"I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word."  

With these words on Ash Wednesday we were invited into the journey of Lent. Our ongoing worship opportunities and the March 22 Quiet Day will give us some settings in which to accept this invitation. I would like to particularly encourage you to consider another offering this year: the Lenten Program.

Starting this coming Wednesday (March 12), and then for the next four Wednesdays, we will gather at 6 pm for a simple supper (free will donation gratefully accepted) and then explore the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday. Year A in our lectionary cycle gives us some powerful stories from the Gospel according to John: Nicodemus being invited by Jesus to be born again or born from above (is there a difference - come and see); the Samaritan woman at the well engaging Jesus in deep conversation (so much wrong with that picture); the man born blind and then healed by Jesus schooling the Pharisees; Lazarus called back from the tomb still wrapped in his burial shroud; Palm Sunday in all its power.

The stories will engage us and lead us on in our Lenten pilgrimage. But I would dare to say that of equal value will be the chance to be together and to talk with one another about scripture and faith and life. We have too few opportunities in our busy lives - including our busy church lives - simply to talk and share with one another. I hope you will take advantage of these Wednesday gatherings to connect with brothers and sisters here at St. Martin's.