Blessings Church!
Soon we will enter the season of Lent, a holy time of self-reflection, repentance, and intentional preparation. Lent slows us down and calls us to look honestly at who we are, where we have been, and how God is shaping us for the journey ahead. This year, we are invited to walk through Lent together as a courageous congregation, growing in ministry of the gospel.
Scripture often uses the image of a tree to describe a life rooted in God’s love—“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season” (Psalm 1:3). As we imagine our life together this Lent, let us picture ourselves as a living tree, growing faithfully in Christ.
The roots of a healthy tree run deep. They are often hidden, but they are essential. During Lent, we tend our roots by making space for grief—personal and communal. We acknowledge losses we have carried, prayers unanswered, changes we did not choose. Courage does not mean ignoring grief; it means trusting God enough to bring it into the light, knowing that even here, God is at work.
From these roots rise the trunk, strong and steady. The trunk represents discerning our purpose—remembering who we are and whose we are. As a congregation, Lent invites us to listen again for God’s call, to ask how Christ is shaping us to love God and neighbor in this time and place. Purpose grounds us when the winds blow and keeps us oriented toward the gospel.
From the trunk extend the branches, reaching outward. These branches remind us that we do not grow alone. We are called to walk with one another and our community—bearing one another’s burdens, practicing compassion, and refusing to let anyone journey in isolation. Courageous faith shows up in presence, listening, and shared hope.
Upon the branches grow the leaves, catching light and offering shade. Leaves remind us of sharing power—creating space for new voices, honoring diverse gifts, and trusting the Spirit at work beyond our own preferences. Lent challenges us to loosen our grip on control and lean into collaboration, humility, and mutual care.
As the season moves on, we notice the buds, small but full of promise. These buds invite us into expanding our imagination—believing that God is not finished with us yet. Even when growth feels uncertain, God is already stirring new life. Lent invites us to dream faithfully and expectantly, trusting that resurrection is coming. Though Lent is a season of repentance, it is also a season of hope, pointing us toward the abundant life Christ promises.
Beloved, may this Lent be a season where we grow deeper roots, stronger faith, and wider love. May we have the courage to be honest, the patience to grow, and the trust to follow where God leads.
I am grateful to walk this Lenten journey with you.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Sarah
