Week of February 18, 2024

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15  (NLT)

Lent: We began our Lenten journey as Christians have for centuries (if not millennia) with a reflection on our need for a Savior. This prepares the way for a forty day journey of introspection as we prepare our hearts and minds for the glorious gift of Easter.   Please join us on the journey.  The text above dates back to the dedication of the temple built under Solomon's aegis, but emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and prayer in the lives of all people at all times.  Pastor Chris will make prayer a theme for Lent this season.

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 Update: The Missions Committee has received news from Jenica, Captain R's wife, on their lives in Ukraine.

• Jenica, as are so many in Ukraine now that the war has passed its second anniversary, is experiencing the effects of prolonged separation, upheaval and deprivation. She is coping with the considerable demands of a military wife in wartime and her role as a functional single parent of young children.
• She and Captain R have few chances for direct communication given the nature of his frontline duties and have been granted infrequent brief times of reunion, the last having been three months ago.
• She experienced an unexpected and emotionally fraught medical condition. While she has recovered from the immediate effects, she describes a lingering and profound exhaustion.
• Nevertheless, she continues her ministry, to the extent possible, with Cru Military Ukraine while living in exile in Budapest.
• Mia and Ernie are well and Ernie has begun kindergarten!  
• Captain R is now battalion chief of staff in a venerable and distinguished mechanized infantry brigade. 
• Recently he was awarded the Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Siver Cross for defense of the nation, personal bravery, and excellence in combat operations. Of note, he was personally decorated by the current Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Bravo Zulu!
• He continues his ministry with the officers and troops in his area.
• Jenica appreciates all the love and support she and her family have received and solicits prayers for the end of the war and the reunion of her family and all families in Ukraine.

The committee has placed new photographs in Trumbull Hall and invites everyone to enjoy the pictures and offer earnest prayers for their safety and for peace. If anyone is not familiar with Captain R and his family or if anyone would like additional information on their journey since the Russian invasion, please contact Florence Pang, Abby Fellows, or Ralph Puckett.

Bible Studies:  Our two Bible discussion opportunities continue through Lent.  Join us for Sunday morning Bible discussion on the Gospel of Matthew (before the worship service at 9 am in Trumbull Hall) and/or for our Wednesday morning Bible discussion (building on the Scriptural basis of the previous Sunday's sermon) at 10 am, and also held 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!