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Good day lovely people!

I once encountered a phenomenal woman who was a retired Mennonite Minister. She had spent some of her career doing hospital ER Chaplaincy. She encountered people on the worst days of their life, amidst terrible tragedies. Her biggest takeaway was reminding people of this simple theology:
God loves you.
God is here.

So, whether our week has been bright and sunny or dark and dreary, I hope you remember that God loves you, and God is here.

In some ways it feels like we just finished up with Christmas, and yet here we are in Lent! The 40 day journey to the cross as we adventure together toward Holy Week, and Easter Sunday.

I must admit that even as a child I’d often “give things up” for Lent. However I wouldn’t say it was ever really a spiritual journey, even if that was the basis for my challenge. More often than not it ended up being me trying my hand at elimination diets-even as early as 12 years old. I’d give up soda pop or chips or one year I gave up all junk food!

In the last decade of being in ministry in The United Church I have witnessed folks who choose to intentionally take something on instead of giving something up. I personally like that Lenten challenge better and find it to be more life giving and a good spiritual practice.

Our Faith Formation Committee at GMUC has purchased a Lenten Curriculum from The GO Project, a UCC national children, youth and young adult ministry rooted in mission and social justice. Here’s an excerpt paired with an idea for you and your family to consider trying, regardless of your age or stage!

INSTEAD OF GIVING SOMETHING UP, TAKE SOMETHING ON
For centuries, tradition has been to give things up during Lent. This has already been a full year of giving things up!
Maybe think about what you want to take on this year: eating dinner together each night; calling a loved one every day; donating to a charity in need?

GIVING JAR Decorate a mason jar as a family and put in coins each day. At the end of the 40-days, donate the contents to a local organization or The Mission & Service fund at your church.

PRAYER CHAIN Cut 40 long strips of construction paper. Write a short prayer on each piece every day. Connect them together like a paper chain.
After the 40 days, we can collect all the your paper chains and make one big chain to hang in the church, or for now, in my office as a visual reminder of our connection while we Zoom worship together.

To add one final challenge, a colleague shared a 40 day photo Lenten Challenge. If you’re on Facebook, I will be posting daily prompts for you to comment on and share your photo, on our Glen Morris United Church Facebook Page. Be sure to double check that you ‘follow’ us, or ‘like’ us.

I thought I’d also attach the challenge here for those not on Social Media. Know that if you don’t have easy access to a camera, many of these Lenten days still offer an opportunity to use your imagination and perhaps take a ‘mental picture’ as you reflect.

In a world where church currently looks very different, I thought this way of engaging in community virtually might be a way for us to continue to grow in faith and unity together. Feel free to invite any friends or family to join the challenge, too!

Be well, and I hope to see you Sunday.
Come as you are, come when you can.
Wherever you may be.

All are welcome as we draw the circle wide, together.

In light,
Meghan
Phil.4:13