In the ancient church, there always seemed to be a festival, a feast, or a time of contemplation coming up. The church calendar was bursting with ways to remember and honor God for what was happening in the life of the people—planting and harvest, celebration of a past victory, etc. Don’t picture somber carry-in meals with Styrofoam cups of red fruit punch; picture the best wedding dinner you’ve ever been to!
We’re entering a season in the life of the church when we turn our attention to Easter, which is coming up at the end of spring break on Sunday 4.1. For many church traditions that follow the ancient Christian calendar, this week begins the season known as Lent. The word Lent is the shortened form of an Old English word than means springtime. Lent marks the time when we begin to look forward to the renewal of the earth even while it is still winter. And it also begins the 40-day season in the life of the church, where we look forward to Easter—the resurrection of Christ—and the renewal of all things.
Over the next forty days, I will be praying each morning for personal and spiritual renewal for me, my family, my friends and my flock. It is a prayer based on verses in Psalm 51 and 103: "Satisfy us with good things—and renew our strength. Lord, purify our hearts and renew our spirits. And restore to us the joy of your salvation." If I have learned anything from reading Scripture, studying church history, and living on this earth, it is that each of us encounter times when we need to experience God's renewal. Let's pray and wait and believe that God is able to renew us!
Whatever it is that you need right now, let me encourage you to at least pray for renewal for yourself and those you love. There are of course other things you can do: read the Lectio Divina devotionals, make plans to meet weekly with a friend to talk about your spiritual growth, or commit to a few minutes of quiet prayer every morning or evening until Easter. It’s not about doing one more thing; it’s about taking on an attitude of waiting and looking forward during this season. Springtime is coming. God is able to make all things new in our lives.
I am praying for you! And I'm looking forward to being with you this Sunday and worshipping with you. This is one of the most important things we can do during this season. Come together and let God use his people and the Word of God to bring renewal to us all.
Discovering Serve Teams
SUNDAY 3.11 at 9:45a
Find your fit and start serving at Calvary. Discovering Serve Teams introduces you to serving at Calvary and helps you use your passions, talents, and skills for the church family and guests. Led by Volunteer Connections Coordinator Lynette Green.
Making Love Last
Begins SUNDAY 3.11 at 11:15a
Making Love Last prepares couples for a lifetime together. Designed for couples who are engaged or seriously dating, this three-week series presents a compelling picture of marriage as God’s gift. Led by Pastor Jon Nitta.
Bunco Fundraiser
FRIDAY 3.9 at 6:30p
Play Bunco, win prizes, support Every Child Ministries’ work with African children. It’s a win-win-win! Our global partner ECM is holding a fundraising event at Calvary next month. Tickets are on sale now here or buy tickets between services at Calvary on Sunday 2.18 and 2.25.
Jonah
Begins SUNDAY 2.25
Calvary Students is off this week, but we’re back on Sunday 2.25 with a new teaching series from the book of Jonah. What happens when God wants to use a normal guy dealing with some hurt and anger issues to save people? This is not the children’s story you remember.
Monthly Gathering
FRIDAY 3.2 at 7p
Young adults gather at Calvary on the first Friday of the month for food and conversation on everything from how can you make a difference in the world to how do you handle loneliness. Come join us.
Prayer Team
The Local Outreach prayer team is specifically focused on the prayer needs of our community and local partners. We meet quarterly to pray together and would love to have you join us.