From the Pastoral perspective:

Dear Lenten Journeyers!

Lent 2009 begins this month! It begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25. It is the Church Year’s “springtime.” Lent is an old Anglo-Saxon word that literally means “spring.” It is a time for cleansing and renewal and rebirth. It is about getting back to basics.

When Lent first appeared sometime between 200-300 A.D. Lent was a time of preparation for persons being instructed in the Christian faith before their baptism. Today, Lent calls us to take time out and take stock of our lives. How are we doing in asking the Lord to clear our lives of the sin of self-centeredness?

Lent begins on a somber tone with the penitential rites and the ashes of Ash Wednesday. It continues for 40 days - reminiscent of some significant events like the flood, Moses’ days on Mt. Sinai, the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness, Jesus’ fasting and prayer in the wilderness preparing for beginning His ministry, etc. These 40 days don’t include the Sundays of Lent which continue to be weekly celebrations of the Easter resurrection.

Things associated with Lent include the disappearance of “Alleluia” from our worship services to be resurrected at Easter, the mark of ashes on our foreheads reminding us of dust and mortality as well as cleansing, the colors of violet and black for repentance and mourning and the call to a time of self-denial.

The images of Lent all focus on the effects of baptism in our lives - repentance, forgiveness, cleansing, nourishment, enlightenment, healing, and new life.

May God bless your celebration of Lent with His gift of new life for you!

God’s blessings,
Rev. Daniel Deutsch, Interim Pastor

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