A detail of Rembrandt's monumental painting of the Return of the Prodigal Son 

 Last Sunday we read the beautiful story of the Prodigal Son/Forgiving Father (Luke 11-32). A great contemporary description of the love of God and the joy of God's welcome for everyone (imperfect yet wonderful as each human being is) is last week's segment of Krista Tippett's "On Being" podcast.
http://www.onbeing.org/program/father-greg-boyle-on-the-calling-of-delight/5053
Fr. Boyle's joy in welcoming Los Angeles teens whose lives have been broken (in society's terms) is stronger because he believes that they help him more than he helps them. Very inspiring.

Lent is a time to look at ourselves clear-eyed, to slow down (difficult) and rest in the daily awareness of the presence of love in our lives. To look at the sun rise, to hear a bird, to count how many people welcomed us in the past days. To take note of those parts of suffering humanity and creation that we may be called to help heal.

On March 23 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, we will host

MUD SEASON MORNING Sunday, March 23^rd at 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with childcare

The purpose of the gathering is to create an opportunity for the congregation to discuss and affirm the results of the Task Teams, which addressed the questions, “Whom do we serve in our community?” and “How do we at ALC bond and communicate as a community?” We desire that the outcome of our time together will be a shared commitment as we move forward in “Claiming Our Ministry.” Refreshments: coffee and potluck pastries

How wide is our embrace of one another and of people in our community?
Come, and participate in this exciting conversation at this point of oppenness to God in our life at Ascension.