to being the church, that reflects the life-transforming example of the one whose name we take as Christians. Gracious and Loving God, we pray for Your Spirit’s help in transforming our lives, in setting aside the divisions that threaten to destroy us, in preparing ourselves throughout these forty days to be true and worthy witnesses of Your great promises. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our perfect example. Amen. Rev. Casey vanderBent Intentional Transitional Pastor (here and there) Member of Anamesa Christian Church cvjrny@gmail.com

SSaattuurrddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 88,, 22002255 AA RRuuddee AAwwaakkeenniinngg “Then he [Elijah] was told, ‘Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.’ A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.” – 1Kings 19:11-12 (MSG) It’s a feature of our human perception that we’ll pay attention first to the big, loud events in our surroundings. Elijah brought his full awareness to the mountain, but didn’t find God in the hurricane, the earthquake, or the fire. He did eventually find God speaking in a gentle and quiet whisper. This morning, I heard my wife call out, “Honey, I think Pinot’s dead.” There he was, lying motionless in the dining room. Pinot was the short-haired Siamese cat who selected her at the Humane Society over fifteen years before. He was the most affectionate cat we’ve ever hosted in our home, and his loss shook us. The loss of a favored pet pales in comparison to the devastation we face at times in broken relationships, medical crises, or loss of loved (human) ones, but this event got my attention. The Almighty calls us to attention through mountain-top experiences and through the minutiae of daily living. Throughout these forty days, I resolve to listen more closely for the whispers of God’s presence around me. As I write, we’re in the midst of a long weekend of family celebration, and I know I’ve already missed a hundred little details, many of which have the potential to enrich my soul. Some might remind me to contemplate God’s goodness. Others might bring a surge of pride over my grandchildren. Still more might cause me to go inward, to examine my relationship with God through Jesus the Christ. Another time, I might be reminded to say a prayer of thanksgiving. May we each wait in awareness for God’s gentle and quiet whisper as we traverse these forty days of preparation. Ever-creating God, open my ears, my eyes, and my mind to apprehend the subtle ways I may be drawn into your presence. Speak to me, Lord, for I am your servant. In Christ’s name. Amen. Rev. Terry Bobzien, Retired Indianapolis, IN terrybob@gmail.com

FFiirrsstt SSuunnddaayy ooff LLeenntt,, MMaarrcchh 99,, 22002255 OOuurr SSppiirriittuuaall AAtttteennttiioonn SSppaannss “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished.” – Matthew 4:1-2 (NRSVUE) A friend sent me a short video. I clicked on it, and my browser began “spinning.” After about fifteen seconds, I closed it, went back, and started over, clicking the video file again. More “spinning” ensued. After about thirty seconds, I gave up in frustration. I ended up never seeing my friend’s video. We live in a hyper-accelerated culture—high on anxiety, low on patience. We like instant oatmeal, and fast food in general. We’ve grown accustomed to our online purchases arriving at our doorstep within 24 hours. We reimburse people instantly, using various smartphone apps. The most-watched videos are a minute or less: “shorts,” “reels,” etc. We’re increasingly fond of one-sentence prayers and ten-minute sermons. When we read the Bible, it’s often just a verse or two, not a chapter or two. But the tempo of life wasn’t always so manic. In biblical times, important things often took many days, or even many years. The number 40 came to symbolize this truth. Transformational change took forty days for Noah in the ark, and for Jesus in the wilderness. It took forty years for the wandering Israelite escapees. Our word, “Lent,” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word, lencten—meaning “lengthen.” Lent comes when the daylight per day is literally lengthening in the northern hemisphere. And the season’s duration reminds us that great things often emerge over great spans of time. Despite the pace of post-modern life, are we up to the task of lengthening our spiritual attention spans? Are we open to the possibility that God is calling us to something long-term—a journey, a quest, a goal, a paradigm shift, a pilgrimage? Lord, throughout these forty days, remind us that not every good thing is instantaneous, and that not every instantaneous thing is good. Open our hearts, souls, and minds to Your calling—and to Your timing. Amen. Rev. Rob Fredrickson, Associate Minister Ozaukee Congregational Church Grafton, WI rcf474@gmail.com

MMoonnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1100,, 22002255 RReefflleeccttiinngg HHooppee iinn DDeessppeerraattee TTiimmeess "But when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" - Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV) As we journey through Lent, we're reminded of the world's desperation. Many are lost, hurting, and searching for hope. Jesus' words in Matthew 9:36-38 resonate deeply. He saw the crowds, not with indifference, but with compassion. As missionaries and servants of God, we're called to reflect His compassion. At Mission School of Hope, we've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of hope in desperate communities. We've seen lives restored, families reunited, and faith ignited. In these 40 days of Lent, let's reflect on our role in sharing hope: ❖ Are we willing to see beyond our own struggles and notice the harassed and helpless around us? ❖ Do we hear the cry of the Father, urging us to send workers into His harvest field? ❖ Will we answer the call to be Jesus' hands and feet, bringing light to dark places? Dear Heavenly Father, as we walk through Lent, open our eyes to the desperate crowds around us. Fill us with Your compassion and empower us to reflect Your hope. Send us into Your harvest field, that we may bring light, love, and redemption to those who need it most. Amen. Rev. Charles Sagay Mission of Hope Cameroon charlesoma@yahoo.com

TTuueessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1111,, 22002255 DDuurriinngg TThheessee FFoorrttyy DDaayyss The word of God to the Psalmist: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;” – Psalm 32:8a (NRSVUE) During Lent we are invited to reflect on the scriptures Jesus would have meditated on during those forty days in the wilderness. Foremost would have been the Torah, the first books in the Hebrew Testament, for it is The Way, the path to God, coupled with the Psalms, our essential prayer book. The Torah and the Psalms would have been central in Jesus’s prayer life from his boyhood education in the synagogue continuing through his adulthood. Those scriptures disclose how God's earliest words were like seeds planted among the Israelites, and over centuries those seeds grew. The Torah and Psalms revealed the Israelites’ ever-increasing understanding of God’s presence, power, and how the weak found their strength in God’s enduring love. During those forty days Jesus grew in deeper union with his heavenly Father. Through his understanding of God’s covenants, he would, at the Last Supper, offer us the sacrament of the bread and the cup as the new and eternal covenant. This Lenten season offers us an incredible opportunity to consider God’s presence shown throughout biblical and world history, but, most significantly, the parallel of God’s presence within our own lives. As the Holy Spirit guides us, we can take time to reflect on how God’s presence and power forms us, and how we, who are weak in intention, find our strength in God’s loving grace. Father, during these forty days of Lent, give us the grace to grasp your presence. Give us the grace to realize it is through our weakness you give us our strength. May we reflect that through our faith in you we are sustained in hope. As we partake of the Holy Bread of Life and drink of the Cup of Salvation may our comprehension of your love for us deepen in the new and eternal covenant announced by Jesus the Christ. Amen. Rev. Dr. Barry W. Szymanski, Retired barrylmp@icloud.com

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1122,, 22002255 LLuunncchh wwiitthh JJeessuuss “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” – Matthew 9:13 (NIV) I remember what it felt like as part of the unpopular group in high school. The long tables in the cafeteria, and woe to you if you sat at the wrong table. Matthew, was a prototype for being unpopular, all tax collectors were. His social circle wasn’t the “nice, the cool” people. Problem was, Jesus ran in Matthew’s circle. In fact, Jesus spoke and ate with Matthew. Those who had a little higher opinion of themselves were slightly perturbed to say the least. Jesus came for such as these, and not just the so-called righteous. He gives them an assignment on top of it – “But go and learn what this means; ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” I would have added “I’ve come to call sinners, so why not take a seat…,” but He’s God and I’m not. The point was, only Jesus could have left Matthew’s table. Everyone else should have pulled up a seat. So, who came to dinner? God. Guess who passed the matzo? The Bread of Life Himself. Who else needs to go join Matthew and the rest? Me. Oh, and by the way, there’s room for you too. There are tables enough to accommodate all of us with our attitudes, agendas and sins. We don’t like that old archaic word “sin”. So we call sin “issues”, my bad, faults, shortcomings or weaknesses. My grandma used to say “a fact is a fact”. Sin is sin. So anyway, the cafeteria is open and Jesus is waiting. He’s holding out your chair. Come on, you can sit next to me. Lord Jesus, in these forty days we walk with You. We walk among those we never cared to be with, but You, Lord care for them. Forgive us, Lord, and lead us past ourselves. We bring ourselves to Your table this day and seek to do Your will in us. Amen. Rev. Hilary VanUtt, Pulpit Supply/Interim Ministry Belvidere, IL

TThhuurrssddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1133,, 22002255 FFoorrggiivveenneessss “At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, ‘Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?’ Jesus replied, ‘Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.’” – Matthew 18:21-22 (MSG) I recently lost an important friend because I could not forgive. I could not forgive because I felt so hurt and confused between what this person said and what this person did. I was just in sorrow about a difficult situation. I am sure you have been there, done that, and perhaps you are still in sorrow as well. “Seventy times seven” is what Jesus tells us or commands us to do. I want to follow Jesus and be more like Jesus but sometimes it seems so difficult to put His words into practice. When I am hurt, I cannot forget the pain. It seems the pain leads me so much more than all the previous good times I have experienced. Why? I have heard it said, “You can forgive, but you do not have to forget.” I find this very difficult! Frankly, unconditional forgiveness is rreeqquuiirreedd, especially as suggested later in Matthew 18:35. It is what Jesus tells us to do; so why do I struggle so? It is important to realize that in following Jesus, we need to be more like Jesus. This means forgiving unconditionally. This means we need to forgive and forget. Prayer is one way we can make this possible. Throughout these forty days, as you walk with Jesus to the cross and then to His resurrection, it may be helpful to forgive someone or to ask for forgiveness, especially if it has been a long time coming. I remind myself that the scripture also says: “Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you” -- Ephesians 4:32 (MSG). Throughout these forty days, it is important to forgive. If you need to forgive someone who did you wrong, today is the day to make amends. Today is the day to forgive and forget. If you need to ask forgiveness from another for a wrong you have done, today is also that day. Jesus commanded it. Dear Lord, you are the source of forgiveness. You forgive all of us through your crucifixion. How simple it should be to forgive yet we struggle. Help me, Lord to look for the moment of forgiveness because it is in this moment where we see you, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Dr. Lisa Bircher Grace Church and Anamesa Christian Church (Anamesa.org) Columbiana, OH Lbircher69@gmail.com

FFrriiddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1144,, 22002255 OOnnllyy YYoouu CCaann DDoo IItt “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” – John 3:16, 17 “ But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” – John 3:21 (RSV) When I was a very young girl living in the Mill Village, I used to ride my bike in circles singing, “You have to walk this Lonely Valley, you have to walk it by yourself. Nobody can walk it for you. You have to walk it by yourself.” (My version of the song.) I often rode in circles and sang this over and over Also at this young age, I went to church with each of my grandmothers. Their churches were on the same block in the Silvertown Mill Village near where we lived. As I became a few years older, I continued to go to Sunday School and church at the Silvertown Methodist Church with one of my maternal grandmothers and visiting at my other grandmothers’ church sometimes during Wednesday night prayer meetings. This was especially fun because she did not drive so we walked to church in the evenings, sometimes even in the rain. None of my immediate family went to church. I went alone and was dropped off. When we were out of town, I insisted my Daddy find a church to let me go to — always alone while they and my little sister sat in the car and waited. I never minded. I have not always been married to a minister. It is nice, but no matter what, I plan to keep marching on to Heaven. Heavenly Father, grant me the innocence and strength of my youth. Help me to be worthy of Jesus’ love and Your presence. Mary McAliley Center Congregational Church Atlanta, GA marymcaliley@aol.com

SSaattuurrddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1155,, 22002255 FFaaccee DDiiffffiiccuullttiieess HHeeaadd--OOnn “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” – 1 Kings 19:3 (NIV) Elijah, the Hebrew prophet, defeated 450 prophets of Baal in a contest on Mount Carmel. In doing so, he earned the hatred of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah and threatened his life. This death threat caused Elijah to flee. To stay safe, Elijah traveled up to Mount Horeb for forty days and forty nights. When he came to Mount Horeb he found a cave to hide in. There, the Lord asked Elijah why he had fled to such a remote location. Elijah’s answer is telling: “The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (verse 10). God said, “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and whose mouths have not kissed him” (verse 18). Elijah took great comfort knowing that thousands of others had never bowed to Baal. Rev. Norman Vincent Peale tells a story of how winter storms on the plains can take a heavy toll on cattle. The temperature drops below zero, freezing rain and howling winds whip across the prairie, and snow piles into drifts. Some cattle turn their backs to the icy blasts and slowly drift downwind coming to a fence barring their way. There they pile against it and many die. But other cattle react differently. They head into the wind, slowly working their way forward against it until they come to a fence. Here they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, facing the storm. “We ‘most always find them alive and well,” said an old cowboy. “That’s the greatest lesson I’ve learned on the prairie: to attack difficulties head-on and not turn and run.” Heavenly Father, like Elijah and the cattle, teach us to face our challenges straight on and turn them over to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Pastor Jerry Eisner, Senior Pastor St. Jacobi Congregational Church Richfield, WI jerome7549@att.net

SSeeccoonndd SSuunnddaayy ooff LLeenntt,, MMaarrcchh 1166,, 22002255 NNoouurriisshheedd bbyy GGoodd “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert where he fasted and communed with God for forty days and nights. During that time Satan, expected Jesus would be weakened and more vulnerable from fasting, presented many temptations which Jesus rejected. When we find ourselves in a mental or emotional wilderness, weakened by stress, conflict, difficult decisions, or a crossroad in life, Satan is often there waiting for us. In our weakened state, Satan expects us to be vulnerable and may present a tempting solution. In those situations, we need to seek God’s help. Jesus was nourished by the spiritual Bread of Life from God, and that same bread awaits us when we seek God’s help. When I find myself in a weakened state, this scripture reminds me what I need to do: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) During this season of Lent, seek the spiritual nourishment of the Bread of Life from God. We don’t need to be in a wilderness, desert, or on a stormy sea to seek God’s help. Take time throughout these forty days to strengthen or reestablish your relationship with God. Heavenly Father, I am grateful that your spiritual nourishment gives me the strength to reject Satan’s temptations. Continue to guide me and steady me when I stumble, as I walk the path you put before me. Amen. Rev. Jerry Turner First Congregational Church Portland, MI jerryturner4705@gmail.com

MMoonnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1177,, 22002255 JJeessuuss SSttaannddss FFoorr UUss “For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.” – 1 Samuel 17:16 (NIV) When Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, defied The Living God with his mockery and stance-- the boy David came against him In The Name of The Lord Almighty. And with a stone slung by a sling, killed the mocking Philistine-- the source of his people’s suffering. And now, as through this Lenten journey we travel forty days-- we may face challenges and threats that would block and stand in our way-- but we can rest easy and safe in Christ, The Best Defense to retain in this life. And in the love of The Living God Whose protection constantly covers us, we need never fear or worry, for Jesus stands for us. Lord Jesus stands for us. Almighty God, Heavenly Father, thank You for freely giving us Your Son Jesus- our Best Defender, Protector, and Redeemer. Though we are undeserving, ungrateful sinners, Jesus opted to save us so that we would have the option of serving You. May we listen ever to You, Lord, so that we can joyfully and willingly worship You and serve others through Your Word and Your love- through these forty days and beyond, until we shall see Your Face, Face to face. In The Name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Margaret Stout Gahanna Community Congregational Church Gahanna, OH MARSTOUT@columbus.rr.com

TTuueessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1188,, 22002255 RReessuurrrreeccttiioonn aanndd HHooppee “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” – 1 Peter 1:3b (NIV) At the age of 74, I spent seven nights and eight days in the hospital. It was the first time in my life that I was overnight in a hospital. I was there after being diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer, the same cancer that killed by father eighteen years earlier. The dates of my hospitalization were June 21-28, 2019. The reason I mention the dates is because one month earlier (May 4, 2019), I graduated from the three-year- long Leadership and Lay Minister Training Program. It sounds like “spiritual warfare” to me, but that’s material for a different devotional. During my sleep and prior to my first chemotherapy session, I had two visions. The first vision was Jesus scooping the cancer from my throat where it had settled in my tonsil cavities. The second vision was God holding my recliner while I was lying in it. My three doctors—hematologist, surgeon, and pulmonologist—were all surprised by how much of my cancer was gone after just my first chemotherapy session. They were unaware of my two visions. After my two visions, I knew I’d be okay. I knew I’d be alright. Why? I had hope, a hope that is based on the death of Jesus Christ for our sins and his resurrection from the grave. That is what Peter called a “living hope.” And the proof of that reality is that God raised the Judge (Jesus) from the dead (Acts 17:31). The resurrection of the Judge means that death was not the end for him and will not be the end for us. Beyond death there is judgment and thankfully for us, our Judge is our Savior. Father, help us to harmonize with the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and to know that when hope is restored, life is restored. Amen. Pastor Jerry Eisner, Senior Pastor St. Jacobi Congregational Church Richfield, WI jerome7549@att.net

