February 2026

What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8

What a challenging time in Minnesota we’ve had over the course of the last few weeks. Operation Metro Surge has been ongoing since December. Amidst the tragedy of unnecessary fear and violence, the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and a general climate of anxiety and uncertainty, this week, I was surprised and encouraged by an article about Minnesotans in The Atlantic. Adam Serwer wrote:

Minnesotans have shown that their community is socially cohesive—because of its diversity and not in spite of it. Minnesotans have found and loved one another in a world atomized by social media, where empty men have tried to fill their lonely soul with lies about their own inherent superiority. Minnesotans have preserved everything worthwhile about ‘Western civilization,’ while armed brutes try to tear it down by force.

In this stressful time, our neighbors and community have met outside challenges with cohesion, unity and commitment to one another. I am thankful for this special place we share and the values that have taken such deep root in our neighborhood, city and metro that many in the rest of the country are recognizing what a special place Minnesota is.Arise, shine; for your light has come!

Here at First, the month of January finished with our annual meeting. The New Creation Team presented a roadmap for deepening relationships and envisioning what we can do together with our partners Faith-Lilac Way and Cross of Glory. We handed out ballots for the Vote of Confidence and were overjoyed to find that the vote to continue exploring the New Creation and consolidation was unanimous.

In these weeks after Christmas, we begin the season of Epiphany. We’ll begin alongside the Magi on their journey towards the star in the east and the baby Jesus. As we move through the story of Jesus’ baptism and the call of the disciples, we’re reminded that we’re part of a story that keeps us moving.

Like most years, the month of February is a transitional time in worship on Sunday mornings. Our month begins with Jesus alongside the Sea of Galilee giving the Sermon on the Mount. Ash Wednesday is on February 18th this year. So, the last week of February will also be the first week of Lent.

This year, our Lenten services will be alongside the other New Creation congregations. Cross of Glory, Faith-Lilac Way and First will take turns hosting our Lenten services, just as we did when we had our Wednesday Advent services in December.

Our Lenten theme will be “Walking the Palm Sunday Path.” On Wednesdays, we’ll be encouraged to follow Jesus along the path he walked into Jerusalem and eventually to the cross. As the author, Matt Skinner writes: “The original Palm Sunday was an occasion of joy and peril, all rolled into a tight and combustible ball of earnest expectation.”

As we look ahead to February, we’re called to follow Jesus whether it’s alongside the Sea of Galilee, alongside to our neighbors in our community, or neighboring congregations. I hope you join us as we’re called to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.”

Thanks and peace,

Pr Colin