TLC Council

Trinity Lutheran Church Council

Trinity Lutheran Church Council Members - 2008- 2009
President	Tim Patrick
Vice President	Samantha Ramsey
Treasurer	Gene Tanzey
Secretary	Clarie Kuball
Pastor Ann Frerks	Jerry Anderson
Karen Cook	Marion Keating
Don Nelson	Matt Brenneman
Matt Brenneman	Kay Nelson
Christa Hartley

From Tim Patrick- Congregational President

Redemption, Salvation and Transformation: three reasons to celebrate!!

Dear friends in Christ,

Here we are in that somewhat precarious time of year between Christmas and the beginning of the Easter season. Yep, that four-letter word we call “Lent” is right around the corner. It seems like it was just days ago we were all celebrating the birth of our Lord, and already it is time to enter into a spiritual season that for some of us is quite negative. It is a time of penance and sacrifice. It is a time when the sanctuary seems darker and we do not use the word alleluia. It is during this time that we may tend to look at this as a very negative time of the spiritual year. Let me assure you that Lent is not a negative, but Lent is a celebration!! Lent celebrates three things: our redemption, our salvation and our transformation. Let me try to break this down and explain how I have come to the conclusion that Lent is positive.

First, let’s look at redemption. The word redemption when used in a religious context means absolution for past sins and or protection from damnation. I see this as forgiveness. There is a plethora of bible verses about forgiveness and redemption, but the one verse that pulls it together for me is Ephesians 1:7. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” That for me is reason #1 to celebrate this Lenten season!!

Let’s explore salvation. In religion, salvation can be simply defined as our God providing for us eternal life. This is said very well in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse (for me anyway) defines the entire Lenten/Easter season. Reason #2 for a celebration.

Now let’s tackle transformation. This is the act or process of transforming or being transformed. That came right from Webster himself, but I prefer to use the synonym “change or conversion”, as it is easier for me to understand. We can actually become more like Christ when we observe Lent. The same Christ that gave us His love and grace. Remember that “being more Christ-like” is the reason for our sacrifice and penance during this up-coming season.

Look at Romans 2:12. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (changed or converted) 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.” Let’s look at Lent as a time of change and renewal and celebrate!!

The Lenten/Easter season is quite a ride. It is what we make of it. I have chosen to make it an emotional but wonderfully positive time. Our sacrifice and penance during Lent will lead us into the holiest of days. Try to remember that this year. Your sacrifices during Lent will lead you into being more “Christ-like”, and after all, isn’t that what we all are trying to be? Redemption, salvation and transformation are the keys to success and celebration!!

Wishing you a happy and holy Easter season,

Tim Patrick