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 1199,, 22002255 OOuurr TTeemmppllee MMiigghhtt NNeeeedd RReeppaaiirr “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” – 1 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) In 2 Chronicles 29 we read of a 25 year-old King! His name was Hezekiah, and he grew up under his father Ahaz, a king who totally disregarded the ways of the Lord and actually defiled and looted the temple. So, what did Hezekiah do? His first item on his agenda was to cleanse the temple and reopen it. “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” And that was to rid his kingdom of the idolatry that was rampant. Hezekiah was by no means perfect, but he was a good king. So, what does this mean for us? Have we allowed personal preferences to become an idol in our lives, to the point where in our fellowships, we defile the temple that we are said to be as believers in Christ. We the Church, are God’s temple. I have seen two fellowships that were destroyed by the division within its pews. As a fellowship, we are supposed to work together, under the Lord’s leading to be as His temple to our world. What we say, what we do, and how we say or do really matters. You’re either honoring the Lord or grieving the Holy Spirit. Take your pick--but I’d prefer to lean a little on Hezekiah’s example. It’s time to take a good interior look at the temple. What needs repairing? What needs to be replaced, thrown out, or cleaned up? Lord, this time of Lent is a time of serious intention toward You and to the details of our lives. May we have the courage to be honest with ourselves before You, so that You would forgive and restore our relationship with You. Only then Lord do we have the freedom to truly be Your Church. Amen. Rev. Hilary VanUtt, Pulpit Supply/Interim Ministry Belvidere, IL

TThhuurrssddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2200,, 22002255 WWaayyss ttoo SSppeenndd FFoorrttyy DDaayyss “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2: 6-7 (NRSVUE) In thinking of new ways to observe Lent, it occurred to me that I could add spiritual practices instead of giving something up. What are some ways to recognize and celebrate my connection to Jesus? • Delay checking social media for five minutes longer each day. For example, if you get up at 6:30 a.m. and usually check your screen right away, delay until 6:35 the first day, 6:40 the second day, etc. Use this time to work on one of the next two suggestions. • Memorize more Scripture. Every Sunday during Lent, pick a passage you have not memorized yet and spend the week committing it to memory. • Find a new-to-you prayer or devotion (or write one!) and intentionally meditate upon it. • Share the prayer or devotion in the previous bullet point with someone else to help them on their spiritual journey. • Each week, add a new person or group or geographic region to your daily prayers. Focus on prayers for peace, strength, and guidance if you don’t know of specific needs for the person/group/region. • Reach out to a friend, colleague, acquaintance, minister, or mentor to say thanks for their part in your life. Every day that we create time to pause, reflect, and pray will enhance our relationship with the Divine. That is a great place to be! Gracious Lord, thank you for all that You do for us. Guide us during this season to find new ways to develop our spiritual life and walk in Your ways. Forgive us when we fall short of Your hopes for us. Help us to remember that with You, we can do all that we are meant to do. Hallelujah! Amen! Nancy Hayes, Lay Ministry Training Program Cohort A -2024 Graduate First Congregational Church Royal Oak, MI njhayes7019@gmail.com

FFrriiddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2211,, 22002255 WWaaiittiinngg “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” – Psalm 27:14 (NRSVUE) Sometimes life requires us to wait. We wait at the doctor’s office, the train station or the airport. We wait in the hospital when a loved one is there. I am not very good at waiting for idle time. When my son went to college, I was always waiting for the next time we would be together. I missed him as desperately as it was when our home became an empty nest. I was alone. Before college move-in day, he said, “Mom, if you want to have something to talk about with me, you should read the Harry Potter books.” Hmmm-okay! I decided this was a small, trivial sacrifice. So I checked out the audio books and delved in. I ended up really enjoying most of them and it gave me a purpose while I was waiting. Yes, sometimes we just have to wait for things to get better. We all experienced this during the pandemic. Think of the journey of Christ these forty days and nights. While we are waiting during our Lenten journey, we can pray, reflect and grow as God’s people. We can have the purpose of renewing our commitment to God. Because of this ultimate sacrifice, the death and resurrection of our sweet Jesus, we know there is hope in salvation. Whatever our Lenten sacrifice is, it is just plain trivial in comparison to this. Remember, reflect, renew and wait. Joy cometh in the morning! Heavenly father, almighty God, we humbly renew our commitment to you these forty days and nights. Still our minds and enter into our hearts so we can keep the focus on you and the wondrous gift of salvation so selflessly given. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Colleen Murray Gahanna Community Congregational Church Gahanna, OH

SSaattuurrddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2222,, 22002255 UUnniitteedd HHeeaarrttss “Teach me thy way, O LORD, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O LORD my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever.” – Psalm 86:11-12 (RSV) In our current American society (progressive vs. conservative; rising political factionalism; prejudicial attitudes) we find ourselves seemingly more divided than we have been since the days of the Civil War – without the “clear” geographical lines or economic boundaries of that era. The breakdown of any clear commitment to God in our national persona -– or at least a fear of being “cancelled” if we do –- has allowed a sense of disorientation and division to infiltrate many of our core social arenas, both secular and sacred. The forty day period of Jesus’ wilderness fast at the outset of His earthly ministry forms part of the mindset represented in our Lenten journey. For Him it was partly about centering His heart and mind on the purpose of His mission. In much the same way, it is a great time for each of us to focus on the purpose of our life and work (from life-calling to daily tasking). We have been bequeathed a truly blessed Nation, one founded on the idea that an honest allegiance to God is fundamental to its maintenance. As carefully noted in our Bill of Rights, that commitment is individual and a protected privilege that we must keep before us as we walk daily. The world will always have seasons of turmoil. Only God can give stability to our lives. Lord, prevent me from having a “bifurcated” heart – to be unified in every thought, word, and deed and to see and serve Thee alone. Amen. Rev. J.R. McAliley III Center Congregational Church Atlanta, GA jrmcalileyiii@aol.com

TThhiirrdd SSuunnddaayy ooff LLeenntt,, MMaarrcchh 2233,, 22002255 PPeerrffeecctt “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48 (NIV) The only time I know I'm dreaming during my dream is when I see myself in a mirror. The excitement of seeing myself in the mirror with a perfectly quaffed head of thick, dark hair jolts me awake where I still remain perfectly bald. But why do I need perfect hair—or a perfect body, for that matter to be perfect? Does a perfect nose, or abs, really lead to a perfect life? And who decides what’s perfect? Isn’t it subjective? There's an old joke about a perfectionist who almost walks into a bar but stops because the bar isn’t set high enough. For years, I’ve tried to perfect my Lenten fast. Each year I come up short. It’s in those imperfect moments I’m reminded of what I’m supposed to be fasting from and what I need to feast on. According to Jesus, perfection isn't about being the perfect spouse or having a perfect theology. For him, perfection is summed up in one word—love. Not just any love, but God’s perfect love. Although the Bible never says Jesus was a perfect kid, a great brother, or even a decent carpenter, the gospels are full of stories where he perfectly embodied God as the living, breathing incarnation of God’s steadfast and unconditional love. Whether or not we are perfect people—with perfect hair, skin, or bodies—we can become a perfect community when we choose to love one another as God first loved us. Love is the way of Jesus, the way that reflects God’s glory upon all creation. And it’s in all the many ways we love, that we can be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. God, from love you have made me, and for love you have sent me. Perfect your love through me, now and forever. Amen. Rev. Ian Macdonald Anamesa Christian Church jesusnotjesus.org

MMoonnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2244,, 22002255 FFoorrssaakkeenn:: AA CCaallll ttoo LLeenntt “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Psalm 22:1a (NRSVUE) Forty days and forty nights of tempestuous rain. Forty days and forty nights of satanic temptation. Forty days walking to Horeb with the chariot prophet. Forty years of wilderness wandering on a diet of manna. These sterile, hollow days, each bleeding into the next, with no respite. No resolution. Not here. Not now. There are only dry stones and howls of despair. There are caverns and cliffs and the crunch of dry earth beneath blistered soles that cross across arid landscapes. Along with the Psalmist, we howl in despair: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ’s cry from a Roman tree. His tears are ours. We pant empty supplications from crusted throats. The stony road before us is arduous and protracted. There are shouts in the distance: spectators who scold. Others stare at the trio of bludgeoned, bleeding men. And the unanswered cry from the crown-bearing criminal: “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?” This is where this bone-bled, gnarled road leads. We are quick to seek relief, to even rationalize the despair, but find our hands filled with the shards of splintered hopes. Prevent our desire to race to the empty tomb, O Lord. May these forty days be a deliberate time for us to reflect — to sit on our ash heaps, to pray, to ponder our finitude, and to molt in the mire that is the bile of our sins. We are not guaranteed safety on this contemplative trek, but we feel your pierced hands holding us tender yet firm especially during our own Gethsemane moments of prayer, when we cannot hold ourselves or see your light burning. Take us to Gethsemane, Lord Jesus. Take us to Pilate’s Hall. Take us to Golgotha. For now, we walk the Emaus Road alone, hoping the story of the stranger we will encounter comes to pass in forty days. Amen. Rev. Dr. John Tamilio III Canton, MA

TTuueessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2255,, 22002255 TThhrreeee RReeaassoonnss JJeessuuss SSttaayyeedd ffoorr 4400 DDaayyss “He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1:3b (NIV) The Bible verse above confirms that Jesus stayed on earth for forty days after his resurrection. Jesus could have revealed himself to a few people the day of his resurrection and returned to his Father the same day, but he did not. Why not? I believe he stayed for forty days because of his love for his disciples, his love for Peter—who had denied him, and his love for us. Jesus’ disciples were discouraged and filled with fear we are told in John 20:19, where we learn they were hiding after Jesus was crucified. So, Jesus spent forty days with the disciples to not only prove he was alive, but to encourage them and strengthen them for the task ahead. Specifically, Jesus taught and instructed his disciples about the kingdom of God and the mission they were to carry out. Then, Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, encouraging them to continue in faith and await the coming of the Holy Spirit. Another reason Jesus stayed on earth for forty days was to encourage Peter. Jesus questioned Peter three times in order to restore him to his position within the church. It is during this questioning that Christ gave Peter the famous charge to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19). And finally, Jesus’ love for us, his church, was another driving force behind his decision to remain on earth for forty days after his resurrection. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that “he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living.” This is a clear indication that his love for his followers extended beyond his immediate disciples. Heavenly Father, thank you for the many trustworthy proofs that surround your Son and his work. Help us to live by faith and not by sight. Amen. Pastor Jerry Eisner, Senior Pastor St. Jacobi Congregational Church Richfield, WI jerome7549@att.net

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2266,, 22002255 AA DDaayy iinn HHiiss CCoouurrtt “His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.” – John 2:17 (NIV) “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild- Look upon this little child”- until you read John 2:13-25. Jesus is a hot mess and turns the temple into a disaster. It is not the picture of Christ we are used to: Jesus clearing out the temple with a whip, driving out animals, and turning over the money stations. Those in charge of the temple courts wanted to know His authority for causing this chaos. And His answer only fired up their ire even more, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it in 3 days”. He wasn’t talking bricks and mortar, He was speaking about His own body. Do we have the right, the authority to do the same as Jesus? Well for one thing Jesus was God in the flesh, and we aren’t. You can say it was “righteous” anger He displayed, and it was. I can’t explain or understand what the tipping point was for Jesus. But Jesus wasn’t always so meek and mild in the things He spoke. It cut to the heart of the matter and that was to speak against the hypocrisy so prevalent in that day. Well, hypocrisy hasn’t disappeared from this day and age, either. So we read that “the zeal for your house will consume me.” I know that my zeal would never match that of Jesus. But I do pray my devotion to the Lord will be evidenced, even if He calls me to make a stand according to His will and purpose. I pray also that as I make that stand, I draw others to Christ, and not drive them away. Lord, let Your example humble me, let it teach me that there will be times when I feel like I could spit nails at believers or unbelievers alike. Holy Spirit, rest on me, show me the nails that had my name on them and pierced my Savior. Amen. Rev. Hilary VanUtt, Pulpit Supply/Interim Ministry Belvidere, IL

TThhuurrssddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2277,, 22002255 HHuunnggeerr SSaattiissffiieedd “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:1-4 (RSV) In the Gospel accounts, Jesus’ baptism and commissioning occurred simultaneously. And the first thing the Holy Spirit did was lead Him into the wilderness “to be tempted by the devil.” That ordeal lasted forty days! We get a visceral affirmation of Jesus’ true human nature – having been without food, He was hungry! Whatever our pathway in life, human hunger is real – and we need to eat, daily, if possible, to maintain health and vitality. As one of our basic survival characteristics we will do whatever is needed to meet that need. When Jesus was tempted to misapply His extra-human powers to satisfy His human need, He refused. Instead, He made a spiritual application by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. Just as we need to eat daily to survive, we NEED to “eat” of God’s Word (Bread of Life) daily in order to address the temptations of each day and to endure the trials of life. These forty days are a great time to refocus on God’s Word – to hear, trust and obey Him, even to be “Shaped By the Word” (Dr. M.R. Mulholland, Jr., Nashville, TN, Upper Room, 2000) for the concerns of our life and as we address our world. Father God, thank you for the grace of your Word and for the sustenance You provide for our daily living. Amen. Rev. J.R. McAliley III Center Congregational Church Atlanta, GA jrmcalileyiii@aol.com

FFrriiddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2288,, 22002255 AArree WWee TThheerree YYeett?? “After 40 days, Noah opened the window of the ark that he had built.” – Genesis 8:6 (ISV) When I was a kid, my family often took vacations at the beach. The route to the beach was always the same, taking about one hour each way. Despite the consistency, I would always ask my parents, “Are we there yet?” You would think over time I would learn, but I was impatient, I wanted to be playing in the water now. Unlike my younger self, Noah understood patience and waiting on God. By the time Noah first opened the window, he and his family had been on the ark approximately two hundred and sixty days. It would have been easy for Noah to get impatient and say to God, “Are we there yet?,” but he never did. Instead, he patiently sent out first the raven and then the dove. Even after each returned, he waited another seven days before sending the dove out again. God remembered Noah (8:1) and when Noah finally left the ark, the first thing he did was to build an altar to the Lord and worship him (8:20). In our “same day delivery” world, waiting is hard. “How long will it take?” and “Aren’t you done yet?” have unfortunately become normal parts of life. It can feel deflating to think that spiritual growth will take time, but asking God “Are we there yet?” misses the point. Our spiritual gifts will take time to discover and develop; our spiritual disciplines will take time to set down roots in our daily routines; our spiritual fruit will take a lifetime to grow and ripen. During these forty days, as we struggle with challenges to our spiritual growth, it would be good to remember the patience of Noah who trusted God alone for his deliverance. Father God, grant us patience as your Holy Spirit works to conform us to your image. Please encourage us when we doubt, pick us up when we fall, love us perfectly as we learn to love you and each other. We ask this in your name, Amen. T.D. Larson First Congregational Church Kingston, NH tdlarson73@gmail.com

SSaattuurrddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 2299,, 22002255 AA LLiivviinngg SSaaccrriiffiiccee “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2-3 (ESV) A woman at my workplace expressed interest in me. Despite enjoying her company, I felt too old and weary to pursue a relationship. The thought of finding love midway through life seemed daunting, and I had resigned myself to the idea of dying alone, holding Jesus’ hand. After several encounters, including a visit to a historic jazz club, she informed me of her impending move to Ireland to complete her Master’s degree. I assumed this would mark the end of our story. However, after a grueling 16-1/2-hour workday, a retiring colleague advised me against making the same mistakes he had. He observed that I was resisting my heart and warned that I would regret it. This conversation jolted me into action. I wrote her a heartfelt letter and prepared some gifts, which I managed to give her before her departure. The letter revealed my true feelings. During her year in Ireland, I contemplated how to improve myself spiritually and emotionally. The concept of “sacrifice” repeatedly surfaced in my prayers. To accept God’s gifts, we must make sacrifices to love, nurture, and preserve them. I realized that being a living sacrifice for God involves embodying the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). I committed to attending Bible studies (Proverbs 27:17) and continually improving myself from my past life of depravity. The transformation began with recognizing Jesus’ sacrifice and striving to be a living sacrifice for Him. I pray to always remember that my sacrifices for God are insignificant compared to Christ’s sacrifice. May I strive to be better each day and seek help when I falter. Amen. Daniel Wiita Livingston, NACCC - Lay Ministry Training Program - Cohort B Mt. Hope Congregational Church Livonia, MI

FFoouurrtthh SSuunnddaayy ooff LLeenntt,, MMaarrcchh 3300,, 22002255 TThhee CCaallll ooff GGoodd “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother in-law.” – Luke 12:51-53 (NIV) In the Canadian Rockies there is a stream called Divide Creek. At a point in the stream the water divides around a large boulder. Water that flows to the left of the boulder rushes into Kicking Horse River and finally into the Pacific Ocean. Water that goes to the right flows into Bow River which flows into Saskatchewan River and finally into the Atlantic Ocean. Once the waters divide at the rock, there is no turning back. In the gospels, Jesus makes demands for those who desire to follow him. There were those who, once they heard the demands, turned away. Once they discovered the cost, they came to the conclusion that it was too high a price to pay. The same is true today. Jesus calls us to follow him. The call demands a clear and precise decision. It is much like the large boulder in Divide Creek. Once the decision is made to follow Jesus, to become a disciple, there is no turning back. It is a call for each of us to die to self and to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ all the days of our lives. St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote a prayer that needs to be our prayer: “Te ach us, good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou deservest: To give and not to count the cost; To fight and not to heed the wounds; To toil and not to seek for rest; To labor and not ask for any reward; Save that of knowing that we do Thy will.” Reverend Dr. Lowell Linden, Retired Pilgrim Congregational Church Pomona, CA lowelllinden@icloud.com

