Looking Toward Lent – St. Nick’s News Feb. 14, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for February 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Not much is known about St. Valentine other than he befriended and healed his jailor’s daughter and signed a note “Your Valentine” and was side to have married young couples against the emperor’s orders. Somehow this day, in the 18th century became one of sending cards and reaching out to loved ones. On this day I celebrate Valentine’s day not as a holiday for romance but as a day for recognizing the friendship and love we have together because of God. 1st John 4:12 says, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and God’s love is made complete in us.” I (we) are able to love because God loves us, God’s spirit is within us, and we in turn love one another.

So again, Happy Valentine’s day. or Happy God loves you day.

Where my heart and mind really are on this day is the longing for spring and the promise of warmth and growth. With the approach of spring we are entering a holy and hopeful season together.

The season of Lent is drawing near. Lent is a time set apart for prayer, reflection, and returning to God with open hearts. At St. Nicholas, we approach this season with joy, generosity, and a deep desire to grow in faith.

Here are some exciting opportunities for worship, learning, and service during Lent:

Learn about Lent – Intergenerational Activity – Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 10:45AM

Come and learn about the season of Lent, prepare Lent Take Home Bags for you and friends. This time is for all ages to discover and discuss the importance of this holy season.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | 5:30PM

Before we begin our Lenten fast, let’s gather for a feast! Join us for our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the Parish Hall. This long-standing tradition (all 5 years of it) is filled with laughter, fellowship, and plenty of pancakes! Bring your friends, neighbors, and a joyful heart. Our youth and their faithful sponsors and friends are leading this year – come out and support our faithful youth servants.

Ash Wednesday Services – Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | 7:30Am & 11-4PM & 4:45PM

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey. We will offer services at 7:30am with the imposition of ashes and a family friendly Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes at 4:45pm. In between from 11am to 4pm we will have our Ashes to Go in the sanctuary and front yard for those who are working or unable to join in one of the worship services. If you have not been to our family friendly worship – it is a beautiful service created to help all ages celebrate the day and begin a holy lent. Ash Wednesday is a day we set aside to remember that we belong to God and this day calls us to humility, reflection, and a fresh commitment to follow Christ.

Why We Celebrate Lent

Lent is a 40-day season (excluding Sundays) that mirrors Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter by engaging in spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and giving. Lent is not about earning God’s love but about making space to receive it more fully. It’s a time for returning to what truly matters and discovering the grace that awaits us in every moment.

Wednesday Night Lenten Class Series: “Practicing Our Faith” | March 12 – April 9 | 6:30 PM

Join us each Wednesday evening during Lent for a special series on spiritual practices and why they matter. Together, we will explore practices such as prayer, contemplative silence, service, Sabbath, and holy friendship. These holy habits help us connect with God, center our hearts, and deepen our walk with Christ. Whether you are new to spiritual practices or seeking to renew your rhythm, this series is for you. Each session will include teaching, conversation, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life.

A Season of Joy and Generosity

Lent is a season of reflection and solemnity but is also blessedly full of moments of joy. Joy in that, because of the focus of Lent, we often see God at work in us and in the world. When we give, we discover abundance. When we serve, we encounter Christ. When we pray, we are transformed. This Lent, I am inviting you to join me in the experiences and offerings listed above. I pray we will embrace the beauty of the journey through Lent, knowing that God’s grace meets us every step of the way.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+