With the publication of this newsletter, we turn our attention towards the season of Lent, which begins on March 9, Ash Wednesday. As a season, Lent is the 6 weeks preceding Easter and is generally recognized within the church as a time of reflection, recommitment and turning "inward" - preparing our spirits and hearts to fully take in the meaning of Holy Week and Easter: death and resurrection. Prayer, fasting, discipline and charity are traditional hallmarks of the season and all of us equate Lent with "giving up" something - meat, chocolate, coffee, etc. By the forth century when Lent originated, the church had changed dramatically from the vibrant community of diverse followers of Jesus (described in the book of Acts)to a more structured, formalized institution. Lent was the designated time to prepare individuals for baptism into the faith and to draw back those who had drifted away from the church. The 40-day Lenten concentration on study and prayer paralleled Jesus 40 day wilderness experience, as a significant time of discernment and commitment. The celebration of baptism and rejoining/recommitment took place on Easter Sunday. This year, we're switching it up a bit by welcoming new members on the Sunday BEFORE Lent begins. And, with our family events for the community, a new look for our website, and the beginnings of a community garden, this Lent at RTC has a decidedly outward focus! Still, as a faith community we will honour the profound messages of Lent and emphasize the call for introspection, prayer and service through worship and study. On Wednesday March 9 we'll share a pancake supper and worship experience to mark the beginning of the season, and move toward Holy Week with intentionality and focus. As we do so, let's remember and re-inspire a faith that is experienced in our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits, but which also calls us outward in love and service to others. And may we come to know ourselves, each other, God, and the community. Shalom, Pastor Carol