We are a wandering people. We continue our desire that God bring us home from our wilderness wandering; however, not unlike our Israelite ancestors, sometimes we take two steps forward and three steps back. Our intentions toward God are good, but . . . at times we easily follow God, and at others, we feel as if God is nowhere to be found. God brought his chosen people up out of the land of Egypt, broke their bonds of slavery, set them on a course to freedom, and yet they whined and complained. They doubted God’s provision and presence. But even in their wandering - physically and spiritually - God remained faithful to them, as he remains faithful to us. God showed them over and over again, that if they would just turn to him, their needs would be more than met, and there would be a great time of celebration. The same holds true for us.

The Church has entered the season of Lent. As early as the mid-fourth century, Christians have observed a time of preparation before the Easter celebration. This year the Lenten season began on February 22, Ash Wednesday, and lasts for 40 days. The forty days of Lent recall the 40 day fast of Jesus in the wilderness after his baptism (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:1-2) and Moses' 40 day fast on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). Some people refer to it as 40 days wandering in the wilderness. It is a time of fasting, praying, and ministering to Christ through quiet acts of kindness or service, and a time of experiencing God’s faithfulness to us.

Lent is a time of intentional contemplation, being aware of God’s movement in our wanderings and in the world. As such, each Sunday in Lent you will see, hear or experience something new in worship at 10:30. Blake and I and the worship committee have worked hard to “freshen” the components of worship, while remaining faithful to the tradition of reformed worship. The cross and Font are more prominent, a stunning visual display is in the narthex, individuals will share specific parts of their journey with Jesus, and more. Lent is also a time of simplicity and preparation, which easily gets lost in the busyness of work and family. During Lent, join us for worship on Wednesdays at 6:30 in the choir room in the Family Life Center. We offer a quiet mid-week time of refreshing through scripture reading, praying and singing. Mid-week worship is good for the body and soul.

 Grace and peace for the journey together,

Pastor Sue