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The Season of Lent begins on February 14

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. It is 40 days (not including Sundays) of fasting, prayer, and confession. It is also a time of preparation for baptism. Purple is the color for Lent as a sign of penance, as we enter into the darkness of our sin; and it is a sign of royalty, recognizing Christ’s lordship even over death and sin.

We begin this season with Ash Wednesday on February 14. There will be worship at 5:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley (both in-person and on Zoom). This is a powerful 30-minute worship; please join us.

We will hold Holden Evening Prayer on Zoom at 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Lent.

Beginning February 18, we will have Lenten Brunches at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, with intergenerational devotions, activities and meal. If you are willing to help with a meal, please talk with Pastor Tari.

Special Offering for Lent

The special offering during Lent is in conjunction with a friend who works with people on pretrial. Pretrial is when people have been arrested and are waiting trial. These items can help them be successful during this time and incentivize positive behavior. Bring items on the specified dates and put them on the altar.

Offerings:

February 18 Pocket Calendar

February 25 Toothbrushes

March 3 Toothpaste

March 10 Socks

March 17 More socks

March 24 $10 coffee cards

Lenten Disciplines

We are all encouraged to choose a Lenten discipline. It is a time of fasting from destructive habits and embracing creative ones:

Possible fasts:

Single use plastic - straws, bags, packaging.

Screens - make a goal that is attainable i.e. one hour on weekdays and two on weekends.

Gossip or criticism - say something that builds up every time a nasty thought enters.

Alcohol - Alcohol still kills more people than drug overdoses in Alaska. Lent is a great time to check in with your body and make sure you are not hooked.

Convenience Foods/Meats - Fast from meat or processed food once or twice a week.

Forwarding Social Media without fact checking.

Possible new habits:

Worship regularly

Give generously

Journal

Prepare and eat meals with others

Read scripture and poetry

Walk 20 minutes a day

"Wisdom for the Journey" Lenten Devotions Written by YOU - The devotion focus is sharing stories and insights learned while traveling. Please sign-up today to write a devotion: Lenten Devotions.  The devotions will be shared daily through Lent on the SOV app and website.