Dear beloved GPUMC family and friends,
As we enter the sacred season of Lent, we are called to a time of deeper contemplation and spiritual reflection. This period, leading up to the celebration of Easter, offers us a unique opportunity to draw nearer to God, to understand more profoundly the depth of God’s love for us, and to respond to that love with all our hearts.
Lent is a journey, a 40-day pilgrimage, that invites us to participate in practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These practices are not ends in themselves but means by which we can open ourselves more fully to the transforming power of God’s love. They are tools to help us turn away from whatever keeps us from God and to turn toward God, allowing God’s love to be the guiding force in our lives.
This Lenten season, I encourage each one of you to take time for quiet contemplation and to reflect on your relationship with God. Consider setting aside specific times for prayer each day, perhaps reading through the Gospels or engaging with daily devotionals. Fasting, too, can be a powerful spiritual discipline; it can be traditional fasting from food or fasting from habits or things that distract us from our spiritual goals. Moreover, let us not forget the importance of acts of kindness. These are practical expressions of God’s love through us, reaching out to those in need, showing compassion, and making a tangible difference in the world around us.
As we embark on this Lenten season, I am excited to share several opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement at Ginter Park United Methodist Church.
Lenten Devotionals and Daily Reflections
To enrich your Lenten journey, we have prepared two special devotionals. The first, published by St. Andrew’s Society, will be available for pick-up starting Sunday, February 11. Additionally, I will be sharing daily reflections on the Gospel of Mark throughout the season. These insights will be sent via email, so if you’re not yet receiving church announcements, please provide your email address to the church office to stay connected.
Coins for Lent
Embrace the spirit of giving with our Coins for Lent initiative. Collect a Coin Calendar from the Church Office and join us in gathering coins throughout Lent. All collected coins will be donated to UMCOR post-Easter, supporting their mission to aid those in need.
Breakthrough Prayer
In a special initiative, I invite our entire congregation to unite in a Breakthrough Prayer daily at 10:10 AM and 10:10 PM, reflecting our church’s address at 1010 W. Laburnum Ave. This prayer seeks God’s guidance for the renewal and growth of our church and community. Printed copies are available at church, and a recorded version, featuring various congregants, will be shared on Facebook and YouTube every Thursday at 10:10 AM.
Breakthrough Prayer for Ginter Park United Methodist Church
God of resurrection power and possibility, send your Holy Spirit to: Breakthrough, renew, revive, and grow Ginter Park United Methodist Church. Release us from our worldly fears and remind us that You are with us always. Unleash Your vision for our new beginning in the life of our church and the community around us so that we continue to make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ who serve the community and the world. Open our hearts to Your vision upon us and open our doors to embrace all Your children as they are. Help us faithfully listen for Your plan and act with Your love. Renew our excitement to follow Your way of light, love, and truth. Wake us up to the tangible possibilities ahead, and move in us to make them happen, for You Lord, not for us. By Your spirit of grace, clothe us, form us, and sustain us, so that we may bear the fruit of Your perfect love to the glory of the resurrected Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Special Lenten Events
- Palm Sunday: Join us in the church parking lot at 10:45 AM for a Hosanna march, a vibrant celebration with palm branches.
- Maundy Thursday Service: A reflective service will be held on Thursday, March 28th at 7 PM in the Sanctuary.
- Easter Sunrise Service: Participate in the Community Easter Sunrise Service at Hollywood Cemetery, a tradition among UM clergy in Richmond. Details to follow.
- Easter Breakfast: A special breakfast on Easter Sunday will welcome our congregation, neighbors, and the wider community. Contact Liz Turner for more information.
- Easter Egg Hunt: During Sunday School, children will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt on the Church grounds.
- Easter Sunday Service: Celebrate the Resurrection with us at our 9:30 AM Contemporary Service or the 11 AM Traditional Service.
These events and practices offer a pathway to deepen our faith and share the love of God with others. Let’s embrace this season together, growing in love and service to our community and the world.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor MiRhang
