Lent…the season is rapidly approaching!  It is actually the only season of the Church Year that begins in the middle of the week, every year. (Christmas and Epiphany can, as well, but they will also begin on a Sunday some years.) Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18 this year.)

A bit more trivia—Lent begins 40 days (minus the 6 Sundays) before Easter. Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox and can fall between March 21 & April 25.  This year it is April 5.

The name “Lent” comes from the old English—‘to lengthen’ meaning the lengthening amount of daylight as Spring approaches.

As to what this year’s Lenten season will hold, our theme is “Forgiveness”.

Each Weds. (including Ash Weds.), we will watch two fairly brief segments of a video sharing different stories and scenarios concerning forgiveness.  The stories are as widely varied as the school shooting in an Amish community to Sept. 11 accounts. We will have time for discussion, especially on the 5 Weds. After Ash Wed.  Those times, we will meet in the fellowship hall.  A simple meal will be served at 6:15 p.m., service will begin at 7 p.m.

We will have a brief Scripture reading, a hymn and a prayer, then watch the videos and discuss them or those who wish to participate in the discussion, others may simply observe, if desired.

Services for Ash Weds., Maundy Thursday & Good Friday will be in the sanctuary at 7 p.m.

I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings as a wonderful time both of fellowship and an opportunity for spiritual growth as we journey together through Lent.  

Blessings, Pastor April Dailey