As we enter into the Lenten season in this month of March, I am reminded anew how God has blessed me through you. I can see how you reflect Christ’s character and nature, and you seek to share God’s heart and love in real and tangible ways. I love how by surrendering to Christ, the LORD transforms us more and more into His likeness (in character, nature and community)!

Our sermon series this Lenten season will celebrate multiple aspects of our Identity in Christ. We are loved, chosen, a child of God, heirs, children of God, more than a conqueror, a new creation, led by the
Spirit, no longer slaves and we are ALIVE! We will have opportunity for baptism and transfer of membership on Palm Sunday, April 13th, gather for our always-meaningful Maundy Thursday Love Feast and Communion on Thursday evening, April 17th and then, we celebrate our Risen Savior together on Easter Sunday, April 20th! It’s an exciting season in the life of the Church and I’m looking forward to walking through this season with each of you.

As you also know, a Vision is taking shape within the people of Green Tree and this vision will help us move into our future, together. As I pray over you and for you, I have begun to see a beautiful image
unfolding in front of me that seems to embody Green Tree’s representation of the Presence of Christ.

What I see is a beautiful, large tree with deep roots going down into the ground and many big and strong branches extending out and upward. The branches are filled with lush green leaves and good, luscious
fruit is hanging on the branches. Under the tree sits a person reading a book in its shade with his back resting against the thick, strong trunk of the tree. An infant is crawling in the grass under the shade of the
tree. A young boy is climbing up the trunk toward the branches and a girl is sitting in the branches above. A woman is carrying fruit in her hands and walking out from the tree to share it in the community. An older person, using a tree-branch-type-carved walking stick is bending forward to talk to the infant in the grass. All ages are gathering around, shaded, fed, living and loving around and under this tree! May God
help us embrace and live into the Vision He has for us!

May the Lord bless each of you with a deep, transformative love for God and grant you avenues to express His heart and hope for our community.

~Pastor Kim