Most of us have received a variety of invitations in our lives. Some were invitations to share in significant milestones in the lives of those we know and love. Some were invitations to gala events – good food, drink and entertainment. Some have received invitations to meet important people. Others were invitations to spend a quiet evening with friends. Some were invitations we’d just as soon forget – others were for events that literally changed our lives. Some invitations were a casual “come on over” – others were fancy, formal RSVP. But the greatest invitation that any of us will ever receive is extended, not on an engraved card, or over the phone – but is given to us by the Holy Spirit in the Word of God.

Lent, a season for spiritual renewal, begins in mid- February this year. As a time for the study of God’s Word, self-examination, and for prayer, Lent allows God to reveal himself and his purposes to us in a deeper way. This Lenten season we will be focusing on God’s great invitation to us in Jesus Christ. During Sunday morning worship we will look at sections of John’s gospel which reveal God’s great invitation to “come.” Come and know Jesus in a deeper way. Come and allow him to change our lives. Come and share in God’s redemptive purpose in the world.

We will again provide a personal devotional guide focused on the theme of the week. On Wednesday evenings we will have the opportunity to reflect on the wonder of Jesus’ grace and sacrifice for us.

As we enter into this season, I encourage you to take advantages of these and other opportunities which God may place before you. Allow God to slow you down and focus on his presence, faithfulness and love that you may hear and respond to his gracious invitation: “Come.”

Grace and Peace, Steve

“THE GREAT INVITATION: COME”

FEB. 22 – “COME AND SEE” – John 1:35-42
MARCH 1 – “COME, BE AMAZED” – John 1:43-51
MARCH 8 – “COME, BE TRANSFORMED” – John 3:1-8
MARCH 15 – “COME, BE SET FREE” – John 8:31-38
MARCH 22 – “COME, BEAR FRUIT” – John 15:1-17
MARCH 29 – “COME, SHARE THE CROSS” – John 15:18-16:4

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
FEB. 18 7:00 P.M. – ASH WEDNESDAY COMMUNION SERVICE
FEB. 25, MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25
6:15 P.M. – SOUP SUPPER
7:00 P.M. – COMMUNION SERVICE