Wrong Ways to Participate in Lent, Speaking at St. Mary's, Re-issued Giving Statements (Pastoral Emphasis for 2/17)

Today's reading from the Chronological Reading Plan: Leviticus 14-15

Lent came early this year. We are fasting and praying as a church family for Lent. Now if you have not started, don't worry...here's the Good News: the Lent party is a Gospel party! The Gospel does not discriminate against when you got here but only beckons you to come as you are. So you can start fasting now for Lent. Now I want to warn everyone that there are some wrong ways to participate in Lent.

Fasting because it's Lent and everyone is doing it. Just giving up something does not mean you will draw closer to God.
Fasting to appear devout to others by always talking about what you gave up.
Fasting to manipulate God to do something.
Fasting but not praying. Lent is not only about giving up things but about adding things, God-things.

Thanks to everybody who attended our Theological Seminar on yesterday. I hope that your understanding of Justification has deepened and drives you to greater worship of our God who is both just and the justifier of sinners.

Today, we are going to minister at Clare Bridge Assisted Living on at 2:00pm. Everyone is invited to attend.

On 2/26, I will be speaking at St. Mary A.M.E. Church (Apex) on the second night of their revival. The theme for their revival is Discipleship/Evangelism. Everyone is invited. Due to this speaking engagement, elder-led prayer for that evening is canceled.

Have you submitted your idea for an Adult Ministry event? The Adult Ministry is taking submissions until 2/28. Stop by the Welcome Center to submit your idea.

We have re-issued all giving statements for members' taxes to include the statement that "no goods or services were provided in consideration for the contribution". If anyone who made a single donation of $250 or more and does not have that statement, then if you happen to get audited by the IRS, your charitable giving claims will be disallowed. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact our church administrator, Elder Wayne Bullock.

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