Grace Notes 3/8/2012

GraceNotes 3 / 8 / 12

I didn't find my intended destination. I was looking for the cell phone
lot at O'Hare Airport, where I could wait for the call that my son's
family was ready to be picked up. Even with the guidance of a few well
intentioned signs, I missed it. Couldn't find it. He called while I was
driving around the airport the second time, so I never did find it. What I
really needed was someone beside me who had been there before…telling me
just when to turn.

Salem is on the journey of the call process for our next pastor. It may at
times seem unsure and like we could miss a turn. But we can trust that we
will reach the destination God has planned for us. For signs along the way
we have the call process so carefully developed by the ELCA. Steering our
direction is a great call committee committed to seeking God's will. And
we have that someone right in the car beside us who has been there before
and can help us know when to turn…actually several someones: Pastor Rob,
the bishop's staff, and most of all – the Holy Spirit.

We are about halfway through this 2012 Lenten journey. Like other Lents,
it is both familiar and new. We observe many practices the church has
clung to since its very early history. And we find new actions or words or
ideas as well. We might have many destinations for this journey. To gain
deeper appreciation of Christ's loving sacrifice. To grow in faith. To be
more like Jesus, "Living Christ's Love".

Thanks be to God, we have a guide right beside us every step of the way.
The one who has been there before and keeps coming back to shepherd us on
the journey. May Christ be our guide through Lent and always!

Ron Vanatta

There are three more Wednesdays in Lent with soup suppers at 5:30 and
Holden Evening Prayer worship at 7.

Mark all the Holy Week opportunities on your calendar beginning with Palm
Sunday April 1. Maundy Thursday service is at 7 on April 5. Good Friday
service at 7 April 6. Easter Vigil at 5 April 7. Easter Morning
celebrations include worship at 8 and 10:30 with the youth serving
breakfast at 9.