"Time to Reflect"
Dear Friends,
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14th. The Lenten season is a time for all us to examine our lives as we reflect to the amazing love of God through the life, death, and ultimate resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the words to the familiar Lenten hymn remind us: “And through these days of penitence, and through this Passiontide, yes, evermore, in life and death, O Lord, with us abide.”
Once again, we will begin the season with our Ash Wednesday Evening Simple Supper and Communion Service on February 14th, starting at 6pm in Blough Hall. For many of us this a very meaningful service and thoughtful beginning to the season. As I said earlier, Lent is a time for reflection and one of the ways we have helped with that over the last several years is by offering a Lenten Study following worship on the Sundays in Lent. This year, we will offer a study entitled: “Half Truths: God helps those who help themselves and other things the Bible doesn’t say.” I think this will be a challenging five-week study as we look at common Christian clichés which, quite frankly, are not helpful for many people, even though we hear these sayings all the time. We will start this study on Sunday, February 18th. The book by Adam Hamilton, on which this study is based, will be available for purchase. Although not necessary to participate in the study, I think having the book is helpful.
On another issue, the construction of our addition and improvements to Blough Hall began today (January 29th)! The progress will depend on the weather and we will keep you informed as to necessary changes to parking and building entrances, etc. Check our website and Facebook page for the latest updates.
On a personal note, many of you know that I was recently diagnosed with shingles. Not a pleasant experience to say the least. However, since I did have the shingles shot, it was not as severe as it could have been. So, get that shingles shot! Also, the prayers and support I have received from so many of you certainly has helped. Thank you!
See you in church!
Grace, Peace, and Love,
Pastor Bill
