This year HTAC has the opportunity to intentionally enter into the season of Lent through the traditional disciplines of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving in a manner that will also have a direct impact on a local ministry and the people they serve.

Beginning on the first Sunday of Lent (March 9th) we will be partnering once again with Welcome COS to help support, encourage, and love the refugees in our community. The need is great and it is where we've sensed Jesus' calling in these recent days. So, please take the time between now and the First Sunday of Lent to talk with your family (children included) about how you might join together with all the HTAC family by entering into Lent (and perhaps beyond) in the follow ways: 

Pray - Daily

On March 9th Guided Prayer Cards for refugees will be provided in the fellowship area and by the church entry. Please take one for each of you. Keep them somewhere near you at all times and pray daily through the guided prayers. Make it part of your daily devotions, or as a part of your routine for getting your children ready for school, or pull it out at dinner.

Fast - Weekly

(Provide Easter Baskets for Refugee Children)

During Lent, we are asking everyone to commit to fasting from an indulgence you usually enjoy during the week. It may be that daily coffee or it's a couple of lunches at your favorite sandwich shop - something like that. However, make a plan for it - be intentional. Maybe schedule it via your calendar and make an alert. Then we are going to do something cool.    

Here's The Plan:

1.Fast from a usual weekly indulgence

2. Set aside the money you would have used to purchase that indulgence

3. Use that money to purchase Easter Baskets and/or items

4. Bring Easter Basket and/or Items to the Church Office before April 12th

5. Sign up to take an Easter Basket to a refugee family sometime before Easter Sunday. 

. Be on the look out to sign up before the week of April 12th to take a Basket to a family. We will limit it to one family (could be a group of individuals or couples of no more than 8 people or so) to visit one refugee family with Easter Baskets just so we don't overwhelm the families or their community.  

Give - Monthly

(Commit to Make a Monthly Contribution to Welcome COS)

The truth is the need is constant and so Welcome COS need constant support. In an effort to bring in the constant support needed we are asking for HTAC members and families to consider making a pledge to give to Welcome COS on a Monthly basis beginning this Lent.  

You can give for the duration of Lent 2025 but it's also an opportunity to bless them all year round as well. It may be something you could invite your neighbors, and extended loved ones into. Maybe you've been looking for the right opportunity to teach your children about charity and giving. 

 Any amount would be greatly appreciated and would be put to excellent use to directly impact the lives of local refugees through Amy Schulte's non-profit, Welcome COS.  

We will have pledge cards available beginning the first Sunday. You may take as many as you like. You may drop off your completed pledge card in the Church Office or give them to Amy Schulte directly. Someone will follow up with you to help you set up your recurring gift.  

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask Amy Schulte.  

amy.kushner@gmail.com