[real-eyes] THE HOLY CROSS BLIND OUTREACH NEWSLETTER
- From: "dauidr@xxxxxxxx" <dauidr@xxxxxxxx>
- To: kcpaws@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:58:43 GMT
THE HOLY CROSS BLIND OUTREACH NEWSLETTER
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
2003 NE Englewood Road
Kansas City, MO 64118
(816) 452-9113
GREETINGS
GREETINGS
At this time each year, the Church worldwide celebrates Lent. It is a
time when we especially mourn our sin-sick standing before our Lord’s unbending
Law. Many people have observed this season by giving up some habit or pleasure
such as refraining from having soft drinks for six weeks. Others have added
additional time for Bible study.
Too often, the focus during Lent gets put on what we do. Sure, fasting
and other physical preparation is good for preparing us to read, mark, and take
God’s Word more fervently to heart. But, no matter our efforts, we cannot and
do not prepare enough. We do not carry our vocations well enough.
The first epistle of John puts it this way: “If we claim to be without
sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8) On our
efforts, we estill disobey God and cause each other to err.
But, does God our Father automatically hit us upside the head with a
holy two-by-four? Does He vent how angered He is at us? We certainly deserve
such a response. But, He doesn’t. Instead, our heavenly Father calls us to
repent of our sin. “If we confess our sin, God, who is faithful and just, will
forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Lent is not about us and what we do. It is about Jesus and what He has
done for us. We repent, say we’re truly sorry, for our sin not to please our
friends, family, and supporters—though this certainly may mend many outward
fences. We repent because Jesus has already taken away our sin and promised us
life forever with Him in heaven.
Lent is about Jesus because Jesus died to take upon Himself God’s
punishment—a much greater burden than a mere two-by-four slap upon our wrists.
The apostle Paul puts it this way: “While we were yt sinners, Christ died for
us.” (Rom. 5:8)
Lent is about Jesus because of what He does not require of us. Risen
from the dead, He promises Hlife forever with Him is completely free for the
trusting in Him alone. He does not require anything from us—sacrifices during
one time of the year, an extra sense of purpose that might spur us onward. He
simply calls us daily back to His cross, where we fix our eyes on Him, the
pioneer and perfecter of our trust. (Heb. 12:1-2)
So, what about the sacrifices, the extra devotions and other efforts we
make during this time of year? As our Lord gives us time extra devotional
moments throughout the day, we rejoice in them because He has first saved us.
And, if we don’t get to such extra times of devotion, He gives us our neighbor
who is really in need of our efforts. That’s true throughout the year, not just
during Lent.
Lent is all about Jesus, our Savior, for us and our life forever with
Him.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO JOIN ANYTHING TO JOIN US FOR DINNER
Over the past two years, Holy Cross Blind Outreach has enjoyed holding monthly
meals for the blindness community. Anyone who is blind or visually impaired is
welcome to come—regardless of your background. You are not joining an
organization. We welcome you to reacquaint with old friends, form new
relationships, and be encouraged. Holy Cross welcomes you.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
This month, we are having ham, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. If you
have any individual needs for food and are coming, let me know and we will make
specific arrangements for you.
WHO’S THE SPEAKER?
This month, Christine McDonald will speak of her background, new book,
and her work with Community Employment. She has a story to tell and a passion
that is unmistakable!
RESOURCE OF THE MONTH:
Are you partially sighted and in need of a copy of the Bible? Contact
Lutheran Blind Mission at 888-215-2455. They will be able to provide you this
resource free of charge.
Looking Ahead To March
Next month, we will welcome Cathy Pyper who will talk about the new
resources and opportunities through First Steps for the Blind. Do you know
anyone who has recently gone blind or visually impaired? Let them know of First
Steps. Cathy will help them with the adjustment to blindness in the Kansas City
area. For a preview of First Steps’ resources, meetings, and work, visit
www.first-steps.org.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
March 9: Share A Fare Review Meeting.
March 13: First Steps for the Blind; call Cathy Pyper at (816) 455-5219 to find
out more.
March 18: Blinded Veterans; call Ed Reyes for more information at (816)
454-3312.
March 20: Progressive Council of the Blind; call Barbara CDewberry at (816)
255-3610.
March 20: National Federation of the Blind; call Ruby Polk at (816) 505-9993.
March 27: Holy Cross Blind Outreach meal of the month. Call David Rosenkoetter
at (816) 805-7333 for more information and to reserve a ride to and from if
needed.
Announcements:
1. CD’s of prior weeks’ sermons at Holy Cross will be available.
2. 2. Please, try to announce your coming to meals by the Wednesday
beforehand so we can have time to arrange your ride and know how much food to
prepare.
3. 3. If you would like ongoing devotional resources in Braille, large
print, or on cassette, call Lutheran Blind Mission at (888) 215-2455 between
the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Now, may the Lord direct your days and your deeds in His peace.
David Rosenkoetter, Director
Ruby Polk and Shirley Grauel, assistants
Matt. 28:19-20
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