And Lent Begins

Despite the Valentine’s date, we had a nice crowd at the Ash Wednesday service as we prepared our hearts for the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 days that we set aside to recognize Jesus’ time in the wilderness and his suffering and death that led to the resurrection. This year we will be journeying with Peter and considering Jesus through his “Wandering Heart”. Peter often shows himself to be a man of deep faith; yet is the same man who denies knowing Jesus three times. He often responds quickly but not in a way that is thoughtful. It is so easy to identify with Peter as we too struggle with our faithfulness.

During Lent we are asking you to consider the discipline of a few things.

• Read the gospel of John, one chapter a day until March 23rd.

• Use the Devotional booklet that we are providing for you filled with different ways to encounter Peter.

• Wear a wooden cross necklace every day and give them away as often as you can with a witness to this practice and this season.

• Participate in the Sunday school classes that are following this curriculum. Our new class in room 505 will be doing this theme to go with the worship services.

You will also notice that the Awake class has raised the crosses in the front yard of the church for those who are driving by. During Holy Week, we will have prayer stations in the sanctuary for you to immerse yourself in on Monday or Tuesday evening. On Maundy Thursday, we will be leaving the building and serving in the community. Good Friday will have a special service at 7 pm with the powerful nailing of our sins to the cross.

And of course all this preparation leads us to appreciate the power of the resurrection and the promise of triumph over death for Easter. I pray that during this time of reset or refocus that you will be drawn closer to your creator and redeemer.

I love you and God loves you,