Page 42 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 4: March 20-24 (cont)

family faced in that system. It took almost 6 months for us to once again worship as a
family at First Lutheran. I cannot begin to share the depth of emotion that happened on

that first worship day. This family of believers rejoiced with us from the minute we
walked through the door, welcoming a child of First Lutheran home. The love, the
support, the welcoming was overwhelming. There was no judgement, only

unconditional love from our church family.
~Karen Statham (38 yrs with First Lutheran)

Prayer
We give thanks for the times when we have been received in love by others. When we

have been welcomed in unfamiliar spaces and greeted in familiar ways. Thank you for
bestowing upon us a loving spirit and giving us the courage to bestow this same spirit
upon others. Amen.

Reflection Questions/Activity
How does Jesus welcome you?

How have you felt God’s love welcoming you?

Is there someone you would like to thank for welcoming you? Take time this week to
send a card, write a note or place a phone call to someone you would like to thank.