Beyond the Pulpit 2.22.26
Welcome to Lent!
While it might seem that we’ve just wrapped up Christmas, we’re also turning the page to Lent, that 40 day season, not counting Sundays, when we journey to Easter with an introspective focus on strengthening our own discipleship.
This past week, I’ve been working to help us turn that page at Crozet UMC.
First, we supported our community last Monday by holding a candlelight vigil for the 1st anniversary of the tragic shooting in Crozet, leaving 3 dead. Over 80 people were in attendance, most notably a large group of friends of Diane Spangler, the retired UVA nurse who was killed. Here is an excerpt of an email we received following the vigil.
I want to send you an email to thank the church for hosting the candlelight vigil for the victims of the Harris Teeter shooting a year ago. My aunt, Diane Spangler, was killed that day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her, and everybody at UVA who worked to try and save her life.On behalf of my parents, brothers, and her great nieces and nephews we truly appreciate that you took the time to remember her and the other two people killed that day. Her friends shared a photo of the church with the steeple and candles, and it was beautiful.
I see that you have a food pantry and I would like to donate a little something in her memory and in appreciation.
Thanks to everyone who helped to pull off this service. I am grateful that our church family prioritizes care for our community.
Tuesday, of course, brought an amazing Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner. What a fun and lively spirit was shared by all in attendance. Some (mainly my husband) claim that these Methodist pancakes were the best they’d ever had! Kudos to a hugely successful fellowship event that was enjoyed by all.
And on Ash Wednesday I was in the parking lot to provide Ashes to Go for folks in our community between 7:30am and 9am. And we had an excellent crowd for the evening’s Ash Wednesday service as well, where we talked about tuning our hearts to God’s desire during the coming Lenten season.
Lent is a season of reflection and spiritual growth. Some choose to give something up in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, while others commit to practices that deepen their faith. Today in worship, I encourage you to pick up a Lenten Covenant (purple for adults and yellow for kids!) and consider making a commitment that will help deepen your faith during this season.
One Lenten practice that we will participate in together during this season is singing The Lord’s Prayer during worship each week. That’s right, singing! Sometimes praying in a different way helps us to find new meaning in “old” words. Just like with any prayer, it doesn’t have to be perfect. This will be a simple “call and response” (or “repeat after me”) style prayer. I think you will find this Lenten practice an opportunity to broaden your prayer life.
I look forward to wandering along on this Lenten journey with you.
Pastor Christy
Our steeple was lit after the vigil on Monday, February 16 and all day and night on February 17, bringing light to the darkness on the first anniversary of tragedy in our community.
