February 19th, 2026
by Mark McAdow
by Mark McAdow
By Pastor Mark McAdow
I was pleased that many of you were able to be with us for our Ash Wednesday service last night at Willow View. The season of Lent has officially begun – the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday not including the six Sundays. It’s a “holy pause” to prepare our hearts to follow Jesus every day in a meaningful way. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2.
As Pastor Scott and I marked each person with the sign of the cross, we were reminded Christ died for each of us. He showed us the full extent of His love. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8b. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”- John 15:13. That’s exactly what Jesus did for you!
What will we do for Him this Lenten season? What must we allow the Holy Spirit to prune – cut out of our lives – to make more time for Jesus? How can we abide more fully in Him, our True Vine?
I’ve challenged us to spend more time with Jesus in prayer. We host Wednesday evening prayer in the Sanctuary every week at 6 p.m. I’ve invited you to pair up with another person as a Lenten prayer partner for fellowship and encouragement during this season. We’ve provided a daily devotional for you to read to draw closer to Jesus (we still have a few copies at the church). The opportunities are there, but you must choose to participate. I can only encourage you. Prayer is our relationship with Jesus. He longs to spend more alone time with you!
I have an active couple in our church who turned in a Lenten prayer partner form indicating they would be praying together every week with each other. I was thrilled! I believe it’s true, the couple that prays together stays together. But very few couples – even Christian couples – pray together other than at mealtimes. Robin and I have found setting aside time to pray together every week provides wonderful emotional and spiritual benefits. You may too! I’ll close with this reminder, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Heb. 4:16.
Looking forward to worshipping with you this first Sunday of Lent!
Love you,
Pastor Mark
PS: Our Willow View Welcome luncheon for prospective and new members is this Sunday at 12:15. It sounds like we’re going to have a large group! Call Emily today if you are yet to RSVP. Thanks!
I was pleased that many of you were able to be with us for our Ash Wednesday service last night at Willow View. The season of Lent has officially begun – the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday not including the six Sundays. It’s a “holy pause” to prepare our hearts to follow Jesus every day in a meaningful way. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2.
As Pastor Scott and I marked each person with the sign of the cross, we were reminded Christ died for each of us. He showed us the full extent of His love. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8b. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”- John 15:13. That’s exactly what Jesus did for you!
What will we do for Him this Lenten season? What must we allow the Holy Spirit to prune – cut out of our lives – to make more time for Jesus? How can we abide more fully in Him, our True Vine?
I’ve challenged us to spend more time with Jesus in prayer. We host Wednesday evening prayer in the Sanctuary every week at 6 p.m. I’ve invited you to pair up with another person as a Lenten prayer partner for fellowship and encouragement during this season. We’ve provided a daily devotional for you to read to draw closer to Jesus (we still have a few copies at the church). The opportunities are there, but you must choose to participate. I can only encourage you. Prayer is our relationship with Jesus. He longs to spend more alone time with you!
I have an active couple in our church who turned in a Lenten prayer partner form indicating they would be praying together every week with each other. I was thrilled! I believe it’s true, the couple that prays together stays together. But very few couples – even Christian couples – pray together other than at mealtimes. Robin and I have found setting aside time to pray together every week provides wonderful emotional and spiritual benefits. You may too! I’ll close with this reminder, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Heb. 4:16.
Looking forward to worshipping with you this first Sunday of Lent!
Love you,
Pastor Mark
PS: Our Willow View Welcome luncheon for prospective and new members is this Sunday at 12:15. It sounds like we’re going to have a large group! Call Emily today if you are yet to RSVP. Thanks!
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