02/17/2026
Dear Friends and Family,
Grace and peace to you.
Tomorrow we begin the holy season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. This is a special and sacred time. It is a time to slow down, to look at our hearts, to pray, to turn back to God, and to begin again with His grace.
I warmly invite you to start this Lenten journey with the Lord and with your church family at Shell Rock Valley Parish.
To make worship easy for everyone, we will have two Ash Wednesday services:
10:00 am - Nora Springs 1st UMC. For those who prefer a morning service.
5:00 pm - Plymouth 1st UMC. For those who work during the day.
Both services will include prayer, scripture, a short message, and the imposition of ashes. Each service will be meaningful, quiet, and welcoming.
Because Shell Rock Valley Parish includes four churches and we cannot gather at all four locations, we will also offer a come-and-go time at the Nora Springs church from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
During this time, you may stop by to receive ashes and a short prayer. You can come at any time between 11 and 3. It is open to everyone.
We would love to see you as we begin this holy season together.
May God bless you as we walk this journey of Lent with hope and faith.
