A season to turn and grow

Next Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary, I invite you to join us for our Ash Wednesday service—a brief but meaningful time to pause, reflect, and step together into the season of Lent.

What is Lent?

As you may know, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day journey of repentance, renewal, and preparation for Easter (Sundays don’t count in the 40, in case you’re doing the math!).

Through prayer, Scripture, and the imposition of ashes—a sign of our humanity and our need for God’s grace—we are invited to turn our hearts toward God with humility and hope. Lent reminds us of our deep need for grace and, just as importantly, of God’s unwavering love.

Why Do We Observe Lent?

The word “Lent” comes from an Old English word meaning “lengthen”, pointing to the longer days of spring. That’s fitting because Lent is a journey through the lengthening light, leading us from winter’s dormancy to Easter’s new life. It’s a time of reflection, examination, and repentance, drawing us deeper into Jesus’ journey to the cross and resurrection.

Many folks observe Lent by giving something up—a habit, a food, social media, or another part of daily life—to shift attention toward God. But here’s the thing: the practice isn’t just about fasting for a season and returning to the status quo once Easter arrives. (I say this from personal experience!) The deeper invitation of Lent is transformation.

Take Something Up for Lent

So this year, I want to encourage you not just to give something up, but to take something up—something that deepens faith, hope, and love in your life.

Here are two simple ways to do that:

✅ Practice 40 Days of Daily Examen
This centuries-old practice, developed by Ignatius of Loyola, invites us to reflect on where God is moving in our daily lives. Spend just 15 minutes each day prayerfully reviewing your day and becoming more aware of God’s presence.

📌 Click here to download a prayer card to help guide you through the Examen.

✅ Read through the Gospel of Luke in 40 Days
If you’ve been out of the habit of reading Scripture—or if this is your first time—Lent is the perfect time to begin.

Each day, read a passage from Luke, starting with this simple prayer:

Lord, as I read your Holy Word, may your Holy Spirit fill me so that I might understand what I am reading and love you fully, as well as my neighbors as myself. Amen.

After reading, reflect:
What did I learn? How is God calling me to live differently because of what I read?

📌 Click here for a simple 40-day reading plan through Luke.

And remember: One day at a time. The goal here is not perfection, so if you miss a day or two or three, no worries. Cut yourself some slack and just pick it up where you left off. 

Join Us Next Wednesday

I hope you’ll consider joining us next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for Ash Wednesday as we step into this sacred season together.

And before we step into Lent together, I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we wrap up our Faith & Fake News series with one final message. I hope you’ll join us as we close this series together!

Much love,

Pastor Gregg