On February 6, Christians all over the world will begin to observe the 40 days of Lent. This is a time for spiritual renewal through spiritual discipline. Some will fast and pray, others will study scripture and some will prepare for membership within the church.  In the last few years at Westminster, we have had large youth confirmation classes and with no one in the wings of that age group, we will simply be running a membership class for adults. If you have never been baptized, wish to transfer your membership or simply wish to renew your faith, please call the church office. This service for reception of new members will happen on Sunday March 16^th.

As outlined below I will be running a Lenten Study using Joyce Rupp's book entitled "Prayer".

I encourage each and every one of you to be spiritually disciplined this Lenten season and make an extra special effort to read the scriptures daily. Set yourself a goal to read part of one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) or a Psalm each day. In addition to your reading sit quietly in the presence of God so that you might be renewed and challenged by what you have read. Join our Prayer Circle 9:30-10:00 a.m. on Thursdays. As you begin your Lenten journey, here is an example of the prayer of Jabez with a small commentary. Perhaps this can be your format for prayer. The prayer is composed of four parts. First, Jabez asks God to bless him. Second, he asks God to enlarge his territory or increase his responsibility. Third, he prays that God will be with him and stay close. Lastly, Jabez asks that God keep him from harm so that he will be free from pain.

Who was Jabez? He is only mentioned 3 times in the Bible. The first is in 1 Chronicles 2:55 where Jabez is the name of a town: "And the clans of scribes who lived at Jabez..." This town in Judah was apparently located near Bethlehem.

Then Jabez is mentioned again in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10: "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, 'I gave birth to him in pain.' Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request."

The name Jabez means, "he causes pain," so we can assume that something about his birth was exceptionally more painful than the usual birth - either physically or emotionally. In Bible times, a name was very important. A name often defined a person's future - what they would become. So perhaps Jabez's mother was predicting her baby's future.

It seems as if Jabez defied his hopeless name and dysfunctional beginning to become a person who believed fervently in the power of God. He prayed with urgency, vulnerability and faithfulness. He cried out to the Lord with boldness!  Jabez was honored.

Let the Lenten Journey Begin!!

PANCAKE SUPPER