It’s hard to believe, but Lent is already around the corner! It feels like we just packed away the Christmas decorations and now the Church is gently inviting us to slow down again and prepare our hearts for Easter.
We begin on Ash Wednesday, February 18. That morning, we at Crosswicks United Methodist Church will offer Ashes to Go at 8:00 am, and everyone is warmly invited. If you are heading to work or just want to start the day with a quiet moment of short prayer and ashes, it is a beautiful and simple way to begin the season. Then, we will gather that evening at Groveville United Methodist Church at 6:00 pm for ourJoint Ash Wednesday Service with prayer, Scripture, silence, ashes, and space to return our hearts to God.
During Lent, our Wednesday Coffee with David at Dunkin’ Donuts will also become a small Lenten Bible study.
Nothing formal. Just coffee, some ideas and theology, honest conversation, and time to prepare our hearts for Holy Week and Easter.
As Methodists, we talk a lot about grace. Lent is one of those seasons where we slow down enough to actually notice that grace again. It is a chance to reset, to pray a little more, to let go of what we don’t need, and to walk a little closer with Jesus.
That is why the Bible reminds us that real fasting is caring for the poor and loosening the burdens of others. So during this season we will continue our annual outreach collection, gathering clothing for neighbors experiencing homelessness, food for our blessing bags, and basic hygiene and cleaning supplies. This has become part of who we are at Groveville, and I am always moved by how generous you are.
As we move closer to Holy Week, there will be more opportunities, more gatherings, and probably a few surprises along the way. For now, just come. Walk with us. Lent is something we do together!
Warmly,
Rev. David Gaitan