MMoonnddaayy,, MMaarrcchh 3311,, 22002255 FFoorrttyy DDaayyss ooff OOppppoorrttuunniittyy “And (Jonah) cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.” – Jonah 3:4b-5 (NRSVUE) The books of the prophets in the Hebrew scriptures have much to say about destruction: It is imminent, it is happening, it will be devastating. Sometimes, there is forecast a remnant that will be preserved. Rarely in these books do we read about destruction being avoided by means of widespread societal change. Jonah is an unusual biblical prophet in that he is privileged to see his words make a difference. Given perhaps the shortest sermon to proclaim in all of scripture ("Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"), the effect of Jonah's message is immediate and far-reaching. In good Congregational fashion, it is the people who first take note and respond with repentance. Then, the king follows suit and makes a public edict, calling for all humans and animals to repent. When God saw what they did,...God changed God's mind about the calamity... This was not a satisfying outcome for Jonah, who seemed to want a front-row seat to the Assyrian city of Nineveh's demise, rather than its redemption. But I cannot help but marvel at how the span of forty days, originally a point in time designated for destruction, instead became an opportunity for repentance, for possibility, for life. There are situations in all of our lives that may seem intractable, or circumstances that appear hopeless. Yet, if we devote ourselves during these forty days of Lent to believe that even the most unlikely transformations can occur, and if we engage in prayer, reflection, and repentance, we may be amazed at what can happen! God, who places before us the opportunity for change, we are glad that you can and do change your mind. Give us the breadth of faith to envision the potential of our repentance from patterns and cycles that have been detrimental to us. Point us toward your way of life this season. Amen. Rev. Dr. Charles A. Packer, Senior Minister Pine Hill Congregational Church Farmington Hills, MI drcapacker@gmail.com

TTuueessddaayy,, AApprriill 11,, 22002255 BBlleesssseedd BBeeyyoonndd MMeeaassuurree “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” – Ephesians 1:3 (NIV) Feeling “down in the dumps”? Read the longer passage of Ephesians 1:3-14. This reminds me of the blessings I have in Christ, and who I am in His eyes. And the result is thankfulness! Thankfulness to God the Father. He is the one who has given us every spiritual blessing, and His source of it all -- in and through Jesus. For the longest time I was reading this totally wrong. It’s talking about God the Father, and what the Father has done. All the bells and whistles went off at once. Who so loved the world? God. What did God do? He gave us His Son. This is a perfect passage for Lent. You could spend forty days easily opening every gift in God’s treasure box of blessings to believers in Jesus. You’re chosen, and you’re being adopted. I understand being chosen. In Christ, the Father says - “yup, that’s my kid.” What is the purpose of that? It’s so that I would be holy and without blame before Him. Me, holy? Because of Jesus, my Savior, the Father sees me as holy, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) And at the same time, the Father predestined me to be adopted into His family, through Christ. WHY? I love this… “according to the good pleasure of His will, to the glory of His grace”. “…by which He made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:5b-6). It pleased the Father- the good pleasure of His will. You are loved, you are chosen, you are accepted in the Father’s great love that He has provided us in His Son Jesus Christ. How can this not lift the down-hearted spirit? Thankful, thankful, thankful beyond measure, oh God, my Father. In these forty days help us to know the blessings You have given us in Christ our Lord. Amen! Rev. Hilary VanUtt, Pulpit Supply/Interim Ministry Belvidere, IL

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, AApprriill 22,, 22002255 TThhee AAbbiilliittyy ttoo SSeeee Please read John 3:1-8. I imagine many of you will recall last October when our Facebook pages lit up with friends’ photos of the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights, which filled the skies with transcendent colors of light beams dazzling the heavens. I was in Saugatuck later one evening, so I decided to visit the beach to see if I could “see” the Northern Lights. Carefully, I made my way, by the light of the flashlight on my cell phone, to the bottom of the beach stairs. Clusters of people stood on the beach, gazing at the sky. Children ran around on the sand, delighted to have this special night to skip the normal bedtime routine to hopefully catch a glimpse of something extraordinary. Other individuals, like myself, huddled alone on blankets, quietly perusing the sky - expectant, longing, curious. I did my best to adjust the settings on my phone to capture what I could not see with the naked eye. Internally, I squealed to view the bits of color painting the night sky, yet where I was the lights were invisible. When we are in places of darkness which seemingly hold little to no hope, how do we respond? There is always more that the human eye can perceive. The older I grow, the more aware I am of my limited vision. Rather than being frustrated with my lack of knowledge, vision, and wisdom, I now try to give myself the ability to wonder, to be still, to rest, and trust in God’s complex providence. Lent can be a time for us to intentionally approach the unknowns, the mysteries, and yes, even the frustrating dark turns of life which seem at times to be destined to deter us from the steadfast love of God in Christ Jesus. Trust there is more than we can see. Holy God, as I humble myself before you, grant me the ability to align my wisdom to your Spirit and my vision to your purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Rev. Wendy G. Van Tassell, Retired First Congregational Church Saugatuck, MI wjgvt@hotmail.com

TThhuurrssddaayy,, AApprriill 33,, 22002255 JJeessuuss’’ TTeemmppttaattiioonn iinn tthhee WWiillddeerrnneessss “It is written.” – Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 (NIV) Sometimes, when I read Matthew’s gospel, I forget that it is about Jesus. What I mean is that when I read about Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, I tend to quickly think about what these verses teach me about temptation in my life, and how I can get victory over my temptations. I have to remember that the focus is not on me, but on Jesus, and how his battle with Satan had eternal implications for the world’s salvation. This time of trial for Jesus is part of God’s preparation of his Son to fulfill his ordained mission. Just as Israel spent forty years being tested in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:1-5), so does Jesus spend forty days being tested. And where Israel failed and that generation perished, Jesus obeys and demonstrates that he is the true Son, who can lead his people into their true rest. In each of his three tests, Jesus’ dependence on and obedience to God is tested. Each of Satan’s temptations attempt to lure Christ into abusing his power; to take immediately what God the Father has promised to provide later. Jesus properly responds with Scripture to show his willingness to depend on God’s provision, not his own power. In all three tests, Jesus showed us that our greatest weapon against Satan is scripture. (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) Yet we should not allow our own needs to distract us from grasping how much was at stake in Jesus’ temptation. If Jesus had fallen, we would still be in our sins. Our earthly security rests on his earthly obedience. Loving Father, thank you for Christ’s victory over Satan on my behalf. Help me to walk in newness of life in the power of the Spirit. I know that without you, I can do nothing. But in Christ, I have victory over Satan, sin, the world, and the flesh. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen. Pastor Jerry Eisner, Senior Pastor St. Jacobi Congregational Church Richfield, WI jerome7549@att.net

FFrriiddaayy,, AApprriill 44,, 22002255 MMiirraaccllee ooff FFoorrttyy DDaayyss “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil.” – Luke 4:1-2 (NIV) The Light came into the world, the Living Word traveled through the darkness of our deepest pains, our doubts, including our disobedience. Christ’s love for us, treading through our dried-up tears and all our fears that turned to dust from the forty years, a past long ago. Since it was in the wilderness that God lost us, it is in the wilderness that Jesus Christ traveled to set us free. It is in the wilderness that Jesus Christ showed us how to overcome fleshly desires, grasping for power, seeking wealth and the pride of life. Instead of reaching for all these worldly desires, He showed us how to overcome the attack of the evil one; to love God, love your neighbor; to live our life as a servant, just like Jesus lived His life to serve us. When you find yourself alone in a desert season, grasp onto Him who will guide you through. He will carry you. It is in those darkest times that His light shines brightly on the path that sets us free from misery. Since it was in the wilderness that God lost us, it is in the wilderness that Jesus Christ traveled to set us free. Loving God, we are grateful for the wilderness journey of Jesus, that we might find freedom through reconciliation with You. Amen. Bernadette Butler Heritage Congregational Church, Berea, OH bernadettebutler7@gmail.com

