As we enter Lent, we enter a period of reflection. The Light of the World, so prominent in Epiphany, is focused now on us, asking who we are, how we understand ourselves as people of God and whether we really are “equipped for every good work.” Many of you may be aware of the “Book of Faith” initiative being undertaken by the ELCA. The intent of this initiative is to invite the church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, to center our congregations and our personal study in Scripture.

In a very real sense, the Bible is our shared “primal narrative,” the stories (or the Story) that define(s) us as a people. And yet, many of us wish that we were more familiar with those stories/that Story. So for our Soup and Study on Wednesday evenings through Lent we will look at the core stories of the Bible. We’ll begin at 6:30 with a light supper and then from 7:00 to 8:00 we’ll read, review and discuss the core stories of our primal narrative.

What are those stories? Honest people might differ, but the curriculum we’ll be using argues for five from the Hebrew Scriptures and three from the Newer Testament.

They include:

These are not just particular stories (for example, the Call of Abram) but are also kinds of stories (most of the call stories have a similar format and content). This is one of the reasons that these stories still speak to us today. All of us are in some ways enslaved by our fears, by our expectations, by our shortcomings; all of us feel in exile, all of us at some time or another feel dead inside. Scripture speaks to us, if we can but hear it, telling us of God’s plans to release us from slavery, bring us out of our exile, and resurrect us from the death around us and in us.

“Love God, Love Others, Teach and Learn and Serve the World.” This Lent, join us in hearing, learning and telling the Story. Let me especially invite our new families and households – this is a wonderful way to meet members of the congregation in a relaxed setting and to learn about our shared heritage. Middle and high-schoolers, come and learn with Pastor Wendy (see her column on pages 6 and 7). If we need child care (and I’d be so glad if we did!), we’ll get it. The cost of the journals is $12.95 and each participant should have one. Let me know if you plan to attend (email me at pastor@saintnicholaslutheran.org or call the office). The format will be part DVD, part discussion, and very little lecture. Come for supper, stay to talk. Forty days to a new appreciation of our primal narrative!

Pastor Greg