Today, I want us to consider a Christian discipline or practice that I think most Christians know of but may not have experience with: “fasting”.

How many of you have heard in your life “Hey, what are you ‘giving up’ for Lent?” I was asked that so many times in my life. Yet, I have to admit for me today, this discipline of giving up or fasting has not ever been where I think it should be or where God would it have it be in my life.

Why is this? Why is it not universally practiced by Christians?

Service times:

Live on YouTube
In person worship

Order of service:

Ash Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 51:1–13
Old Testament reading is from Joel 2:12–19
New Testament reading is from 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Holy Gospel is from Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

Songs and Hymns:

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Text by Isaac Watts
Tune by Lowell Mason
Public domain
By Grace Alone
Text by Martin Luther
Tune by David Ward, © 2002 ThousandTongues.org
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740

Liturgies:

Offertory

Announcements:

Wednesday, Feb 18:
Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Wednesday Community Group: 10 AM

Downstairs.

Midweek Worship Service: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
No Jr & Sr High Youth Group

Paused during Lent. Please join us St. James’ midweek Lent services at 6:30 PM

Thursday, Feb 19:
AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Feb 21:
Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
Sunday, Feb 22:
Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstaris..

Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstairs.

Discovering Christianity Class: 10:45 AM

Downstairs.

Does My Faith Belong to Me? (Ep137)

Some Christians worry that their Christianity is only theirs because they grew up in a Christian home. But is this a weakness, or a strength? Chuck and Aaron talk about what it means to have one’s own faith in this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.

St. James Member Survey

St. James Member Survey

2026 Lent/Easter Worship Schedule

Lent Midweek & Holy Week Services 6:30 PM


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