Lenten Blessings

What a most enjoyable Annual Meeting we had this past February 22, 2026.

A big thank you goes out to Carol for stepping up and ensuring we were prepared.

Thanks to all of you for helping to assist in the many ways that you do, to ensure

this church operates smoothly. Thank you to all who attended and participated

in this important part of our church life together.

Congratulations to our honorees, Mr. & Mrs. Meyers, Mr. & Mrs. James,

and Mr. Neely.

As we move into March and into the second week of the Season of Lent,

we take time to reflection on life and the choices we make in relationship with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and

each other. Sunday mornings are of course one of the best ways to praise our Lord in worship and say hello to

our neighbors and friends in person.

For those who join us via Facebook on Sunday, we hope you feel the Holy Spirit and the mission of this church

with a desire to be part of it. If you can stop by at any of our events and say hello, please do. So much

happens before and following worship on Sunday mornings that Facebook just cannot bring it all to you.

This year the Season of Lent started on February 18th, Ash Wednesday, and will end Holy Saturday,

April 4th. Sundays are not included in Lent as they are considered mini resurrections or Easters on their own.

Holy Week is the first week of April culminating Easter Sunday, April 5 th . The schedule for Holy Week

activities will be available in the April Steeple and in weekly updates once they are available.

But wait a minute, why do the dates for Easter change each year? The date of Easter is determined each year

by the Paschal (relates to Easter, related to the Jewish Passover) Full Moon, which is the first ecclesiastical

(church established) full moon on or after the vernal equinox (Spring). This is not an actual full moon but

calculated mathematically. Easter is always between March 22 and April 25. The calculation follows the Council

of Nicaea (A.D. 325) guidelines.

The Season of Lent is framed in purple. Purple was historically a rare color and costly. Purple represents

wisdom, spirituality, energy into transformation, repentance, grief, and royalty. The deacons received a financial

gift and paraments were purchased. The Sanctuary looks lovely in this new purple fabric. We asked God’s

blessing to be upon the fabric as we worship this season and beyond. Thank you to the donor for granting us

such an unexpected blessing. You can find references to purple and other fabrics in the book of Exodus 26:

1-37, 28: 1-43, and 39: 1-31 all speak of fabrics in the holy places and on the religious leaders.

During this Lent, may you know the blessings from God that overflow in your life. May you take time to read the

scriptures, engage in prayer and in fellowship, and give your gifts into the service of the Lord our God, as our

God has sacrificed everything for you.

Peace,

Reverend Cheryl Rieder