SSaattuurrddaayy,, AApprriill 55,, 22002255 GGoodd’’ss HHaannddiiwwoorrkk “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -- Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) When looking at the state of the world, I barely know how to phrase a prayer any more. I’ve often wished God would just snap his heavenly fingers and make things right. I mean how long do we have to wait? Then the verse from Ephesians comes to mind. We are created to do good works! To bring together in peace all of humanity with heaven and earth is God’s desire, and our job, our work to accomplish. How often we forget. Or more likely, think that the job is too big for just me, or even just my church…and so we may not even try! Yes, the problems seem overwhelming, but they are not insurmountable. Even helping one or two people can make a difference. There’s a ripple effect when we do good for God! I recently was in conversation with two young police officers here, and mentioned my church. The one officer said, “I know how much you and your church do for our city, I’ve been to a couple of your events!” I was surprised, and so grateful. We never know how far our outreach may actually reach! So we can keep plugging away, doing our part, even when it seems to make no difference. And when the words for a prayer are hard to come by, let’s pray as did the Psalmist: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands — O prosper the work of our hands! -- Psalm 90:17 (NIV) Amen. Pastor Carol Taylor, Interim Minister United Church of Beloit Beloit, WI NACCC Board of Directors jazzytay@gmail.com

FFiifftthh SSuunnddaayy ooff LLeenntt,, AApprriill 66,, 22002255 TThheessee 4400 DDaayyss “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.” – Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV) The Lenten hymn, “Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days,” was written by Claudia Hernaman and published in a children’s book of hymns in 1873, and not until later did it appear in more modern hymnals. It is based on the account of Jesus’ temptation. The hymn’s five verses talk about fasting, fighting Satan, dying to self, repentance and then Easter joy and eternal life. Forty is a significant number in the Bible as a time of trial. There were forty days and nights of rain in Noah’s time, forty years of Israel wandering in the wilderness, Jesus spent forty days after his resurrection before his ascension, and now forty days of testing. Many equate the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness with the forty days of Lent. Psalm 40 (a Psalm of David dedicated to the director of music), echoes the time of Lent for us. We need to be lifted from the wilderness of slime and sin to be put on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. What better time to examine ourselves? It can become a time to repent and put away the mud in our lives and replace it with a new song in our hearts and serve as examples of his power for others. During the forty days of Lent, I urge you to turn to the Savior in penitence, wait on Him, ask Him to come into your life again and be renewed with His power. Dear Savior, during these 40 days, I surrender myself to you. Lead me on the path you have set for me. Amen. Nella Hobson, Music Coordinator First Congregational Church Pittsfield, NH nella176@gmail.com

MMoonnddaayy,, AApprriill 77,, 22002255 GGiivviinngg TTiillll IItt FFeeeellss GGoooodd “The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on His (Jesus') head.” – Mark 14:1b, 3b (NRSVUE) How many times have I actually done something that I think the Lord would say, "She has done a beautiful thing." Oh, sure, I've done some good stuff. I think there've been some times when the Lord was pleased. But I can't help think that when Mary broke the jar knowing there was no fixing it and poured out the perfume that was so expensive, Jesus was taken back by the beautiful outpouring of love she gave. She was aware some wouldn't approve. Some wouldn't even want her in the room, let alone making physical contact with the special guest. Judas, in verse 10, was so enraged that she would do such a ridiculous wasteful action, seemed beside himself and left to betray Jesus right after this. What conflicting thoughts must have gone through His mind! Someone who others have treated badly, an outcast in many ways, does something so worshipful, so honoring and loving regardless of the cost; and the other who swore allegiance and spent three years living with Him, selected to be one of the disciples of Christ, gets up in a rage and sells Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver. In my mind's eye, I see Jesus looking at Mary with eyes so full of love for her, telling others she would be remembered throughout history for her loving generosity for Him. And I watch with sadness in His eyes as He looks after Judas as he gets up in a huff and stomps out of the room with betrayal on his mind. I wonder how often He sees me thinking "how beautiful" or with that same sadness when I, too, betray Him. My Gracious, Loving, Living Lord, my heart weeps when I think of just a few of many times that I have betrayed You. Yet, You would walk those forty days over and over again for me or any one of us. What love You have for us! Thank You for Your eyes that never look away in disappointment or disgust but continually call us "Beloved". Amen. Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson First Congregational Church Lake Odessa, MI fcclakeo@yahoo.com

TTuueessddaayy,, AApprriill 88,, 22002255 LLaammeenntt aass PPrraayyeerr “Weeping may go on all night, but in the morning there is joy.” – Psalm 30:5b (TLB) This is a Lenten lament. For the last few years, the political climate in this country has caused me spiritual anxiety. I grieve that it has not just disappointed me; it has caused anger to reside far too close to my heart. I sense this is not a malady that has affected only me, but many others as well. It has tried the basic tenets of my faith, such as “Love of neighbors.” It has hampered my ability to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). It has changed me. I now struggle to believe that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and that character produces a hope that never gives up. Such thoughts had fed my soul and made me a positive person of faith for years. All of that has been challenged by the uptick of hatred, racism, and the trampling of “the least of these.” It is enough to almost make me lose faith. The operative word is “Almost.” Thankfully, I am reminded by the stories of our faith that not all resurrection happens in three days. Renewal is God’s work and happens in God’s time. The political unrest we are facing in this country of late is no more than our spiritual ancestors faced. Many nights were dark and long but God has always prevailed. The hope of lament is that God hears it as prayer. The hope of prayer is not that it necessarily changes our circumstances but that it changes us. So, I lament, I pray, and I listen for the still small voice. I want to hear and feel it in society but for now I am reminded weeping lasts for the night but in the morning, there will be joy. God resurrects what the world tries to destroy. O God, our help in ages past, we wait for you. Amen. Reverend Don Mayberry, Retired Norway, ME dmayberry1@gmail.com

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, AApprriill 99,, 22002255 KKnnoowwnn bbyy NNaammee “O Israel, fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” – Isaiah 43:1 (KJV) Fifteen years ago, our church in New Hampshire presented an art show to offer praise to God through art. Among the submissions were two of my quilts that I made for my granddaughters. One of our dear church members, whose name is the same as mine, was approached by my six year-old granddaughter who read the woman’s name tag. She asked the woman to come and see the quilt that I made for her, and the woman kindly obliged, giving her full attention to the request. My granddaughter projected the trust that she has for me to this woman because she trusted in the name. That is what God wants His people to do, trust in His name. If you are a Christian, then you attach His name to whatever you do, wherever you go, and however you behave. Our character should reflect His character, our will is to be overmastered by His will, then one day, His rest will be our rest! St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, encourages us to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, then our life will be a perfume that emits the sweet fragrance of Jesus all the time. Father, thank You for Your Son Who came to seek and save each one that You gave to Him, Amen. Helen G. Cunningham Kingston First Congregational Church Kingston, NH hc6645@gmail.com

TThhuurrssddaayy,, AApprriill 1100,, 22002255 FFaassttiinngg aanndd FFeeaassttiinngg "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “I suck.” “I quit.” “I’m done.” How often do we silently think or even speak these words? For many of us, negative thoughts are part of our daily lexicon. But they can stunt our mental and spiritual growth, weighing us down with self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Negative thinking, after all, often leads to negative actions. During Lent, we’re invited to examine and reflect on the patterns that hold us back. It’s not just about giving up chocolate or carbs. True transformation comes from identifying and cutting out the things that hold us back and keeps us from living faithfully with God. But fasting alone isn’t enough. We must also fill the void with divine and positive things, finding a balance between letting go and receiving what nurtures our soul. Lent invites us to look inward and reflect on our struggles. It won’t be easy—expect to fail, and to feel frustrated at times. When you start thinking, "I can't" or "I quit," remind yourself why you're fasting and what you're filling that space with. Failure is actually a gift; it reminds us of who we need to rely on, and whose grace we are given. Lent isn’t about succeeding perfectly; it’s about learning from our mistakes and drawing closer to God. Through this process, we redefine what success looks like—not by worldly standards, but by growing closer to God and one another in love and faith. As you journey through Lent, fast from what holds you back, feast on what helps you grow, and embrace failure as a pathway to transformation knowing Christ works through both your struggles and your victories. Lord, I lean on you today, praying for your will to be done – in me, with me, and all around me. Amen. Rev. Ian Macdonald Anamesa Christian Church jesusnotjesus.org

