Dear Partners in the Gospel,

We're going to try Ash Wednesday x2 (March 1) to get underway with our Lent series The Way of Love. The 40 days of Lent are really about getting back to 'the basics.' We are both sinners and saints. God is gracious and merciful. Living Christian lives is something like driving a car down the road-somebody is at the wheel to pay attention and to make all those minor corrections to keep things straight! (I know there are Tesla cars with self-driving capabilities, but...). Our lives and faith always require attention and re-direction!

In Wednesday worship (11am/7pm) we'll explore 7 core practices and re-commit ourselves to them: +TURN: Pause, Listen and choose to follow Jesus +LEARN: Reflect on scripture each day, especially on Jesus' life and teachings. +PRAY: Dwell intentionally with God daily. +WORSHIP: Gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and dwell with God. +BLESS: Share faith and unselfishly give and serve. +GO! Cross boundaries, listen deeply and live like Jesus.

We're using resources created by the Episcopal Church, and a book (available in your library!) by Bishop Michael Curry. It's a good 'read'! You can explore online resources too. Google "The Way of Love" and include "Episcopal Church". (By the way, did you know that since 2000, we in the ELCA have been in 'full communion' fellowship with The Episcopal Church?)

We also invite you to Lent lunches and suppers that will nourish your body and spirit (and might simplify your schedule for one meal!)

Our Lent offerings will be shared with 4 of our regular ministry partners: 1. Our ELCA Hunger Appeal, 2. Our Greater Milwaukee Synod "Outreach for Hope" ministries, 3. All Peoples' Church/Milwaukee, and 4. Ulong'a Parish in Tanzania.

I don't know about you, but Lent is actually my favorite 'season' of the church year and, of course, it leads to Easter joy and resurrection promise! Join in as you are able! And blessings in these 40 days!

-Pastor Paul