I hope and pray that all is well with you!

Dear Congregation,

I hope and pray that all is well with you! It seems that we just celebrated Christmas and yet here we are approaching Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14th this year.

To refresh your memory, date of Ash Wednesday is exactly 46 days before Easter, which is determined by the cycles of the moon. In worship Sunday we’ll revisit the story of how Jesus was seen in his glory, as he really was, by several of his disciples on the mountain. We’ll ponder God’s words, “Listen to him” for our own lives.

After worship we’ll enjoy a Mardi Gras celebration with King Cake, masks, and beads. We’ll share the meaningful ritual of gathering in a circle to sing the Alleluia, then putting it away not to be sung during Lent. A Keeper if the Alleluia will be chosen to return our Alleluia banner to the Sanctuary on Easter morning.

On Ash Wednesday our 7 p.m. worship service will include the Imposition of Ashes in which a cross made of the ashes of burned Palm Sunday branches is imposed on each worshiper’s forehead or the back of her or his hand. This is a reminder of our mortality, encouraging us to make needed changes with the precious God-given time we have to live a faithful life.

I encourage you embark on this Lenten journey intentionally. It will be good for your soul!

And as St. Valentine’s Day coincides with Ash Wednesday this year, remember that God loves each of you and so do I!

See you in church!

Pastor Candy