Pastors Ponderings
STRONG IN THE BROKEN PLACES: My inspiration for our mid-week Lenten Observance this year is a book, which bears the title listed above, that I stumbled across at a used book store. The book is sub-titled, “A Theological Reverie on the Ministry of George Everett Ross.” I never heard of Ross until I picked up the book. But since that time I haven’t been able to put it down.
George Everett Ross was Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Akron, Ohio, where Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935. Although the book gives an appreciative portrait of the man as a brilliant preacher who could move listeners with the gospel in the largest congregation in the diocese, it does not skirt over his flaws. Indeed, the book in large part affirms the ministry which came through Ross’ “brokenness.” Ross struggled with alcohol addiction and died of AIDS in 1991. He was a crusader for the addicted and the homeless. He was both revered for his good works and reviled for his personal failings.
The book is part biography, part sampler of his sermons, and part theological meditation on the five wounds of Christ. Reflection on the wounds of Christ will frame our five-week Lenten devotional on Tuesday nights this year (please note the change – adjusted to avoid scheduling conflicts in both churches). These LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS begin with a light meal, follow with casual discussion, and end with a brief devotion. The time of our gathering will be 5:45-7 p.m. Discussion will focus on these topics, addressed in the book:
February 28th (at Trinity) Wounded Hands and Feet: Broken Pieces of Body
March 6th (at Gilead) Wounded Side: Broken Relationships
March 13th (at Trinity) Wounded Head: Broken Thoughts
PLEASE NOTE ON THIS DATE: Instead of a “Soup Supper,” discussion begins at 5:45 p.m. Trinity’s monthly “Family Dinner” follows at 6:30 p.m.
March 20th (at Gilead) Wounded Back: Broken Promises
March 27th (at Trinity) Wounded Heart: Broken Faith
George Everett Ross says in one of his sermons, Christ accepts us – broken, limited, sinful, and struggling long before we accept Him. Where we would put ourselves down, Christ bends to lift us up. Where we heap judgment and blame upon ourselves, He tenderly forgives and accepts us. Where we are filled with despair or overwhelming sorrow, Christ loves us with a love, which recreates us.
See you on Ash Wednesday at GileadLutheranChurchon February 22nd at 7 p.m.
Pastor James A. Hulihan
