I want to invite you to begin a journey this Lent. It will take you 40 days, but you’ll be in good company – Christians all around the world take this journey together. We will all follow in the footsteps of Jesus, learning from him and watching him as he takes his journey to the cross, to the grave, and finally to resurrection. So how do we take this journey together? Here are some simple steps – simple, but not easy. That’s because no journey is easy. It will take time and energy. But I promise you that both the journey and the destination are worth it.

Step 1: Step into the Bible every day. This year during Lent, follow in Jesus’ footsteps by reading through the Gospel of Mark. Try reading just a little passage from Mark every day, and put yourself in the crowd, watching and listening to Jesus. Try to picture each scene in your imagination. What is Jesus saying to you?

Step 2: Enjoy the company of other Christians. Our church is putting together a Lenten devotional booklet this year, and it’s not just for adults. Students have even written some of the entries! The devotional booklet has an entry for each day during Lent. It includes a Bible passage to read (mostly from the Gospel of Mark) and a reflection on that passage by a person in our congregation. It’s so encouraging to read about what God is doing in our own Christian family here in Poughkeepsie. You might want to read the devotional for each day together with your whole family and then talk about it afterwards.

Step 3: Stop at some rest stops. Everyone needs a refreshing break on a long journey. Worship can be kind of like stopping at an oasis, taking a rest and drinking a big glass of cool water. This year our church will be having these worship rest stops every week during Lent. We’ll start with a service on March 1 – Ash Wednesday is the beginning of our Lenten journey. Then each Thursday during Lent, there will be different kinds of special services from 6 – 7 pm. Your whole family is welcome to come to these worship times.

Step 4: Try giving something up for Lent. Many people are reminded of how Jesus suffered for us when they give up something for Lent—something like chocolate or TV or video games. What could you give up as a gift to Jesus to help understand him better?

Godspell

Friday, March 24, 7:30 pm – 10 pm

“An updated interpretation of the Gospel’s lessons filled with unforgettable song and dance numbers…” Spackenkill High School’s drama club will be presenting this fresh and provocative view of Jesus’ message and ministry.

We plan to go as a group to enjoy it together. Sign up to get your tickets and group transportation. We’ll meet at the church at 7:30 pm.

The schedule for this month…

Date	Activity	Details
March 1	Ash Wednesday service	Begin the journey of Lent with your family at this special service of ashes, 7 pm at PUMC
March 5	Youth Fellowship	at PUMC, at 6 – 8 pm
March 10-12	Junior High Winter Camp	At Lake Champion. Depart PUMC at 4:30 Friday and return at 2:30 Sunday
March 12	Youth Fellowship	Senior Highs only, 6 – 8 pm
March 19	Youth service prep	Mexico Outreach team meeting, 4 – 6 pm Youth Fellowship at PUMC, 6 – 8 pm; bring instruments, scripts, props, etc.
Friday, March 24	Godspell	At Spackenkill HS; meet at PUMC at 7:30. Sign up ahead and bring permission slip to join group
March 26	Youth Service Prep	M-Fuge team meeting, 4 – 6 pm Youth Fellowship at PUMC, 6 – 8 pm; bring instruments, scripts, props, etc.
Sat, April 1	Youth Service final rehearsal	5 – 8 pm; bring instruments, scripts, props, etc. Pizza dinner will be provided.
April 2	Youth Service	Gather at 7:30 am at church. Stay until 12:30 for clean-up afterwards.

Future Dates for your calendar

Youth Worship Service	April 2, 2006
Young Men’s VN #96	April 28 - 30, 2006

Summer Mission Team News

M-FUGE Team: Our team meetings have gotten underway already. Be sure that the next team meetings are on your calendar! Please bring a bag supper to the Sunday evening meetings so you won’t be starved during youth group!

Sunday, March 26, 4 – 6 pm

Sunday, April 23, 4 – 6 pm

Sunday, May 21, 4 – 6 pm

Thursday, June 15, 6 – 8 pm

Mexico Outreach Team: We have our team meetings scheduled below. Please also make an effort to meet in your VBS groups and prepare your group work before each meeting.

Sunday, March 19, 4 – 6 pm

Sunday, April 30, 4 – 6 pm

Thursday, May 25, 6 – 8 pm

Thursday, June 8, 6 – 8 pm

Remember to send out letters to friends and relatives, inviting them to be partners in mission.