Fat Tuesday, Carnival, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, whatever you call it, it's going to be a lot of fun! This will be a family event with games and facepainting for children, and costumes optional. Pastor Joe will be in his infamous sleeveless tuxedo manning his three-card monty booth. Authentic and delicious food will be served, and of course there will be a King Cake! This is a great event for people interested in the life of the church, and friends are always welcome!

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, a 40-day inner pilgrimage to Easter Sunday. At this service, we will receive the ashes on our forehead, which remind us of our mortality and seal our Lenten commitments to increased mindfulness and preparation for Easter. One way we will prepare our hearts is by writing our regrets and mistakes on a private card, sealing it in an envelope and placing it in a box. This box will be buried after the service, to symbolize the death and burial of our cares and sins as we anticipate the rebirth of Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is one of the more deeply spiritual and moving services of the year.

Both the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are democratic, egalitarian denominations. One of the ways they live this theological commitment to equality out is through the annual meeting. Each year officers are elected by a congregational vote, and the budget is approved by the members. On January 29th, we elected the 2012 church council, approved a six-month operating budget to be revisted in June, and recognized the wonderful service of the outgoing council.

We came together to sing "We shall overcome." The pastor read King's sermon "The Drum Major Instinct" and related it to our current situation (revjoezarro.wordpress.com). Bailey Stevens cranked up his electric guitar and played "Volunteers of America." That night, after youth group, we held a candlelight vigil in honor of Dr. King. The vigil was inspired by the worldwide #J15 vigil for unity. King's voice and legacy weighs on our current situation in the world and we are thankful to have taken time to remember his prophetic voice, give thanks for his faithful leadership, and challenge ourselves and others to pursue justice.