Berea Friendship United Methodist Church

Many people feel overwhelmed by their lives and responsibilities. We all feel like a dog chasing its tail some times. So, for modern people, what possible meaning could another religious season have to lift our spirits? Lent is a 40 week and six Sunday observance of Jesus' life, death and love for us and the whole world. We focus on his sacrifice on the Cross. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22 at 6:30) and culminates in Holy Week. (April 2-6) I would suggest that Lent can be a wonderful time for reassessment of where we are in life and making some changes that can enhance our lives on a spiritual and relational level. I would suggest you consider doing one or more of the following activities to enhance you experience of Lent:

Try repenting of sin and other faults that hurt you and others. (God offers forgiveness and second chances to those who admit their need for his forgiveness). You may have to change some things in your personal life and relationships.
Reflect and renew. (Reflect on how your life is going and how you feel about others in relationship to your baptism). All the baptized have entered into a new way of living that includes following the Christian way)
Renew your commitment to live as a Christian disciple, seeking to be more in tune with Jesus' teaching and model for life.
Read the Bible and other Spiritual writings.
Seek Justice. God makes it clear that our relationship to him cannot be right without trying to be merciful and compassionate to others. Who in your life needs your acts of caring and interest?
Go away and come home. Go away for a spiritual retreat (for as little as a day or as long as a week). Read, meditate and listen to God’s loud silence. He may have something new he wants to say to you. Then come home renewed and share your new experience of faith with others.

Any one of these activities will change your life and those who come in contact with your new enthusiasm. Let us all repent and believe the Good News!