Lent is a season of the church year that emphasizes repentance. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” To repent means to turn around, to make a new start. Christians need to do this continually because we acknowledge a very high standard of conduct. Jesus said we are to love God with all our heart and soul and strength, and to love others (even those who hate and injure us) as ourselves. Reflection on how we fall short of this standard can be sobering, but fear not! Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God offers us eternal life with him, even though we can never deserve this by our own efforts. It is in gratitude for this free gift that we try to respond in love for God. We also try to love others, remembering that God has loved our enemies enough to offer them forgiveness, so we should do the same.

Lent is the season that proceeds Holy Week and Easter. This gives us a clear picture of our sinful situation and allows us to understand more fully the forgiveness that God has offered us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

During Lent, our Sunday services will be, as usual, at 10:00 am, preceded by about 10 minutes of hymn singing. On Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm, we will gather to hear God’s word, pray, and sing praises. All are welcome.