Grace Peace and Mercy be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It seems as though only yesterday we were basking in the glow of Chrismas glory and the Epiphany of our Lord. Now in February we are already considering the repentant reflection of Lent and the purpose for our Lord’s passion. In many ways we can see the purpose being our sin yet there is something far larger than that in the passion of our Lord for us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…" Yes Jesus was sent to attone for our sin but He was sent in and by the Love of God. "For while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."Why would He do this if it were not for the love of His creation and that we might be in a right relationship with Him? As we reflect during this time of Lent, let us consider not only the great blessings that God has bestowed upon us but also how we love and respond to our gracious Lord and God.

Our response is a response of stewardship- the stewardship of our life of faith. So how are you doing at being a steward of your faith? What are you doing to increase your faith? Bible studies and opportunities to grow together as a congregation are offered on:

• Wednesday mornings at 10 am
• Wednesday evening at 7 pm
• Thursday evening at 7 pm
• Sunday mornings at 9 am

There are also opportunities to read and study your Bible at home individually and as a family. Many helpful resources are available including: Portals of Prayer, My Devotions, daily lectionaries and other Bible study guides.

Yet we must not neglect meeting together as a congregation to support and build each other up sharing the confidence of faith with one another and growing together as God draws us closer to Himself. In this way we exercise stewardship of our faith and stewardship of our relationships with each other in Christ. Please prayerfully consider growing together in Christ with your fellow members at Concordia.

Pastor Jim