March 2026

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting.  Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  Matthew 6: 16-18 (NRSV)

This Lent I am inviting you to move through the season with intention.  However you choose to practice your faith, whatever method of devotion or fasting you decide to participate in, do so with full attention and intention.  

I sent the children home with a painting of a bare tree and invited them to add a leaf every day they did something nice for someone else.  I explained to them that when we root ourselves in the love of God and act in a way that lets God’s light shine through us, we create something beautiful in the world.  I am excited to see how the children have grown their trees over the coming days and weeks,

For the adults, I will be providing weekly intentions that are designed to help us not only root ourselves in God but also root ourselves in ourselves.  If we don’t know who we are as children of God and followers of Jesus Chirst, it is hard to then be a beacon of God’s light to others. 

I am looking forward to walking this Lenten journey with you to see what beauty we can all create together.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Lesley Buelow