Yesterday – Ash Wednesday - began the official season of Lent. We enjoyed a brief observation last night at 6:45 following The Truth Project video, as people were given the chance to receive the sign of the cross on their forehead with the ashes from last year’s Palm Sunday palms. Lent comes from the old English word “lengthen tide,” referring to the lengthening hours of daylight as we approach “springtime.” We’ve been speaking about Lent in our Confirmation Class on Sunday afternoons. (We’re blessed to have 16 students in our class who will be given the opportunity to become full members of First Church on Palm Sunday. Kirk, Tony and I are really enjoying spending this time with our students). Just as a reminder Lent is preceded by Mardi gras – “Fat Tuesday” – historically a time of purging the sweets and fats from a person’s home in preparation for a time of fasting during Lent.

Lent is 40 days long, not counting one important day of the week. Do you know which day? Sunday! Why Sunday? Sunday is always to be a day of feasting and celebrating – not fasting - because it is the day Jesus was raised from the dead! This year Lent runs from Wednesday, Feb. 25, to Easter Sunday, April 12. It’s a time for prayer, fasting, special giving and preparation to remember the events of Holy Week and celebrate Christ’s resurrection! During this Season, keep you eyes on the cross at the corner of 4th and Robinson (Special thanks to John Barrett and son for building it for us). Each Sunday we will add a new symbol to the cross remembering the events of Holy Week. It will be a witness in downtown OKC to all who drive by First Church.

Last week, I mentioned in passing what you might want to give up for Lent. Did you make a decision? It’s not a requirement, simply an opportunity to recall the great sacrifice Christ made for you. You may want to give up an item (soft drinks, desserts, lima beans, etc.) or add a spiritual discipline of Bible reading, scripture meditation, prayer, etc. Remember, we grow in the Lord when we seek Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)

Wasn’t last Sunday sweet? The Lord is good – ALL the time! See you this Sunday as we kick off WOW Week!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Please welcome the newest addition to our Staff. Teri Weiss is our new Administrative Assistant. She’s a 14-year First Church member, married to Frank and mom to Adam and Eric. Welcome Teri!