Christ Lutheran Church 1798 Iniakuk Ave. Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 (907)479-4947 clc@mosquitonet.com
©2010 Christ Lutheran Church of Fairbanks Alaska; backgrounds from Backgrounds Archive
Once again I want to thank all the generous folks of CLC for your special gift of money at Christmas. I have tucked it away for something special that is yet to be determined. Pastor Susan
FROM THE PASTOR
Transformed by the Cross
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2aWhat do we do with our pain? This is an important question, perhaps the most important question for us as Christians. How we answer that question will shape nearly everything in our lives. It is the question the Bible deals with over and over and over. It is the question that is only resolved by the Cross.
I’ve been listening to a series of lectures recently on Christian Transformation by Richard Rohr, a Franciscan Priest whose specialty is spirituality. He emphasizes that if we don’t transform our pain, we will transmit it. Read that sentence again and ponder it for a second.
There are three ways we typically deal with our pain. The first is the way of the Zealot. We seek revenge and go on the attack, identifying the enemy then subduing or even destroying them. This alleviates the pain by projecting it onto another.
The second way we typically deal with our pain is the way of the Pharisee. We deny the pain and deal with it by trying to be better than everyone else. We have the truth and the answers. We divide the world between the “good guys” (us) and the “bad guys” (them). This alleviates the pain by allowing us to be self-righteous.The third way to deal with pain is to become the perpetual victim or martyr. We are untouchable because we have been wounded and are excused for manner of destructive behavior. This alleviates the pain by giving us the moral high ground.
All three of these ways transmit our pain to others. When we look at Jesus and the Cross, however, we see a radically different way of dealing with pain. Jesus transforms pain into forgiveness and so brings new life to both himself and others. He does not transmit the pain. He transforms it by standing against hate without becoming hate.
What does this mean for our lives? That is the question we will be addressing through Lent as we explore what it means to be “Transformed by the Cross.”
Peace to your hearts,
Pastor Susan
This page updated 2/22/10
Let me tell you a little about me.
I’ve been the pastor of Christ Lutheran forsix years now. Prior to moving to Alaska I was at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California as the Director of Contextual Education. Before California, I served several parishes in Oregon.
I think perhaps the most important thing to know about me as a pastor is that I am totally committed to the gospel of grace. I believe that in Jesus Christ we are accepted, forgiven and loved without reservation. We don’t have to earn God’s favor by doing things just right or believing things just so. We have only to open our hearts to receive this marvelous gift. Having been so blessed, we cannot help but become a blessing to others as we live a life of gratitude and generosity.
Whenever you come to worship with us at Christ Lutheran, you will hear about this gospel of grace. You will be challenged to trust the promise. That isn’t always easy in a world that teaches us to condemn and judge rather than accept and love.
I invite you to join us for worship to hear this word of grace. Whatever burdens you carry, there are those among us that share them. We are eager to stand beside you, offering a word of hope and an experience of joy. You are welcome!
Peace to your heart,
Pastor Susan Granata