Lent Begins With Ash Wednesday THIS Week
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a 40-day time span that ends on the eve of our Lord’s resurrection from the dead. The call to continuing conversion is reflected in the readings for this day, a day we begin our journey from ashes to the empty tomb.
We embrace the need to die to sin and selfishness at the beginning of Lent so that we can come to a fuller life in the Risen One at Easter.
When we receive ashes on our foreheads, we remember who we are. We remember that we are creatures of the earth ("Remember that you are dust"). We remember that we are mortal beings ("and to dust you will return"). We remember that we are baptized. We remember that we are people on a journey of conversion ("Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel"). And we remember that we are members of the body of Christ and that smudge on our foreheads will proclaim that identity to others.
“Wednesday Worships during Lent will begin at 7 p.m. in the Worship Center and online.”
The Imposition Of Ashes
If you come to worship Ash Wednesday (March 2) evening, you may receive the imposition of ashes between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. Our Ash Wednesday worship will then begin at 7:00 p.m.
If you are uncomfortable being around a group of people you may come for a moment of prayer and the imposition of ashes from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday. Pastor Vera will be set up to receive you at the doors to the Narthex.
Soup Suppers With A Twist
This year Saint Peter is trying a different kind of soup gathering for Lent. Instead of only being fed, let's feed, too!
For four Wednesdays in Lent starting on March 9th, bring a can or two or three of soup and place them in the collection box in the Narthex for donation to Covenant Cupboard. And then, the last Wednesday in Lent, April 6th, we'll have our own soup and sweets supper in the Fellowship Hall. Stay tuned for supper start time and signup form.
New Meditation Series For Lent
When we consider Lent, we often think about it in terms of a journey. We move through the season with a somber focus on the path Jesus took to the cross. We are invited to walk alongside him, pacing through the wilderness, led by the Spirit.
Contemplative Ministry at Saint Peter is offering a meditation series to prepare and strengthen you in your Lenten Journey. Beginning on March 9th, you are welcome to enter into guided contemplative prayer for 30 minutes each Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. Participants will also receive a “meditation care package,” which contains everything you need to create a sacred space in your home and enhance your contemplation.
Meditation care packages will be ready to pick up at church beginning on Ash Wednesday, or we can make arrangements to have one delivered to you. Meditations will be on Zoom using the same link for hybrid worship. If you have any questions regarding this special meditation series, or about contemplative practices, please contact the Contemplative Ministries team at Saint Peter.
Next All Ages LIFT (Living In Faith Together) On March 13th
The next LIFT session is March 13th immediately following the Sunday morning Worship Service. All are welcome whether you’ve attended this all-ages faith formation event before or not.
The Hass and Lancaster kids enjoyed the Cozy Corner during the February 20th LIFT
Help Miss Mary Warm-Up Some Toes
Miss Mary is collecting men’s socks throughout the winter. The warm socks will be distributed through Christ in the City. Drop your donation in the box in the Narthex or bring it with you to the next LIFT gathering on March 13th.
ps - If you have small, travel-sized toiletries (like those you get from hotels), those are also welcomed donations, too!
Council Welcomes Your Comments
In the Narthex on the table beneath the television, you’ll find a new comment box along with paper and pencil. As we work to get back into the building on a regular basis and move through our pastoral transition, StPLC staff and council anticipate there will be questions and concerns among the congregation, and we don’t want yours to go ignored!
If you have…
• suggestions for improvement
• prayer requests
• ministry activity ideas
• a gift you’d like to offer
…let us know! All feedback will be kept confidential.
Calling All Music Lovers!
The Music Ministry at Saint Peter has room for you! If you’re ready to get involved in the choir or playing your instrument – and whether it’s jumping back in or participating for the first time - reach out to Saint Peter’s Minister of Music, Beryl. Please also mark your calendar for March 16th when Jubilate Choir practice resumes!