On February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine and on the 27th in worship we took a moment of silence and prayer for the everyone affected by the war.  The war continues, and many more lives have been lost on all sides.  It breaks my heart to see what is happening and I know many wish there is more we could do.  This last Sunday we offered the Lutheran Disaster Response insert to send funds to help LDR in their efforts.  If you feel called to give, I hope you take the time to do that.
Prayer is also an important tool to use in times like these when we can feel powerless to do much else.  Pope Francis called for prayer by both believers and nonbelievers on Wednesday March 2 (Ash Wednesday).
The ELCA, together with other interfaith leaders, issued a statement with prayers that included the following:  “All our religious traditions call us to pray and work for peace. We join our voices and hands together. We must open our eyes to those who are suffering, and we cannot remain indifferent to the injustice this conflict has brought on the people of Ukraine and may bring on people of neighboring countries. The statement continued, “We call on all those involved—whether governments, movements or individuals—to repent of aggression and violence and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our congregations and communities to pray for wisdom, peace and justice to prevail in Ukraine.”
We are always people of prayer, and Lent calls us specifically to a focused time of prayer.  With all that in mind, I feel it is important that we spend some time gathered in prayer for the war in Ukraine.  The Bible reminds us that where two or three are gathered, he  (Jesus) is there in our midst.  This Wednesday, at 6:30pm, I invite anyone who would like to come and be a part of a prayer vigil for Ukraine to come.  This will be for approximately 15 minutes as it leads up to our regular Wednesday Lenten service at 7pm.
Please bring your prayers, bring written prayers by others, bring prayers that you have written, bring silent prayers that come in the moment of the vigil.  There will be little structure to the time, we will simply focus on what each of us feels called to do at the vigil.
Once again, if you would like to spend time gathered in prayer for the war in Ukraine please come at 6:30pm this Wednesday before our Lenten Service at 7pm.
If you cannot join us in person then please join us from your home at the same time for 15 minutes spent in prayer. We would love to have as many people praying at the same time.
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7
Lenten Blessings,
Pastor Brian