I can honestly say March is the most difficult month for me. With its unpredictable weather, gray clouds one day, ice storm the next, the overall lack of sunshine, the continued presence of brown trees, brown grass, brown mud everywhere, and the gusty wind pressing in, I frankly find myself a little short on patience. I want spring, and I want it now!

Perhaps others feel the same way, that’s why we observe Lent in this season of scarcity, it helps us search deep down within, to find what it is that is lacking, that thing that keeps us from seeing and experiencing the beautiful blessings of life in Christ.  It is good and frankly I am excited, that we are able to observe the Lenten traditions together this year. I was baptized and nurtured in the United Methodist Church, and so, have many of the rich traditions and heritage during Lent and Holy week that many of you do. We will observe this time with study, devotion and special worship, beginning with the observance of an Ash Wednesday service, at 7:00 pm on March 2nd.  This service can be thought of as a “High Church” or Orthodox tradition, when in fact it is for everyone, who follows the way of Christ.  It calls us to humble ourselves, and to recognize that though we have been forgiven, we must continue to strive for Atonement, (At-one-ment) with Jesus.

I pray you will attend the Ash Wednesday service this year as a beginning of the Lenten journey, I also invite us to fast from the communion meal through the 40 days of Lent, ending our fast on Holy Thursday (Maunday Thursday) where those who wish will gather, prior to the service to wash each other’s feet or hands, then move to break our fast with a communion meal and worship service of remembrance of Jesus, gathered at the table with his disciples.

There really is so much to look forward to.  Let us give thanks for the hope God gives us each and every day, whether the weather is gray or sunny, whether we are sad or full of joy, we are the beloved children of God, “Thanks be to God!”

Pastor Beth