What is Lent and why does it last forty days?

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, meaning “lengthen” and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.

Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians.

Today, Christians focus on relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others.

Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter." This is why you will see the designation "Sunday in Lent" rather than "Sunday of Lent" in the naming of these Sundays. On each Lord's Day in Lent, while Lenten fasts continue, the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.

This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.

Scripture lessons for February 22 - Palm Sunday

Starting February 22, Pastor Charles will offer a Lenten sermon series that will use each day of Holy Week as the focus of his sermons. We will begin the series with   lessons from John 12:12-15 and Mark 11:1-11 and the events of Palm Sunday.

The series will conclude on March 29 with Good Friday. 

Transfiguration Sunday / Imposition of Ashes today

The scene is set

The season of Lent approaches

Imposition of Ashes

Kraig K. is today's reader

Our journey together

We observed Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday this morning and included the Imposition of Ashes (we're not having an Ash Wednesday service). Copies of the Lenten Devotional were distributed as well.

Joys

+Bob S. gave out boxes of Valentine’s chocolates to each person at church today.

+The congregation thanks God for Bob S.’ generous spirit.

+Sid T.’s jokes today.

+Laughter in church – carbonated holiness – is celebrated.

+This year’s Lenten devotionals are being distributed today.

+Rita W. thanks God for the beautiful warmer weather we are enjoying today.

+Bob and Gloria S. talked with someone in town who commented on how lovely is the sight of battery-operated lit candles in the church windows at night.

+Sandy D.’s grandson Ethan made the President’s List for his great grades at the Albert Lea Riverland Community College.

+Donna D. celebrates her great grandson Nash’s phenomenal sports achievements.

+Donna D. thanks God for the arrival of baby Charlotte Ann in the family.

+Nancy and Roy B. thank God for their son Rory and his wife’s wedding anniversary celebration.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for Kraig and Korla S. faithful service in changing the paraments for today’s worship.

+Cheryl and Mike R. thank God for the fun time they had at their twin four-year-old grandsons’ birthday party.

+Korla S. celebrates the new floral decorations in the sanctuary.

+Korla S. thanks God for Kraig S.’ successful surgery last week. They were so impressed that his surgeon prayed for Kraig before his procedure.

+Korla S. thanks God for her cousin Jessica’s recovery after having a new heart and lung transplant surgery.

+The congregation is thankful for Kraig S.’ service as Scripture reader and Bob S.’ service as usher this morning.

+The congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved pianist/organist, Renae H.!

Concerns:

+Praying for Pat R.’s husband Craig who is in the hospital, dealing with medical treatments. Also, praying for Pat to have the strength to provide Craig the support he needs.

+Praying for the family and friends of Pauline Perleberg who died February 11.

+Praying for family and friends of Lydia Mittag who died February 12. A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Bayview Funeral Home in Albert Lea. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and for an hour prior to the service.

+Praying for the family and friends of Arlynn Anderson who died February 13. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the church. 

+Praying for the family and friends of Arletta Woods who died January 27. Shelley G. is her daughter. Her funeral service is scheduled for this Saturday, February 21 at the First Lutheran Church in Glenville. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. Service begins at 11:00 a.m. Renae H. will serve as pianist.

A Valentines Day Prayer

"Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things."

– 1 Corinthains 13:4-7 (CEB)

Lord, because love is patient…

Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen. Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage, remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind…

Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You" because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…

Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking…

Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…

Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…

Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts…

Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres…

Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you for this day when we celebrate love, and for showing us what that word really means. Amen.

Author Unknown

The Theme for the Lenten Devotional

The theme for this year’s Lenten devotional is the Psalms and shared for your use during the season of Lent.

Starting on Transfiguration Sunday (February 16) and continuing through Easter Sunday (April 5) a reading from one of the Psalms will be shared each day. If you want to read the entire Psalter, two additional Psalms are also given each day so that come Easter, all 150 Psalms will have been read.

 

Reading the Psalms can be challenging as they cover the gamut of human emotions and of our engagement with God during the peaks and valleys of life. But I do encourage you to stay the course and make this time of reading the Psalms a look into just how we may be present with God throughout our life and how God may be present with us.

