Lent is the 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and service leading up to the celebration of Easter.  This year Lent begins on February 22nd, which is Ash Wednesday, and runs until Easter Sunday, April 8th.  If you've ever gotten confused about the counting, keep in mind that Sundays are not included in the fast because they are a day of celebration.  These 40 days are meant to reflect the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness praying and fasting before he began his ministry (Mt. 4:1-11).  For more information on Lent, check out the "Lent 101" article on the Upper Room website:  http://upperroom.org/methodx/thelife/articles/lent101.asp.

     Usually we do a good job focusing on prayer and fasting during Lent, but we have often been guilty of leaving out the aspect of service.  As a result Lenten journeys have become very individualistic and introspective.  The question becomes, "What can I do to grow in MY relationship with God?" I want to challenge us to live more missionally and not lose sight of how we are reaching out to others during these 40 days.  Hopefully some of the questions we will start asking are:  What can I do to share Gods love with others?  How can I journey alongside someone who is hurting?  Whose life can I invest in to help build up their faith?  Here are some ideas to help you get started as you make plans for how you will reach out during Lent:

1. If you fast from sweets or soda, save the money you would normally spend on those things and donate it to someone in need.

2. Take time each day to pray for someone from the church's prayer list and send them a card to let them know you're thinking of them.

3. Dedicate an hour of time each week to serve someone else.  Volunteer at Warm Blessings, visit someone at the nursing home or hospital, or find a creative way to bless your neighbors. 

4. Ask someone to be your prayer partner during Lent and meet together once a week to encourage and pray for one another.

In Christ, Adam