Dear Friends in Faith,
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Yesterday, at Bible Study, we talked about Lenten joy. That may seem to be an oxymoron, since Lent is about repentance and self denial. Yet, in acknowledging the truth about ourselves and giving up those things that separate us from God, we can find even greater joy. Personally I find myself spending way too much time in front of the TV, time I could be spending improving my life and the lives of others. For Lent I am giving up TV so I can take on more creative and life-giving pursuits. Wish me luck 🙂
Below you will find a prayer reflection for entering the season of Lent. And remember to scroll down to read about what’s happening in your Faith community!
Your Friend in Faith,
Pastor Kristabeth
Lord, grant us simplicity of faith
And a generosity of service
That gives without counting cost
A life overflowing with Grace
Poured out from the One
Who gave everything
That we might show
The power of love
To a broken world
And share the truth
From a living Word
Lord, grant us simplicity of faith
And a yearning to share it.
~ Prayer Meditation on Matthew 6:1-21 from Faith and Worship
Pastor Kristabeth’s Schedule:
The Rest of This Week: In the office Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am-12noon. Vacation Day Friday. No Barnes and Noble Open Hours.
Next Week (February 15):
(Schedule may change as events of the week unfold)
Monday: President’s Day – Office Closed
Tuesday: Pastor’s Sabbath
Wednesday: In the Office 9:30am-12pm, MMM 6:30-8:30
Thursday: Human Trafficking Meeting 8am, Tending the Fire Continuing Education 9:30am-2:30pm
Friday: In the Office 8am-10am, Writer’s Workshop 10:30am-12:30pm, Open Hours at Barnes & Noble 3pm-5pm
Saturday: Pastor’s Day Off
Sunday: Worship 9:30am, Pines Worship 2:00pm
When not in the office (afternoons, etc.) Pastor KB is likely doing outreach ministry in the community, meeting with people, or visiting members of the congregation.
Ash Wednesday Service (TODAY) Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Our Ash Wednesday worship marks the beginning of the season of Lent and will include Communion and the Imposition of Ashes for those who wish to receive.
Sunday Service February 14 – First Sunday of Lent
Theme: The Way
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13
Sermon: Pilgrimage
Celebrate! 157 lbs of food was delivered to the Food Shelf for January!
Non perishable food items are collected in the shopping cart in the gathering space and delivered at the end of each month.
The Road to Character Book Discussion Series Continues Mondays 7pm in the High School Room
You are invited to join in a discussion of The Road to Character on Monday evenings from February 1-March 14. “Blending psychology, politics, spirituality, and confessional, author David Brooks provides an opportunity for us to rethink our priorities, and strive to build rich inner lives marked by humility and moral depth.” Maggie Holt will facilitate the discussion each night from 7:00-8:30 pm using a study guide and a variety of resources. Reading the book ahead of time is optional. Some copies of the book will be available before class begins. Please talk to or call Maggie at 802-865-4658 with any questions, to reserve a book, or to RSVP.
Sparks!!
If you had a “Spark” on Spark Sunday, or in the weeks since, we are excited to talk to you! Since we had so many Sparks it has taken us some time to sort through them all. What a wonderful blessing! If you have not heard from someone yet, you will! If you are so excited to talk about your Spark that you just can’t wait, please be in touch!
*If you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please let me know by replying to this e-mail. Thanks!
Kristabeth <><
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Rev. Kristabeth Atwood
Faith United Methodist Church
899 Dorset St.
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 863-6764
www.faithsbvt.org
Office Hours: Tuesday 11am-1pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am-12noon, Friday 8am-10am
Open Hours: Fridays 3pm-5pm at Barnes and Noble Cafe, Dorset St.
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
