Grace and Peace to you my sisters and brothers. I have been so thankful for our worship together during this season of Epiphany and look forward to journeying with you through this season of Lent into the glorious celebration of Easter! It has been a busy time no doubt...for all of us. End of the year stuff, what a pain in the neck and head. Recovering, in many ways from Christmas--easier--calmer--lighter next year, right. Making coffee, selling coffee (thank God), a little time in the mountains, more time with you and a couple of fires in the fire place at home.
Christmas Eve was a one year mark for us in our gathering together and I will join with the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ New Church Development Committee to share with them all that has happened in that year. It is exciting to think about, even hard to believe at moments, amazing and holy in so many ways. I've put together a year in review power point and it's powerful, to realize all that God is doing in and among us. Praise the Lord!
Some highlights include all the 1st annuals, like the blessing of the animals and our Christmas Caroling. We participated in 8 service-mission projects and gave about $5700. to mission projects in our neighborhood and different places around the world! Come to church Sunday and you can see the powerpoint.
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey and we will gather for an early morning service Feb.6th at 6:30 at the coffee shop, please join us if you can. AND, if you are interested, here are some other resources that might give us strength on our journey. Go to i.ucc.org and click on the Lenten Journey...some good stuff. I love you so much and thank God for you, everyday! Please pray for me and for each other--prayer makes alllllllll the difference in the world. S
Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent
Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays celebrate the Resurrection. Lent begins on the 6th of February 2008 and ends on the 22nd of March which is the day before Easter. It's really early this year--it came this early in the 30's but only twice in 250 years.
Lent is observed throughout the Christian Church and all may participate. And why would we want to participate…
Well, it is a time of self reflection—soul searching. Before Jesus began is full time ministry, he went out to the wilderness to pray…(Luke 4:1-13) and this is a time when we are invited to do the same, to wander in the wilderness with Jesus. During this time, we are invited to pray, to fast, to forgive, to love and to open ourselves wide to the transforming grace and goodness of God.
Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays celebrate the Resurrection. Lent begins on the 6th of February 2008 and ends on the 22nd of March which is the day before Easter. It's really early this year--it came this early in the 30's but only twice in 250 years.
Lent is observed throughout the Christian Church and all may participate. And why would we want to participate…
Well, it is a time of self reflection—soul searching. Before Jesus began is full time ministry, he went out to the wilderness to pray…(Luke 4:1-13) and this is a time when we are invited to do the same, to wander in the wilderness with Jesus. During this time, we are invited to pray, to fast, to forgive, to love and to open ourselves wide to the transforming grace and goodness of God.
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