Lent is a threshold—a moment to pause at the doorway of something new, feeling the pull to step forward. It is a season of return, a time to listen for the voice of Jesus calling us back to what matters most. For centuries, the church has marked these forty days with fasting, prayer and repentance—not out of obligation but as a way of preparing for the life-changing reality of Easter.

From the earliest days of Christianity, Lent has been a time of invitation. In the second and third centuries, those seeking baptism spent these weeks in deep formation, learning what it meant to follow Jesus before emerging from the water on Easter morning as new creations. The early church kept vigil through the night, waiting in prayer, listening to scripture and watching for the first light of dawn—the sign that resurrection had come. These traditions remind us that Lent has never been about mere discipline—it has always been an invitation to deeper life with Christ.

This year, our Lenten theme at Yates is “The Invitation.” It is a recognition that God is always calling us toward transformation through extravagant grace and sacrificial love. From Ash Wednesday on March 5 to Easter Sunday on April 20, we will hear how God invites us to return, trust, feast, be forgiven, press forward, serve, surrender and embrace new life.

Jesus never forces—he invites. “Come and see.” “Follow me.” “Take and eat.” “Receive the Spirit.” “Do this in remembrance of me.” His call is personal, full of grace and always asks something of us.

Lent is not just about our own hearts. It’s about opening the door for others—our church family, our neighbors, our friends, even those who may not yet know they are invited. I am praying that this Lent will be a season of renewal—not only for individuals but for our entire community. Join me in asking God to stir something within us to awaken us to the ways we can extend the good news of Jesus Christ.

How Will You Respond?

This Lent, you’re invited—and you are part of the invitation. Let’s make space for others to encounter the grace and renewal of Christ’s love. I invite you to take part in any or all of these ways:

• Commit to Daily Prayer – Set aside time each day to pray for renewal in your own life and for those seeking a deeper relationship with God.
• Pray for Those You’ll Invite – Ask God to place someone on your heart who may need an invitation to worship this season.
• Printed Invitation Campaign – Pick up printed invitation cards and hand them to neighbors, coworkers or friends. A personal invitation is one of the most meaningful ways to share faith.
• Bring a Friend Sunday (March 23, 2025 – “Invited to the Feast”) – This is a perfect opportunity to invite someone new. Offer to sit with them, introduce them to others and help them feel at home.
• Write a Note or Make a Call – Maybe it’s a longtime friend or a coworker who’s been struggling. A simple “I’d love to worship with you” can make all the difference.
• Use Social Media to Share the Invitation – Post about your experience, share church updates and use #TheInvitationAtYates.
• Be Part of the Visuals – Share a testimony, take part in a creative display or help prepare worship spaces that reflect God’s invitation to all.
• Contribute to the Invitation Book in the Narthex – Write a prayer, a name or a reflection on what it means to be invited by Jesus.
• Participate in Holy Week Worship – Maundy Thursday’s table gathering and Good Friday’s time of surrender are invitations to experience Jesus’ final days in a powerful way.

Easter is something we prepare for together. The door is open. The season is set apart. The invitation is waiting. Will you step in?

Grace & Peace,