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 Christ’s 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 Mason’s 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.