This is a new format for our monthly newsletter—perhaps a bit less news, and a bit less paper. We will have a somewhat “new format” for our observance of the Lenten season this year. Our worship services will take as their focus the Lenten lectionary readings from Hebrew Scripture (see readings, box below), each of which recalls a covenant, a promise, from God. Those promises, and our response to them, will be at the heart of the Lenten Bible study each Wednesday (see previous page) at 7:30 in the pastor’s study. On Saturday, March 7th, there will be a Lenten retreat in the Caroline Erskine Social Hall from 10:00 - 3:00, with luncheon provided. The theme of the retreat is “Giving Thanks At All Times.” The program will be light-hearted and participatory, seeking to strengthen and renew faith through stories and games.

In Genesis 17, God promises Abraham and Sarah that they will have a child - and Abraham laughs. He laughs not out of disrespect, or lack of faith, but because such good news is almost more than he can believe. In Lent, even as we journey with Jesus toward the Cross, we need to remember to give thanks for all the ways that God’s gifts have come into our lives - not the least, in the opportunity to worship together in this community of faith.

- Pastor Parsons