Week of February 11, 2024 - Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14)

By the sweat of your brow
  will you have food to eat
until you return to the ground
  from which you were made.
For you were made from dust,
  and to dust you will return.”   Genesis 3:19 (NLT)

Lent Begins -- Ash Wednesday:  Join us for a reflective Ash Wednesday service on the morning of February 14 from 7:00-7:30 am as we mark the beginning of the Lenten season. This brief yet impactful gathering will take place at in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church in Etna, offering an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and the imposition of ashes. All are welcome to participate in this early morning service, setting the tone for a meaningful journey through Lent and on toward Easter morning.

Save the date(s) - 2024 Annual Meetings: The annual meeting of the First Baptist Church of Etna is will be held after the service on Sunday March 3, 2024.  
The Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Hanover will be held at Trumbull Hall at the Etna Church, on Sunday March 10, 2024 following the service.

PLEASE HELP WITH OUR ANNUAL SOUPER BOWL AND CRACKER COLLECTION:  We will be collecting soup and crackers until February 18 for the Lebanon Food Pantry. You may leave your donations on the table in Trumbull Hall (look for our Soup Can of Unusual Size). This is wonderful way to reach out and share our Christian Love with our neighbors.

New Alpha Session:  Our church is offering another Alpha session starting Sunday February 25^th. This will be an eight-week session including a "retreat". This is an opportunity for all curious people to join together and talk about faith, spirituality and Christianity in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Click here for more details!

Missions Committee News:  The Committee forwards Cru Military's 2023 Year End Impact Report. This report illustrates the full scope of Cru Military's ministry in its 85 locations throughout the United States (57) and internationally (28). We especially recommend your attention to the following articles:  

• "Increasing Spiritual Readiness" at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia. This article is an example of the "force multiplying" effect of Cru Military staff and volunteers when coupled with active duty military chaplains. One chaplain summed up Cru Military's ministry when he said, "Thank you for holding Chaplains' arms up and pointing everyone back to Jesus." 
• "Freedom from Soul Wounds" gives an account of a former soldier's struggles with severe PTSD and depression and how he healed with the help of Cru Military's ministry.
• A series of articles on Cru Military's ministries in Kenya, Cameroon, Mongolia (for military wives), and Nigeria.

You may read their 2023 Impact Report by clicking here. 

Crafting Together: This long-running fellowship group meets this month on Monday February 12 at 1 pm in Trumbull Hall. Bring a craft and enjoy the company of others while you knit, sew, or pursue some other way of making things.

Bible Studies:  Our Sunday morning Bible discussion on the Gospel of Matthew continues to meet at 9 am in Trumbull Hall.
Also please note that our Wednesday morning Bible discussion on Ash Wednesday, February 14 will meet as usual at 10 am in Trumbull Hall.  
In either case, please join us if your schedule permits for coffee, snacks, and great conversation centered on the Word of the Lord.  Join us any time!  Previous experience is not required.  We'd love to see you!