Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Andrew Hight | Family Ministry Coordinator

Twas the season of Lent, when for forty whole days
God's people were trying to think of new ways,
To be more like Jesus—to love, care, and give,
In hopes that they’d choose the right way to live.

This is just part of a poem I read on Sunday morning, beautifully woven into a devotional book for families to reflect on during the Lenten season written by Glenys Nellist. Of course, we just had the first Sunday of Lent, which coincided with the clocks springing forward and some incredible early spring weather. How fitting that these all align this year, given that the word Lent comes from the Old English word lencten, meaning “spring” or “lengthening (of days).” I always look forward to this time of year—especially those first warm days. Especially after the brutal winter we endured! According to an article I read, the last time we had this much snow in a single winter was in 2008—seventeen years ago.

My world has been mostly quiet over the past two months, and with Lent beginning later this year, it has been nice to pause and not feel rushed into the season. Our Young Adults group has been exploring the full story of King David, the Youth group has been focusing on Moses, and the Kids are about to embark on a three-week discussion on the theme of cooperation—which we are defining as working together to do more than you can do alone.

Although things have been quiet, last Tuesday—Shrove Tuesday—we hosted an incredible Pancake Dinner. Over 100 people attended, and nearly $500 was raised for Ray of Hope. A huge thank you to our cooking team, our setup and serving team, and everyone who stayed behind for cleanup and the seemingly endless dishes!

Last Friday was also the annual Youth Group March Break sleepover… or, for some, an all-nighter. As always, it was a blast—one of the events our students look forward to the most each year. I used to love these sleepovers when I was in youth group, but as an adult, I have to admit they’re slightly less appealing when running on only three hours of sleep!

So while things have felt quieter lately, events and activities are picking up again as we journey through Lent toward Holy Week. I pray that each of you embraces these next 40 days in a way that prepares your hearts and minds for the resurrection. Take in the spring air, cherish moments of fellowship, and don’t miss out on the beauty this Lenten season has to offer.

As we think about Lent and the stories we’ve heard,
Of whom Jesus was and the love that he shared. 
Imagine God whisper “now go spread the light.”
Happy Lent to all, and to all a good night. 

Warm regards,
Andrew Hight | Family Ministry Coordinator