From Pastor Kim …

Dear Friends,  

Imagine a New Members Class that lasted 40 days!  What would we learn about God, ourselves, and our church if we spent forty days preparing for church membership?

Six weeks of intentional prayer and preparations - that is the promise and invitation of Lent.  Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb 9th) and ends on the Saturday before Easter  (March 26).  (See page 3 for all of our special services during this time.)

Historically, it was a season of fasting and preparation for baptism and church membership.  In later years, it became a time of penance or thoughtful prayer.   Many find it meaningful to "give something up for Lent,” perhaps something that keeps us from God.  You might ask yourself what now fills your life to the point of crowding God out.  The answer will likely lead you to the kind of fast or penance that could be a special means of grace for you.

I often find it helpful to "gain something" during Lent.  I may add a spiritual practice, or an activity that keeps me focused on God’s presence in my life.  

Below is a list of suggested ways we can use this time of Lent to deepen our spiritual journey.  I invite you to prayerfully consider "giving up something" or "gaining a practice" during Lent.  I would love to hear about your Lenten Journey, to support and to encourage you.   Keep me posted!

Inward and Personal Disciplines

·        Spend time in solitude each day

·        Read a book for inner growth

·        Find a way to go to bed earlier or sleep-in so I get enough rest

·        Give up a grudge or a rehearsal of a past event.

·        Go to all the Lenten and Holy Week services at church as a way to find new meaning in my relationship with Jesus.

·        Take daily or weekly walks, praying with the question: "God, what does it mean to prepare for Easter?"

·        Create your own inward or personal disciplines.

Outward and Social Disciplines

·        Take on some loving task

·        Write a letter of affirmation once a week to a person who has touched my life

·        Go to coffee or dinner with someone I want to know better.

·        Give blood and recall the cross

·        Say  "No" to something that is a waste of money and time

·        Pray to God to help me resist a prejudice and give me courage in opposing it.

·        Rebuke the spirit of criticism; keep my own tongue under control

·        Or, invite God to help you think of your own Lenten practice

 
As a family, small group, or Sunday School class, you might want to share your Lenten intention, and support one another.  Please know that both Paul and I are always delighted to explore these topics further.

Blessings,