God's Loving Presence in a Hurting World

Musings from the Pastor's Desk


Second Sunday in Lent

March 1, 2026

 National Chocolate Covered Peanut Day

 

Every year on February 25, candy lovers unite to celebrate one of the most perfectly balanced snacks ever created: the chocolate-covered peanut. Sweet meets salty. Smooth meets crunchy. Simple ingredients, timeless joy.

 

While no one can pinpoint the exact origin of National Chocolate-Covered Peanut Day, the treat itself dates to the early 20th century, when candy makers began experimenting with coating roasted peanuts in milk chocolate. Peanuts were affordable, widely available, and packed with flavor and were healthy. Chocolate was already beloved. Together, they were Magic.

 

Over the decades, chocolate-covered peanuts became a staple of movie theaters, road trips, holiday candy dishes, and grandma’s secret snack drawer. Whether sold in colorful candy shells, scooped by the pound at old-fashioned candy shops, or made at home in small batches, they’ve remained a nostalgic favorite across generations.

 

What makes them so special? They taste great and generate timeless memories.

 

My favorite peanut memory happened when visiting my friend’s grandmother. She was a sweet elderly lady who was a gracious hostess. We spent an hour at her home, sitting around her coffee table, drinking tea and talking. I spent most of the hour eating all the peanuts on the table.

 

As we were getting up to leave, I felt guilty that I ate all the peanuts, I said, “Thank you for the peanuts, but I’m ashamed I ate them all.” She laughed and said, “Since I lost my dentures, I can only suck the chocolate off them.”

 

I still love peanuts especially chocolate covered ones!

 

Join us on Sunday at 10:30 AM or on Facebook at Hopeclinton. We won’t have any chocolate covered peanuts, but we will have delicious soup and bread!

 

All are welcome!

Pastor Eric

Preparing for Sunday

Second Sunday in Lent


Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John 3:1-17


Household Prayer: Morning

I rise, O God, awakened by your Word, to live another day. Lead me in your path. Show me the steps to take toward greater faith. Hold me in your care as I move through this Holy Week where the shadows deepen even in the daylight. Hosanna! Save me now, dear God! Amen.


Household Prayer: Evening

I come to the darkness of night, O God, tired and ready for a sweet respite in your care. Keep me safe from all harm, and bring me to the morning light with renewed strength. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.

Choir News

Our choir generally practices right after the service. No worries, you will NOT miss coffee hour, there is always plenty of food for all.


All you singers, please join!

Lenten Soup Sundays

During Lent, we will enjoy soup and bread during our scrumptious coffee hour.


Please sign the planning sheet in the Narthex so that we know who is bringing what on which Sunday.


Bon Appétit!

Bible Study

When: This Friday @ 11AM

Where: Hope Lutheran Church

Lenten

Worship Service

Every Wednesday during Lent, please join us at 11:00am for worship.

Ponder the Thought

I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.

Socrates


That which has become habitual becomes as it were natural.

Aristotle

GriefShare

Support Group

It’s not too late to sign-up! We hold the sessions on Wednesdays from 2-4PM. Please consider joining or referring a friend.

Lenten Devotional

Luther Seminary invites you to use the 2026 Lenten devotional, “Oh, Love, How Deep,” for your personal use throughout the Lenten season.

Living Lutheran

In this season of spiritual preparation, find space for reflection, repentance and hope: read uplifting stories of God’s people living their faith. Set up a free digital membership and get inspirational resources to support your faith journey as we begin the Lenten and Easter seasons.



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6201 Coventry Way, Clinton, MD 20735

301.868.2678 | office@hopeclinton.org