Dear Friends,
This week we begin the long walk toward Holy Week known as Lent. In the United Church, we are intentional about following the church year which helps give shape and meaning to the spiritual life. Lent is a 40 day season that reminds us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert or the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the Promised Land. Like those people of old, these 40 days are a time of preparation as we ready our lives to receive new life with Christ on Easter. Like the Disciples, we are seduced by the exciting times in ministry; the mountain top moments so to speak. But we need to walk the difficult way with Jesus, the way to Calvary and the cross. And so during Lent we walk that difficult road together. We challenge ourselves and each other to do the hard work of self-examination and spiritual growth.
What tools help us in this task? (I’m glad you asked!)
We call these the Lenten Disciples: worship, prayer, Communion, study, acts of Mercy like serving those in need.
We are gathering each week on Mondays at 7 PM to examine the Grace of God in the Story of Les Misérables. Why not join us as you are able? This Wednesday we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday with services at 12:15 pm and 7 pm. Join us!
May this Lenten season be a time of reflection and growth for us all, that, come Easter, we will be risen to new life with our Risen Lord!
Have a great week!
Rev Rob +