As we proceed through the season of Lent I pray that you are taking time to add a discipline to your daily life – pray more – do spiritual reading – practice silence, solitude, or simplicity.  We must remove the excess from our lives in order to appreciate the simple joy of Jesus.  Spend some time with Jesus, allowing him to shed light on the shadow areas of your life.  Invite the Spirit to separate the wheat from the chaff – release what is not necessary and hold fast to what is good.

We are surrounded by need in our community and in our world.  Practice the discipline of service.  Give the gift of companionship to someone who is lonely.  Get beyond yourself and your own needs and be open to connecting with another in a meaningful way.  God uses relationships to soften hearts and change lives.  Most important, of course is our relationship with Jesus who has reconciled us to God.  If you do nothing else, focus on that.  Spend time with Jesus.  Give him your attention.  He is already very near to you.

Please keep the Flint Water Crisis in your prayers.  Beneath the political maneuvering and the practical distribution of water bottles and supplies runs a current of hope and promise that God is up to something.  He brings beauty from ashes and strength from fear.  He alone is able to redeem what has been done.

Also, our district superintendent Rev. Dr. Tara Sutton is once again out on medical leave.  Please hold her in prayer as well as those who are caring for her, and those who are covering for her during this season of making appointments for the coming year.

In all things, look for the good and you will see the beauty.