Each year people try to give up something, or take on something for Lent. This year, I am suggesting that you join me in combining giving up something with doing something positive, like saving money each of the 40 days of lent.   At the end of Lent the money you  have saved will go toward a ministry that helps the lonely, the lost, the least. Lent is an excellent time of year for us to do this, as we remember how Jesus sacrificed for each of us 

The following is how one can participate in this Lenten activity: 

Step 1 Decide that you are going to give up something, on take on something for Lent 

Step 2 Commit to do what you previously said. 

Step 3 Get a large jar and label it .“Saving Money for Lent” to place your daily savings .

Step 4 Continue to give thanks to God for sending His Son, Jesus. 

Here are some suggestions as to what to base your contribution on. 

1. Each day place an contribution in your jar for a blessing you have in your home; such as number of light switches, number of pictures on the wall, number of can goods in the pantry, etc. 
2. Every time someone does an act of kindness for you or you do an act of kindness for  someone else place a contribution, an amount of your choice. in the jar.
3. Give up shop-bought coffee/tea/hot chocolate from a coffee shop. Place in your jar cost of these items. 
4. Give up your subscription to streaming media such as Netflix and the likes and place  the cost of thew subscriptions in the jar . 
5. Give up drinking alcohol including wine for 40 Lent days and place the cost in the jar.
6. Give up smoking and place the cost of cigarettes in the jar.
7. Give up fast foods and take-out meals and place the cost in the jar
8. Give up impulse buying when shopping, place the cost of what you might have brought in the jar. 
9. Give up expensive means of entertainment ,like movies, recreate experiences at home, for free or look for cheaper alternatives. Place savings in jar.

These are just some of the things that you can give up and start saving money during Lent. You are encouraged to think of other things that you might want to include on this list. What is exciting to me is  while we are doing this project  to enhance our outreach efforts this is something that can be used to help people save money on a regular basis. Matter of fact you can share with your family and friends for their own personal use. One doesn’t need to be  a member of New Horizons to get involved.

Good Luck

God Bless each of you! 

Pastor Ivan

2/18/2024