February

It’s hard to believe that Lent will begin in just a few weeks! Ash Wednesday is February 26 and will begin our 40-day period of reflection and preparation as we await the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter.

You may be familiar with the idea of giving something up for Lent. For some, the practice of sacrificing something (like chocolate or television or social media) may be a way of identifying with Christ’s sacrifice for us. For others, giving something up may be a way of breaking a bad habit so that our spiritual lives can be improved. This Lenten season, I’d like to invite you to consider trying something new. How about taking something on for Lent? What new habit or practice might you make a part of your life for 40 days as you seek to deepen your spiritual walk? Perhaps you might make a commitment to pray daily before going to work or to read one of the Gospels during Lent (I recommend Matthew as it is our current focus in worship). Perhaps you might make a commitment to perform a couple of acts of service in our community or collect donations for a charitable organization. Perhaps you might commit to send some cards or notes to someone who needs encouragement, or better yet, make some visits to folks you know could use some company.

As you consider what you might take on for Lent, reflect on how this new practice can bring you closer to God or how you might use this action to live out your commitment to follow Christ. The possibilities are limitless! We’ve got a few weeks to prepare, so I hope that when Lent begins you will be ready to take on something new. If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear what you come up with!

Shalom,

Pastor Kyrmen