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Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. It is 40 days (not including Sundays) of fasting, prayer, and confession. This is also a time of preparation for baptism. Purple is the color for Lent as a sign of penance, as we enter into the darkness of our sin; and it is a sign of royalty, recognizing Christ’s lordship even over death.  

We begin this season with Ash Wednesday on February 22. There will be worship at 5:30 p.m. (both in person and on Zoom). Please make a point to join us for this powerful, 30-minute worship.  

We will hold Holden Evening Prayer on Zoom at 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Lent.  

Lenten Disciplines - We are all encouraged to choose a Lenten discipline. It is a time of fasting from destructive habits and embracing creative ones:  

Possible fasts: Single use plastic - straws, bags, packaging; Screens - make a goal that is attainable i.e. one hour on weekdays and two on weekends; Gossip or criticism - say something that builds up every time a nasty thought enters;  Alcohol - Alcohol still kills more people than drug overdoses in Alaska. Lent is a great time to check in with your body and make sure you are not hooked; Convenience Foods/Meats - Fast from meat or processed food once or twice a week; Forwarding Social Media without fact checking.  

Possible new habits: Worship regularly; Give generously; Journal; Prepare and eat meals with others; Read scripture and poetry; Walk 20 minutes a day.   

Devotions for Lent - SOV folks with names toward the end of the alphabet have been invited to write devotions for the congregation reflecting on metanoia - it means “to turn around, think differently, or repent.” Our devotions for these forty days will be stories, thoughts, and hopes for what you will “do differently” during these days. It may be giving something up, taking something on, trying a new pep talk in difficult situations. These will go out daily on the app and website.  

Special Offerings for Lent will be Elder Care Packages - Feel free to bring the following items to church on the designated Sundays:

February 26 Adult Coloring Book

March 5 Colored Pencils

March 12 Large print puzzle book

March 19 Meal kit for one or two or basket of tea/coffee

March 26 Easy to care for plant or puzzle

April 2 Lap Blanket  

Information about single-serving-make-ahead meals can be found at this website:

https://medium.com/ayuda-care/single-serving-make-ahead-meals-for-seniors-8ab96a7ba6fc)