As I prepare my article for the March newsletter my plans for the Lenten season are not finalized. I do know we will have an in-person Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes and communion on March 2nd at 6:30 pm. There will also be a service available online at the same time without sacraments.

I encourage everyone to observe some sort of Lenten experience as we proceed to Easter. This can be a practice you have done for years such as fasting or abstinence (giving something up). Abstinence can be more than just giving up an item of food; it can include restriction of activities such as watching television, shopping, or social networking. I think everyone should do something to make the Season of Lent a spiritual experience.

For years I have suggested starting something new. If you have done the same thing for years, I invite you to change things up a bit. Add a new twist to the old tradition or start a new one. Send a card of encouragement or make a phone call to someone new each day.

The most important thing to remember is the reason you make these sacrifices. Jesus went to the wilderness to contemplate what lay ahead of him. He sacrificed his life on earth for us; the least we should do is remember why we make whatever sacrifice we make as we celebrate the season.

I want to remind you that even though I believe it is important to observe Lent, if you stumble and break your fast or abstinence it is not the end of the world. In fact, that is the reason Jesus went to the cross for us because he knew we weren’t perfect.

I remember one of my girls had a friend come to me years ago because she had given up chocolate and had taken a bite of a friends candy bar. I assured her it was okay; God would forgive her. It was a real teachable moment, and I’m sure it has stuck in her mind just like it does in mine to this day.

If you are in need of some ideas or guidance in a Lenten practice feel free to give me a call. I will be glad to help in any way I can. My desire for you this Lenten season is to make it a memorable journey until Easter when we will celebrate Christ has risen, he has risen indeed!

In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Steve