Dear Beloved Church Family,
As we enter this sacred season of Lent, we are called once again to reflect, repent, and renew our commitment to Christ’s way of love. Lent is not just a season of personal sacrifice but also of radical generosity—a time when we open our hearts and hands to the needs of others.
This year, as we enter the Lenten season—a time that calls us to prayer, charity, and service—we do so with a deep awareness of the needs around us. With changes to programs like USAID and many local organizations that work with refugees and immigrants, many of the world’s most vulnerable—those facing hunger, poverty, and displacement—may experience even greater hardship.
In moments like these, when support systems shift, the Church is called to respond with renewed compassion. This is both a challenge and an opportunity—an invitation to live out the Gospel more fully. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." If resources become more limited, then our generosity can become more abundant. If the world hesitates to care, then we must be bolder in our love.
For this season of Lent, I encourage all of us to take up the spiritual practices of prayer and almsgiving in a way that responds to the needs of our world. Consider researching organizations whose funding has been reduced or removed and commit to supporting them—whether through financial gifts, volunteering, or raising awareness. We might also set aside a portion of our usual spending to give intentionally to those experiencing poverty, hunger, homelessness, or displacement. Beyond financial giving, almsgiving can also take the form of offering our time and presence—checking in on neighbors who may feel isolated or advocating for the dignity of the vulnerable.
In all of this, let prayer be our foundation. Pray for those in need, for leaders making decisions, and for the Church to be a beacon of hope. As we journey through Lent, may our prayers and acts of generosity draw us closer to Christ, who calls us to love and serve with open hands and open hearts.
We also will have opportunities, over the next few weeks in Lent, for us to give to and serve people and local organizations that we have faithfully committed ourselves to as a church, ways that our church can be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. Please check out the list of opportunities below and be on the lookout for more updates to each event! Let this be a Lent where our faithfulness leads to mercy, and justice, and love for our neighbors in need.
With hope and grace,
Pastor Anne
Lenten Giving Calendar: Collect dry goods and supplies for Youth Hope Food Pantry (March 5th - April 13th
Thank-you Gift: Appreciation bags for teachers and staff at Jane Addams school (March 16th )
Christian Care Meal: Cook and serve a meal for those in need at Christian Care (March 18th)
Easter Bags: Collect and assemble Easter bags for the students at Youth Hope (April 6th)
Easter Cards: Send Easter cards to our shut-ins (April 6th)