Ash Wednesday starts Lent,
UM preparations for Easter

By Claudia M. Williams
Staff Writer
United Methodists marked the beginning of Lent March 1 with special Ash Wednesday services that included the imposition of ashes.
Pastors delivered messages about using Lent, a 40-day liturgical season leading to Easter, as a time for people to reflect on their lives, particularly their relationships to God.
Many Christians observe Lent by denying themselves something they enjoy as a means of penitence, self-examination or remembrance of the sacrifice God made in Jesus Christ.
The Rev. Mike Cave, pastor of Universal City UMC, said observing Lent is not so much about depriving ourselves of something tangible as letting go of whatever is keeping us from a relationship with God.
“Lent can be a period of taking on something that deepens your relationship with Jesus Christ,” he said. “Give up whatever it is that keeps you from it. Every time we do that we open ourselves to God a little bit more.
Too often, Cave said, people “give up” some material thing that really isn’t spiritually significant.
“We give up something like pizza,” he said. “Then when Lent is over, we go right back out and get it. What good is that?
“Better to give up whatever gets in the way of enjoying fully the relationship God created us for.”
Cave said that sacrifice creates a hole that human nature wants to fill. He urged his congregation to fill that hole with a spiritual discipline—regular worship, prayer, fasting, meditation, Bible reading, fellowship with other believers—that can last the rest of their lives.
During Lent, Southwest Texas Conference United Methodists churches are offering a number of opportunities for members and visitors to develop spiritual discipline.
Helotes Hills UMC, Helotes, is providing a light lunch every Wednesday. During that hour, people are invited to join a conversation about poverty, abuse, equality and justice.
Memorial UMC, Austin, has scheduled a five-week study based on Living with the Mindset of Christ by James A. Harnish. The study looks at various life issues to suggest how Jesus might address them.
At Windcrest UMC, people are to explore ways of praying for healing and wholeness. The goal is to help believers transform their lives through the healing ministry of prayer.
First UMC, Devine, is doing a similar study.
The Rev. J. Fletcher Pool, pastor of Oak Island UMC, San Antonio, is leading a series of Friday-evening meditations based on From the Edge of the Crowd by James Sargent. The book tells of a fictionalized character who follows Jesus through his ministry. His observations encourage readers to see Jesus in Jerusalem in a new way.
Members of University UMC, San Antonio, are invited to walk with Christ to the cross by participating in a “Walk to Golgotha.” The goal is for the church family to log 7,244 miles—the distance from San Antonio to Jerusalem—between Ash Wednesday and Easter morning. For every mile each individual walks, runs, jogs, swims or rides, 100 miles are counted toward the goal.
In addition to its Wednesday evening service of prayer and Holy Communion, Tarrytown UMC, Austin, is making Lenten devotionals available to anyone who comes to the chapel Wednesday mornings. The devotional readings are based on the church’s stained-glass windows.
The service of reflection and meditation each Wednesday at Somerset UMC is meant to help those who are seeking a deeper relationship with God.
The Rev. Stephen Sanders, associate pastor of Coker UMC, San Antonio, said many people think discipline is an obligation. Rather, he said, it’s a gift from God, a way to ground ourselves.
“We try to do it all,” he said. “We feel we have to accomplish everything. But in Lent—in 40 days—focus on this one part of your life.”
He cited an example of a spiritual discipline from his own life: a regular walk through the cemetery adjacent to the church property.
The quiet of the cemetery, Sanders said, is ideal for prayer. He described prayer as a conversation with God.
“It’s like when you meet someone,” he said. “You start making connections. You get to know each other. Lent is a good time to get to know Jesus Christ.”
Cave called Lenten disciplines “a two step.”
“First, get rid of the obstacles,” he said. “Then fill that vacuum with something that draws you closer to God.”