FFrriiddaayy,, AApprriill 1111,, 22002255 FFoorrttyy DDaayyss,, SSeeeemmeedd LLiikkee FFoorrttyy YYeeaarrss “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” – Isaiah 30:18 (NRSV) It was the hottest summer in recorded history for the state of Indiana. For those of you who golf, the local courses were told they could not water their greens. That’s the death nell for any golf course, but in reality, that’s exactly what was going on at the time. You could easily walk across any river and never get your feet wet. I wish I was exaggerating, but I am not. This was also at the time when my wife was pregnant with our son. The parsonage we were living in had Central Air, for which we were thankful, but unfortunately, and I have been told by many women, this makes sense--it wasn’t enough. I found myself on the top of a very tall ladder with a dear friend on the other side in our bedroom window helping to guide an AC window unit into our bedroom. Yes, we had AC, but we added a window unit and again, you are a woman reading this and you completely agree. That last forty days were absolutely miserable for my wife. I did everything I could do to make her comfortable after work, (she worked on a Friday and our son was born on that Sunday) That room was probably 65 degrees if not less for more than a month, a good forty days, and during that time, we prayed and hoped each day. Our son was born on a Sunday (during and after church, but that’s a whole other story) during the hottest summer Indiana recorded in living history. 12 years later, our family had the privilege of visiting that parsonage and in their attic, there was the AC window unit, barely used and ready for another summer. Those days were awful, but at the end, I wouldn’t trade them in for anything, absolutely anything. As you’re reading this, you might be going through a difficult journey, but know this: there is an end to this trial and you have people surrounding you that God’s will be done. Precious Lord we come before you asking you to be real to us during our times of trial, You have said you can carry our burdens, so our burdens, the weight of our lives, we give to you. Hear our pleas, hear our hearts and give us a peace that knows no understanding. Amen. Rev. Justin J Nierer, Senior Minister Sandstone Congregational Church Jackson MI Theoutreachguy@hotmail.com

SSaattuurrddaayy,, AApprriill 1122,, 22002255 JJeessuuss AAppppeeaarreedd TTeenn TTiimmeess “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.” – Acts 1:3a (NIV) The Bible tells us that Jesus appeared at least ten times over forty days. The people Jesus appeared to after he arose included: (1) Mary Magdalene [Mark 16:9-11]; (2) Two people, one named Cleopas, on the way to Emmaus [Mark 16:12-13]; (3) Peter [1 Corinthians 15:5]; (4) the ten disciples in the upper room—without Thomas [Luke 24:36-49]; (5) the eleven disciples in the upper room—with Thomas [Mark 16:14-18]; (6) The seven disciples while fishing in the Sea of Tiberias [John 21:1-23]; (7) The eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee [Matthew 28:16-20]; (8) the disciples before his ascension at the Mount of Olives [Mark 16:19-20]; (9) More than 500 [1 Corinthians 15:6]; (10) James—Jesus’ brother [1 Corinthians 15:7]. Acts 1:2-3 mentions three things Jesus did during his forty days. Number one, he presented himself alive, which is seen by the number of people listed above. Number two, he gave commandments to the disciples (through the Holy Spirit). I think most would agree that the primary “commandment” he gave was what we call “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20). In these verses, Jesus told them to do three things: “make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” These things also apply to us today. Number three, Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come (Acts 1:4-5). Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence and power as we wait upon you. Help us to understand God’s truth and empower us to fulfill our mission as witnesses for Christ. Amen. Pastor Jerry Eisner, Senior Pastor St. Jacobi Congregational Church Richfield, WI jerome7549@att.net

PPaallmm SSuunnddaayy,, AApprriill 1133,, 22002255 LLeeaaddiinngg aanndd FFoolllloowwiinngg “The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” – Matthew 21:9 (NRSVUE) The crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem were eager for relief from Roman rule, and the promise of a warrior Messiah in the line of David offered just that. This itinerant Rabbi brought both Wisdom and healing as well, which may have tipped the scale for the later adopters. Matthew describes crowds that went ahead of Jesus and those that followed after, symbolic of Jesus followers who are quick to pick up the banner, versus those who come to faith after much convincing. Today, we join in praises to the Son of David with the adoring crowd. Is forty days enough time to ready ourselves for the week ahead? Scripture is rich with references to forty—the Great Flood, Moses waiting on Mount Sinai, the wilderness trek, Jesus’ vision quest, and many more. Forty has been associated with preparation, purification, expectant waiting, repentance, and other spiritual journeys. In a sermon delivered decades ago, our all-time favorite pastor invited her congregation to reflect on the more-than-literal meaning of forty days or years, more than a fixed time-period. She suggested that it could mean “until the task is accomplished.” Taking it a step further, I began to think of forty as meaning “as long as it takes.” Another way to conceptualize it is the difference between chronos and kairos. Chronos is time by the clock. Kairos is “deep time” in a philosophical context; “God’s time” in my mind. Has my Lenten preparation been just the right length as I greet this Palm Sunday morning, or do I have more spiritual work to do? Am I running on human time or on God’s time? Eternal God, I join with the adoring crowds in shouting Hosannah to the Son of David. May I be thoughtfully present as I journey through the events of this Holy Week. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Rev. Terry Bobzien, Retired Indianapolis, IN terrybob@gmail.com

MMoonnddaayy,, AApprriill 1144,, 22002255 AA JJoouurrnneeyy ooff MMaannyy TTuurrnnss “I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.” – Romans 7: 17-20 (MSG) I love the opportunity to walk a labyrinth. Unlike a maze, where one finds themselves periodically trapped in dead ends, a labyrinth provides a circuitous, singular path that leads to the center. This ancient spiritual tool, designed to foster contemplation and spiritual transformation, always invites me into deep reflection and wonder. If you have never walked a labyrinth before, I encourage you to do so sometime during this season of Lent. Check out the Labyrinth locator at labyrinthlocator.org to find one near you, or another option is to use your search engine to find a finger labyrinth. Print the image and slowly move your finger along the path, discovering how the Spirit speaks to you as you make the journey. Like life, we can find ourselves moving in similar directions but never exactly the same way. We are inextricably changed by our life experiences and our relationships. They transform how we see and understand the world. There are days we delight in living in the Spirit and others where we get distracted and follow the desires of our flesh. Lent provides an extended, intentional time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. My prayer is that the Labyrinth will be a helpful tool for your spiritual journey. Renewing God, I pray you guide my steps, each and every day. Direct me closer and closer to your heart, that your will would become my will and your ways become my ways. Forgive my wayward spirit. Set me on the path of life everlasting through your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen. Rev. Wendy G. Van Tassell, Retired First Congregational Church, Saugatuck, MI wjgvt@hotmail.com

TTuueessddaayy,, AApprriill 1155,, 22002255 LLeenntt ttoo EEaasstteerr “Peace I leave with you…I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NRSVUE) At first glance Jesus’ resurrection appearances seem disjointed. Yet in each we learn of the resurrected Jesus appearing to individuals who were grieving, or disappointed, or wondering, or incredulous of his resurrection. Most were uncertain about their future lives. All were anxious, their lives in turmoil. It was in their apprehension when Jesus appeared to them, often calling them by name. He convinced them he was who-he-is when they touched his body, or ate with him, or broke bread with them. He offered them his divine peace. As we look approach Easter, we may be in our own grief, our own throes of disappointment. We may be wondering what is happening in our lives. We may be anxious about our future. But the resurrected Jesus, the Bread of Life, comes to us, calling us by name, continually assuring and comforting us, ‘Peace be with you. Don’t be anxious; I am with you always.’ Lord, in the anxiety and turmoil of our lives we may not fully realize your resurrected presence through your Holy Spirit. We pray for clarity of faith to be conscious of you who breathes new life into us and has the ability to comfort us with your peace. May our trust in you, the Bread of Life, grow together with our love for you. Amen. Rev. Dr. Barry W. Szymanski, Retired barrylmp@icloud.com

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, AApprriill 1166,, 22002255 TThhee SSeeccrreett PPllaaccee “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV) Living in Florida is not for the faint of heart. We’ve experienced three major hurricanes in just over two years. We think our home is a safe place, but we know that it’s not a fortress. It will not protect us from things that life throws at us. My friend Ellen is dying. She is a sister of my heart, and we have shared countless hours making music together. She has been thinking of all the people who will be bereft: her husband, her daughter, her baby grand-daughter, her many friends, and she reminds us to care for each other. She has chosen exactly what music she wants at her celebration of life, including On Eagles Wings, which quotes this psalm. She isn’t afraid, although she said this was not the way she planned to go. But she finds her refuge in the Lord, and trusts that His way is the best way. As Jesus said in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, not my will, but thine.” Living anywhere in this world is not for the faint of heart. Storms, distress, loss, illness, and ultimately death assail us. Our only protection, our only refuge, our only hope is in the Most High, who holds us in the secret place of His heart. Like Ellen, we can only trust in Him to lead us to the shelter of His love. Mighty God, the storms of life upset our carefully laid plans, leaving us alone and broken. We forget that you wait for us to turn toward you and ask for your help. Remind us that your love is eternal and your grace is never-ending. Shelter us, O Lord, under your wings, from storms, from life, from death. Amen. Dr. Helen T. Gierke, Th.D. First Congregational Church Cape Coral, FL Hgierke51@gmail.com

