Unbound to Serve: Stories of Liberation and Letting

As the trees are still bare and spring begins to creep in, it can feel like the world itself is holding its breath. It’s easy to feel the weight of what binds us. It lingers in our bodies, our schedules, our hearts. Lent invites us into a different path. Not denial or despair, but release. 

Next week in worship, we’ll continue our Lenten journey with John 13 and the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. It’s a radical act of service, humility, and love. Jesus doesn’t just show kindness; he unbinds his friends from pride, status, and fear. He reminds them, and us, that freedom is not about power over others, but liberation to serve. To step into that freedom, we must first let go of what binds us. 

This week’s theme, “Unbound to Serve,” calls us to pay attention to where we are stuck and to trust God in the act of letting go. It asks: what prevents us from showing courageous love? Where are we holding back our gifts, our care, our voices, or our presence?  

It reminds me of Bethany’s own history. This church has lived out faithfulness in ways that echo the Gospel. From the early days in 1923, when a handful of Swedish Lutherans gathered to dig a church foundation by hand, to seasons of scarcity during the Depression when the general fund balance was $9.49, to growing our ministry beyond our walls. Bethany has learned again and again that God’s call leads us into freedom to serve. 

Living unbound doesn’t mean pretending that everything is perfect. It doesn’t mean we ignore harm, oppression, or unjust forces around us. It means naming them clearly, refusing to let fear or despair dictate our hearts, and claiming our call to act with justice, mercy, and love. It’s about showing up. Sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly, wherever God’s work of liberation is needed. 

So this Lent, let’s step into the wilderness together. Let’s unbind ourselves from what holds us down, and enter the season ready to serve, to love, and to live with courage. The journey is sacred, the path is real, and the freedom God offers is waiting for us. 

Check out my song of the week to go along with the text! Empty Me Out by Liz Vice  

Peace, 

Pastor Katie