Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 22, 2023. Lent, taken from the word "to lengthen," marks not only the lengthening of days as we prepare to enter spring (isn't that a nice thought?), but is also a time of preparation and reflection as we prepare for Holy Week and the celebration of our Lord's resurrection at Easter. Considered the most solemn day of the Church Year, Ash Wednesday begins Lent. Ashes are a symbol of sorrow, mourning, grief and repentance. As we reflect on our sin and need for our Savior, we repent and look to Him in faith. As part of the Ash Wednesday service (11:00 am and 6:30 pm), we will receive the "imposition of ashes." A tradition since early church times, we will be invited forward at the end of the service to receive the sign of the cross traced on our foreheads as we hear the words of Genesis 3:19, "Dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return." This is entirely voluntary, and those who choose not to receive may depart in peace at that point.

All of our Midweek Lenten Services (11:00 am and 6:30 pm each Wednesday), will take as a theme: "Chronicles of the King." Each week we will explore how the kings of Judah are shadows of Christ, the King of kings, who sits upon the throne of David forever. We will see how the kings in Chronicles point us to Christ, who fulfills all the kingly promises that the kings of Judah were unable to realize in themselves. Join us!

Pastor Stanton

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Who doesn’t like a good love story? Be honest, ladies, you cherish the thought of someone loving you completely and unconditionally. (Men do, too!) Men and women would love it if their significant other would pay close attention to them and describe their appearance passionately. But love is not just physical, love can be dangerous and yet life-giving at the same time. Love does sometimes hurt, but it also restores. Love is complicated yet also satisfying! And at the end of the day, love is a gift from God, who is complex, satisfying, and so much more!

God loved us so passionately that He gave a portion of Himself when He sent His Son to die on a cross. God loves us so completely that He sacrificed His only Son for our sins. Many of us denied Him and even ran from Him, but He loved us so much that He chased after us and proved His love for us. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day remember that it is not just a hallmark kind of love when it comes to God. His love is complete, never ending, life giving, satisfying, and so much more. This month also brings the beginning of Lent and here we once again see just what kind of love God has for His children. A love so strong and meaningful that He sent His only Son to die. Not just a quick and painless death, but a death on the cross. Hanging for you and for me, to clear a debt that we could never pay, never cancel. A debt that only our Savior, Jesus Christ, could pay by giving up His life so that we may live. So, if you ever have a doubt or ever feel devoid of love, just think about God’s amazing love for us. Oh, what a love!

In His Service,

Jennifer Leinss

Blessed Savior is still looking for lead childcare teachers to join its team! We are looking for fun, energetic, kid-loving, team players! Early childhood courses and experience is needed. We are looking for morning and afternoon teachers. Hours are flexible and wage is based on experience. If you or someone you know is interested, please see Director Jennifer Leinss

Second quarter Sunday school offerings will be going to support youth clubs in India. We have the opportunity along with our preschool students to participate in a global adventure through the wonderful program Gospel Adventures by Lutheran Hour Ministries. Students will get the opportunity to meet kids from India, see how they live, work, and play. Most importantly we will get to see how they love the same Jesus that we do! Offerings collected will ensure these youth clubs can continue! For more information check out https://www.gospeladventures.org/fundraising.asp. If you would like to support this cause, place your donation in an envelope marked India - Gospel Adventures!

We excitedly welcome back in-person VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! Set to blast-off June 19th-23rd from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Join us as we climb aboard the Space Station Salvation and learn more about Jesus and His great big love! Watch for more information to come on how you can volunteer and help make this event a success!

For the first quarter of 2023, our Special Mission Offering will support Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW). LBW works to ensure that all people throughout the world who are blind or visually impaired will have access to the Good News of salvation, by providing Bibles, pamphlets, and other materials in Braille, Specialized Large Print, and Audio Christian materials. To sponsor Special Missions, please sign up on the bulletin board.