On February 17 we marked the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. For 40 days we are observing this traditional season of self-examination and personal reflection where we acknowledge our human frailty and weakness (“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”) and open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and inner transformation. For some, going without an outward item, like certain foods, habits or activities, can help reveal a deeper inward reality or need. Fasting in this way is another tradition of this season. (Sundays are traditionally excluded from days of fasting and are not included in the "40 days".)

During Lent we will focus together on the issue of “commitment” and examine what healthy, life-giving commitment looks like among a community of followers of Jesus. This will be centered around the current discipleship series material (“Our Journey of Hope”) and will give us all opportunity to engage more broadly and deeply with the themes in the content.

Each Sunday we will follow Jesus on a “Journey Through Lent” by looking at themes based on traditional Lenten scriptures around the words and actions of Jesus:

Sundays                     Theme                               Speaker

February 21       Devoted to Following Jesus Together           Matthew Dyer
February 28       Into the Wild                                             Matthew Dyer
March 7             Stories from the Journey                            Personal stories from our community
March 14           Hope for the Prodigal                                 Patsy Fratanduono
March 21           Who Are You Following?                            Matthew Dyer
March 28           Palm Sunday                                            Matthew Dyer      

Small Groups during Lent

Throughout this season we are encouraging all our small groups to continue to meet to discuss "Our Journey of Hope" material until completed and hold discussions about the Lenten Sunday message themes.   Other important activities during this season are:

Winter Discipleship Series Open Discussion Forums

The current Discipleship Series "Our Journey of Hope: Following the Dangerous Way of Jesus" has been an important time for examining our values and what it looks like to pursue our vision of following Jesus together in real life as a community. It has proven exciting and also challenging at times. Anyone is welcome to come to one or all of the open forums to dialogue about themes from the series, talk through questions, raise concerns, listen to and engage in discussion with senior pastor Matthew Dyer and other leaders of the church. These dates are:

•  Tuesday, February 23                   7-9PM                  Cedar Ridge Barn
•  Thursday March 11                       7-9PM                  Cedar Ridge Barn

No pre-registration is required.  No food or childcare.  Contact Matthew Dyer for further information. 

The Journey

We are offering an opportunity to attend a Journey seminar for anyone participating in this recent series who is interested in becoming a member of Cedar Ridge. This three hour group time is a chance to get to know the pastors and to join in group times discussing our our vision and values together while considering a more serious commitment to following Jesus at Cedar Ridge. Completion of Journey is a pre-requisite for membership.  This abbreviated Journey seminar is Sunday, March 14, 12:45-3:45PM, room 202. RSVP required. Light snacks and drinks provided; no childcare.  Contact Patsy Fratanduono to register or for more information.

Prayer Practice: Thursday, March 18

If we are serious and intentional about our Journey following Jesus, focused time of resting in God’s presence is essential if we are to know God through the “still small voice” within.  There are tried and true methods of prayer that engage the mind, heart and body in centering in our oneness with God, and for learning to rest in Divine stillness and peace.  Through times of discussion, silence, guided meditation and deep focused breathing, Prayer Practice evenings help us spend time together focusing our whole selves on receptively embracing the Loving Presence of God. On Thursday March 18th we will focus on the theme of commitment, especially important in this season of Lent.  Groups are encouraged to attend.  All are welcome; no registration or prior experience required. No food or childcare.  Contact Patsy Fratanduono for more information.
March 18:  7-9PM Barn first floor