Lent is a sacred season of the church. Churches observe the season in different ways. The United Methodist Church calls its members to a time of repentance and self examination. As we focus on the last days of Jesus’ ministry we look at our lives and ask God how we need to change to be more like Jesus. During Lent 2025 we will begin with an Ash Wednesday service which is a service of confession, repentance and commitment to the journey of growing a little more in our faith. I am especially excited about some changes during the last week of Lent, Holy Week, that will help us to experience the power of Jesus' last days. (See The Great Easter Vigil on the next page.)
I encourage you to read through the Lenten mailer for information on all the church will be offering. Take some time to pick out the different programs and services you can be a part of that will help you to get your heart and mind into a rhythm of hearing from God in this season. I want to highlight the services of Holy Week and the Lenten Reader as key opportunities to lean into the season.
I also want to challenge you to follow the Lenten practice of Giving Up/Adding On. This means we choose something to either give up or take on that will help you get closer to God. The act of giving up is usually something where you will have to depend upon God not to do it. The same is true for adding something into your life. This is usually something that you will need God’s help to consistently do, like fasting or starting a new Bible study.
My prayer for you during Lent 2025 is that you are able to hear God’s calling upon your heart. God’s desire is that we grow a little bit more consistently in developing the ability to love like Jesus and align our lives to the Truth of God. May God bless us all as we enter into this season of reflection, surrender and love.