MMaauunnddyy TThhuurrssddaayy,, AApprriill 1177,, 22002255 TThhee PPaassssoovveerr,, IIssaaaacc,, aanndd MMee “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” – John 1:29 (NIV) The scriptures tell us about God using unblemished lambs several times to replace those who are destined for sacrifice. The first account is in the Passover story. You remember how the angel of death was coming to Egypt to kill all the first-born people and animals, and how under God’s direction the people of Israel were to take some blood of an unblemished lamb and put it on their doorposts. When the angel of death saw it, would pass by that household. And sure enough, God’s word held true and all the households with the blood on the doorposts were spared. Again, God used an unblemished lamb to take Isaac’s place on the altar. Remember, following years of praying for a son, Abraham and Sarah, even in their old age finally have Isaac. Then one day God told Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him on an altar of fire. And Abraham obeying God, takes Isaac, the wood, and the fire to the appointed spot, ties Isaac up, lays him on the altar, and raises the knife to kill him. Just in time God calls out to him to stop, and he does, and Abraham sees a lamb caught in the bushes by its horns. I believe it’s important to see it is stuck by the horns not its wool or skin because I believe like the lamb at the Passover it had to be unblemished. I was destined for death, eternal death, except as John explains “Jesus was my unblemished lamb” who took my place on the cross so my sins could be taken away. The pain of the whips on His back, the pain of the thorns in His brow, the nails in His hands and Feet, along with the wound in His side caused by the spear should have been mine. Dear Lord, thank You for Your marvelous grace that looked down on this poor sinner and provided the Unblemished Lamb and allows me by faith to have eternal life with You. Amen. Rev. William Rafuse Rapid River Congregational Church Rapid River, MI

GGoooodd FFrriiddaayy,, AApprriill 1188,, 22002255 GGoooodd FFrriiddaayy “Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. … Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’” – Matthew 27:50-54 (NRSVUE) On this day, when we remember the sacrifice of Jesus through worship, prayer, music, and silent contemplation, we may find ourselves contemplating the significance of all that we have pondered throughout these forty days. We might, especially, be wondering what’s so “good” about Good Friday. At its core, I think, is the foundational Christian belief that Jesus’s sacrifice was made on behalf of all humanity: setting us, once and for all, on the path to full communion with God…making that communion possible. That is surely a very good thing. Another layer of meaning comes from the centurion’s words, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Once again, an outsider accurately perceived the truth when so many of the “insiders” could or would not. It’s a good lesson for us…to be reminded that anyone can be the recipient of the Spirit’s leading. Jesus called himself “Son of Man.” What strikes me today is this: that in making this ultimate sacrifice, the Son of Man was taking on all of the outcomes of humanity; all of the justice-denying, peace-defying activity that turns us away from our God. (“Son of Man” – “Offspring of Man” – “That Which Comes From Man”) By embodying the tenets of peace, love, justice, compassion, and caring that Jesus lived and showed throughout his ministry and ultimate sacrifice, we can take all that we have experienced throughout these forty days and go out and change the world…for Jesus, who is truly God’s Son. Gracious and Loving God, help us to live into the name of Christian with intentionality and energy and joy. May all that we do be done in the name of Jesus. Amen. Rev. Casey vanderBent Intentional Transitional Pastor (here and there) Member of Anamesa Christian Church cvjrny@gmail.com

SSaattuurrddaayy,, AApprriill 1199,, 22002255 JJuusstt tthheenn…… Just before Easter Sunday, I was in the church kitchen recutting hundreds of carnation stems and placing them in warm water so they would open fully for the weekend. Starting with the outdoor Sunrise Service, worshippers would receive a carnation to place on a large wooden cross which stood near the front entrance. After the three services, the cross would be fully adorned, a vibrant celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As I was recutting, a Deacon wandered into the kitchen and wondered aloud what would happen if it rained for the Sunrise Service. I said, “I am going to pray for a sunny day.” He crossed his arms and with a frown on his face responded, “we can’t pray for small things.” I assured him that it was okay to pray for small things, to which he adamantly disagreed. It was not an unpleasant exchange, and it ended with me saying that I was going to pray for a sunny day anyways. Easter morning dawned bright and sunny. Following worship that day, a dozen family members and friends gathered at a nearby Chinese restaurant for Easter lunch. When the cookies were served at the end of the meal, I tore open the plastic, broke my cookie apart, and read the saying on the little white piece of paper. This is what it said, “It is a sunny day.” I was stunned. What are the chances that just then, I would end up with that exact cookie with that exact saying? “Just then… a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe.” – Matthew 9:20 (NLT) “Just then…a rooster crowed.” – Mark 14:72 (GNB) “Just then…a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?'” – Matthew 19:16 (NIV) Dear Heavenly Father, before time began, You knew that your people would need just-then moments, especially throughout these forty days, and You have been faithful to provide them. Help us to recognize them, tell others about them, and give all the glory to You! Amen. Julie Robie, Missions Coordinator National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Oak Creek, WI

EEaasstteerr SSuunnddaayy,, AApprriill 2200,, 22002255 SSppeeaakkiinngg wwiitthh tthhee GGaarrddeenneerr “Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?” She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you have put him so I can care for him.” – John 20:15 (MSG) Last summer, I was the NACCC delegate for my church, Grace Church of Columbiana, Ohio in Spokane, Washington. This time of representing my church and being among the greater congregation of the NACCC was a wonderful time of reflection, prayer, planning, and enjoying a beautiful American city. While Spokane had its share of homelessness and destitution, it also had many locals who were eager to speak with us “tourists.” In fact, as I walked the Centennial Trail, I came across several who were eager to have a conversation. All I had to do was smile and speak to them and the conversation was in full swing. One of the men I spoke with was the gardener at one of the fancy hotels located on the Trail. Indeed, I saw him first while he was trimming a tree, using a chainsaw, with his ladder leaning upon the same tree he was pruning. I said, “Aren’t you afraid? I want to pray for you. That looks dangerous.” In that moment, he climbed down the ladder and walked right up to me on the trail and reached out his hands to me to be in prayer. He said, “If I am going to be blessed, I want to be fully ready.” It was after I prayed for him, and he prayed for me, that the conversation took off. I cannot remember all the details, but I do remember the feeling I got in speaking to him. A feeling of being in the presence of the divine. Just like when Mary recognized Jesus in the face of the “gardener” she met at the tomb in John 20:16. I felt completely at peace as I spoke to this Spokane gardener. In those moments, and as I recorded later in my journal, “I literally felt God’s love pass between us.” I felt the exact thing as described in Matthew 18:20: “And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there” (MSG). Dear Lord, I thank you for seeing your divinity in the face of a stranger. Your love of us is most clearly demonstrated by those whom we find ourselves in communion with throughout these forty days. Amen. Dr. Lisa Bircher Grace Church and Anamesa Chrisitan Church (Anamesa.org) Columbiana, OH Lbircher69@gmail.com

SShhaarree yyoouurr ddeevvoottiioonnaall tthhoouugghhttss wwiitthh CCoonnggrreeggaattiioonnaall ffrriieennddss!! We are eager to receive your devotional writings to help with this sharing of our faith during the seasons of Advent and Lent. After thinking about the theme of the booklet, pray about how you can best communicate some aspect of your faith life for the benefit of fellow Congregationalists. Here are the details for upcoming devotional booklets: AAddvveenntt 22002255:: Theme: “In the Bleak Midwinter” – The Promise of Emmanuel in a Darkened World Deadline August 15, 2025 Email your Advent 2025 entry to nacccadvent25@gmail.com LLeenntt 22002266:: Theme: “Our Shared Covenant In Our Lenten Journey” Deadline October 15, 2025 Email your Lent 2026 entry to naccclent26@gmail.com For questions or clarification, contact Carol Taylor at jazzytay@gmail.com. In recent years, we’ve been gratified to see more Congregationalists submit devotional pieces for our booklets. In the case of those writers who have submitted several works for a booklet, we are led to embrace a broad representation of authors, resulting in some submissions not used. We value every submission and are striving to foster a diverse representation of Congregationalist authors. We deeply appreciate the work of all our devotional writers! Your editors will honor the breadth of theological convictions of our membership and our congregations. Throughout our booklets, you will find a range of faith expressions; this booklet reflects the NACCC in its rich theological diversity. As you prepare to write, please frame a central thought which contributes to the theme of the booklet. Please include each of the following in your submission: 1: Title; 2: Scripture verse(s) with translation used; 3: Body of the devotional; 4: A short prayer; 5: Your name; 6: Your church and its city; 7: Your email (if you do not want it published, let us know). We can use submissions of up to 350 words, with title, scripture, body, prayer, name, church, and city included. Your editors will proofread grammar, spelling, punctuation, and will make minimal correction for narrative flow. We want your voice to come through these devotionals! Thank you. Blessings to you all, Carol, Terry, and Casey

Throughout These Forty Days Lent 2025 PO Box 288 Oak Creek, WI 53154 Phone (414) 764-1620 Email: naccc@naccc.org Website: www.naccc.org