March 2025
Welcome to March’s Newsletter, where we will explore the season of Lent, upcoming events, missions updates, and more!
A Journey of Intentional Reflection
What is Lent? It's a 40-day journey leading us to Resurrection Sunday, a season rooted in the Old English word "Lenten," meaning "lengthen"—a beautiful nod to the days growing longer as spring emerges.
Lent draws its inspiration from Jesus' 40 days of fasting, prayer, and preparation in the wilderness before His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). It's an invitation for us to follow His example—to pause, reflect, and prepare ourselves for what God has in store.
This isn't a new concept. Lent's roots stretch deep into church history. A letter from St. Irenaeus (130-202 AD) mentions debates about pre-resurrection fasting even in his time, hinting at origins that may reach back to the apostles. By the late 500s, a more structured observance emerged: 46 days before Easter, excluding Sundays, resulting in the 40 days we recognize today.
Historically, Lent involved strict fasting—no meat, fish, or dairy, and only one meal after 3 PM. While the Eastern Orthodox church maintains this tradition, many Western practices have evolved. Today, you might participate in midweek services, observe fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (a simple meal, no meat or dairy), or choose to abstain from something specific, like chocolate, social media, or secular entertainment. (A gentle reminder: we should always be turning away from sin, not just during Lent.)
The heart of Lent is intentionality. It's about stepping outside our comfort zones, deepening our walk with God, and leaning into the Great Commission.
Why observe Lent? It's not a biblical mandate, nor is it a path to salvation. However, many Protestants find value in this communal season. It's not about legalism; it's about cultivating a spirit of devotion.
Lent serves as a reset button, a chance to refocus on Christ and His sacrifice. It's a historic rhythm of reflection, repentance, and prayer, not a mere ritual.
Lent this year is from Wednesday, Mar 5th through Thursday, Apr 17th.
To support you on this journey, we'll be sharing midweek videos throughout Lent on YouTube, Facebook, and all our platforms. These videos will offer challenges and encouragement as we draw near to the Lord together. Let's make this season count—not out of obligation, but out of a heartfelt devotion to the One who gave everything for us.
- Edward Warren
Discover the rich traditions of the Feasts of the Lord with Braided Bread! We'll kick off our 2025 celebrations with Purim on Sunday, March 16th, right after the service. Based on the book of Esther, Purim is a time to remember and celebrate God's deliverance and the courage of Esther. Be a part of this meaningful celebration!
Click Here to learn about all of the feasts we celebrate throughout the year!
Join us for our annual church financial meeting on Sunday, March 23rd, immediately following the service. Our secretary will present a detailed accounting, as required by our bylaws.
We'll also be hosting a taco fundraiser to support Light The Way Food Bank! We look forward to seeing you there.
Experience the symbolism of Passover and discover how it points to Jesus Christ. Just as the Angel of Death passed over those marked by the lamb's blood, spiritual death passes over those who are in Christ. Join us for a special Passover celebration on April 16th, featuring a free feast and fellowship. Register through the Church Center app or by clicking here!
The team for El Salvador is set now and we are raising our funds for travel over the next month or so! 10 people will be on this first trip!
If you didn't sign up this time, we are already planning for another trip in the future so keep praying about it!
Greetings from Kenya,
Much thanksgiving is given for our church members' contributions toward the well for the orphanage. The new well is drilled and flowing well at the hand pump, though there is still need for the final piping into the building.
Kenya trip dates are confirmed for August 5-18, 2025. If you are feeling the call to go, if you are wondering if you're a good fit, or if you just want more information, please fill out the form here. Our team is four strong with room for more!
Meet our Missions Team: David Dose leads our Missions efforts as Director, while also engaging in global missions work. Candy Day passionately supports our Missions through prayer and ministers to residents at a local nursing home with bi-monthly worship services. Though our schedules may keep us away from church at times, we are committed to serving you. Feel free to contact us anytime!
Our Missions Prayer Group meets on the second Monday of the month. Our next meeting is March 10, 6:30pm in the Activity Center! Join us in lifting up the various mission outreaches, upcoming trips and those traveling, as we seek God's will and power in these matters! You can click here to join the group in Church Center!
Our WC Kids theme for the month is about THE CONNECTION BETWEEN COOPERATION AND GOD’S CHARACTER, AS SHOWN THROUGH GOD’S BIG STORY!
Cooperation isn’t always something that may happen naturally, but it is something that is near and dear to God’s heart. Since the beginning of creation we see how God created us to be in community with one another. Cooperation is a spiritual concept that originates with God, and throughout the Bible, we see how God brought people together to accomplish God’s plan for the world. When we work together, we reflect Jesus to others, and our love for one another can point people to Him as we explore what God wants us to do together.
Last month we talked about hard things. The solutions to the problems we face are only found in God's unchanging Word!
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Be On Guard
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Stand FIRM
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Be COURAGEOUS
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Be STRONG
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Do ALL WITH LOVE
〰️ Be On Guard 〰️ Stand FIRM 〰️ Be COURAGEOUS 〰️ Be STRONG 〰️ Do ALL WITH LOVE
Our Coffee Stand is open before and after our Sunday service!
View our February Monthly Specials Below!
Our dedicated Coffee team serves drinks before and after service at affordable costs!
Join the church family as we read through the Bible in a Year! We also post paper copies of the month’s readings in our monthly church bulletin.
Mar 3rd: Num 14:1–15:41
Mar 4th: Num 16:1–18:32
Mar 5th: Num 19:1–21:35
Mar 6th: Num 22:1–24:25
Mar 7th: Num 25:1–26:65
Mar 8th: Num 27:1–29:40
Mar 9th: Num 30:1–31:54
Mar 10th: Num 32:1–33:56
Mar 11th: Num 34:1–36:13
Mar 12th: Deut 1:1–3:20
Mar 13th: Deut 3:21–5:33
Mar 14th: Deut 6:1–9:29
Mar 15th: Deut 10:1–12:32
Mar 16th: Deut 13:1–16:17
Mar 17th: Deut 16:18–21:9
Mar 18th: Deut 21:10–25:19
Mar 19th: Deut 26:1–29:1
Mar 20th: Deut 29:2–31:29
Mar 21st: Deut 31:30–32:52, Psalm 90
Mar 22nd: Deut 33:1–34:12, Joshua 1:1–2:24
Mar 23rd: Joshua 3:1–6:27
Mar 24th: Joshua 7:1, 1 Chronicles 2:7, Joshua 7:2–9:27
Mar 25th: Joshua 10:1–12:6
Mar 26th: Joshua 12:7–15:19
Mar 27th: Josh 15:20–17:18
Mar 28th: Joshua 18:1–19:48
Mar 29th: Josh 19:49–21:45, 1 Chronicles 6:54-81
Mar 30th: Joshua 22:1–24:33
Mar 31st: Judges 1:1–3:30
Apr 1st: Judges 3:31–6:40
Apr 2nd: Judges 7:1–9:21
Apr 3rd: Judges 9:22–11:28
Apr 4th: Judges 11:29–15:20
