Here is a recent article I wrote for Bellefield’s Facebook page on Lent. I thought you might enjoy it.
Lent is a time of fasting and refocusing. Often, we do one but not the other; we fast* and we have no idea why. We hear things like, “This year, I’m giving up sugar for Lent,” or “This year I’m giving up coffee for Lent.” Yet, if we were to ask that person, “Why are you giving ___ up for lent?” we would most likely not get a valid response, but one that is steeped in tradition: I’m fasting for lent, because that is what you do. Believe it or not there is a point behind fasting for the Lenten season, and that is to refocus.
Lent is a time where we examine and come to terms with our sinful, human condition. The human heart was made to worship God, but often we find ourselves replacing God with other things we love or obsess over. This, simply put, is what the Bible calls idolatry. Lent is a time where we come to terms with our idols, cast them aside, and the refocus our hearts on the one true God. When we fast at Lent, we fast from the things that have taken God’s throne. In other words, the things that we fast from during Lent are not supposed to be easy to give up, but difficult. The time that we would normally spend worshipping these Idols, must immediately be replaced with the worship of the one true God. Not to be snarky, but upon some self-examination you would most likely find that you are not worshipping sugar or coffee. We must refocus ourselves with God.
During this time of refocusing, we are reminded that the Lenten season does not stop with our own human depravity but points us to the hope of the Resurrection. Through the incarnation (God becoming man), Jesus Christ bore our penalty for sin and conquered death. And one day our sin and the penalty it bears, death, will be no more. “‘He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He (Jesus) who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:4-5)
Let us cast down our idols and be reminded of what Jesus has done and will do.
*Voluntarily abstaining from food, drink, or any other good gift from God for the sake of some spiritual purpose.
Meet the Students
I came to Cornerstone for the first time last fall during my first semester at Pitt. Immediately I was able to recognize this was a fellowship rich in community and deep in theology. This is exactly what I was looking for as a new student who was feeling somewhat lost.
I'm from the area, but I transferred to Pitt after graduating from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. There, I had spent the previous two years living my lifelong dream as a fashion student. More importantly, there is where I heard and responded to God's true calling for my life. During that time, I was experiencing the hardship of broken family relationships and dysfunction brought on by abuse and drug addiction. My inability to intervene in the situation because I was nearly 400 miles away from home was a true testing of my faith. From this experience, which I am still actively facing today, I have learned countless lessons about God, His son Jesus, and His plan for my life. This is why I decided to move back to Pittsburgh to pursue a degree and career in Social Work. Being a primary witness to the darkness of abuse and addiction, but also God's vessel, I am dedicated to bringing His light into the population impacted by these things.
Cornerstone has been a tremendous help in this journey! I found a community of believers who are here to support, care for, and grow with one another through the college experience. I've also found a place where I can learn more about God so that I may continue to grow in my faith and identity in Christ. Cornerstone provides its students many opportunities to do this through weekly prayer and worships services, small group bible studies, discipleship and mentoring relationships, and service projects. I am honored to be a part of a strong and faithful community of believers who truly are a reflection of God's love. And I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next!
Financial Update
God has blessed us recently by helping us reach our monthly goal. Now, we are asking for help on a unique way of giving. If you are interested in learning more, please read the picture below.
Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Trip
As many of you know from reading past newsletters, I took over as the adviser for Habitat for Humanity two years ago. This role has given me the unique opportunity to meet and work with students. One such opportunity is taking part in a spring break trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to help build and work on houses. I cannot, however, do this alone. The trip costs $500, so I would like for you to prayerfully consider supporting students and me in this endeavor. The expenses include transportation, housing, and food for the week. If you are able and willing, I’m asking for your support to help to cover trip expenses for students and me. I realize that some of you already support me and I am thankful. So, I am asking that you to pray about giving an extra $10-$50 on top of your usual contribution. If you would like to help support me on this trip, please make a separate check out to:
Bellefield Presbyterian Church
Attn: Habitat Trip
4001 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa 15213
Moore News
We have decided (as a family) that we are going to be taking a year off baseball. Emily and I threw out (pun intended) the idea to the boys, and (to our surprise) they understood and were fine with the idea. It seems like we have all been on the go, and we were all starting to feel it. Instead of reaching burnout, we thought it would be a good idea to take a much-needed break. The boys are currently taking swim lessons, and we plan to continue that throughout the beginning of the summer.
I pray that you are well, and that you continue to move forward in your relationship with Christ.
In Christ,
Andy Moore
