I have been contemplating giving up dusting for Lent. But then again, I suppose that wouldn't be much of a sacrifice and it certainly wouldn't increase my spiritual connectedness to God...sigh.

Instead of "giving up" something for Lent as we traditionally do, why don't we "add something" for Lent instead?

Why not use these 40 days of the Lenten season to ADD prayer time, scripture reading, renewed worship to our lives?

Why not use Lent to ADD words of kindness toward others, thanks to God for everything that He has done for us?

Maybe during this time of preparation before Easter, a forgiving heart could be ADDED.

Lent is a time to get in spiritual shape for the coming of Easter so that we can enjoy the significance of Easter to its fullest. Getting in shape, whether it is physical or spiritual, takes discipline and determination. But the great part is, the more we do it, the easier it gets and the results are there to see.

We have been graced with a period of time to get our lives in order for the coming of our risen Lord and Savior. So take some time this Lenten season and ADD to your spiritual walk whatever it is that you are lacking or whatever it is that needs time and attention to bring you closer to God.

I guess I won't be giving up dusting for Lent, but I will be ADDING some much-needed time with my Lord.

Sunday
Contemporary service - 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.
Traditional service - 11:00 a.m
5th Sunday of any month - 10:00 a.m. service only
(followed by potluck dinner)

FIRST ARTICLE - I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

MEANING: I believe that God has created me and all that exists. God has given me and still preserves my body and soul with all their powers. God provides me with food and clothing, home and family, daily work, and all I need from day to day. God also protects me in time of danger and guards me from every evil. All this God does out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not deserve it. Therefore, I surely ought to thank and praise, serve and obey God. This is most certainly true.

SECOND ARTICLE - I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

MEANING: I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. Jesus has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil - not with silver or gold, but with his precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. All this Christ has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as Christ is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

THIRD ARTICLE - I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. *as used here, meaning "universal".