Prayer is an interesting thing, isn't it? It's done in silence and out loud, by individuals and groups, in the most extravagant churches and in the car, by the young and the elderly, in elaborate words and in simple phrases like "Help me" and "Thank you."

 
When we think of love we don’t usually think of it as something that can be commanded.  We think of feeling all warm and gooey inside.  We think of our heart racing and our palms getting moist with nervousness when we see the one we love.  We think of feeling like we are walking on air.  We think of the words of the Bonnie Raitt song, I can't make you love me if you don’t.  We think those things because we often confuse love and infatuation.  We often focus on romantic love instead of the kind of love Jesus is talking about.
 

First, the work of the church continues full speed ahead.  Many exciting things are in the planning stage, others are being implemented.  Christ the King is continuing to do God’s work in the world. 

I admit I have a horrible memory. I can remember people and names but struggle desperately to remember what I have read, heard, or seen. Sometimes, it makes life more interesting and fun; I can reread books or watch movies again like I’m watching them for the first time. Other times, not remembering things is torture.

If you’re like me, we are ready to wrap up the season of Lent. It has been six weeks since Ash Wednesday and as much as I have enjoyed our midweek Lenten services, Wondering on Wednesdays, all-congregation book study, and more contemplative time, I am greatly anticipating Sunday morning.

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

What happened to my Palm Sunday?  It used to be a happy day.  It used to be a celebration – a day to wave palms, shout Hosanna and remember a triumphant parade.  But now it has become Palm/Passion Sunday.  We wave palms.  We give a nod to the celebration and parade and then we hear that whole, long passion history of Jesus’ suffering and death.  Why?  Why can’t I have Palm Sunday? 

Have your New Year’s resolutions lasted? To be honest, mine have lasted longer than I thought they would. The top of my list includes: worrying less, changing my diet to be “plant strong,” and spending more time reading for enjoyment.

“It’s going to be ok.” These words, or a version of them, are frequently shared in our lives. Perhaps I hear them more often because of my line of work or because I’m the “worrier” in the family, but I have an inkling that many of us encounter them regularly.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16
 

This post comes from Roger and Trish Blomquist, Christ the King's short-term missionaries in Tanzania. This posts talks about the ordination of nine pastors on Feb. 5.

My list includes good family and friends, shelter, food and warmth on these cold days, and access to good medical care.

But sometimes it’s hard to find the blessings in the midst of the dark places in our lives.

The following post comes from our short-term missionaries, Roger and Trish Blomquist, who are serving for three months in Tanzania. Please read on to experience worship in Tanzania through our traveler's eyes.

Check out this amazing picture from National Geographic:

Thanks to all of the congregation members, staff and volunteers who made our first Super Spirit Worship a great success. Special thanks goes out to our commentators, Ray Ensrud, and Aaron Larson. Click here to see more photos from Sunday, including the kick off of our Get Out of the Boat sign ups, Pack 106's pancake breakfast and the annual meeting.

 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

                                                                                                                                                                            Mark 1: 40-45 

The following post comes to Christ the King from Roger and Trish Blomquist. The Blomquists are serving for three months in Tanzania. Please check back often for more updates from the Blomquists and continue to offer your prayers for them, Tanzania, and the Nduli Parish.

It’s hard to believe that we have been here a little over a month as time has flown by.  We have had very busy schedules with lots of people here from the St. Paul Area Synod and we have reconnected with so many of our Tanzanian friends that we have met over the years.

Pr. Hannah and I have a friendly agreement for Super Spirit worship this weekend.

"When they found Jesus, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also." (Mark 1:37-38)

 “Let us go…” Jesus has left the synagogue and has healed many people of unclean spirits, or forces of evil. As you can imagine, everyone is amazed at his work. But instead of staying in that place, Jesus leaves with a mission: to go out and to proclaim the Good News.

This Sunday we gather to hear this proclamation in a new, super way.

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1: 16-18

Time is a precious commodity.  Everyone is so busy rushing around.  Even retired people say they are so busy that they can’t imagine how they ever had time to go to work.  Maybe dialing back the busyness would be a helpful Lenten discipline. 

I hope you will read this book and participate in a Christian Life Group as we invite the whole congregation to discuss it.  It is well written and challenges us to grow in faith.  Growing in faith is something we all want to do.

A new idea is unfolding at Christ the King called Christian Life Groups.  This idea is being launched this month as we begin our all church book study:  If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. A famous scientist once said that the best way to launch an idea is to wrap it in a person. Perhaps it is better to toss it out of a boat.

Have you noticed the canoe in the narthex lately?  Does it make you wonder what it is all about? We really want you to know, and to join the whole congregation in taking the boat ride of your life!

I have a confession to make: I’m afraid of joining a Bible study/Christian Life Group.

As we gear up to start this all-church book study in Christian Life Groups it’s important for all of us to confront those things that might  hold us back for fully participating.