As Easter approaches, we Methodists need to prepare. No, not by primping your hats or  getting out the egg-dye. We’re talking about Lent!
What is lent anyways, and why are Methodists doing this? Well, click here to get a “Lent 101″ primer, but basically, its the forty-days before Easter – a time to simplify our lives and prepare for our commemoration of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. (Click here for even more!)

Here’s some of our planned Lent activities:

• Ash Wednesday service, Feb. 25th at 6pm in the Sanctuary [Click for info]
• Sermon and study series based on The Shack [Click for info]
• The Simplicity Challenge [Click for info]

If you’ve never felt like Easter was a big deal (compared to, say, Christmas?), preparing your heart during Lent is a great way to experience the power of this special time.  Come, now is the time!

We enter into our time of Lent – a preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter to follow.   Ash Wednesday is a powerful commemorative service.

At an Ash Wednesday service, folks are invited to come forward to receive the ashes. The minister will make a small cross on your forehead by smudging the ashes. While the ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, the cross reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection (life after death) and forgiveness. It’s a powerful, non-verbal way that we can experience God’s forgiveness as we return to Jesus. (Click here for more info)

You are invited to the Salem UMC Ash Wednesday service on the 25th of February at 6pm in the New Worship Center. Come, now is the time.