February 9, 2021
Dear Friends and Family of Hillsdale,
Grace and peace to you as we embark on the 40 day journey of Lent.
The Lenten season differs in many ways from the Advent season: we don’t have a hanging of the greens, we don’t sing carols, and instead of anticipating the birth of the Christ child, we prepare ourselves for His death and resurrection. Now, I admit that putting it that way, this all sounds rather gloomy in contrast— but we can rejoice because we know He has risen, He has risen indeed!
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”—Romans 12:1-2
Paul writes to the Romans that we believers are called to study, worship, and renew our minds and in so doing, we may know the perfect will of God. Lent is a time to return, reconnect and renew our relationship with God and to ponder how Jesus left this world only to rise from the grave to sit at God’s holy, heavenly hand.
As we prepare our hearts this Lenten season, I’d like to invite you to join the Lenten worship services and Lenten group studies. On Ash Wednesday (February 17th), we are offering ‘Drive by Ashes’ in front of the Magnolia Ave. door with social distancing between 10:30-11:30am and 6-7pm. Receiving ashes reminds us that who we are and where we are from and why we need God’s grace.
Starting February 14th, we will journey together for 6 weeks through the Lenten sermon series; Mosaic written by Shane Stanford and we will reflect on how God uses all our broken pieces. You are also invited to join the Lenten small group studies which will be held virtually and/or in-person during Lent. If you like to join, please submit the registration form.
Thank you and God bless you!
In Christ,
Pastor Julie Lee