Lent begins February 22, Ash Wednesday. We will mark this with tow opportunities for worship with the imposition of ashes:

11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

     The season of Lent was traditionally a time of preparaton for those who wanted to join the church. They would go through this 40 day period of learning about the faith and preparing themselves for baptism on Easter. It was also a time for the shole church to re-commit itself to Christ's teachings and to surround the new catechumens with prayer.  

     If I was to choose one word which might best describe a Christian's  attitude during Lent, that word would be: Intentionality. My Webser's dictionary defines "intent" in this way: "directed with strained or eager attention, concentrated." A Christian during Lent is encouraged to direct their attention to the heart of the Christian faith, open to how God might be calling them to live more intentionally into that Faith. When we "give something up" for Lent, we do so with the intent that this will call our attention back to God.

     In addition to Rev Ed Bollack's class on Revelation, which will continue into Lent, I will also be leading a study by Adam Hamilton called "24 Hours That Changed the World." It will begin February 26 and be offered Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. and Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m., concluding on Easter Sunday (and Monday).

     This will give us an opportunity to dig into the redemptive meaning of the final 24 hours of Jesus' earthly life, beginning with the Last Supper. I hope you will consider joining.

     Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to be at church on February 19. Rev. Brian Digs, Director of the UMCOR West Depot is Salt Lake City, will be with us for Missions Sunday. He will be preaching on the Transfiguration.

     God's goodness surrounds us, even when life becomes challenging. May this hope surround you, today and always.

See you in church,