Tonight we will gather together for Ash Wednesday as we begin the journey of Lent. We are marked with dust to remember our mortality as humans, in the sign of the cross to encourage us in repentance to a God who forgives and saves. We set the table for Lent, as N.T. Wright describes, being a season of honest lament and genuine celebration leading us towards the resurrection of Christ on Easter. It can be easy (and I say this from experience) to let our daily schedules and busyness of our life to intervene and even inhibit us from fully participating in this season of self examination and fasting. Remember, the three rules are simple, not easy. As we attend to the ordinances of God in the coming weeks, may you be open to the life changing movement of the Holy Spirit that can come when we draw closer, and be daring enough to challenge the ordinary and routine!

Starting on Thursday, February 19th, we will begin our efforts of constant communion with one another. Elements will be available in the church kitchen at all times, with printed sets of instructions on how to participate in communion with whoever you are here with.

I look forward to journeying with you in this season, and growing in love of God and neighbor throughout!  

3 Things to Know

1. Wednesday Night Lenten Suppers

Soup suppers start tonight! Serving starts at 5pm with delicious homemade soup, bread and other fixings. If you’re coming in later in the hour, please let Pastor Taylor or Nancy know so we can make sure soup stays ready for you! Invite a friend or neighbor to come join as we fellowship and eat together!

2. Communion Servers

Because we will be doing communion every Sunday over the next few weeks, it will be important we have servers to help assist. Please sign up at the Connection Center or reply to this email if you’re interested and able to serve any of the upcoming Sundays.

3. Financial Planning Event

Grace will host a financial planning event put on by Thrivent Financial. On Thursday, March 5th at 5:30pm, come for dinner and a conversation at 6:30pm about managing retirement income, estate planning, tax-efficient investing and more. Please RSVP by replying to this email or contacting Todd Grow at todd.grow@thrivent.com so we can get a good count for supper. This event is open to anyone and will last until 7:30pm.

Worship This Week

This evening, we will gather after supper at 6pm in the sanctuary for our Ash Wednesday worship. We will not be streaming this evening.

Sunday we begin our Lenten sermon series, “From Wilderness to Glory”, looking at the story of Jesus in the wilderness from Luke 4:1-13. Join us in-person or online at 10:00am!

Prayer Requests

• *New* For all Olympic competitors
• *New* Michelle as she prepares for open heart surgery coming up.
• Those being laid off and losing their jobs.
• Amanda and Oliver in their relationship.
• Pete for his health.
• From Jean W.: Kayte was able to find a doctor who can perform a procedure that will relieve her back pain!
• Jackson/Manning family following their house fire. Shara and her kids were members of Grace before moving to Oregon. They recently had a house fire, and while all are safe, it will take a lot to get back to some normalcy.
• Emma (member of Grace Youth) has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, a thyroid issue. Prayers as they discern treatment moving forward.
• Saleem who is battling stage 3 cancer and on his second round of chemotherapy treatments.
• Ashley (relative of Sandy S.) had a tumor found in her brain last week. They are trying to figure out the steps.
• Kris (sister of Kay H.) who is struggling with autoimmune disease and flare up. Comfort, relief and right meds.
• Emily H., who we’ve been praying for her lung cancer treatment, has been moved to hospice. Prayers for her, her family, and friends for peace and comfort.
• Annett (family of Jodi Miller) who is dealing with some health issues.
• Abe and Teri M. (friends of Carol A.) and their new journey with Alzheimer’s.
• Therese asks prayers for Jeffery’s life struggles and mental illness, for those who sit in sadness and depression, Kari and her struggles with her son, Mary Jo (sister), and her grandchildren.
• Mary (sister-in-law of Del L.) dealing with a return of cancer, and is taking chemo again.
• Nancy Q. asks prayers Hannah and Mike. They were married this June and now Hannah has cancer and Mike has lost his job.
• Jaron, for his recovery and health issues.
• Patrick (Nephew of Carol A.) who is dealing with addiction.
• Megan (Niece of Anne and John R.) dealing with cancer recurrence.
• Xavier from Grace Kids asks us to continue to pray for the family and friends of Adam A.
• Trisha R. for continued healing and support.
• Janel (friend of Jodi M.) her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Keep them in our prayers as Julie goes through treatment.
• Lisa Melby (co-worker of Sarah M.) who is battling breast cancer
• Cheryl G. during her battle with cancer.