Dear Friends,

What a blessing it was to gather together for our Ash Wednesday Service. A time of worship, reflection, repentance, and a time to come to the Lord’s Table for communion, concluding with the receiving of ashes. This marked the beginning of The Season of Lent. Lent is an important date on the Christian calendar that has been observed from the early years of the church. It is important in both the life of the Church and the life of a follower of Christ because it is a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, the most significant event in Christianity.

1. Importance for the Church… ⛪

» It is a call for RENEWAL: Lent brings the entire community of faith into a season of repentance, prayer, deepening faith, and unity.

» It is a call to HOLINESS: The Church encourages believers to grow in their spiritual lives through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (charitable giving to special ministries in our community).

» It is a call for REFLECTION: Through Scripture readings, devotions, and sacraments, the Church reminds believers of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.

2. Importance for a follower of Christ… ✝️

» It is a call to DEEPEN one’s Faith: Lent provides a time to draw closer to God through prayer, Bible study, and meditation.

» It is a call to TRANSFORMATION: It is an opportunity to examine one’s life, repent of sins, and commit to a more Christ-centered life.

» It is a call to the DEVELOPMENT of Spiritual Disciplines: Through fasting and self-denial, believers learn self-control, humility, and dependence on God.

» It is a call to LIVE OUT Christ’s Love: By practicing almsgiving and acts of charity, Christians reflect Jesus' compassion and love for others.

» It is your personal PREPARATION for Resurrection Joy: Lent helps believers fully appreciate the Resurrection by walking through the journey of Jesus’ passion and sacrifice.

As your pastor, I look forward to the outcome of your journey personally, and our journey corporately.

I’ll see you Sunday as we celebrate the goodness of God!