Minister's Moment

It feels like we just finished Christmas, and Lent is already here!

I always enjoy Lent because it is an opportunity for us to look more closely at our relationship with God and our relationships with each other and see how we can grow in new ways in both.

This year, our series for Lent is called “Tell Me Something Good: Grounding Ourselves in the Good News This Lent.” As we insisted on hope this past Advent, this series will allow us to, once again, root ourselves in the teachings of Jesus that truly are the good news.

Lent was originally used in the church as a time for new converts to the faith to learn those teachings that are central to Christianity and prepare for their baptisms, which would happen on Easter.

What are the teachings that were central to Jesus’ life and ministry? Radical welcome, love of neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of these we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace – all of which are good news for all and keep us rooted in our faith.

It is my hope that, as we travel this Lenten journey together, the themes will give us fertile ground in our lives and worship to learn more about the expansive goodness of God and grow our roots even deeper.

So, let us walk forward in faith into Lent and see what good news awaits us.

Peace and Love,

Ann