ASH WEDNESDAY
On Ash Wednesday we begin our forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to return to God, we have already been reconciled to God through Christ. We humbly pray for God to make our hearts clean while we rejoice that “now is the day of salvation.” Returning to our baptismal call, we more intentionally bear the fruits of mercy and justice in the world
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LENTEN BIBLE STUDYStarting slightly before Lent, and going through to right before Holy Week, our two weekly Bible Studies will use Scripture and the resource "Beyond Chit Chat" as we reflect on storytellers and story listeners in Scripture, share our own faith stories, and grow deeper connections among our community.
These studies will take place from February 19th - April 9th: IN PERSON: Wednesdays 10am ONLINE: Wednesdays 7pm We'd love for you to join us! - Esta Cuaresma, ofreceremos dos estudios bíblicos semanales en los cuales vamos a reflexionar sobre las historias en las Escrituras, tener el chance de compartir nuestras propias historias de fe y desarrollar conexiones más profundas entre nuestra comunidad. Unense con nosotros desde el 19 de febrero al 9 de abril! EN PERSONA: Miércoles 10am EN LÍNEA: miércoles 7pm Comuníquese con el pastor Bethany ([email protected]) para obtener más información. 
LENT GIVING GOAL: $600
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Lent is traditionally a time when Christians turn back to God not only through prayer and fasting, but also through giving works of love. This year, as a congregation, we'll be learning about the work of Lutheran Disaster Response - praying and giving towards their work through the U.S. and the world. Our giving goal is $600.
Week 1: Hurricane Response - Hurricane Helene Week 2: U.S. Wildfires Week 3: Eastern European Crisis Week 4: Middle East Crisis Week 5: Refugee Crisis Week 6: African Drought Each week we'll highlight prayer requests, advocacy, and giving opportunities. How to giveIf you would like to help us reach our giving goal, you can give in three ways:
CHECKS: Make checks payable to First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Blue Island.
CASH / ENVELOPE: If you would like to give cash you may leave cash in an envelope and indicate one of the designations above on the envelope or in a note inside the envelope. Please indicate your name on the envelope as well if you would like it counted towards your tax receipt at the end of the year. ONLINE: Select the green “GIVE” button on firstlutheranbi.org. In the dropdown menu, select either “Lutheran Disaster Response” for a general donation to them, or select the specific crisis you would like to donate towards. We invite you to please select the box that would cover processing fees. LENTEN RESOURCESLenten Calendar
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Spiritual Practice for Listening to God
St. Ignatius Examen Meditation
Reimagining Examen App:
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reimagining-the-examen/id1065042173
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmail.dtaylor.loyola.DailyExamen&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli= 1
10 minute guided video by Pastor Bethany:
https://youtu.be/cuZoevHhxeo
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reimagining-the-examen/id1065042173
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmail.dtaylor.loyola.DailyExamen&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli= 1
10 minute guided video by Pastor Bethany:
https://youtu.be/cuZoevHhxeo