Hello Church!

 

February moves us from light into reflection, from celebration into preparation. Wherever you find yourself right now, there is a place for you here, and you are deeply loved. Let’s look together at ways we will transition from one season to the next.

As we wrap up our Everyday Epiphany season, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Grant UMC for worshiping alongside us. It is always a gift to be together as one church family—sharing in song, prayer, laughter, and the light of Christ. These shared moments remind us that God’s presence truly does shine in our everyday lives.

Also, mark your calendars for Sunday, February 8, and wear your favorite football team gear to worship as we celebrate together in a fun and spirited way.

We transition into Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 18, with worship at 5:30 p.m. This season invites us to slow down, take a breath, and prepare our hearts for Easter. During Lent, we will explore An Unlikely Lent. Through items and extraordinary People of the Easter Story, we will see how God’s irresistible Grace shows up. My prayer is that, through their stories, we might recognize how God is still at work in our own.

Also, during Lent, we will be launching an A-TEAM LENTEN PIZZA CHALLENGE! Together with other churches in our circuit, we will collect and assemble “Pizza Kits” for our local food pantries! The church that assembles the most kits will win the Circuit Care Trophy! 

The “ingredients” for the Pizza Kit are:

● Prebaked Crust (non-refrigerated)                           ● Pepperoni (non-refrigerated)

● Mushrooms (optional)                                             ● Olives (optional)

● Canned Pizza Sauce                              

● Shredded Cheese

 

Place all items except for the shredded cheese in a large Ziplock bag.

Finally, I want to share that I am currently in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) training. This is an important part of my growth as a pastor and requires additional time in class and out visiting. While my schedule may look a little different at times, please know that this training is deepening my ability to care, listen, and serve more fully. I am grateful for your patience, prayers, and support as I walk this part of the journey.

As the days lengthen and the season shifts, may you be reminded that God is not finished with you yet. Whether you are feeling strong in faith or simply holding on, you are part of this story. We walk it together, trusting that God is still revealing light in ordinary places and doing holy work in each of us.

God Bless,

Jess