| One of the ways in which I feel close to God is through music. I never learned to play an instrument as a child and I don’t really stay on pitch when singing, but I do pay attention to the words that I am singing and the statements the lyrics make. What I love about worshiping through music is that my off-pitch singing doesn’t bother God. I can fully focus on the words of praise I am singing to my Father without any worry about my lack of musical talent. For a week now, I have had the song Honest Offering / I Surrender All by CAIN on repeat in my office as I work and each time I get into my car. Many lines in the song have been sticking with me this week, but more so the theme of surrender. As we journey through the Lenten season, we are called to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and the significance of surrender in our own lives. Surrender is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of profound trust and faith in God’s plan for us. Lent provides us with an opportunity to examine our own lives and discern where we need to surrender more fully to God. It may involve surrendering our own agenda, pride, desires, fears, or control over certain aspects of our lives. Surrendering means acknowledging our limitations and entrusting ourselves entirely to God’s provision. Surrendering during Lent is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of letting go and allowing God to work in and through us. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to release our grip on the things that hinder our relationship with God. Jesus exemplified ultimate surrender as he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NIV). In this moment of anguish and suffering, Jesus yielded to the Father’s will, demonstrating complete trust and obedience.During this Lenten season, may we surrender ourselves more fully to God. By God’s grace may we let go of our own plans and desires, and embrace His will for our lives. Let us trust in God’s unfailing love and find peace in surrendering to His perfect plan. Blessings, Katelyn Giving Grids .  Spring Connection participants are fundraising for their travel costs with a Giving Grid. They have posted their grids to social media, and have asked family and friends for donations. This Sunday, February 25, right after the worship service, the congregation will have a chance to donate towards the travel fees of those attending. Stop by the coffee cafe, meet the Spring Connection team, and claim a square or a few squares on the Giving Grids. Thank you from the Spring Connection team. Missions Sunday Last Sunday, Grace Kirkpatrick and Molly De La Cerda presented on the missionaries we support globally. As we renew commitments to our missionaries in prayer, we also ask for your consideration in financial support. If you feel led to donate to missions this year, please fill out the commitment form. We are grateful for the many ways you serve locally and globally.  Missions Commitment Spring Potluck  Join us on March 3rd after the service to enjoy a meal and fellowship together. Click below to sign up online or look for the paper sign-up in the Coffee Cafe. Potluck Sign-Up Dude Camp  Registration is now open on our website. Click here for Dude Camp Registration Lenten Reading  You are invited to join us in reading Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen during the Lenten Season. If interested, books will be available for purchase at the church officer or in the foyer for $12. Easter Choir  We are excited to have Melissa Smith directing us again for an Easter performance. We hope you feel encouraged to join us in singing. Contact Bobby for more information. SCUBA VBSJuly 8-12 | $30/child  All children, potty-trained 3 year olds-5th graders, are welcome to dive into VBS. Church family registration opens February 25th. Ministry Highlight  On Monday afternoons at 2:00, a group of volunteers meet in the Education Building to fold and sort clothing donations for the Shower Ministry for the Homeless. This group works behind the scenes to keep donations organized and ready to be sent out with the shower trailer on Tuesdays. We are thankful for them and the time they serve. We are also thankful for all the donations that keep them busy! Sunday Evening Activities     Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12 |
