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| Dear Partner in Ministry,
Growing up, I associated Lent simply with denial-a rejection of pleasure and abundance in favor of austerity and simplicity. Nowadays, my leanings are less materially focused and more spiritually additive. It’s a season I look forward to because it offers me a chance to reconnect with God and God’s path for me. My Lenten devotional this year, “Tell me Something Good,” from A Sanctified Art writes that “Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. Jesus’ life and ministry embodies radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, and nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, there is liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all.”
Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Never is that more clear than during Lent. Still, embodying Jesus’ teachings is our perennial invitation as people of faith. And Jesus’ message of liberation, love, mercy and grace is something I need more than ever right now. In a world burdened by so much heartache, grief, loss and bad news, I want to be a bearer of “good news.” Good news that matters, transforms, heals, and gives hope.
This Lent, may we root ourselves in the deep and transformative good news of the Gospel. A Sanctified Art writes that this good news “is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It tastes like bread passed endlessly through a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy.” The good news is alive in the world. Thanks be to God.
Peace,
Pastor Meghan
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1. Join Us for Worship, this Sunday, February 22nd, at 11:00am in person or on YouTube. Rev. Meghan Brown will be preaching and we will welcome confirmands and new members. In Adult Education, we’ll hear GPC member and Washington Post journalist Aaron Davis talk about his new book Injustice, chronicling turmoil in the U.S. Department of Justice from 2017 to 2025 at 9:45am in the Washington Room and on Zoom.
2. Lent at GPC: There are many ways to draw close to God through worship, learning, and lives shaped by compassion this holy season. Join us in worship each Sunday; take part in the Monday Lenten Bible study throughout March; explore the meaning of the cross in adult education; and deepen relationships through retreats and shared meals. Practice generosity through One Great Hour of Sharing, and invite children into hands-on giving with Fish Banks. Help create a visible witness of hope by participating in our courtyard art installation. Wherever you are on the journey, there is a place for you in this season of reflection, mercy, and renewal.
3. GPC Lenten Study on Mondays: The Farewell Discourse of Jesus: This Lent, we'll examine the final instructions and encouragements of Jesus to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion in John 14-17, known as the farewell discourse, and consider their significance for us in these perplexing times. This interactive class will be led by our theologian in residence, Dr. John Franke and requires no advance preparation or prior knowledge of the Bible. We’ll learn and grow together. All are welcome! We'll meet on Zoom on Mondays in March (2, 9, 16, 23) from 7-8pm.
4. GPC 250 Focus Groups: Thank you to everyone who participated in the GPC 250 Capital Campaign focus groups. With more than 25% of our households represented, your thoughtful feedback is helping us listen for God’s leading as we imagine the next chapter of our life together.
5. Confirmation Class: This Sunday, we joyfully welcome six Confirmands into full membership in the church. Elliot Collier, Raphaelle Durbin, Ward Powell, Inez Saavedra, Prater Sterchi, Ryan Wilson, and Eliot Walker have been meeting regularly with pastors, staff, and mentors to learn more about their faith. We want to thank these youth and their parents for their faithful dedication and their adult mentors, Charlie Balaan, Megan Brew, Ashley Craft, Hannah Diaz, Trey Fields, Erin McCall, and Brian Stocker, for accompanying them along the journey.
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Last Sunday, Corrie Berg, Director of Children's Ministries, and Sunday School classes burned last year's Palm Sunday branches into this year's ashes for Ash Wednesday
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