February 2016

Jottings…

Just living here in Charlotte this time of year as I write this article it seems like the news and conversations are consumed with either of two things – the snowy/icy weather or the Panthers going to the Superbowl. I personally am excited by both. However as your pastor I am looking past that game and past the weather to Lent and Easter.

Easter comes early this year so I have the sense that Lent is sneaking up on us. For much of the history of the church Lent was a time for preparing new believers for baptism – ensuring they understood the basics of the Christian faith and were ready to commit to living their lives as faithful disciples. Here at Cole we will also use Lent as a time of preparing ourselves to be faithful disciples. Sunday mornings will be a sermon series focusing on having Dr. Luke (the gospel writer) examine us and we will also have a special weekday study series for those who can come.

I am not at all concerned that folks give up something for Lent. I desire deeply that we remain in love with Jesus and fix our eyes on Him. Our coming together as the church on Sunday mornings to worship and grow is a part of that. Our coming together as the church on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings to serve our neighbors through Room in the Inn is also a part of that. So is the time of each of us in personal Bible reading and praying. Let us use this time of Lent to hear from the Lord how He wants to build on our strengths and correct our weaknesses.

- Pastor Brian