 

In the days and weeks to come, take a moment from your day and consider, “What do the Psalms have to say to me today?”

Every blessing,

Pastor Charles

Wednesday with the Wesleys

And first let us inquire, What is salvation? The salvation which is here spoken of is not what is frequently understood by that word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul’s going to paradise, termed by our Lord, ‘Abraham’s bosom’. It is not a blessing which lies on the other side death, or (as we usually speak) in the other world. The very words of the text itself put this beyond all question. ‘Ye are saved.’ It is not something at a distance: it is a present thing, a blessing which, through the free mercy of God, ye are now in possession of. Nay, the words may be rendered, and that with equal propriety, ‘Ye have been saved.’ So that the salvation which is here spoken of might be extended to the entire work of God, from the first dawning of grace in the soul till it is consummated in glory.

~ John Wesley (Sermon 43: “The Scripture Way of Salvation”)

Today in Methodist History

What influences does God use to shape us into the people we become?

Our family of origin certainly plays a part, as do experiences with other adults. Events at school and friendships at church sometimes leave a lasting impression. A move to a new community, a national tragedy, and a host of other factors may contribute to our understandings of who we are and what our place is in the world.

For the most part, these events subtly form us. Other times a single event can be so profound that we remember it for the rest of our lives.

The fire at John Wesley's family home when he was just five years old was such an event for him. And likely impacted the way Wesley would lead the movement that was to become The United Methodist Church. 

Read more at this link.

Scripture readings for February 15

Church of the Transfiguration - Mt. Tabor, Israel

We come to Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday next Sunday and turn to 2 Peter 1:16-21 and Matthew 17:1-9 for our lessons.

We will offer the Imposition of Ashes on Sunday rather than having a separate service on Ash Wednesday.

February 8 @ Glenville UMC

Bob S. is today's scripture reader

 

Blessing on the sheets offered for missions

Potluck Sunday!

Fellowship time!

Cleanup time

Joys:

+Praying that God grants Shelley G. the strength she needs during this tender time, after the recent deaths of her mother and sister.

+Shelley G. thanks God for her grandson’s phenomenal sports achievements.

+Church family celebrates assembly of five bed kits for Midwest Mission’s ministerial outreach to people in Honduras – sending mattresses and bed kits to those who have no beds.

Concerns:

+Praying for Kraig S. who is having surgery this Wednesday – Praying for his surgeon and his medical team – Praying for Korla who will be helping him.

+Praying for Sid T. who is dealing with a medical challenge.

+Praying for Pat R.’s husband Craig who had his first medical treatment last Monday and is not feeling well. Also, praying for Pat to have the strength to provide Craig the support he needs.

+Praying for Judy Carroll who is dealing with medical challenges.

+Praying for Karnella S. who is dealing with medical challenges. She is happy to have returned to her apartment at Hidden Creek – Good Samaritan, 75303 240^th St., #304, Albert Lea.

+Praying for all involved with the winter Olympics – prayers for safety and focus on positive memorable moments.

+Praying for the family and friends of Carolyn J. who died last Sunday. (She was Gloria S.’ cousin.)

+Praying for family and friends of Carol Hanson who died recently.

+Praying for the family and friends of Donna Nelson who died. Her funeral service is scheduled for this Friday, February 13, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church in Glenville. Visitation begins at 10:00. Service begins at 11:00 a.m.

+Prayers continue for Korla S.’ cousin Jessica who had a new heart and lung transplanted last week.

GCORR Statement on Racist Video Shared by President Donald Trump

The General Commission on Religion and Race strongly condemns the racist video recently shared by President Donald Trump that includes imagery portraying former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This imagery is not accidental, nor is it harmless. Comparing Black people to primates is an abhorrent racist trope deeply rooted in the history of anti-Black racism and white supremacy, used to dehumanize Black communities and to justify exclusion, violence, and white supremacy.

At the core of this harm is a denial of imago Dei, the Christian affirmation that every person is created in the image of God and bears sacred worth. When Black people are portrayed as less than human, that divine image is mocked and denied. Such dehumanization is not only morally reprehensible, but it is a theological violation that stands in direct opposition to the Gospel.

