The Season of Lent: The Significance of These 40 Days

As United Methodists we observe Lent as a special time in the church year. But for those new to the faith or for those who have never really understood Lent, the following may add understanding and appreciation for this sacred season.

Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or volunteering and giving of themselves for others. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" celebration of the Jesus' victory over sin and death.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a day of penitence and remembrance of our sins of the past and our ultimate mortality. Palm branches are usually burned and the sign of the cross is placed on the forehead using the ashes. Sometimes a small card or piece of paper is distributed on which each person writes a sin he wishes to be rid of. The cards are then brought to the altar to be burned along with the palm branches. The ash cross is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins.

We invite you to join us for the

Ash Wednesday Service

on February 6th at 6:30 p.m.

As we embark on this season of Lent, let us take time to ponder it's meaning in our lives. If you would like more information on Lent, please visit www.gbod.org/easter/

Coming Soon...Angel Food Ministry

A planning meeting was held to discuss a new opportunity for ministry and outreach in our community. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.
Those attending the planning meeting were excited about this ministry and voted to apply to become a host church for Angel Food. Paige Bethel has completed the necessary paperwork to become a host church, so now it's just a matter of time until we can begin. Tell your friends and if you would like more information regarding Angel Food Ministries or to take a look at a sample menu, go to www.angelfoodministries.com.

Boys and Girls Club Banquet

The annual Boys and Girls Club Banquet will be held Saturday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. The church has 5 tickets still available at the "Methodist" table. If you do not have a ticket and would like to attend, contact the church office at 637-3734. Our church is proud to support this organization and the positive influence it offers our community!
Check back for more information.

Potluck/Church Council Meeting Jan. 27th

Let's get together and share in fellowship and good food. Once we have enjoyed lunch and the company of our church family, we will conduct the first Church Council meeting of 2008. Your Waldron UMC Church Council for 2008 are:
Cliff Daily, Robert Lyons, Diane Miller, Joe Don Rogers, Harvey Bates, Aldon Hughes, Harold Bergmann, Jack Bethea, Roger Simon, Peggy Catron, JoAnn Black, Darla Dozier, Laurie Richardson, and Karan Rogers.