Happy Ash Wednesday!
On this day, we are invited to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. This year, as it is also Valentine's Day, it seems more appropriate than ever to consider the ways that we can grow in our ability to love as God has loved us during this season of Lent. For all of our individual and communal sins - our failures to love, our unloving actions, and our failures to act - let us repent and remember whose we are.
From the Pastor's Desk
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  (Isaiah 58:6)

Every year for Ash Wednesday, this passage from Isaiah arrives in our lectionary texts. It is a word from the prophet to the people about how they have sinned and fallen short. It is also the inspiration from which Jesus drew the parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25 -  for I was hungry and you gave me something to drink ...

What a remarkable thing it is to be reminded on a day to humble ourselves that we are not called to fast in sackcloth in ashes. Nor are we to force ourselves into starvation. Or even try to look contrite.

What we are called to do, as followers of the Living God, is to fast by following God's purposes in the world. We are to work for the empowerment of those who have been trampled. We are to give a voice to those long silenced. We are to ensure flourishing...
Thank you for being part of our family!
Lent is here!
Lent is a season of preparation, reflection, and service. To assist in your journey, we have several special opportunities for you:

* "Jesus and the Prophets," The Presbyterians Today Lenten study is available in the Narthex.

* "Wondrous Love in Action" is a daily devotion based upon the PCUSA Daily Prayer and including segments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter from the Birmingham Jail. It will be delivered via email, so contact Janie if you would like to participate.

* "Journey to Narnia" is a six week study of C.S. Lewis' genius that will take place every Tuesday morning during Lent at 10:30 a.m. (except the first week, which is 10:15 a.m.) in the Highland Sunday School Room.

* And worship every week will dive deep into the texts that display the remarkable love of God...
Upcoming Events at Highland

We hope you will join us for one or more events during this next week:


Wednesday, February 14
Choir, 5:30 p.m.
at Highland Sanctuary


Sunday, February 18
Worship, 9:30 a.m. - First Sunday of Lent
Sermon: "Fasting for Lent"
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:9-15 & Isaiah 58:1-12
at Highland Sanctuary


Tuesday, February 20
138th Stated Presbytery Meeting (PSL) - Janie is preaching!
9:00 a.m.
at First Presbyterian Church, Scotlandville

Journey to Narnia
Viewing of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, 10:15 a.m.
at Highland Sunday School Room



And feel free to forward this to a friend!