Walking with Matthew Through Lent – February 21, 2021

Dear SDUMC Family,

Once again, we have entered the season of Lent. As I come into seasons such as Advent and Lent, you can often find a to-do list on my desk (or a few to-do lists to remind me of the lists I have made or things I forgot to do already...that is my Lenten confession).

On this Lenten Saturday, I thought I would share a hopeful to-do list with you and remind you of what we can do to find transformation in our lives this Lent.

1. Worship - Our Lenten sermon series will be Walking With Matthew Through Lent. I hope you'll join us at 9:30 a.m. for Livestream worship (or later in the day or week). We will also be offering special Lenten Wednesday Night Vespers at 6 p.m. (a time to share in prayer concerns, meditating on scriptures, and Communion).

2. Spend Some Time In Study - Small Groups are always a great way to get to know others in our faith community. More importantly, when I study the Bible with others, I always learn more as I hear God speaking through others. We'll be sharing a special All-Church study on Mattew with Dr. Michael Lodahl (read more below). Rev. Faith and Dana will also have a Lenten study on Tuesday mornings (again, more information below). We have a special reading guide to take you through the Gospel of Matthew this Lent.

3. Pray - Take some time each day during Lent to pause five times a day - it doesn't have to be long (start with a minute and watch your prayer life grow). Also, we have a vibrant Centering Prayer Group on Mondays. Please call the office for more information.

4. Fast - I know this isn't an easy one. Still, I would challenge you to join me to give up a special dessert or beverage once a day and put the money in a spare change jar that you can bring to the church on Easter or during the Eastertide Season (our spare change will go to help local non-profits). Take some time to think about fasting from other things you need to let go of in your life to open yourself to God this Lent.

This Sunday, as we being our Lenten journey, we will also start a new sermon series, Walking With Matthew Through Lent. Dr. Michael Lodahl, who will also lead our All-Church Bible Study, will share the message as we worship together this week. I hope you'll start your Lenten Season by joining us at 9:30 a.m. for our Livestream Worship (or later that day)!

Grace, Peace, and Weekend Blessings,
John