MARCH GREETING 2010

We began the Lenten season once again with a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday. Children and adults enjoyed the dinner, as well as the traditional pancake toss game, won by Clare Doherty and Ryan Messing. We moved outdoors to burn our palms from last year and make them into ash for our Ash Wednesday service the next night.

Now that we have entered Lent, I wonder what kind of fast you will take up as you follow Jesus to the cross during this season, which will bring us into Holy Week and to Easter. Will you give something up that you enjoy during this time of reflection and self-denial? Or maybe you will take on a Lenten discipline that will bring you to a closer walk with Jesus?

Here is a suggestion I found in the Patriot Ledger last Saturday. The Christian Relief and Development Agency, Tearfund is encouraging a Carbon Fast for Christians as they begin lent. A carbon fast can help us to face global issues. Consider the following earth-friendly actions that you can adopt and continue even when Lent is over.

· Have a technology fast: Spend a day without your TV, MP3 player, computer, and cell phone& · Eat by candlelight. · Go vegetarian. · Curtail your purchases. Repair clothes instead of buying new ones. · Pledge to walk or take public transportation instead of driving.

Peace to you in this Lenten time of reflection. Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford