News Release

ATWOOD — During his Sunday, Feb. 4, sermon, Pastor David Banning at Atwood Otterbein Church said that many people have visions of self-sacrifice by giving up some things they absolutely love when they think of Lent.

Banning quoted Pastor Colin Smith, who said: “Many Christians view Lent as an opportunity to refocus attention on God’s love for us, so great a love that He sent His son to die for our sins. Giving up something we love … a food or an activity … reminds us of God’s sacrificial love that can be beneficial to our spiritual growth, especially if we replace it with spiritual discipline such as Bible reading, prayer or fasting.”

Banning said that during Lent this year, he would like to propose that the faithful take a fresh look at the prospect of altering their lives but with a more positive spin on the process than the often negative connotation of a phrase like “giving up something for Lent.” This Lent, he would like folks to “release” something that has had its grip on them. By “releasing” something, people may adopt a softer, more positive way of making beneficial changes, he said.

Folks are encouraged to join the congregation and Banning on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 in their sanctuary at 306 E. Main St. in Atwood. You’re invited to come early for coffee and stay late for snacks and fellowship. Following the service, Patsianne and Richard Harrold will be hosting adult Bible study in the sanctuary.

The church’s women’s group will be conducting a fundraising bake sale from 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in the Atwood Community Building during the Atwood Lions Club Soup & Sandwich Night. Money the group raises will benefit local Christian nonprofit organizations.

The pastor can be reached at (574) 858-2291 or by email at [email protected]. The church’s website is atwoodotterbeinchurch.org and its Facebook page can be found as Atwood Otterbein Church.