Double debut marks first Lenten service

More than 150 people turned out for the double debut Friday afternoon of the 2004 Lenten series sponsored by the Red Willow County Ministerial Association.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church provided the setting for the first community Lenten lesson of the season and the community debut of the Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor, the new pastor at First Congregational Church.

Pastor Taylor opened his community lesson with a strong delivery of the Gospel and grace of Jesus Christ, focusing his lesson on the reading from John 12:20-33, specifically on verse 32 "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

In part, Taylor indicated, Jesus was referring Israel's time in the desert when the people were beset by poisonous snakes. Moses, as told in Numbers 21:6-9, made a bronze snake and set it on a pole, that whoever looked upon the snake would live.

Similarly, said Taylor, "Looking up and seeing Jesus crucified on the cross, we become aware of our deep need to be healed from our sin.

"He willingly gave his life because we can't save ourselves." If we could have, Taylor continued, then he would have died in vain.

Jesus told us, Taylor admonished, in Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

That is impossible for man, any man, said Taylor, but God so values the souls of men, he lifted Jesus up on the cross, that we could be healed from our sins.

Secondly, Taylor added, Jesus was lifted from the grave to show us grace.

"If there had been no resurrection from the dead," he explained, "we would still be dead in our sins.

"We would be hopeless still, lost in our sin, under the law."

Taylor read from an article listing the various accomplishments of men, saying that Rockefeller only had to sign his name and by doing so, make millions of dollars, an artist can take a 50 cent piece of canvas, apply paint and create a masterpiece worth millions, but only God can take a worthless, sinful and broken life and put his own Spirit in it and make it new.

Finally, Taylor said in conclusion, Jesus was lifted p to heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God, "interceding for us."

Taylor, citing Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus."

Because Jesus loves you, Taylor said, "You don't have to wonder if you're good enough, you know the promise you have because Jesus loves you, and has gone before you to prepare a place for you."

"Leave here with that knowledge," challenged Taylor. "The world is looking for grace, they're looking for a risen Savior, lifted up. They're not looking for 'religion'."

The Rev. Charles Hooton, pastor at First Assembly of God Church, presided over the service, offering prayer for the congregation and asking a blessing on the words of the preacher. Sheryl Havens was the organist.

Jon and Annette Wacker set the stage for the lesson with their duet "Gentle Shepherd" to the accompaniment of Marie Coffey.

The 2004 Lenten Service continues Friday, 12:05 p.m., at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Gary Brethour delivering the message. Allen Wilkerson of the Church of Christ will preside.

Alms baskets are set at the sanctuary to receive a free will offering on behalf of the work of the ministerial association.

An alms basket also is in place in the parish house to help defray the cost of the food used to prepare the meal that follows the lesson.