February 25, 2026 Newsletter

February 26, 2026

Lent is the 40-day season (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. It mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness and recalls the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert. More than a stretch of days on the calendar, Lent is an invitation: a sacred time to slow down, reflect, repent, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

While Lent is most often associated with Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, many Protestant churches—including ours—have found it to be a meaningful season of spiritual renewal. Lent helps us examine our lives, turn again toward God, and make space for the Spirit to form us more fully into Christlikeness.

I also want to remind you about our upcoming New Members Class, which you’ll see more details about later in this newsletter. This class is open to anyone—whether you’re considering membership or simply want to learn more about Wildermuth Church. Together we’ll explore our rich heritage, our theology and doctrine, and how our church is structured.

And then comes the challenge.

Each of us has THE ONE—that person God has placed on our heart. During this Lenten season, I invite you to intentionally invest in that relationship. Pray for them. Walk with them. Perhaps, as God works, that relationship will grow to the point where they join you for a New Members Class. Better yet, perhaps God is stirring something deeper—leading you, or your ONE, toward baptism.

With that hope in mind, I am making arrangements for a Baptism Service on Easter morning.If you—or someone you know—are feeling led to be baptized, please reach out and let me know. I would be honored to walk with you in that step of faith.

Grace and peace as we journey through this Lenten season together.

— Pastor Vance

Pastor Vance's Ventures

For your convenience, below is Pastor Vance’s tentative schedule for the next few days. (It may vary depending on emergency situations, meetings, etc.)

Appointments can be made by calling/texting 614-706-3040 or email at pastorvance@wildermuthchurch.com

Wed 2/25

Kiwanis @ Noon

GPS – Somerset @ 7 PM

Thurs 2/26

Office by Appointment

Friday 2/27

Office by Appointment

Saturday 2/28

Beat the Winter Blues Concert @ 6

- Carry in Dinner after

Sunday 3/1

Worship @ 10AM

Monday 3/2

Office by Appointment

Tuesday 3/3

Bible Study – Carroll Cup – 9AM

Office by Appointment

Wednesday 3/4

Kiwanis @ Noon

GPS – Somerset @ 7PM

Meetings, events, and Worship services

God and People Stories (GPS)Ministries, an outreach ministry by Pastor Vance in our area.

GPS Ministries — Somerset

Join us Wednesday evenings at Wannabees (the sign out front says “Main Grill”) at 105 W Main St, Somerset, OH. We fellowship over a meal between 5-7 PM (arrive as you can, purchase your own meal from their great menu) and Bible study starts at 7.
Contact Pastor Vance if you would like transportation to this service.

Ministry / Volunteer Opportunities

We invite all to share your gifts during our Worship Service
It could also be by sharing a poem, some musical gift, or other talent during our services. It could even be to serve as a Song Leader during our Worship time, or in some other way.

BC Food Pantry - Monthly (typically the 3rd Friday of the month)
Come join us as we minister to our community by helping with the setting up for the Bloom Carroll Food Pantry.

- Approx 6:30 - 8 PM at Shalom UMC, 4925 Plum Rd NW, Carroll -

Minister to others by bringing in donations of canned Dog and Cat Food

to Wildermuth Memorial Church. We serve as a collection site for these items.

Would you consider helping Wildermuth Church in supporting missionaries by linking your Kroger rewards card to Wildermuth Memorial Church, ID # RJ186.