Fasting for Lent

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Greetings in the Name of Jesus, 

Lent is just a few days away. We will begin our time of preparation for Easter this Wednesday with our Ash Wednesday service of worship at 7:00 pm. We are also offering a brief imposition of ashes at 7:00 am and 12:00 noon.  

Lent is a time of self-examination, prayer, repentance, and sometimes fasting. One of the questions we often ask about the 40 days of Lent is, "what will I give up for Lent?" In the past, I have given up different unhealthy foods or activities that distract me from what is important. 

The late Pope Francis once shared the words below as a reminder of what is truly important in our lives as Christ followers. This year, I plan to use these words as my guide for Lent. 

"Do you want to fast this Lent?

  • Fast from hurting words and instead say kind words.

  • Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

  • Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

  • Fast from pessimism in order to be filled with hope.

  • Fast from worries and trust in God.

  • Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

  • Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

  • Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

  • Fast from selfishness in order to be compassionate to others.

  • Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

  • Fast from words and be silent so you can listen."

Be sure to check out the Lenten Studies we are offering this year. Pastor Jana and I will be offering studies from 6:30-8:00 pm each evening of the Lenten Wednesday Dinners beginning Wednesday, February 25. Please sign up as soon as possible so we can make sure everyone has materials. 

  • I will be following the Sunday sermon series, The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World. The sermon series and study will be based on Adam Hamilton’s book by the same title. We will explore Jesus’ preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, Jesus’ “I am” sayings in the Gospel of John, and more. Jesus' message is not only life-changing but world-changing. To sign up, email me or sign up here. 

  • Pastor Jana’s study will be based on the book An Unlikely Lent by Rachel Billups. Step into the story of Easter to notice the unexpected – in the silence, the side characters, and the questions. The resurrection is not just a past event but an invitation into something new. To sign up, email Pastor Jana. 

 I close with these words from Philippians 1:2-6. I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

God is good! Jesus is alive! We are the Church!

See you Sunday!

Pastor John Allen