Believe it or not, Lent starts two weeks from today. This is the second year we will be doing our much-loved Lenten Prayer Partners Program and I am so happy to let you know that we will be hosting the first St. Stephen's Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper we have had in a long time.
Last year we started the Lenten Prayer Partners program. Most of our parishioners participated and everyone told me how much it meant to their spiritual growth during Lent. Through this program each Prayer Partner is given someone to pray for throughout the Lenten season. That person also has someone else praying for her/him. All of the Prayer Partners keep their identity secret from the person for whom they are praying. Then, on Palm Sunday, the identity of our Prayer Partner is revealed through a small gift or book. This is a wonderful way to support your fellow parishioner throughout this Lenten season and to know that you too are being held up in prayer. You can sign up this Sunday. There will be a card in your bulletin.
This year we are also re-starting an event that long ago was an annual feast at St. Stephen's, the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Because we had a tenant that used our space six days a week, we have not had access to our parish hall. Since we no longer have that tenant we are able to gather for food and fellowship in anticipation of Lent. Join us on February 12th at 7:00pm and let Laura Johnson know if you would like to help out.
Lent will also come with a new adult education class, ecumenical gatherings, youth group, and a chance to bake bread for communion. Let us open our hearts up to the Lord and get ready to make this Lent a holy and prayerful time.
Look for more information to come and remember all of this and more is on our website: www.ststephensarmonk.org.
See you in church,
Fr. Josh