| The season of Lent reminds us of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, a period of solitude and testing that not only was meant to prepare Him for His ministry but also served as a time of preparation for the challenges He would be facing ahead. For Lent, the church suggested a Lenten devotional to read that I have taken part in called Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen compiled by Judy Bauer. Henri Nowen writes “Lent is a time of returning to God. It is a time to confess how we keep looking for joy, peace, and satisfaction in many people and things surrounding us, without really finding what we desire. Only God can give us what we want…. Lent is a time of refocusing, of reentering the place of truth, of reclaiming our true identity.” Lent can be a time for us to pause from our normal daily rhythms, taking the time from Ash Wednesday to Easter to fast from distractions and deepen our prayer life. Just as Jesus sought communion with God, we too can use this season to draw closer to Him through prayer, meditation, and reflection. Reflection on scripture and reflection of the wilderness spaces we have journeyed through. Wilderness seasons-times of struggle, doubt, and uncertainty, also mark our lives. These wilderness moments can be transformative IF we allow God to work in us. I remember years ago, Joe (or Poppy as we call him) preached three promises that we can hold on to that are true: 1. That God loves us, 2. that He has prepared a place for us, and 3. everything we go through is an opportunity to make us more like Christ. During Lent the Lord can prune away the distractions and idols that hinder our relationship with Him, drawing us closer to His heart. Through the trials or wilderness, God can refine our faith making it stronger and steadfast. Just as Jesus’s desert experience changed Him, God can change us, molding us to be more like Him. And the most moving part is that God can then use those wilderness experiences to help others around us. “The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.” Henri Nouwen. It is difficult to lead or walk with someone through the wilderness when we have never been there ourselves. As we journey through Lent let us remember that God has been, is, and will be with us in the wilderness times. He walks beside us as a light guiding us through the darkness, leading us to a transformation, so that one day, Lord willing, we may be able to walk alongside others in their desert reflecting His image. “May we be a church community that is increasingly known as a home where weary, wandering souls find belonging and direction. Fill us to overflowing with the hope and joy of Jesus’ resurrection.” Lectio 365 Be blessed sweet friends, Tena M. Roher VBS Registration Early registration for church families is now open. Register your potty-trained 3 year-olds – 5th graders through the weekly update or in person after the service on Sunday. Registration for the community will open on March 19th. VBS Volunteers Needed VBS hosts over 200 kids on our campus and we couldn’t do it without our wonderful volunteers. We have opportunities for students 6th-12th grade and adults. Please use the links below to register as a volunteer. Thank you so much for supporting children from our church and community. Student Volunteer Registration Adult Volunteer Registration Spring Connection A huge thank you to all who stopped by the Spring Connection Team’s Giving Grid fundraiser on Sunday. We could not provide our students and families these opportunities if it weren’t for the outpouring of love and support from our church family. Thank you! Also, thanks for being patient with our team as we tried out a new fundraiser. The Spring Connection Team will be looking forward to sharing about the trip after Spring Break. Potluck Join us this Sunday, March 3rd, after the service to enjoy a meal and fellowship together. Potluck Sign-Up Missions Commitments We want to thank Jack and Celesta Rea for their lifelong commitment and work in missions. They are a beautiful example of dedication to the mission field. As you pray over your commitments to our missionaries, if you feel led to donate financially to missions this year, please fill out the commitment form. We are grateful for the many ways you serve locally and globally. Missions Commitment 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. Join us this Sunday, March 3, for the first rehearsal. Contact Bobby for more information. Dude Camp Registration Registration is now open on our website. Click below to register your 5th-grader for Dude Camp. Dude Camp Registration Lenten Devotional You are invited to join us in reading Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen during the Lenten Season. If you are still interested in following along, we have a few copies of the book available to purchase in the church office. March Sunday Evening Schedule March 3 | 5:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Only March 10 | Spring Break No Evening Activities March 17 | Evening Activities at Normal Times and Locations March 24 | Evening Activities at Normal Times and Locations March 31 | Easter Sunday No Evening Activities I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:16-17 |
