Welcome back to Lent! As always, it has been my honor and joy to edit this book (my 27th as editor and 28th as a contributor!); and you generally do, you came through for me – and for each other! Not only did I have enough devotions to cover the forty days, I could cover nearly every day with original devotions!
Once again we have devotions from some new writers and new members, a bunch from many of our long-time stalwarts, and a few from our friends at College Grove Methodist Church. We are blessed to have so many of you share your thoughts, time, insights, and witness with your church family as we make our slow but sure journey toward the glory that is Easter. (With the recent passing of our former pastor, Jack Giguere, I thought it would be nice to include devotions written by him and a few other past pastors, and you will find those mostly on Sundays.)
It was exciting to see themes emerge as I collected and arranged your contributions. This year there was a lot of meditation on Nature and Beauty; on Neighbors and Service. As we’ve recently finished our return to hosting Shelter Week, that latter pair seems much more than fitting. Think of it: the Holy Spirit has led us to share thoughts and stories to encourage us all to live and love like Jesus: not just in the church building, not just in our congregation, but out in the wide world – where His Love and Life are needed (as always) more than ever. Remember St. Francis of Assisi’s words: “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
Now, as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions, published in 1974:
Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.
One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments.
From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.
The Lenten Committee
Again, we can but say, “Amen.”
Charlie van Becelaere, Editor
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