Every year, an ancient formula determines when Lent
and Easter are celebrated. This year, Lent comes at its earliest
possible time. Lent is the time when we remember intentionally to
walk in the ways of Jesus. We have some important ways we want to
share in order to help you be prepared for this "early
Easter."
Rev. Dingman is organizing a Lenten worship time on
Wednesday evenings. It is a brief worship service, starting at 6:
20, and will be only 15 to 20 minutes in length. The intention is to
help you grow in an awareness of what Easter faith is all about.
Families are encouraged to bring their children after the WOW meal.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to take this mid-week time to
worship together.
The Green Team is inviting the church to remember
the sacrifice and love of Christ by taking up (or giving up)
something that will help care for God's creation. In this eco-
friendly move, we take a step forward toward being stewards of the
earth. Such simple but important practices help us remember that
practical sacrifice done in love is the way of Christ.
The Ministry of Adult Education has put together a
series of classes that are designed to help us think about spiritual
disciplines. Jesus called disciples, and he calls them to be
disciplined. Some refer to these activities as "practicing the
presence of God." We will focus on those activities that help us to
become more aware of the Divine Presence who encounters us.
In worship each week, we will seek to reflect on the
life and words of Jesus, to help us understand the ways of true
life. In our lectionary discipline, we will look especially at Jesus
through the eyes of Matthew and John. It is exciting to see how
Christ formed two strong yet different communities. And it is moving
to see how the living Spirit of Christ continues to shape the
Westminster community. You are invited to increase your worship
attendance as a Lenten spiritual discipline that helps to connect
you to the presence of Jesus. Also, you may consider joining the
choir for this Lenten season, as their weekly singing is a very
spiritual practice.
I invite you to enter into any of these disciplines this Lent, as a
way to help you and us grow together in the lifestyle and love of
Jesus Christ.
Warmly,
Andrew McDonald
Senior Pastor
