Dear Restoration People,
Welcome to Lent, a forty-day journey set aside to be with Jesus as he walks to Jerusalem to die for us and rise for us. During this time, we make intentional decisions to create space in our lives to listen to the Holy Spirit guiding us, correcting us, and turning us to know evermore deeply the love of Jesus.
Creating space to listen will take different forms for each of us. But here are a few tried-and-true practices I lean on every year:
Give up something good. Perhaps you really like chocolate. Perhaps you always listen to podcasts in the car. Perhaps you start every morning with a warm coffee. Give up something good that will prompt your spirit to remember that all good things come from God. Let yourself be uncomfortable for a season, remembering that many in our world are hungry, vulnerable, and in need of mercy and healing.
Take on something good. Try a spiritual practice that is new to you, or one that has fallen out of practice. Maybe you spend ten minutes a day reading through a Gospel. Maybe you memorize a Psalm. Maybe you take five minutes of silence to start the day. Maybe you intentionally serve your neighbors. Choose something that is feasible for your stage of life and personality.
Worship our God, who is good. Prioritize worship and find ways to spend time with one another, listen to one another, and remind one another that Jesus the Lamb of God takes away the sins of the whole world. We’ll do our best to offer you many opportunities for reflection, prayer, and praise. Take them!
Resources:
This year Pastor Aaron Van Luven has created a Lenten Devotional for individuals and groups. Check it out! The devotional encourages you to take a prayer walk once a week, providing prompts for reflection and Scripture for contemplation.
This Sunday, Lent Fair will continue in the Fellowship Hall. Head downstairs to find resources for children and adults.
We will be collecting a special offering on Good Friday. Be in prayer about how you would like to contribute.
Services and Opportunities:
March 4 @ 7:00 p.m.: Read Out Loud: Join us in the Fireside Room for a time of delighting in Scripture together. All ages are welcome!
March 18 @ 7:00 p.m.: Lenten Prayer Night: Lift your burdens to the Lord in this time of reflection, prayer, and praise.
March 29: Palm Sunday!
April 2 @ 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.: Maundy Thursday Service
April 3 @ 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.: Good Friday Service
April 4 @ 7:00 p.m.: Easter Vigil at North Central University
April 5: Easter Sunday!!
Know that the staff is praying for you. We are excited to journey with you to the cross, and even more excited to see how Jesus meets us in resurrection power to heal our hurts and send us out to love and serve our hurting world.
Peace,
Dcn. Ashley
