Reflections on Walking with Christ

February 15th,

Lately as we have watched snowstorms make their way across the United States, we are accustomed to hearing the weathercaster say, “We’re tracking this next system…” Last fall as journalists covered local and national elections, we were accustomed to them saying, “The latest tracking polls indicate candidate “Whomever” gaining ground…” If you order anything online, you are told you can go to the website and track your order; even to the point of knowing its delivery within an hour’s timeframe.

Tracking has become part of our lives. I wonder if Paul wasn’t encouraging the earliest followers of Jesus to do some tracking. Ephesians 1:17-19 (CEB), “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you. the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers…” Paul having affirmed their faith immediately prays they would see HOPE in their lives; specifically, the hope of God’s richness for them. In other words, Paul wanted them to notice where hope abounded in their lives. He wanted them to track it, pay attention to it, claim it, and thereby know the awesome wonder of God’s glorious richness for them!

As we enter the Lenten season on February 17, I invite you to track hope by creating a Lenten HOPE Journal. Everyday in Lent, take time to notice where you recognize hope. Perhaps you notice it in the kind words or gesture of a friend. Maybe you see hope for your life and for the future in scientific developments that save lives. Hope can be found in the beauty of a red cardinal perched on a snowy branch or in the first tip of a crocus as it arises from a winter’s nap. Hope- is all around when we notice it, for our God has not abandoned us but is with us as our God of hope!

So, have some fun during Lent’s 40 days! Each day write, draw, cut out magazine pictures or find a quote that captures the essence of how you recognized HOPE that day! What a gift that God is made known to us, dear friends! What a blessing that we have the richness of God’s glorious inheritance-we have HOPE! Keep track and let’s share what we discover for HOPE is: Hearts Open, Purposefully and Enthusiastically engaging God’s Spirit in everything!

Welcome to Garfield Park Baptist Church! Thank you for visiting our website! We are an urban church that welcomes all! Come check us out; bring your questions, doubts, certainties and open hearts and minds! We’ll talk and ponder together!

Wondering what to expect when you visit our church?

When you worship at Garfield Park Baptist, you’ll find a vibrant group of people diverse in education and income levels, theological perspectives, and age -yet united by God’s love! Our worship gatherings at 9:30 a.m. contain both traditional and praise music, prayers, Bible readings, thoughts for personal reflection, and preaching.

We are an American Baptist church, called by God, to create a community that works together to empower people to be the best version of themselves they can be and that God wants them to be. We seek to bring God’s light to the park through compassion, prayer, and living into our God-given purpose.

Please take a moment to browse our website and discover who we are! You will learn about our worship, spiritual growth opportunities, and ministries such as food pantry, community meal, Youth group, choir, game night, and various small group options.

Co-Interim Pastor Judy Fackenthal

Co-Interim Pastor Mark W. Hetrick