Article V: Racial Justice of the Constitution of The United Methodist Church affirms the biblical truth that all persons are created by God, bearing God’s

image, and are uniquely beloved children of God. Racism, especially when

expressed through dehumanizing imagery, directly contradicts this constitutional commitment and undermines the Church’s witness to God’s justice and love in the world.

As the antiracism agency of The United Methodist Church, GCORR names this moment clearly: this is blatant racism. When racist tropes are amplified by those in positions of power, the harm is magnified.

Silence, deflection, or minimization only deepen the damage and betray our shared responsibility to speak truth.

Although the video was later deleted, the harm caused by sharing and amplifying racist, dehumanizing imagery cannot be undone.

We call on people of faith, church leaders, and communities of conscience to reject

racist rhetoric in all its forms, to speak with courage, and to recommit themselves to the work of building a beloved community rooted in justice, equity, and the God-given dignity of every human being.

Read more at this link.

‘Crazy Lorenzo’ joins other fictional Methodists

The most famous Methodist in popular culture is arguably Superman, but Lorenzo McRae has something the man of steel doesn’t have: a real-life Methodist as inspiration.

Superman, at least in some of the origin stories in DC Comics, attended a Methodist church in Smallville while identifying as mild-mannered teenager Clark Kent.

In “The Deliverance of Barker McRae,” the inspiration for Lorenzo McRae is real-life 19th century evangelist Lorenzo Dow. He was sometimes referred to as “Crazy Lorenzo” or “Crazy Dow.”

Neither the fictional McRae nor the historical Dow would be described as mild mannered.

Lorenzo Dow was unkempt and filthy, said Mark Shenise, associate archivist at the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

Read more at this link.

Read more about "Crazy Lorenzo" at this link.

Today in Methodist History

 John and Charles Wesley arrived in Savannah, Georgia 

on this date in 1736.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

Susanna Wesley - Lake Junaluska, NC

It is, perhaps, one of the most difficult things in the world to preserve a devout and serious temper of mind in the midst of much worldly business ... We must work so much harder, we must be careful to redeem time from sleep, eating, dressing, unnecessary visits, and trifling conversation.

- Susanna Wesley

John Wesley's Guide to Reading the Bible

If you desire to read the scripture in such a manner as may most effectually answer this end, would it not be advisable,

1. To set apart a little time, if you can, every morning and evening for that purpose?

2. At each time if you have leisure, to read a chapter out of the Old, and one out of the New Testament: if you cannot do this, to take a single chapter, or a part of one?

3. To read this with a single eye, to know the whole will of God, and a fixt resolution to do it? In order to know his will, you should,

4. Have a constant eye to the analogy of faith; the connexion and harmony there is between those grand, fundamental doctrines, Original Sin, Justification by Faith, the New Birth, Inward and Outward Holiness.

5. Serious and earnest prayer should be constantly used, before we consult the oracles of God, seeing "scripture can only be understood thro' the same Spirit whereby it was given." Our reading should likewise be closed with prayer, that what we read may be written on our hearts.

6. It might also be of use, if while we read, we were frequently to pause, and examine ourselves by what we read, both with regard to our hearts, and lives. This would furnish us with matter of praise, where we found God had enabled us to conform to his blessed will, and matter of humiliation and prayer, where we were conscious of having fallen short.

And whatever light you then receive, should be used to the uttermost, and that immediately. Let there be no delay. Whatever you resolve, begin to execute the first moment you can. So shall you find this word to be indeed the power of God unto present and eternal salvation.

~ John Wesley (Preface to the explanatory notes on the Old Testament)

A Prayer for Groundhog Day

 

God of all creatures, ​today we praise You for groundhogs, unassuming rodents who carry the tradition and mystery of forecasting spring.

From their elaborate burrows they rise, half dead: groggy from hibernation, hungry, alone, stressed; awakened by an inner clock synchronized with the rhythms of the seasons that tells them it is time to explore and prepare for the next generation.

We pray for all creatures who count the days until the weather changes, until winter loosens its grip, until they can reconnect with others.

We pray for all who are tired, who are hungry or dissatisfied, who are lonely or isolated.

In this time between solstice and equinox reassure us that sooner or later spring will come.

Grant us patience to see the gifts of this particular time, and to savour the stillness.

