Page 41 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 4: March 20-24

Luke 7: 37-38
And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s

house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and
began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued
kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.

Reflection
At the heart of welcoming is receiving, a willingness to receive both the person and all

that the person brings, the essence of who they are. To receive we must humble
ourselves. We cannot fully receive if we harbor a hidden thought that this person has

nothing to offer me, has no merit or is not worthy of my time. Instead, we welcome
when we say, "Come, be with me, I am grateful for this time together."

Welcome Stories
Almost 50 years ago Linda and I were starting a new chapter in our lives. We were
young and I was starting my first chiropractic practice. We decided to seek out a church

that would complement our Lutheran upbringings, so we attended St. Andrew's Church
in Hickory, North Carolina. I remember that day very well as we were welcomed to

worship by Oren and Martha Cline. At the time, we did not know very many people, so
our original fears were lessened by the Clines' gesture of kindness. As time progressed,
we became active in St. Andrew's and the Clines treated us like part of their family. We
appreciated that a great deal! When our first daughter, Melissa, was born Oren and

Martha became her godparents.
~Tim Maack (40 yrs with First Lutheran)

My son and I have been members of First Lutheran since July of 1985. My parents and
siblings were already members so joining was a given. My son grew up in this church

and the church didn't just watch, but nurtured. Fast forward to 2008, as a family we
found ourselves navigating the Nebraska correctional system. With no knowledge or
understanding we tried to traverse all the barriers that a loved one, my son, and our