February 2026 Newsletter
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 1
✨ Being Strong in the Lord — February at Union
Union Lutheran Church’s February 2026 newsletter invites the congregation into a season of strength, reflection, and purposeful faith as Epiphany gives way to Transfiguration and the beginning of Lent. Centered on Pastor Heidi Punt’s “word for the year,” chazaq—to be strong—the month calls the church to discover true strength not in self-reliance, but in abiding near God through Word, Sacrament, prayer, and community.
February opens with a pastoral reflection that frames strength as a holistic, God-given gift—formed not by power or stubbornness, but by humility, discernment, and love of neighbor. Drawing from Joshua’s formation near Moses and Christ’s call to faithfulness, the congregation is encouraged to build spiritual “muscle” by staying close to God amid life’s many distractions.
🌟 Worship, Teaching & the Journey to LentWorship throughout the month follows a rich arc of Scripture—from wisdom amid division in Corinth, to forgiveness, trust, and finally the radiant glory of Christ’s Transfiguration. A sermon series rooted in 1 Corinthians continues to shape the congregation’s understanding of the Mind of Christ, culminating in Transfiguration Sunday, when the Alleluias are set aside and hearts are turned toward the Lenten desert.
Ash Wednesday marks a solemn and hope-filled threshold, with services of repentance, Holy Communion, and the imposition of ashes—reminding worshipers that Christ alone is our true treasure and strength.
🤲 Formation, Fellowship & Shared LifeChildren, youth, and adults continue to grow together through Sunday School, catechism focused on reading through the Bible in a year, and Bible studies including Amos and a women’s Book Bible Study. Fellowship fills the calendar with Good Timers gatherings, Mary & Martha Circle, line dancing, shared meals, and a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper that joyfully ushers the congregation into Lent.
📖 Service, Outreach & MissionFebruary’s benevolence focus supports Footprints in the Community, reflecting Union’s ongoing commitment to serving children with special needs and their families. Members also serve through Chapel Time at Autumn Care, a home repair project for a neighbor in need, and youth-led worship at St. Martin’s in Maiden. As Lent begins, midweek meals and worship invite deeper reflection on identity in Christ—moving from performance and insecurity to grace-filled purpose.
🙏 Vision, Leadership & GratitudeThe month also includes prayerful discernment for the future, highlighted by the 2026 Sunday School Lunch & Vision gathering. Gratitude and remembrance weave through the newsletter, with memorial gifts, notes of thanks, and continued prayers for those who are sick, grieving, or homebound—reminding the congregation that strength is most clearly seen when borne together.
As February unfolds, Union Lutheran Church is called to be strong in the Lord—rooted in Christ, shaped by His Word, and sustained by a community walking together through seasons of glory, repentance, and hope.
Through worship, learning, generosity, and fellowship, the congregation lives out its mission:
“Christ Centered ~ Mission Driven ~ Traditionally Grounded ~ Congregationally Focused.”
For details, download and read the newsletter.
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