Note from Pastor Jana As we enter the season of Lent, many of us find ourselves in a time of reflection, marked by both joy and sorrow, victories and failures. Lent is a season unlike any other, offering a sacred invitation to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge the world’s fragility. It is a time to stop pretending that things will suddenly get better and, instead, to meet God right where we are—in the messiness of life. This year, our Lenten journey is guided by Kate Bowler’s powerful series, *The Hardest Part*. Bowler, known for her honest and tender approach to life’s complexities, invites us to lean into the uncomfortable truth that life is not always tidy or predictable. She encourages us to hold space for both the heavy and the hopeful, allowing us to see God’s presence not just in the mountaintop moments but also in the valleys. Lent teaches us that transformation doesn’t always come in grand gestures or miraculous turnarounds. More often, it comes in the quiet persistence of faith, in the steady work of showing up even when things feel hard. It is in staying with the difficult parts of life—whether grief, disappointment, or uncertainty—that we often find the deepest sense of grace. In this season, we are reminded that when we stay with the hard part, the good part begins to unfold. It may not happen quickly, and it may not look the way we imagined, but hope has a way of breaking through. Bit by bit, we are invited to look for what might still be possible, to trust that God is at work even in the shadows. As we walk through these forty days, let us hold space for both our burdens and our blessings. Let us embrace the full spectrum of our human experience, knowing that God meets us in every part of it. And as we do, may we find comfort, healing, and the quiet promise of new life. May this Lenten season be one of deep reflection, gentle hope, and profound renewal for each of us. In Christ, Pastor Jana
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