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March, 2000 |
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A Call
to Participate in Lent
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. We are beginning the season of Lent -- a period of 40 weekdays and 6 Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. This year Lent begins March 9th and ends April 22nd. This is the time we think about Christ’s sacrifice for us. It is also a good time for us to consider what we will sacrifice for God. For this Lenten season, I am asking the friends and members of the church to spend time each day in prayer and Bible reading. The American Bible Society has published a wonderful little Lent reading program to focus our minds on the Lord. The title of this program is Return to the Lord God with All Your Heart. It is divided into 6 ½ weeks of readings along these themes: Week of Ash Wednesday readings Week 1 -- Return to the Lord with a repentant and forgiving heart Week 2 -- Return to the Lord with a heart to follow Jesus Week 3 -- Return to the Lord with a hopeful and prayerful heart Week 4 -- Return to the Lord with a trusting and believing heart Week 5 -- Return to the Lord with a loving and caring heart Week 6 -- Return to the Lord with a humble and thankful heart This simple program calls on us to each day of Lent read the scripture, reflect on its meaning, and pray. I would like to see everyone take part in this wonderful discipline because I know God will richly bless you. The Lent pamphlets will be available this Sunday in the main church service and throughout the week at the Bible studies. If you want a copy mailed to you, phone the church at 383-1442. And even if you don’t want to participate in this Lent program, you can certainly read the Bible and pray each day on your own. May these days of Lent be a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth in each of our lives! Dave |
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