The season of Lent is drawing near. On Tuesday at 6:00 pm, we will celebrate at our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and highlight the ways that God is working in our youth ministry. Then, on Wednesday at 6:00 pm, we will gather for worship on Ash Wednesday to begin our Lenten journey together. We will put ashes on our foreheads and spend time in silence and prayer as we remember, together, that it is from dust that we have come and to dust that we shall return. As we contemplate our mortality, we also remember that God calls us to repentance so we might truly believe the Gospel. Lent is a season that calls us to reflect and consider our commitment to Jesus Christ. Often, during Lent, Christians fast or take up spiritual disciplines that help them grow in their relationship with Christ as we prepare for Easter.

Throughout Lent, I will be preaching on four key characteristics of disciples who are building faith-filled communities to rebuild our community for Christ. Those are:

Faithful Encourager – One who consistently reflects Jesus to others in ways that build belonging

Humble Servant – One who generously shares their life to build up others.

Compassionate Leader – One who walks alongside others in ways that build their capacity to honor God.

Everyday Visionary – One who is focused on the innovative work of building the Kingdom of God.

I hope you’ll join us this week and throughout Lent as we journey together toward Easter and experience the life-changing, world-transforming, love of God.

God bless,
Jonathan Smith
For Jesus. For People. For Community.