…I write this on the Day of Ashes—Ash Wednesday— the initial day of Lent.

The month of March embraces the Lenten season—its later days begin the week we call holy—leading to an early April resurrection morning.

…On this Ash Wednesday we read the “Invitation to Lent” from our book of worship. In this eloquent statement is mentioned the disciplines of Lent. Quite intentionally “discipline” and “disciple” come from the same Latin word. The disciplines of faith give shape and texture to our discipleship.

…Five disciplines are described in this invitation:
     1. repentance—sorrow for our sin.
     2. fasting—depriving self of those things that are excessive to us.
     3. giving offerings—sharing our resources.
     4. prayer—keeping communication alive with God.
     5. works of love—not only what we “give up” but what we “give over” in serving others.
This is a vital time to examine our relationship with God and the disciplines that deepen our discipleship.

…In this Lent at Triumphant Love we look at the symbols of our journey through the cross to a vacant tomb. We are blessed to have nine pastors among our congregation. Some of these pastors will present messages on some of these symbols in this Holy Story—like a crown of thorns, a bowl of water, a rooster, palm branches, and the bread and cup. These Wednesday services are described in the next column.

…And pick up our Lenten Devotions book written by some 40 people of our congregation. Our thanks to them.

…God’s Lenten grace to you, our fellow disciples…

Pastor Norb Firnhaber