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From The Pastor's Desk

Dear Friends in Christ,

            As I write this letter to you, the season of Lent has already begun. Many people wonder how to get the most from Lent, especially now that some of it has passed. What is it all the real meaning of Lent?  How do I get the most out of it?  What are all the Lenten disciplines about?  We have heard bits and fragments from conversation, but what’s the real intention of Lent? 

            Overall, Lent is about the compassion and love of Christ.  God calls us to a love-relationship with Godself, and we were created from the very beginning to have this relationship with God. We can use Lent to come closer to the heart of God. The season ends with Holy Week, which helps us to witness the loving sacrifice of Christ on the cross for us.  For the month of March, we will be taking a more in depth look at how to deep our relationship with Christ in our Adult Spiritual Class, held right after church and fellowship time.

            Traditionally, the church has offered several steps to help us come closer to the heart of God. Within the context of regular worship, prayer, spiritual song, and fellowship, they help us go forward in our faith in the right direction. Below are a few disciplines put into practice that will help.   

            First, use this time for self-examination.  We are called at this time to look closely at ourselves and to be honest.  What are the things in my life that go against my relationship with God?  What are the things that make me closer to God?  It’s a difficult process at times, because our capacity for self-deception can be quite good. But, over the long haul, we will begin to see ourselves as if we are looking into a mirror, thus seeing the real deal.

            Second, we can let go of those things in our lives that go against our relationship with God. We get these items from the first step.  In the traditional language, a “sin” is something that keeps us from God.  To repent means to turn from them and to turn towards God. In the process, we let go of these things in our lives that interfere with our relationship with God.

            Finally, we can take something up that makes us closer to the heart of God. Perhaps reading a spiritual book, joining a Bible Study group, going for a long walk in solitude, recommitting to faithful worship attendance, or volunteering – just to name a few - will help foster a closer relationship with God. Just pick one or two and be faithful in doing it. It will be interesting to see how different you feel at the end of Lent.

            Of course, I look forward to celebrating Easter with you on April 4^th.

May your Lent be Meaningful,

Pastor Dave Widmer