Dear Peace Members and Friends,
I hope all of you are well getting around after another bout with snow and wind. Take heart! The days are getting longer! Spring is coming! In the meantime, be careful out there!
This Sunday begins a new season of the church year: Lent. And along with the calendar shift come changes in worship: new color (purple); new parts of worship (a sung confession, petitionary prayer, hymns, and Communion setting); and new readings (Scripture pointing us to who God is in Christ and who we are)—all directing us toward the high and holy moments of Holy Week. I will begin the season with a message entitled, “Old Adam, New Adam.”
And also this: due to the cancellation of Ash Wednesday worship, we will also offer the Imposition of Ashes for those who wish them.
Following worship, the Education Hour will start (10:45am), and we’ll conclude the series, “On Faith and Justice with ‘A Peace of My Mind.'” Through videos and stories, A Peace of My Mind founder, John Noltner, will help us rediscover what connects us, what bridges divides, and builds community.
This Sunday also begins our annual Lenten outreach effort on behalf of others. The Service and Mission Committee has decided to partner with Lutheran World Relief and their efforts on behalf of those suffering in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria by putting together personal care kits (toothbrushes, soap, towel, etc.) and baby care kits (socks, diaper pins, t-shirts). You can support this effort with money or with some of the items themselves. Look for further information at the display in the Narthex.
I hope you’re using and enjoying the Lenten Daily Devotionals. I’m finding them a great way to begin the day. My thanks to all the contributors.
See you on Sunday!
Mark