In our exhaustion release us from stress so that we might find rest.

In moments of hunger or dissatisfaction remind us that there is enough.

In our isolation be a comforting presence.

We pray that whether the sun shines or the sky is grey, we will count each day as a gift with moments of wonder.

Let hope rise up in us, as we align our bodies and spirits to your greater purposes beyond what we see this day. Amen.

​- Rev. Wendy Janzen, Burning Bush Forest Church, https://www.burningbushforestchurch.ca

Scripture Lessons for February 8

The lessons for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany will be coming from 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-20.

February begins at Glenville UMC

The table is ready

Sid T. gets us started with a joke

Shelley G. is today's scripture reader

Dominic assists Pastor Charles in serving communion

Faithful attendance

Joys:

+Shelley G. thanks God for the gift of this loving church family.

+Shelley G. thanks God for the joy of knowing that both her mother and sister who recently died are now at peace with God.

+Praying thanks to God for Nancy B.’s sister Randy’s successful heart surgery.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for his brother Joe’s successful emergency surgery last week.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for being happily surprised by the ordinary, every day joys in life.

+Thanks be to God for visitors Ryan and his son Dominic. Ryan is Cheryl R.’s nephew.

+Thanks be to God for Dominic agreeing to help Pastor Charles serve Holy Communion today.

 

Concerns:

+Praying for Gloria S.’ cousin Carolyn J., who is on hospice now.

+Praying for all who are currently on hospice care and for those providing that care.

+Praying for Pat R.’s husband Craig who is beginning a new phase of treatments tomorrow. Also praying for Pat to have the strength to provide Craig the support he needs.

+Praying for Donna N. from Glenville who had a stroke last month and is recuperating at St. John’s.

+Praying for Bob S.’ veteran friend David S. who is currently at St. John’s.

+Praying for the strength and courage Shelley G. needs to face after both her sister and mother dying recently.

+Prayers continue for Korla S.’ cousin Jessica who is in Houston getting a new heart and lung today.

+Prayers continue for Erin B. who is facing a serious medical challenge. (Note: A Burger Basket Fundraiser, including a silent auction and bake sale, to help cover family’s expenses is planned at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge, today, 3:00-6:00 p.m.)

UWFaith News

Ditch the “New Year, New Me” pressure. Instead of focusing on resolutions that demand depletion, try a soul care twist: intention setting.

Don’t resolve to do more; resolve to be more present, more rested, and more nourished.

What is one resolution you are transforming into a gentle, restorative intention this year? Get nourished in our community. Join UMFaith Digital.

Know your rights when they’re under threat

United Methodists have good reason to stand up for basic rights — especially when those rights are being ignored or violated.

The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles declare that all individuals — no matter their circumstances — deserve basic human rights and freedoms. These include the right to life, liberty, security as well as equal treatment before the law and freedom from unlawful detention.

“These rights are grounded in God’s gracious act in creation (Gen. 1:27), and they are revealed fully in Jesus’s incarnation of divine love,” say the General Conference-approved social teachings.

“As a church, we will work to protect these rights and freedoms within the church and to reform the structures of society to ensure that every human being can thrive.”

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

But may not women, as well as men, bear a part in this honourable service?" Undoubtedly, they may; nay, they ought; it is meet, right, and their bounden duty. Herein there is no difference; "there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus." Indeed, it has long passed for a maxim with many, that "women are only to be seen, not heard."

And accordingly, many of them are brought up in such a manner as if they were only designed for agreeable playthings! But is this doing honour to the sex? Or is it a real kindness to them? No; it is the deepest unkindness; it is horrid cruelty; .... And I know not how any woman of sense and spirit can submit to it. Let all you that have it in your power assert the right which the God of nature has given you.

Yield not to that vile bondage any longer. You, as well as men, are rational creatures. You, like them, were made in the image of God; you are equally candidates for immortality; you too are called of God, as you have time, to "do good unto all men." Be "not disobedient to the heavenly calling." Whenever you have opportunity, do all the good you can, particularly to your poor, sick neighbour. And every one of you likewise "shall receive your own reward, according to your own labour."

~ John Wesley (On Visiting the Sick)