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Groveport UMC
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
- 1 Peter 5:6
What Is Lent?
On March 5, we begin a special season called Lent. But what is Lent, and why do we observe it?
Lent lasts for forty days (not counting Sundays) and starts on Ash Wednesday. It ends on the day before Easter, called Holy Saturday. The word Lent comes from an old word that means “lengthen,” because the days start getting longer in the spring. These forty days remind us of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, where He prayed, fasted, and resisted temptation before starting His ministry.
Lent is a time to grow closer to God. Long ago, new believers used this time to prepare for baptism. Over time, it became a season for all Christians to reflect, pray, and make changes in their lives to follow Jesus more closely. Many people choose to give something up—like sweets or video games—or do something extra, like helping others or spending more time in prayer.
Sundays aren’t included in the forty days of Lent because each one is like a little Easter—a day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection! That’s why we call them “Sundays in Lent” instead of “Sundays of Lent.” Even though Lent is a time of reflection, these Sundays remind us of the joy and hope that Easter brings.
As we move through this season, let’s use this time to pray, learn more about Jesus, and find ways to share His love with others!
We are collecting every Sunday items needed by those who find themselves homeless. Items such as gently used shoes, new socks, blankets, and seasonal clothing. There is now a tote in the rear of the Sanctuary to collect these items.
At Groveport United Methodist Church, we believe that every person who walks through our doors should feel safe, loved, and cared for—especially our children. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). With that in mind, we invite you to join us for a special worship service on Sunday, March 9, at 10:30 AM, as we discuss how we, as a church, work to keep our most vulnerable safe.
During this special service, Angela Martin and Pastor Rick will share about our Safe Sanctuaries policy, outlining the steps we take to ensure the safety and well-being of all children who participate in our church programs. While this may not be the most lighthearted topic, it is a vital conversation for our church family. We want every parent, grandparent, volunteer, and church member to feel confident in the measures we take to provide a secure environment where children, and vulnerable adults, can grow in faith and community.
We will be offering an extended Jr. Church time for the kids during this worship service.
While this topic will be handled with great care and sensitivity, we recognize that it can be difficult to discuss. Yet, by coming together as a church, we can ensure that Groveport UMC remains a safe, nurturing, and welcoming place for all.
We encourage you to make it a priority to attend this special service. Together, we can continue to be a church that loves, protects, and nurtures all who come through our doors. We look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday, March 9, at 10:30 AM as we commit to creating a community where every child can thrive in God’s love.
We would love to hear from you!