I am so grateful for the warmer weather this week! It is certainly helping me to think about spring and Easter. Before we jump to Easter, we need to observe the season on Lent. This contemplative season can be a bit underrated. We don’t typically have fun Lenten events, but rather encourage folks to dig into deepening their spiritual practices. While it may not be the most energetic season on the church calendar, Lent provides a beautiful opportunity to ensure our hearts, minds, and spirits are ready to once again experience the miracle of Easter.

Each Sunday in Lent, we will be thinking through conversations in the gospels and how they might prompt us to explore our relationship with Jesus. The series of conversations will build up to Easter Sunday.  On Sunday, March 1, we will look at the middle of the night heart-to-heart between Jesus and Nicodemus. Often it is under the cover of darkness that we are bold enough to ask risky questions. What risks might we be willing to take after having a heart-to-heart with Jesus?

The Deacons are sponsoring a blood drive that will take place on Sunday, March 8. If you haven’t already, please consider signing up to donate blood. Our sermon on March 8 will focus on the fourth chapter of John where Jesus has a conversation with a woman at a well. Jesus seems to know all about her, things that no one knows, and by knowing her so well he is able to offer her a peace no one else could possibly give to her. Perhaps, we also are in need of that peace.

On Sunday, March 15, we will move to the ninth chapter of John where Jesus heals a blind man. In this passage, we find Jesus asking the community a lot of questions about what has happened and what caused the man’s blindness. The folks know what they’ve been taught to be true but, when Jesus pushes, new answers come to light. This week, we’ll be challenged to think if there are things we’ve held to be true that we ought to be questioning with Jesus’ guidance.

March 22 brings us to chapter 11 of John which is the passage where we learn about Lazarus’ death. Jesus was delayed on his way to visit his sick friend. When he get’s there, it’s too late — Lazarus has died. Mary and Martha are distraught, and we find a heart-wrenching conversation between them and Jesus. Are there times in our lives where we feel like it’s a “too little too late” situation? What might Jesus say to us in those moments?

Finally, the last Sunday of the month (March 29) brings us to Palm Sunday. This celebratory Sunday is always a big day at GPC. The Deacons will hold their annual Fill a Truck event which benefits the Bread of Life Food Pantry. In worship, we will celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, then transition to helping us focus our hearts and minds for the events of Holy Week.

I hope that you are all settling into a Lenten practice and able to feel God’s peace as we move through the month.

Blessings,

Pastor Emily

The GPC deacons are sponsoring a blood drive in Kings Hall on Sunday, March 8 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are greatly appreciated. To schedule your donation appointment, click the button below or call 1-877-25VITAL. Thank you for your donation!

On Sunday, March 29, we will be having our annual Fill-a-Truck Food Drive for the benefit of the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Etna.

We will receive your donations under the Pennsylvania Avenue side portico from 8:00 AM to noon.

We are asking our members, neighbors, and friends in the community to bring boxes or bags of nonperishable food, home, and hygiene products to the church that morning.  Click here for a list of items that the Bread of Life Food Pantry is asking for.