March Newsletter

March Newsletter

This month, many people around the world will be entering into an observance of the season of Lent. Lent is the period of time in the church calendar that begins on what is traditionally known as “Ash Wednesday” and lasts for the 40 days (minus Sundays) leading up to Easter. This year Lent begins on March 6.

Lent is often observed by many churches in our Anglican tradition. To do so, however, is not required. There is no biblical mandate to observe Lent. But, much like Advent, it is a season which many have found that they can leverage for the good of their own discipleship as they give themselves to deeper prayer, Bible study, fasting, other forms of self-denial, and service.

More than anything, Lent is about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is meant to help us focus on who Jesus is and what he did in his life, death, and resurrection. It is not merely about self-denial, but about filling our minds and hearts with the truth of the gospel of grace so that we might more fully rest in, delight in, and worship our rescuing God.

As such, you might find it helpful to set aside some special times for extra prayer on Sunday evenings throughout Lent, or to address a specific sin in your life and work to put it to death by the grace of God, or to read a good book. Two relevant books you can find on our Sunday morning book tables this year include: David Mathis, Habits of Grace and John Piper, Fifty Reasons Jesus Came to Die.

This newsletter will also point you to several resources and worship services to assist you this Lenten season. In particular, join us on March 6 at 6:30 PM for a reflective service to begin the season of Lent. Be sure to also check out the Lenten devotional guide that is available for you to both personally use and share with others. Information on that is below.

As we move towards Easter, may the Lord use this season to recalibrate our lives and reorient our desires so that we may more fully live for and love the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the glory of Christ and our joy in him,
Keith

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