O come, let us sing to the LORD;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
Psalm 95:1-2

Dear Friends,

As we journey through the month of March we are also experiencing lent. A season of reflection, repentance, and drawing near to God. It is a perfect season to prepare our hearts for the Lord. A perfect season to draw near to our king, and to spend some extra time in prayer, fasting, and reflecting. As we draw near to God, and listen, we will hear the things God has been trying to speak. As we weed the garden, and clear our minds and lives of the extra clutter, God has more room to move, and be seen and to be heard. This is what we will be doing as we walk through the season of lent.

Our sermon series for Lent is “The Walk” by Adam Hamilton will reveal more of who God is and the journey that God is inviting us on. As Methodists, we are people who draw near to God, trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, and trust in the Holiness of God that we are invited into through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is in this spirit that we abide with Christ, and draw near to Jesus through Spiritual formation. The first week we will be discussing worship, and this comes out of the character of God. We wouldn’t worship God if we didn’t know God to be good, and worthy of praise.

Our God is good and worthy of praise, and it is in this spirit that we will make a joyful noise. We will enter the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving, Thanks be to God! Remember the work that God is doing and has continued to do as you move from one day to the next. My prayer for you during this season, that also tends to get even busier with Spring break, and warm weather, is that you will be able to have space to pay attention. Where do you see God? Where is Christ whispering to you? Has the Holy Spirit revealed a bit of God’s character to you a bit more clearly than before? Will you pay attention? Will you draw near? How will you respond?

Blessings and Prayers to you, my friends. Stay close. See you Sunday. — Pastor Joy Mitchell