Home

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Blessings!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by Molten Java and received Ashes on Ash Wednesday!

It was a blessing to spend some time with the new priest at St. Thomas, Rev. Erika, and offer ashes to the community.

How ever it is that you start your Lenten journey, I hope, as I said on Sunday, that you will "take advantage of Lent."

For many centuries, people have given something up during Lent. That could mean fasting, or not eating meat, or giving up sweets. If that helps you deepen your walk, then please do so.

I find it meaningful to take on something during Lent. That could be reading scripture. Writing a letter to someone each day. Taking part in a devotion; like the daily Facebook posts from Sanctified Art on the church page, or with the Devotion Cards or Devotion Booklet from Sanctified Art. The devotion cards and booklet will have a link below you can download for your personal use.

Sanctified Art is the resource we will use through the season of Lent. It will guide us in worship with liturgy, scripture suggestions, original art work, new music, and more, as well as Devotional resources, social media materials, and faith formation resources. I hope you'll join me in "Taking advantage of Lent" as we grow together.

A meaningful journey through Lent can look different for everyone and every year. Whatever you, do, I hope you will find something that draws you closer to God.

Blessings,

Pastor Ryan

As a people of God, we seek to educate ourselves and our children in the ways of Christ so we can learn to use our gifts to better our world and our community by spreading the Word of God. We seek to create a warm and friendly environment within the church which will encourage all peoples to come and share their gifts in the service of God. By nurturing and supporting individuals, small groups, and the church itself, we will effectively minister to specific human hurts and hopes in our Christian family, our local communities, and beyond.

We, the First Congregational Church of Bethel, United Church of Christ, is an Open and Affirming congregation, believing that each of us is created in God's image. Following the One who we believe is Sovereign and Savior, we affirm that each individual is a Child of God, and welcome into our faith community persons of every race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family structure, faith background, mental and physical ability and economic circumstance.

All are welcome to participate fully in the life, leadership, ministry and mission of this congregation, as we seek to grow together in a safe and nurturing community of faith. We commit ourselves to the ongoing work of being an Open and Affirming congregation, one that lives out the belief that God is still speaking. With God's grace, we journey together in Christian faith.