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News Articles
February/March 2004
Focus on Lent
Ann Welton
It is traditional practice in the Christian Church to look
for something to give up during Lent. Chocolate seems to be a favorite--or
sugar, or caffeine. The idea seems to be to deprive oneself, to suffer--but
not too much. A more productive approach is to look at giving up something
that is a hindrance in your life--that tendency to snap at the kids, shout
imprecations at other drivers from the relative safety of your car, or
that urge to stay up way too late watching meaningless crime shows. Changing
these kinds of behaviors may lead to life changes that simply eliminating
potato chips may not--especially if the elimination is done in the no
potato chips until after Easter frame of mind.
But what if instead of eliminating something, we were to add something?
More time in prayer, perhaps. Or what about increasing our knowledge of
scripture? During March, Wednesday Nights at Mason are back and will focus
on the book of Exodus. The class, led by Ronna Miller, will take a good
look at Exodus and the experience of exile. We all know those times when
we feel alone, cut off from God and each other. A study of this state
can help reestablish connection, whether to God or to people. While we
certainly contemplate Christs sacrifice during the Lenten season,
our sacrifice need not take the form of letting something go, but of creating
something new: an extension, and understanding. The class will be held
the five Wednesday evenings in March, beginning with a potluck supper
at six each evening. Instruction and discussion begin at seven. Consider
enriching your life and extending yourself this Lent. Feel free to give
up chocolate or potato chips, but add something, too.
Construction and Grant Writing Specialists Needed
The Trustees have put forward an exciting and well thought-out
proposal to increase Masons outreach to the community by looking
for grants to fund upgrading our building for use as a fully functional
community emergency shelter. Already a designated Red Cross site, the
building needs significant enhancement before it can effectively house
those impacted by disaster. A task force is being formed to consider the
needs of the community, the necessary upgrades, and the grant writing
process. If you have experience with building constriction, delivery of
emergency services, or grant writing and are interested in being part
of this process, please contact either Joe Miller at JoeMiller@masonchurch.org
or Ann Welton at Churchcouncil@masonchurch.org.
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