February 'The Flame'

From the Heart of the Pastor

February 18 is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is an historical season of 40 days (excluding the Sundays within that timeframe) where    Christians have turned to spiritual disciplines in order to deepen their faith and renew their souls. Christians engage in this practice in imitation of Jesus’s fasting in the desert at the beginning of his ministry.
In the Gospels, after his baptism, Jesus walks into the      desert wilderness for 40 days. We don’t know what          happened during those 40 days besides that he was fasting. But we do know that they ended with the Devil coming and tempting Jesus 3 times. He tempts Jesus by encouraging him to break his fast by making bread to eat, encouraging him to abandon his mission by having the world worship him through the Devil and not God, and tempting him with abusing his status and power by catching a ride on Angels’ wings. 
As we imitate Christ, we can expect to be tempted as well. But we also know that the fast is vital, because we need to cultivate our faith and strengthen our souls as we remember Easter and the reason for our faith. 
Easter is not just something we mark on a calendar. It is the centerpiece of our religious identity, and forms the framework of what we do in the world. As 1 John 3: 16 says: “We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.” Our love, and indeed our life, is meant to imitate Christ, just as we do during Lent. Easter should mean       something. 
I invite you to join me in reading and discussing the book “Why Easter Matters” during our Lent study, more information later in the newsletter. And I encourage you to engage in a Lenten fast to deepen your faith in this season.

In Christ,
Pastor Michael Brown

United Women in Faith

February, the month of Love. At the time of this writing, (January 15th), the shelves at the stores are already filled with heart shaped candies, cards and other heart shaped knickknacks. These items will be purchased and given to our loved ones. God showed us love in a much different way when he gave his only Son to die for us. We are so blessed that this love goes on forever, and not just for a few weeks. 
For those who “love” to clean out the attic, closets or any place you have items stored, the next rummage sale will be held April 9th – 11th. With the winter weather being a rollercoaster, it will be hard to find days to work inside cleaning and gathering items for the rummage sale.
Up coming meetings; Mary Martha will meet on Tuesday, February 3rd at 7:15 PM. Keitha Thomson and Carol Crook are the hostesses. Sara Malone will have the program.
Esther Circle will meet on Thursday, February 5th at 1:30 PM in Gage Hall. Joan Hogeland is the hostess and Sara Malone will have the program.
The Unit meeting will be on Thursday, February 19th at 1:30 PM in Gage Hall. 
Not only is February 14th Valentine’s Day, it is also the day of the Legislative Briefing Day, at Christ UMC in Lincoln, NE. if you are interested in attending this event, contact Sheila Baur.
Wednesday, February 18th is Ash Wednesday.
Mary Martha’s meeting in March will be on Tuesday, the 3rd, at 7:15 PM. Ann Haverty and Ruth Lagerstrom are the Hostesses. Sheila Baur will have the program.
Esther’s Circle will meet on Thursday, March 5th at 1:30 PM in Gage Hall. Carol Moline is the hostess and Judy Rowe has the program.
March is our month to help with Bingo at the Ambassador. The dates for Bingo are on Mondays, from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. The dates are the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. 
Take time out of our busy schedules to show our loved ones the love you have for them. Love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls and minds always.
                    Happy Valentine’s Day
                    Deb Orndorff

Ash Wednesday

On February 18 we will be marking Ash Wednesday. Pastor will have a personal meditation guide available at 7am and will impose ashes on anyone who wants them from 7 - 12. The Ash Wednesday service will be at 5:45 pm, right after the Wednesday night supper. These will not be the same message, so you can do both if you want. Ash Wednesday is a great way to begin Lent strong, encouraged, and motivated. I look forward to seeing you there.