 The Sanctified Art Creative Team (which prepared our gorgeous, chock-full-of-Spirit-wisdom Lenten Devotionals) defines wilderness as “state of the wild.” The season of Lent has its ancient roots in the story of Jesus’s wilderness journey at the beginning of his ministry. A time of struggle, perseverance, trial, and transformation. During this season in the wild, Jesus was formed and forged for all the ministry that was to come.
Lent is a time of fresh starts and wilderness growth for all who dare to accept the Spirit's invitation to surrender into this holy season. We are offered the opportunity to seek clarity on a particular question that’s been nagging us deep in our bones. Others will use this time as space for clearing aside the underbrush which can choke new growth - whittling away the extraneous to focus on what matters most. Lenten practices might include cutting out the extra chatter in our lives or listening more intently to the voices which give life. Some of us will choose to abstain from something during this season while others might choose to add a new practice to our daily routine. There is not a singular, “right” way to do Lent. There is only the invitation to step into the wilderness. We don’t necessarily know what will happen to us during our time out there in the wild. The stars overhead at night can be beautiful, but as the chill of evening sets in we might also start to feel worried or afraid. Gazing at the horizon, we put one foot in front of the other even though we’re not sure exactly where we’re headed. In Lent, the journey itself is often the destination. But we go forth into this season in confidence. Confident that if we surrender ourselves to the wide open spaces the Spirit will move within and among us, bringing new light and life as the days lengthen. Confident that we are not alone. We journey into the wild places with fellow travelers of The Way. We go, also, with the assurance that there is no place too wild or barren for God’s accompaniment. We travel into the wilderness with Christ as our model, knowing that if the wilderness was good enough for him….well, surely it holds promises for us, as well. Let go. Surrender. Make a bold (or tentative) movement into the wilderness. Jesus is waiting for us in the desert places, the wide-open spaces, the wild. Pastor Caela JOURNEY WITH US: LEARN MORE ABOUT LENT AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL Ash Wednesday is February 26 Ash Wednesday is a Christian tradition that prepares us for the Lenten season before Easter. The reasons Christians receive ashes on the forehead are twofold: 1. As a call to grieve and repent from the ways they have become separated from God and Neighbor and 2. As a humble reminder of the dust from which we came and the dust to which we’ll return. Worship with imposition of ashes: Wednesday at 7pm We invite you to join us for an interactive worship service at 7:00 p.m. in Pioneer- Blachly Hall. Together, we will enter the Wilderness of Lent and each participant will have the opportunity to create a piece of wilderness to take home as a focal point for their own Lenten journey. If you'd like to bring your own clear vase/wide-mouthed jar to use for your centerpiece, please do. We will also have containers on hand for you to use if you don't bring your own. Ashes also available: Wednesday, 6-9am and 12-1pm For those unable to attend the evening service, the Deacons and Pastor Caela will also offer the imposition of ashes in the Sanctuary from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and noon- 1:00 p.m. We are also able to bring ashes to your home if you are unable to make it to church - please contact the church office to make a request. Continual Day of Prayer: Tuesday at 7pm through Wednesday at 7pm The Deacons invite you to sign up for one or more slots in our Continual Prayer Day. Enjoy the quiet peace of our sanctuary and help us create a 24-hour period of prayer and reflection. A basket with materials to guide your time will be provided. You may want to read devotionals or scripture, draw or color, create music, or simply rest in God’s presence. Invite a friend to join you if you’d rather have company during your shift! Paper sign ups are on the office door or you can sign up online. Ash Wednesday Material Donations Needed: This year’s Ash Wednesday worship service will take us into the Wilderness as we begin the season of Lent. Participants will get to make their old piece of “wilderness” to take home. We are seeking donations of the following between now and Feb. 20th:
door if the office is closed. Thank you! READ MORE ABOUT OBSERVING THE SEASON OF LENT WITH US HERE  Faith testimonies and experiences from leaders within the medical field, public law, university, family life and city of Manhattan.
The Manhattan Ministerial Association invites you to participate in this year’s Lenten Lunch series. We’ll gather in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall 12-1pm each Wednesday in Lent (March 4 – April 8) to hear an inspiring faith testimony from local leaders involved in fields ranging from medical to arts and humanities. This is an exciting opportunity to meet fellows Manhattanites and think of faith and public service in new ways. The cost of the meal is $8 accepted via cash or check. Please RSVP to the meal by calling (785)776-8821 or emailing fumc@fumcmanhattan.com the Monday prior to each Wednesday lunch. You may register for multiple meals at once. Further Questions? Email Pastor Melanie Nord at mnord@fumcmanhattan.com. View the flyer here  In the wilderness our faith is born, nurtured, challenged, and resurrected. This Lent, journey through the wilderness with our devotional booklet. Beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Easter Sunday, this devotional includes art, poetry, prompts, and reflections inspired by the Lenten lectionary scriptures (year A) and the theme, Wilderness.
This booklet is great for older youth and adults of all ages—and especially for those who are hungry for readings and prompts to dig into each week. You can pick up your free devotional from sanctifiedart.org/A Sanctified Art in the lobby of the church building anytime after February 16th. If you’re away from church and need a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office and we’ll take care of you!  Napoleon said, “The best cure for the body is a quiet mind.”
Come join us on Monday and/or Wednesday at 5:15 pm in Andover Hall (basement) for an hour of peace and stretching. Never done yoga before? Anybody who breathes can do yoga. We love beginners! Don’t have a yoga mat? We have extras. Don’t know what to wear? Anything you can move in easily. No shoes required. Our classes are about breathing, feeling, listening to our bodies, and letting go of competition, judgement and expectations. This class is open to the community and taught by Donna Keyser. ($5 donation for each session welcome but not required) Note: No class on Feb. 26, March 2 and 4, April 6 and 8 |
