Hello Beloved! 

 

Lent is here, and this year at Griswold UMC we are walking through a series called Unlikely Lent. Throughout the season, we're turning our attention to the margins. Those in the Lenten story that are often overlooked, unexpected, and the people who didn't seem like the "main characters" in the story. Together we are discovering how God so often works through the unlikely.

 

I invite you to notice the table up front in worship this season. If you do, you'll see it slowly filling with objects that represent each Sunday's theme: an unlikely beginning, offering, opposition, silence, freedom, allies, and king. Each item is a simple but powerful visual reminder that God's redemption story rarely unfolds the way we expect. As the weeks progress and the table fills, we're invited to look closer not only at Scripture, but at our own lives and ask where God might be moving in unlikely places.

 

March also continues to bring opportunities for connection and fun. 

 

Table Talk will meet on March 5th this month due to other scheduling conflicts. 

 

Our Pizza Kit Challenge is underway! Pick up a kit, host a family pizza night, invite friends over, or simply enjoy a creative meal at home. It's a delicious way to support our shared ministry and build community.

 

On March 21, we have a church outing to see the comedy Casting Swine Before Pearls. In this humorous production, longtime church member Chance McDermott leaves his fortune to the church — but only if they immediately care for his hogs! What follows is a lighthearted and meaningful look at church life, priorities, and what really matters. It promises to be a great evening of laughter and fellowship. Sign up for tickets by March 11 with Amy or me. 

 

Palm Sunday will bring both celebration and sweetness as we gather for our Palm Sundae event during Fellowship! Before worship, we'll share ice cream and fellowship as we kick off Holy Week together with joy.

 

Speaking of Holy Week, we invite you to walk this sacred journey with us:

 

Maundy Thursday – 5:30 pm

Good Friday – 5:30 pm

 

These services will create space for reflection and hope as we move toward the cross.

 

Easter Sunrise service details are still being planned by GMA, and more information will be shared soon. Here at Griswold, we will gather for Fellowship at 10:00 am and Easter Worship at 10:30 am as we celebrate the resurrection and the ultimate unlikely victory.

 

March is full of reflection, laughter, challenge, and celebration. I look forward to journeying through it together with you all! 

 

Blessings,

 

Jess