The Season of Lent Although it’s hard to believe, the Season of Lent begins next Wednesday (Ash Wednesday), March 1. It is a rich and historic season for the church, dating back to the 4th century. As much as I love Christmas and Advent, I think Lent is my favorite time of the year (if there’s no snow, of course!). This is a season where we create space so that the Holy Spirit can continue to confront us with what matters most (who matters most) and what doesn’t. This also means, if we are honest, that this can be an especially vulnerable and “exposed” season for the church. What can be more vulnerable than letting go of our false facades and truly relying upon God’s grace?

I pray that our worship and growth opportunities allow for some true honesty and self-reflection during these weeks leading to Easter. I do know that growth (personal and wider church growth) can be messy…moments where we realize anew that the cross is the only avenue to new life. This is the good news that never gets old. This is the good news that we need to constantly hear, but so do so many people within our lives, families and neighborhoods who have yet to experience such joy, liberation and purpose.

I’ve been thinking a lot about our church and our ministries lately. We do some things really well. We also have plenty of room to grow. When God brings us together as a community of faith, we are given responsibilities and opportunities to truly share life with one another. This takes time. This takes giving and receiving care. This takes the willingness to communicate needs and hurts. This takes sharing some basic commitments. This takes celebrating joys and grieving sorrows as a body. This takes creating space for questions, doubts and concerns. This takes opening one’s life up to others. This certainly takes a flow of forgiveness.

This may seem simplistic, but I really do feel that people, by and large, want to belong to a congregation that loves them and welcomes them into the longer journey of faith. This is true, even for persons who may need some sanctuary and space for a season of life before being able to dive further into greater commitments. Belonging is one of the most basic and foundational needs we have as human beings. I want everyone in our congregation to feel as if they belong (to God and this church) and I also want persons yet to feel such love to find a home with us as well.

In this regard, I want to suggest one more thing. It is the tradition of many people to give up something (like chocolate) for Lent. It’s probably not a bad practice but allow me to offer a suggestion. Instead of giving up something for Lent, why not take on something? Why don’t you commit yourself to being in worship every Sunday during the season of Lent? Why not commit yourself to being more supportive and helpful to the people around you at Grace, especially those with special needs? You might even consider inviting someone you know, who is unchurched, to join us some Sunday so that they might feel the love of our congregation and find within our church a home.

I’m looking forward to sharing another wonderful Lenten season with you. May it be a time of individual and church growth as we allow the Holy Spirit to be active in our lives.

In Christ’s Service

Pastor George