Happy Friday!

This week, in the hospital chaplain's office, we had a Mardi Gras celebration. Our two priests are from Africa. I asked them if they observe Fat Tuesday in their county. They said, "What did I mean by that?" I said, well, some say it is your last day to sin before Lent begins, so you party. They looked at me, puzzled, and answered, "No, they do not observe Fat Tuesday that way." Isn't it odd that we feel that we must celebrate and "live it up" before Lent? Lent is a season to reflect on our relationship with God and the death and resurrection of Christ. It is a time for us to prepare. Often we look at it as a time be extra religious or holy. We give things up or "fast" for Lent, we attend church more, and we do special bible studies. The real question is- shouldn't we be doing these things all year long? Shouldn't we be working on our relationship and reflecting on Christ's sacrifice year-round? 

On Sunday, we begin a new preaching series for Lent called Seeking: Honest Questions for Deep Faith. I hope you will join us on Sundays during Lent to explore some questions that will deepen our faith. 

Additionally, I will be offering a hybrid study of Adam Hamilton's new book- "Why Did Jesus Have to Die?" You can purchase the book online through Cokesbury or Amazon. We will start this March 1 4-5:30 pm. You can join us in person or online via Zoom. If you're interested in joining the study, please email me at pastor@cowetafumc.org

What I See Coming Up:

Feb. 22- Church lunch after service at1843.

March 1- Adam Hamilton Study 4-5:30 pm.

March 8- Administrative council meeting following service.