Pathway to Change
A few years ago Michael Jackson penned a hit song that inspired many, the words of the chorus say, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways, and no message could have been any clearer, if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change…” While many may like this song and recognize the truth to which it speaks, it is difficult for many to actually cease from their current pattern, reset their course and do things differently. In other words, it is difficult to actually make necessary changes. Whether it is our eating habits, exercising regiments, giving efforts, or spiritual disciplines we are creatures of habit. So, while we may see the need for change and maybe even desirous for monumental changes in these and other areas of our lives, many repeat the same patterns over and over again, somehow hoping that change will come out of the sky. An American author described insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
This is the month to realize some of the changes that you have been trying to make in different areas of your life. The liturgical season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of believers for Christianity’s highest holy day, Easter. Personal preparation is made through repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Our Cooperative Parish’s Lenten theme this year is “Pathway to Change”. This is the season to reconsider our walk with Christ, our relationship with ourselves and others. This is the time to commit to and make forward steps toward necessary changes in our lives.
Our Lenten activities will kick off this year with the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fellowship on Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. on the St. Paul Campus. On Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, we will be worshipping with the 210 Corridor in the yearly Ash Wednesday Service. This is the official beginning of the Lenten season. We will continue the fellowship with the 210 Corridor with community worship each Wednesday night through out the Lenten season. There are many opportunities for worship in our 7:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship services. In addition, you don’t want to miss the Prayer Explosion in this season! These are two special nights of prayer that are sure to be transformational.
There will also be opportunities for spiritual formation in our Lenten Bible Studies, which will take place on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday Early Bird Bible Study on the St. Paul Campus. Monday Night Bible Study and Thursday Night Men’s Bible Study will also be meeting on the Corkran Campus. Missional opportunities include a “Changing Our World” Mission Day which will be done in cooperation with the 210 Corridor on Saturday, March 3rd and Warm Nights which will take place at the St. Paul campus during the week of March 18th. The opportunities for fellowship include Café Agape which will occur on Friday, February 17th and March 16th and 23rd.
This is your season to draw closer God, improve relationships with others In your life, and make a difference in our world. Make that change!
