As we shift gears into the season of Lent, we begin to set aside distractions and focus more intently on God. In the Catholic church, this time is characterized by three pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. And while the Methodist path isn’t quite as limited, those three pillars can be a great place to start.

In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, we’d like to share with you an activity adapted from one created by the folks at Ministry-to-Children.com. It uses football fandom as a window into how we tell the world what kind of person we are, and is a great way to fill the time before the kick-off!

It’s Black History Month! Each year, a theme for the month is chosen; this year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” There is a rich history of Black poets, playwrights, sculptors, and painters in this country, but today we’d like to highlight the work and accomplishments of one artist in particular: the painter Alma Woodsey Thomas.

It’s Scottsdale Western Week! There are lots of events happening in town, many of them free, that your family can experience. But one stands out as unique and rare, even for a cowboy town like this: the ride of the Hashknife Pony Express. And this ride happens to present a great opportunity to connect with your family, your desert home, and your Bible!

There is lots of meaning attached to the colors we see in the church – and in the world. From the liturgical colors that change with the season to the presence of rainbow imagery throughout the Bible, colors are everywhere! There are also colors associated with the different aspects of faith, which we invite your family to explore this week.