Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday we begin our forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to return to God, we have already been reconciled to God through Christ. We humbly pray for God to make our hearts clean while we rejoice that “now is the day of salvation.” Returning to our baptismal call, we more intentionally bear the fruits of mercy and justice in the world.

Ash Wednesday Services

We will have two Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday, February 14. The first service, at 11:00 a.m., will be a Service of the Word and imposition of ashes. The second service, at 7:00 p.m., will be a Divine Service and imposition of ashes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Office Volunteers. We're looking for a few good people to volunteer in the church office. We need a small team to cover bulletins, check voice mails, and be sure things are running smoothly. If you are interested, please see Mary Shulak for details.
Just Love Already. We will be having a tea and book signing for Dr. Kelly Glow's new book, Just Love Already. The event will be at 2:00 on February 17, at the church. Please join us!
Hunger Walk. The 2024 Hunger Walk benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank has been set for March 10, 2024. Would you like to join us? Please let Mary Beth Egas know. This walk helps support our Thanksgiving food boxes.
Tai's Food Pantry. Our food pantry could use a little re-stock. We are low on breakfast items particularly. Pop-Tarts and individual assorted cereals are suggested. Thank you for your support!

The Gathering will meet on Friday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Barbara Little's house. St. Luke Guys will meet Friday, February 23 at 11:30 a.m., at Golden Corral on Jonesboro Road in McDonough

Worship This Week

February 18, 2024

First Sunday of Lent

Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Readings and Psalm

Genesis 9:8-17
The rainbow, sign of God’s covenant

Psalm 25:1-10
Your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness. (Ps. 25:10)

1 Peter 3:18-22
Saved through water

Mark 1:9-15
The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness for forty days