Preparing for fourth season of RENEW 2000

At the Last Supper, Jesus prayed, ". . .that they may all be one: (Jn17:21). As we celebrate the 2000 years since the birth of Christ, we as Christians need to acknowledge our differences, celebrate what we have in common and commemorate this sacred Jubilee as people sharing belief in Jesus Christ as Savior.

In the approaching fourth season of RENEW 2000, which is entitled "Reconciliation," it is hoped that many of the small communities will make an effort to become ecumenical. Perhaps, as we gather in our small communities, we can appreciate in new ways the gift of faith that we have been given. We can share our stories of faith and find new ways to listen to one another. Above all, it can be a time when we proclaim together as Christians the unity to which we are called.

The faith sharing themes of the fourth season include: What Christians Have in Common; Repentance; Respect for All Peoples (including those who do not believe in Christ); Being Freed from That Which Divides Us; God’s Presence in the Human Family; and the Uniqueness of Jesus.

As we journey from the light of the Incarnation Season into the darkness of the Lenten Season we examine the central beliefs of our faith as taught in the messages of the Gospels.

Our call as we embark on the third millennium of Christianity is to become people who are actively working for understanding, harmony, and peace among people of differing creeds. The time for religious intolerance and war should be over. The time to recognize that God has gathered every nation and every language together to witness God’s glory is upon us.

To find out more about RENEW 2000 contact Jane Bernard Hanson, (507) 359-2966.