Our church hosted members of the Thornton Heights and Peoples United Methodist churches on February 14 for the Ash Wednesday service and the beginning of Lent. In addition to reflections on repentance and prayers of confession, the service requested members of the three churches to use the Valentines Day date as an opportunity to write on paper hearts about their love for and from God. The hearts and responses were strung across the front of the sanctuary.

The three churches also combined for one choir directed by CEUMC Director Faith York. The choir’s singing of “Create In Me a Clean Heart” was amazing.

Prior to the service, everyone gathered for a light supper of soups, casseroles, breads, salads and desserts provided by members of the three churches.

Thank you to pastors Kathleen Decker Szakas (CEUMC), Tom Frey (Peoples), and Gwyneth Arrison (Thornton Heights) for leading this time of fellowship and reflection on Ash Wednesday.