Friends of Bethel,
Each year we ask a random sampling of people from Bethel to write devotionals to make the Lenten season a more meaningful and reflective time for our congregation. Again this year, 40 people (male and female, younger and older, some new members and some long time members, etc.) were asked and responded, and this is the result of their work.
We are truly grateful for the time, talent, and personal sharing they have put down on paper for us! (It’s no easy task for most of us!) I think you’ll agree, they have done a wonderful job. There is a special word or thought in this devotional booklet to speak to every one of us in some way. We are proud of their hard work and willingness to share.
I hope you’ll use this booklet as part of your devotional time during these 40 days of Lent. I also hope you’ll take the time to thank our authors for their words and work, andlet them know how they have challenged, encouraged or inspired you.
A Blessed Lenten Season to each of you!
Pastor John Lestock
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In many cultures there is an ancient custom of giving a tenth of each year’s income to some holy use. For Christians, to observe the forty days of Lent is to do the same thing with roughly a tenth of each year's days. After being baptized by John in the river Jordan, Jesus went off...