February Newsletter – Pastor’s Page
Hello friends,
This month we celebrate Ash Wednesday and begin the 40-day spiritual journey of Lent. Lent is a six-week season leading up to Easter Sunday that offers Christians an opportunity to focus on spiritual growth. Some Christians focus on the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer. Others add spiritual activities to their lives like journaling, Bible study, or meditation.
For our communal Lenten journey, we will spend time in worship studying the Old Testament as we reflect on the book, “Remember: God’s Covenants and the Cross.” Remember is written by Rev. Susan Robb, a United Methodist pastor. In her book, she outlines the five major covenants God makes with God’s people that lead to the ‘new covenant’ of Jesus’ death and resurrection. God had a whole lotta love to give before the life of Jesus, and it’s helpful for us to remember the promises of God that led to the life and ministry of Jesus. The Remember worship series will begin on Sunday, February 18.
Our Ash Wednesday worship service take place at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, February 14. We will receive ashes as we pray and reflect on scripture. Ash Wednesday is a time to repent and reorient as we seek to draw close to God during the season of Lent. I will have packages of “take home ashes” and prayers on Sunday, February 11 for those unable to come to a mid-day service on Wednesday.
On February 18, our Mission Team will distribute shopping bags and encourage us to gather 40 items of food for the 40 days of days. Later in March, the food will be collected and donated to the Columbia Falls Foodbank. This mission activity helps us grow spiritually and care for our neighbors at the same time. Join us!
We will also host a book & Bible study during Lent as we dive deeper into each covenant referenced during worship. The study book “Remember” by Susan Robb is available in our office for $14. Join our Wednesday Study group beginning Feb 21 at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall or read along on your own at home.
We will also host an in-worship children’s time each week during Lent. Look for a sign-up sheet in the Sanctuary. Help us nurture and teach the next generation of disciples in Columbia Falls.
There are many ways to stretch ourselves and grow in the next few months. I look forward to beginning the journey of Lent with you!
-Pastor Jared
