This section of the website will be used for the pastors to share big-picture information and ideas with the congregation.
Friday, February 19, 2023
Next Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a season of repentance. But God never intended for repentance to be punishment. We repent because when we tell the truth, and turn to God, we are set free. None of us can fully live if we withhold the truth or live a lie. When we tell the truth to God, we do so knowing that God is gracious and merciful, and eager to embrace us and welcome us home. Always. This season is intended to lead to deeper faith, and greater love for God and our neighbor.
We’ll look at a couple of different ways this season of Lent deepens our spiritual lives. On Sundays, we’ll follow Jesus through his final acts of healing and parables as he makes his way to the cross. We’ll discover how his life, and ultimately his death on the cross provide the focus we need to be disciples of Jesus.
Starting on Ash Wednesday we’ll worship at 11am and 7pm (please note the slightly earlier time). On Ash Wednesday, we’ll participate in truth telling and repentance. We’ll sing and pray lament for the brokenness of the world, and the ways relationships and all of creation are damaged by sin. See more about Ash Wednesday in the graphic below.
On the following Wednesdays, we’ll journey with the prophet Jonah through doubt, denial, a reluctant calling, and the unimaginable ways God’s grace comes out of the depths to the world, often despite humanity’s unfinished, unvarnished faith.
Before we get to Ash Wednesday, there is celebration! Tuesday night we’ll have a congregational Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner. Why pancakes on the Tuesday before Lent? First, they’re delicious! And, who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?! Second, historically pancakes were made that night because they included many ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter that people who fasted during Lent couldn’t eat starting Ash Wednesday. If you haven’t yet signed up, reach out to Cathy Hendrikson, or just come Tuesday night! We’ll have plenty of pancakes and all the rest!
I’m looking forward to this season of digging deeper into faith, being in community, and following Jesus together with you.
Office Hours &
Building Information
Monday–Thursday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fridays
8:00 – noon
The main building entrance is located on the east side of the church and is open on Sundays and during the week. For security purposes, the north entrance is only open on Sundays and for special events.
