We're deep in the season of Lent, a season of preparation leading us to the joy of Easter.

Spiritual formation topics and worship themes have been coordinating around trauma and harm in faith communities. These have been great discussions, but as someone said recently, "This trauma stuff is hard!" We strive to be a safe and brave place for sharing. Here are the details:

Whatever spirit you bring to your Lenten journey is welcomed and affirmed. You are enough, just as you are. See you at hybrid worship this coming Sunday!

The Shadow Rock community will gather to celebrate the new life of Easter on Sunday, April 17. We'll have two services (8:00 am and 10:15 am) with celebrations and fellowship in between. Breakfast, hosted by the Shadow Rock Board, will be available from 8:45 am to 9:30 am. Children ages 10 years and under are invited to an egg hunt on the playground at 9:45 am. If you would like to contribute candy (no chocolate please - our weather is just too warm) or small prizes for the egg hunt, please bring them to the church office before April 5. Thank you!

The Shadow Rock WISE Team shared information and a video about mental health stigma this past Sunday. Peg Hesley and Ted Davault represented the team and relayed important information:

==> Rejection, bullying, and discrimination are a result of stigma, and can make a journey toward recovery more difficult

==> Did you know the average delay between the onset of mental health symptoms and intervention is 8-10 yrs, and fewer than half the population of adults who need services receive help?

==> According to the CDC, in 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death in ages 10-30, and the 10th cause of death among all Americans.

Brittany Wideman was in touch with Shadow Rock recently to share information about her grandfather's memorial service. Fletch and Shirley Wideman were active at Shadow Rock in the 1990s and 2000s and Brittany grew up in the congregation. You've invited to celebrate Fletch's life on Zoom this coming Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 pm. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley, Mark, and Brittany in their grief.

Last week Church of the Palms in Sun City hauled their three-stall shower trailer to Ktizo for its twice monthly visit providing showers as part of Ktizo's outreach to the homeless. Three people were already in line for a shower when Ktizo opened its doors this past Wednesday at 2:00 pm for a weekly Dinner and a Movie series.

Travel-size toiletries, clothing, new underwear, and socks can be left in the shopping cart outside the Kreider Center, near the elevator. We're grateful to the Ktizo community for their service and for the opportunity to partner with them to make a difference.

The Red Cross will be at Shadow Rock for a blood donation drive on Sunday, April 23 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in Smith Hall. Blood donations save lives in our community! Thank you Legislative District 2 for sponsoring this opportunity.