Through our character – an opportunity to reflect on important issues in our community
The Christian season of Lent began a week and a half ago.  For Christians, Ash Wednesday began a season of fasting.  The ritual of fasting is shared by a number of religions, for example Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadan. Persons who do not profess any sort of religious belief will sometimes pursue a time of cleansing and fasting as well.  Whether sought as a religious ritual or not, the importance is not what we “give up,” it is about what we “take on” to deepen ourselves intellectually and spiritually.
 
Through our prayers — an opportunity to pray for the needs of our community
May we all seek to improve ourselves, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, that we may be a source of hope in adversity, and a foundation of stability in a changing world.  Amen.