What is lent all about?
“Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifices serve no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart’s deepest longing: unity with Christ. In him– in his suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph, we find our truest joy.” That, to me, is what Lent is all about.
Wednesday February 17 starts the season of Lent. Below are listed the opportunities and activities planned for Mora and Ogilvie United Methodist Churches.
- Sunday morning sermon series on Wrestling With Sin. The worship series is found on YouTube – Mora United Methodist Church. Each week is posted Sunday and begins at 10:30am.
- In place of an Ash Wednesday worship service the Mora/Ogilvie United Methodist Churches are offering alternatives.
- We have the option of joining other Minnesota United Methodists to worship together online. I previewed this worship service and found it to be deeply meaningful with wonderful worship, prayers and music. You will find this service at 7 p.m. Wednesday February 17 on the Minnesota Conference Facebook page or following link Worship service.
- Also the Mora UMC Sanctuary will be open for private prayer and communion on Ash Wednesday from 2-6. Come to the church, sit and meditate on your heart’s deepest long: unity with Christ.
- If you desire to fast during this Lenten season I offer one of the following options,
| Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them | Fast from fear of illness; Feast on the healing power of God. |
| Fast from words that pollute; Feast on speech that purifies. | Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude. |
| Fast from anger; Feast on patience. | Fast from pessimism; Feast on hope. |
| Fast from negatives; Feast on encouragement | Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness. |
| Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion. | Fast from suspicion; Feast on truth. |
| Fast from gossip; Feast on purposeful silence. | Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that sustains. |
| Fast from anxiety; Feast on faith. | |
- Another option for your Lenten journey is to pray the following prayer with your family and friends.
Jesus, you have known us from the beginning of time,
you have known us in the depths of our dreams and in the darkness of our shame,
you know us as your beloved.
Help us to own that core identity more and more in this season of repentance and mercy.
Give us the rock-solid assurance of your unwavering faith in us as we seek the same in you.
Amen.
God is Good!
Pastor Deb