Lent is traditionally a time for spiritual discipline, a time for self-examination on the maturity of our faith and how we can grow in our discipleship with Christ.  This season is based upon the story of Jesus’ extended period of temptation in the desert.  Lent has also been associated with a time to “give things up”.  While that still holds value, Lent can also be a time when we, as Christians, “take something on”.  For instance, as was lifted up in last Sunday’s sermon – we can take on one additional commitment and action in the pursuit of justice.
 
Tonight we begin the Lenten journey with our Ash Wednesday service at 7:00.  If you have never experienced this service, let me encourage you to come for a time of quiet reflection as we consider the temptations and struggles of Jesus during his 40 days in the wilderness leading up to the beginning of his public ministry.  We will have the imposition of ashes on our foreheads in the sign of the cross signifying our penitence and mortality.  And we will partake of communion sharing in the suffering and passion of Jesus and his leading to new and resurrected life.
 
Please consider nurturing your prayer life by being more intentional and frequent in your conversations with God.  Upping your game in this discipline offers the potential to deepen your relationship with God, others and even yourself.  Prayer may not change things and circumstances, but it can change us in the process.
 
And finally, please continue your Lenten journey by joining us for weekly worship either in-person or virtually in real time through our livestreaming opportunity or the recorded version of it.  Throughout Lent we will track with Peter’s discipleship and journey with Jesus.  Our sermon series is “The Peter Principles.”  Here’s what you can expect:

March 2                  “Climbing the Ladder of Success”                
Ash Wed.                              Luke 4:1-13            
 
March 6                                 “The Catcher and the Guy”                           
                                               Is. 6:1-8 & Luke 5:1-11
 
March 13                                “Who Is that Masked Man?”                         
                                              Isaiah 53:1-6 & Matt. 16:13-20
 
March 20                                “When Your Footing Is Uncertain”              
                                              Psalm 26 & Matt. 14:22-33
 
March 27                                “Now, That’s a Biggie!”                                  
                                              Gen. 4:23-24 & Matt. 18:21-35
 
April 3                                    “Cocksure Ignorance”                                   
                                              Matt. 26:30-35 & Matt. 26:69-75
 
April 10                                  “One Foot at a Time”                                     
(Palm Sun.)                            Luke 19:28-40 & John 13:1-17
 
April 17                                  “The Lucky #3”                                              
(Easter)                                  John 20:1-10 & John 21:1-19
 
                                    

Blessings for the Lenten Journey,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister