Lent

​Grace and peace to you, beloveds!
Welcome to Lent—a sacred season when we re-examine our hearts, realign our lives, and draw closer to God. Over these forty days, we’ll make space for deep reflection, considering where we may have wandered from God’s hopes for us. This journey invites us into intentional prayer, fasting, and acts of loving service or generosity, all as a way of turning our attention back to what matters most.
Just as Advent invites us to wait for the birth of Emmanuel with unhurried delight, Lent invites us to walk alongside Jesus on His journey to the cross. We share in His suffering, but we also wait with hope—because we know the tomb is not the end of the story. Easter’s promise of resurrection fills our hearts with joy, even in this season of reflection.
Sometimes we forget, but this life isn’t just about us; it’s about how we can help bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth—right here, right now. We lean into this calling not because we have to, but because we love God (as 1 John 4:19 reminds us) and our neighbors. Everything we have is a gift from God, so we offer what we can with grateful hearts.
People often ask me at the start of Lent: Do I have to give something up? The short answer is no—you don’t have to! You’re welcome to give something up if it’s meaningful to you, or you might choose to add something life-giving to your days instead.
Try beginning each morning by reading or listening to scripture. Two wonderful apps I love are Daily Lectio and Pray as You Go.

Let prayer shape your day. Instead of listening to the radio in the car, talk to God—pray when you see or hear emergency vehicles, at stop lights, or whenever you feel prompted. Just share what’s on your heart; God loves to hear from you. Remember, prayer is a conversation, so pause and listen for God’s gentle reply.

Read something nourishing instead of turning on the TV. You’re invited to join us in the fellowship hall on Thursdays at noon for our study on Biblical justice, or on Monday evenings at St. Christopher’s for our ecumenical book study. (Contact me if you’d like to know more!)

Help your neighbors and community. Consider signing up to serve at Oasis, starting a diaper drive, collecting hygiene supplies for women’s shelters, or gathering pet food for Ruff Road Rescue. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

Reach out to someone who’s been on your heart. Send a card to someone in the congregation, thank a mentor, or surprise a friend with a note of appreciation. Don’t be shy about saying, "I love you."

Share your time and talents at St. Andrew—help organize the fellowship hall, clean the pews, assist Alyssa in the office, spruce up the lawn and flower beds, or plant some bulbs. Every little bit helps us grow together.

Cherish time with your family. Plan a weekly game or movie night. Put your phone away at dinner and share the highs and lows of your day together.

These are just a few ideas. Most importantly, notice where your loving presence is needed in your life, and let Christ guide your next steps. Whatever you choose to give up or take on, keep Jesus at the heart of it all. Blessed Lent, y’all.
God loves all y’all…and so do I.
 
Pr. Suzanne