“Forty days and forty nights
Thou wast fasting in the wild
Forty days and forty nights
Tempted and yet undefiled..” 

This is a hymn that has been heard throughout the Lenten Season for decades – a hymn that points us to the wilderness ordeal of Jesus.  May we during this Season through prayer reflection and bible reading focus on Christ’s journey to the cross, and with His help, and the time-tested methods of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, be renewed within ourselves and transformed in our interactions within our community. 

Here are the important notices for this week:

• Maybe Lent would be a good time to be better informed regarding “Set Sail: Charting the Course for Christ’s Church” and even to decide to work with Archdeacon Nancy to help our parish fully engage in the Diocesan Strategic Plan.  If you decide to help, please contact Archdeacon Nancy in person, via email, or on the phone.
• Just another reminder that the World Day of Prayer Service will be held Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Families Church on Ashford Drive.
• There is another Community Supper Take-out Meal available this evening from 5 until 6 p.m. If you need a free hot meal, just drop by the entrance of the Church of the Good Shepherd, and pick up one for yourself or someone that you know who would welcome such a meal.
• Please help those who have difficulty in making ends meet by buying an extra grocery or two and placing in our food bank box at the entrance of the church.
• The date for the next Confirmation Preparation class will be Sunday, February 25 at 2 p.m.
• Are you interested in becoming involved in a church ministry? There is a need of someone to fill the role of recording secretary for vestry and another person to join vestry.  The meetings are held every four to six weeks. If you are interested in either of these ministries, please contact Archdeacon Nancy or call the church office.
• Due to the forecast which says we can expect more snow, freezing rain, and rain on Thursday, the Potluck Supper has been postponed.  You will receive the new date within the next few days.  Please pass this message on to those who may not have access to a computer.
• Lenten Bible Class will be this morning at 10:30 and the BCP Service of Compline this evening at 7 p.m.

May God be with you on your Lenten Journey,
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)