The Season of Lent

Hello Dear Ones,

As March is now upon us, so too is the Season of Lent. The Season of Lent is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, not including Sundays. For Christians, it is a time for repentance through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Okay, wait, what is almsgiving? Almsgiving is giving money, food, or other goods, to people in need. Almsgiving is a core principle of the Christian faith as it is a way for us to show our love for God and help others in need.

Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey with Jesus. At our church there has never been a large demand for Ashes or services. However, the Deacons and I, will be available at the church from about 10am-3pm. You will be welcomed to spend time in the Sanctuary for opportunities of reflection and prayer. You may receive Ashes from the Deacons or myself or you may receive a packet of Ashes with instructions on how you may offer Ashes to others. All the Ashes have already been blessed. During the day on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, will be the Grief Support Group from 11am –noon-ish and the beginning of the Lenten Bible Study from 1pm - 2pm-ish. We do hope that you will consider joining us for the Lenten Bible Study which will run on Wednesdays at 1pm through Easter.

For many, Lent has traditionally been a time in which people give up something. For others, they start something new. We have several opportunities for you through the church: Sunday Worship and Fellowship, Yoga, Coffee Fellowship at the Rise Cafe, Zumba, Grief Group, and Bible Study.  Maybe you have an idea we could consider?

Saturday, March 8, your Pastor will be attending the Area Annual Conference via Zoom. Our church will begin a series of Educational Art presentations and thanks to Nancy Possinger for organizing and receiving a Grant. If you wish to know more, please see flyer or speak with Nancy. This would be a wonderful opportunity to try something new this Lent.

*March 9th is Daylight Savings! We will get an hour of extra daylight each evening. Unfortunately, this also means it will be darker by an hour longer in the morning. Please don’t get confused and miss out on worship this week.

*March 15th we will be holding our 1st Pet Loss Support Group at 10am. Pending the response this could become a monthly event. Speaking of monthly, the Lenten Season rolls into April with Easter Sunday on April 20 th . I will not go into all the things for Holy Week and Easter will bring, until our April Steeple. So be on the lookout for the 2nd half

of the Season.

Peace,

The Reverend Cheryl L. Rieder