Dear Friends,

It is said that Canadians are, of all people, the most fascinated by the weather. This is why I know you are (or were) attuned to just how cold it is. I hear that the next 3 days will be the coldest of the year and the whole country will be below freezing. By the time you read this it may be past. Natalie Sleeth, in her hymn ‘In The Bulb There Is A Flower’ wrote, “In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be.” Such sweet truth.

The season of Lent is a count of 40 days (not including Sundays) that leads up to Easter. It’s meant to be a time when we pray, reflect and repent in view of the cross of Christ and a ‘resurrection’ that waits to be.

The pattern of winter turning to spring, death turning to resurrection and sorrow turning to joy is the normal pattern for the life in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “If we have been united with him (Jesus) in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection!” Ro. 6:5.

Take heart, for spring will come, Easter will arrive and COVID-19 and its associated trials will soon be a thing of the past. On February 21^st, the first Sunday in Lent, you are invited to join with your sisters and brothers as we remember our Lord’s last supper together (virtually, of course). You will need to prepare your own bread and juice or wine. Hope you will join us.

In Christ’s love,  

Harry