Many of us are looking forward to Spring. In just a few short weeks, we will be entering into the Lenten season. As Easter approaches, we as Christians are to spend the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week to reflect on the past year and to prepare ourselves to honor Jesus's resurrection. If your Sunday School days are far in the rearview mirror, here's a quick refresher: In 2023, Lent begins on February 22, on a day known as Ash Wednesday. It officially ends on April 14, or Holy Thursday. That day, the Thursday before Easter, commemorates when Jesus gathered with his 12 disciples to celebrate Passover before he was crucified, which took place on Good Friday. Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, three days later.
The Lenten season is inspired by the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for his own sacrifice. In that same spirit of sacrifice and reflection, many people will give up something they love like chocolate, a bad habit or another favorite food. Many also abstain from eating meat other than fish on Fridays. But others prefer to spend the time thinking and praying about something important to them. Maybe that includes ways they can work toward being better or more prayerful people or ways to make the world a better place.
So, if you are looking for some fuel to warm your spirit between now and Spring, mark your calendar and join us for Sunday worship services during this year’s Lenten season and Easter. Yes, let us share with you and yours the Good News of Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. All are welcome during Lent and all year too. Until then, I am hoping to see you soon, and pray that you will strongly consider allowing Paint Creek United Methodist Church to be your home church in the very near future.
God bless, Pastor Marv Herman.
