Bible studies planned at Missouri United Methodist Church

Missouri United Methodist Church has several events and Bible studies planned for the week.

Lenten Bible Study

A study of “The Greatest Texts of the Bible” will be held at noon on Wednesday  in the church Parlor and again at 6:30 p.m. in Room CLC 107/109.
Taize Worship
A Taize worship service also will be held at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel.  This service offers a peaceful time to reflect and reconnect with God.

“24 Hours” Study
A study on Adam Hamilton’s book, “24 Hours That Changed the World,” will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in CLC 111.

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Beginning of Lent marked with Ash Wednesday services in Columbia

Photographers at the Columbia Missourian set out to document the beginning of Lent.

August Kryger attended the noon service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church which was led by Deacon John Weaver. Here’s what he writes:

During the service, Weaver spoke about the importance of not only giving something up during Lent, but also adding a more positive and fulfilling practice. His readings from the Bible focused on the importance of observing Lent in an inward and personal way.

Weaver said he hoped the service would help people get back on track with their religious practice. “This is the hour, this is the time,” Deacon Weaver said. “The ashes symbolize a milestone where we recognize it is time to think about this conversion of heart we seek.”

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German Mardi Gras celebration in Columbia

The United Church of Christ in Columbia celebrated Mardi Gras with a traditional German meal on Tuesday.

The ColumbiaMissourian reported Tuesday that it was the 26th annual celebration of Fastnacht, and included traditional German foods and music from Der Deutschmeister Musickers. More photos are online.

Helga Carter and her granddaughter Olivia Carter, 5, enjoy their time at the Fastnacht on Tuesday.

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Ash Wednesday observed

It’s Ash Wednesday and many mid-Missourians will begin a period of Lent in preparation for the celebration of Easter. At the Columbia Missourian, we’re looking for services and people who will be gathering to observe this holy day.

The president is making note of Lent, too. This is his statement, provided to the media by the White House press office.

Statement by the President on Ash Wednesday

Michelle and I join Christians here in America and around the world in observing Ash Wednesday.  We mark this solemn day of repentance and promise, knowing that Lent is a time for millions to renew faith and also deepen a commitment to loving and serving one another.

How are you renewing your faith this Lenten season?

Send your comments to us by e-mail at johnstonlc@missouri.edu or post them here.

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Observing Lent

Many Columbia congregations will observe Lent, a 40-day period of prepartion for Easter that starts with Ash Wednesday.

For a list of specific Ash Wednesday services in the community, go to our Faith Directory which  provides links to church Web sites where information can be found on service times.

The Interfaith Council in Columbia holds a Lenten Breakfast each year hosted by a different congregation each week. The meal is served from 7 to 8 a.m. each Wednesday during Lent. The first will be at First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St. Participants are asked to bring a donation of food that will be given to the Russell Chapel Food Pantry. The schedule for the remaining weeks:

• Feb. 24 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 123 S. Ninth St.
• March 3 at Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 I-70 Drive Northwest
• March 10 at First Baptist Church, 1112 E. Broadway
• March 17 at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt St.
• March 24 at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 407 E. Broadway
• March 31 at Missouri United Methodist Church, 209 S. Ninth St.

There also will be a Good Friday service, at noon on April 2, at Russell Chapel CME Church, 108 E. Ash St.

And for those seeking a new approach to this annual observance, Olivet Christian Church is hosting a film discussion on issues of race and class. The film showing and discussions will be held at the church on Sunday nights during Lent.

Tell us what you’ll be doing to observe Lent this year. Share ideas or make suggestions by adding your comment.

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Lent film discussions

Olivet Christian Church will be holding film discussions about race and class on the Sundays leading up to Easter.  The sessions will be at 5 p.m. starting Feb. 21 and ending on March 28.

Films that will be discussed include: “Grand Canyon,” “Frozen River,” The Station Agent,”The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” and “The Shawshank Redemption.”

Due to the content of the films, this series is only for adults.

The series will be held at Olivet Christian Church and is free to the public.

For more information please go to the Columbia Missourian or Olivet’s Web site.

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