This week, we begin a series of Lenten sermons entitled
March Madness: Lessons from the Hardwood. Some have already suggested that a sports analogy is a bit light for a Lenten series, but the truth is that over the next five weeks, we'll explore some of the more demanding dimensions of Christian discipleship.
This week, we'll start with Jesus' call to personal sacrifice, looking specifically at the incident when he turned to his disciples and said:
"'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.'" - Luke 9:23 and 24
The great Danish philosopher Soren Keirkegaard interpreted this passage by distinguishing between those who were "admirers of Jesus" and those who were "followers of Jesus." He wrote:
"an admirer of Jesus Christ is one who keeps himself or herself personally detached, . . . [one who is only] all too willing to serve [or to follow] Christ as long as proper caution is exercised, . . . those who refuse to accept that Christ's life is a demand."
We'll explore this in depth - and participate in communion - in all services.
In addition, our 11 a.m. Fellowship Hall service is extremely fortunate to welcome Casey Donahue, who will share a faith story to preview her
Sunday night talk. Casey is an instructor with The Moth, a New York City cultural institution dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.
Come, and bring a friend.
