Discover ways to make the Lenten season meaningful

Be inspired by all the ways to #BeUMC

Ash Wednesday is March 2   Learn about this holy day of repentance that launches the 40-day Lenten season, a time for reflection and growing closer to God.   Watch

Advertisement   A Lenten photo exploration   Instead of giving up something, add a new practice by sharing photos of each day's introspective word. #rethinkchurch   Join the challenge  »

Ideas for observing Ash Wednesday   Check out meaningful ways to remember this holy day in the midst of your weekday.   Start here  »

Faith's role in overcoming disaster   After a deadly tornado, a United Methodist pastor describes how resilience and our faith community can bolster us in a time of grief and reminds us that "God is in the resurrection and restoration business."   Watch

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Safety & Security Grant Opportunity

Grant Opportunity: Safety & Security

Applications are being accepted for a grant available for Pennsylvania’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program. The grants are available to houses of worship, schools and other nonprofit organizations to the commonwealth that serve individuals, groups, or institutions who have been targeted by hate crimes. The grants, which range from $5,000 to $150,000, can be used for a variety of security enhancements. Initial applications, which are fairly simple, are due by Wednesday, March 2.   https://www.pccd.pa.gov/schoolsafety/Pages/Non-Profit-Security-Grant-Fund.aspx Eligible expenses for security enhancements include but are not limited to the following: Safety and security planning Purchase of safety and security equipment Purchase of security-related technology, which may include, but is not limited to: Metal detectors Protective lighting Surveillance equipment Special emergency communications equipment Electronic locksets Deadbolts Trauma kits Theft control devices Safety and security training Threat awareness and response training Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security Vulnerability and threat assessments Specialty-trained canines Any other safety or security-related project that enhances safety or security of the non-profit organization* Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow's cause. ~ Isaiah 1:17

OGHS Weekly Family Activities

For more than 70 years, our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing have connected us in God’s healing, tending and growing to create a world where all needs are met. Thanks to your heartfelt gifts, One Great Hour of Sharing currently supports projects in more than 100 countries. Visit pcusa.org/oghsmap for locations and ministries. Each day at or after a meal time, consider these reflections and questions for the week ahead. Place a coin or a “gift” in your fish coinbank or a jar, and end by saying the prayer of the week or one of your own.

MARCH 2-6, 2022

Ash Wednesday: Read Isaiah 58:6–8, 12. Which actions or words stand out to you? Write a prayer of intention for Lent using some of the words from Isaiah 58. Thursday: Think of three people you are thankful for. Find a way to let them know you are thankful for them. Consider sharing a gift in their honor. Friday: Blue Shirt Sunday celebrates the ministry of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Plan to wear your shirt for worship and learn more about Presbyterian Disaster. pda.pcusa.org/bluet-shirts/

Find daily activities for the entire Season of Lent here: pcusa.org/sharingcalendar

God, open our eyes to your face in every person. Let us see the ways we are all connected with all of creation. May we as your Church, together, seek love, justice and peace with all. Amen.

One Great Hour of Sharing connects us with the Resource Center in Matamoros at the southern border of the United States; a not for profit that accompanies our neighbors who are seeking asylum due to economic problems, violence and corruption. Together, we share food, tents and blankets as well as a place for refugees to have access to legal teams, medical teams and social support services. (photo: Matamoros Resource Center)

Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are shared with the ministries of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. To learn more about how your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing makes a difference visit pcusa.org/oghs

Presbyterian Church USA 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 United States