Dear Church,

This Lent season, as we explore the idea of "getting back to the basics" as a community, we would also like to invite you to engage in "getting back to the basics" of your faith. One of the most beautiful aspects of Hot Metal is the eclectic nature of the faith backgrounds (or non-backgrounds) that are present. The very word "faith" probably means many different things to many different people in our community, so when we think about getting back to the basics of faith, there are a multitude of ways to do that.

As a community, the way we will attempt to get back to the basics is by engaging in a tradition that is almost as old as Christianity itself, and one which has proven to lead people into a deeper understanding of God and themselves: contemplation. Contemplation allows us the opportunity to be silent and to breathe and to listen, instead of adding to the noise of our already hectic and loud lives. By taking a step back and fighting our urge to be productive, or have a plan, or be in control, we invite and allow space for the Spirit to move in our lives.

So this Lent season, we invite you to make space with us.

We invite you to breathe.

To be present.

And we are so excited to provide space to do that over the next few weeks:

• On March 2, we'll engage in the contemplative tradition of silence, as well as having music, communion, and the Word.
  

• On March 10, we'll engage in the contemplative tradition of Lectio Divina, as well as having music, communion, and The Word.
  

• On March 17, we'll engage in the contemplative tradition of Centering Prayer, as well as having music, communion, and The Word.

Though this has been a difficult season for Hot Metal, we are so grateful for each and every one of you. You are the ones who help to make this place unique and messy and sacred. You are the ones who give us inspiration to continue and hope for the future. And you are the ones who have a very important say in what the future of this community looks like.

With all our hearts, we wish you blessings and peace this Lenten season. And we hope you'll join us to engage in contemplation over the next few weeks.

We hope to see you Sunday!