Page 56 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 6: April 3-7 (cont)

In all these ways we experienced acceptance. It made us feel instantly at home, amid all
the alien dimensions of a challenging move.

~Fred Ohles (15 yrs with First Lutheran)

My husband and I were living in Davenport, IA, and attending a Missouri Synod church

when we got divorced. We both continued to worship there, but too often we ended up
at the communion rail near or even next to each other. Meanwhile, I had begun to
worship also at the LCA church across town where I knew the pastor from when he was

a chaplain at the college where I taught and he gave wonderful sermons. So, I decided to
get better acquainted there and was invited to join a Koinonia group. They reached out
to me with comfort and understanding. They welcomed me into the group and into the

church. They became my friends.
~Elaine Kruse (mem ber of First Lutheran)

Every school day for 20 years, I stood by the arrival driveway at the elementary school
where I was principal. I welcomed every student and parent coming into school. We
high-fived, bumped fists and exchanged greetings on Marvelous Monday, Terrific

Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday and Fabulous Friday. This
connection carried through the entire day as I saw children in their learning

environment and carried through over the years with parents who knew their children
were known, safe, and cared for in our school. The connections with those children and
families continue today as I see these adult "children" and their parents around town.
The connections give meaning and purpose and depth to our lives. We matter to one

another. We all matter to our community.
~Wendy Bonaiuto (27 yrs with First Lutheran)

Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, teach us how to live within your love and to share that love

with everyone we meet, other creatures and our Earth. Amen.