February 23, 2007

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

We are in the Lenten season. Lent began on Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) and lasts until Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. The purpose of Lent is to provide disciples an opportunity to consider both the love of God, as demonstrated in Jesus Christ, and the need we have, all of us have, for the amazing grace given to us in Jesus Christ. 

It has been the tradition of some to deny themselves (fasts from) certain things during the Lenten season. Some fast from certain foods or certain meals. Some people give us dessert. Several years ago I fasted from coffee during Lent. Some fast from television or technology. 

While I have nothing against such a focus, I would like to encourage to you consider not fasting from something, but committing to something. If you’ve not been as attentive to your daily quiet times with God, Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to start that habit, prayerfully one that would continue for the rest of your life. Maybe you would consider volunteering at WCPC or with a particular mission (i.e. Habitat, Hands Across the Highway, Community Clinic) or another local agency or group that has a need, and there are many. Such a commitment might lead to an ongoing commitment and I know such a commitment will be used by God to transform you and to transform others.

When I consider God’s love for me I am overwhelmed. That God “so loved the world,” so loved me, that God gave His one and only Son that I might have life. That God gave so that I might know God’s love and forgiveness. That God so loved you that He gave, His one and only Son that you might have life, that you might know God’s love and forgiveness. May this Lenten season remind us of this good and joyous news! 

This Sunday we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at both services. A good reminder as we embark on this journey of Lent. Open your heart to God’s love and open yourself up to your need for that love in your life.

Also, at 10:50 a congregational meeting has been called to elect an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. Please be in prayer for this meeting and for the committee that will be elected. Copies of the 2007 budget will also be available.