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The Apostle Paul was transformed through his pretty remarkable conversion experience, which left him full of such conviction and religious fervor that he set out on a preaching tour to tell everyone about the good news he had discovered in Jesus! He traveled, preached in synagogues and riversides, baptized entire households and

communities, was beaten and imprisoned! And while in prison, he wrote letters to the churches trying to help guide them and keep them focused on the good. Paul's lessons in faith have guided churches for thousands of years. As we celebrate the good news of Easter, we will focus in on Paul's faith: a Faith Worth Sharing. We will consider how we can be a part of living that faith here and now!

As we approach Holy Week, we know what’s coming: a parade filled with hopeful expectation of the Messiah; a meal shared with friends, inviting them to remember and to love well; a betrayal, greed, political ambition and the violent death of God’s Son; and even through the pain and suffering of this week, God’s grace is present. On Easter morning, we proclaim God’s victory over death, God’s victory over sorrow, and God’s hope present in the world as new life is possible! We hope that you will join us, in person or on the livestream, for each of these meaningful services.

For those who have seen or read this story, finding grace may seem like a challenge...the same might be said for finding grace in today's world. And yet, I think we are hungry for grace. We consume grace through the holy meal of communion, we drink it up in worship as words and music wash over us...we are a people in need of grace. Particularly in this holy season on Lent, I pray you experience grace beyond measure, and share it with others!

You're invited on this journey of "Rediscovering a Vocabular of Faith" because our words matter. What we say and how we say it can invite a friend into a life-giving faith or could turn them away. Our words about God can heal or hurt. Some expressions can feel trite or hollow - and others when explained, carry connection and love that can change a person's outlook forever. Words matter. Our faith matters. Let's start this New Year getting back to the basics and building our vocabulary together!