February 2026 Tidings

TIDINGS from BETHLEHEM

                                                             -----Monthly News From In & Around Our Parish-----

                                                                                  A word from our Associate Pastor                                                                                                                             February                      

Dear friends in faith,

During the season of Lent many Christians turn their attention to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—activities meant to quiet our minds, still our hearts, and allow us to draw near to God. On Ash Wednesday we hear the words “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” and so it is. We recognize the frailty of human existence, the reality of our personal and corporate sin, and our deep need for Jesus, who forgives our sin and gifts us with eternal life.

Throughout the season, we are called to put our priorities in order. Throughout scripture we receive the invitation to examine ourselves. Are we storing up treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:20)? Are we bringing our questions to Jesus with hearts wide open to being transformed (John 3:1-17)? Are we being as rigorously honest in all our doings as the woman at the well (John 4)? Have we truly embraced the good news as both Martha, sister of Lazarus, and Mary, Mother of God, did (John 11:27; Luke 1:38)? Are we celebrating Jesus with the pilgrims in Jerusalem, crying, “Hosanna! God save us!” (Matt. 21:9)?  (From Sundays and Seasons)

This summary of the emphasis of Lent and the questions grounded in scripture will be my guide for the Lenten season. I think often as humans, we live multifaceted and layered lives, that at times, become very complicated. Lent is an invitation to slow down, to simplify, and to self examine. A return to basics, if you will, with fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. In the early weeks of February, consider how you might enter into Lent with intention. Fasting for some includes abstaining from food, perhaps a certain food “given up.” For others, this food fast is not accessible so there are so many other ways to abstain from something that distracts us from God. Perhaps it’s a break from screens with less time scrolling on the phone. Abstaining from shopping online can ground us.  Some may even choose to simplify their wardrobe, abstaining from the abundance of options you may have. The practices of Lent are often intertwined. If you find yourself with time away from your phone, perhaps use that time for prayer. Or simplify the plan and say you will pray at a certain time of day, no matter what.  There are so many ways to pray, from silence to reading to walking. Try a few this Lent. If you find yourself abstaining from extra purchases, you may have money to donate to something important to you like the local food bank. If you’re not able to make monetary gifts, find ways to use your talents and time.

As you engage with Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18, examine yourself with the questions above. I hope they will serve our community in reminding us that this is a season to focus on God who saves us. God’s unconditional love becomes our example. With that example we see redemption in the world and join God in this holy work. We are in relationship and ministry with our God. Together, we start our Lenten pilgrimage.

Peace,

Pastor Ellen