Just following up on the invitation... "I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self‑examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self‑denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word." Last week we were offered the invitation to a Holy Lent . Usually this is done during our Ash Wednesday service. But this year because our ashes were given on the go, the invitation came in our newsletter. So, I'm just following up... Have you given it any thought? Perhaps some of you have made a list of things that you're going to give up or stop doing; maybe the traditional things like chocolate and read meat on Fridays. Maybe you're one who will to turn off Facebook or the TV. Maybe some of you will even choose to fast: to go without food for a day. Perhaps you'll choose a book of the Bible and study it. Maybe you'll set a timer on your phone to remind you to pray every day. I'm not saying you have to do it all! Nor am I saying that you have to do it perfectly. It might help to think of it as a journey, not as a task or list things to accomplish! (Just say no to the mean voice that whispers that you are a failure at keeping Lent correctly.) I really am just following up. I'd love to hear what you're doing (or not doing as the case may be) to observe Lent. With you on the journey. Blessings, Matthew+ I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 | 
