Christian Formation News

by Sandy Weis

     

      I have already begun to meet with people from First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches regarding Middle School Ecumenical Camp this summer.  What does “ecumenical” mean?  It is a movement promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations, not just locally, but world-wide.  I can tell you from spending a week with the youth last summer, no one cared about the meaning of that word.  They were a group of Christian young people willing to learn, work, and enjoy each other’s company.  You will be hearing more about the camp in following months.

We are currently in the season of Epiphany, but only three days after Valentine’s Day is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  The liturgical color for Lent is purple, the color of kings and queens and no one could wear purple in Jesus’ time except royal people.  Roman citizens could wear a little stripe of purple, but that was all.  As we enter into the Lenten season, take some time to read more about these traditions and customs.

February Food for Month:  Boxes of rice, split peas, lentils or any kind of beans