The Church is open for Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, which is a Christian tradition across many denominations of penance and reflection in preparation for Easter. Many people choose a “fast” or something to give up over the 40 days of Lent (often red meat, which is why restaurants often add fish to the menu during this time).
First Reformed will be open today (2/18/26) from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for you to observe Lent with a quite time of prayer, scripture and reflection in the sanctuary. Come any time that is convenient and stay as long as you’d like. Scripture guides are available and there is a cross set up on which you can nail a paper with your “sins” as a reminder that Christ’s sufferings have set you free. There is also a small bowl of ashes if you would like to receive the traditional markings of the cross on your forehead.
Road Closures in Portage for Sunday (2/22/26)
Portage’s Winter Blast Half-Marathon is this Sunday with the race starting at 8:00 AM. There will be periodic road/land closures around church that you may need to plan around for your commute. These include:
- 7:15 to 9 AM: The south-bound curb lane on Lovers Lane from Kilgore Road to Kingsbury Drive will be closed. Police officers will be present to assist with traffic.
- 7:45 AM to 12 PM: At the intersection of Lovers Lane and Kilgore Road, police officers will be present to assist with traffic.
- 8 to 8:30 AM: Lovers Lane in the vicinity of the southern entrance to Loy Norrix High School will be intermittently closed by police officers to facilitate runners crossing Lovers Lane.
- 8:15 to 11:45 AM: Garden Lane in the vicinity of Celery Flats will be intermittently closed by police officers to facilitate runners crossing Garden Lane.
- 8:15 to 11:45 AM: At the intersection of East Centre Avenue and Currier Drive / Mustang Drive, police officers will be present to assist with traffic.
- 8:15 to 11:45 AM: At the intersection of West Centre Avenue and South Westnedge Avenue, police officers will be present to assist with traffic.
- 8:15 to 11:45 AM: At the intersection of Shaver Road and West Melody Avenue, police officers will be present to assist with traffic.
More information is available at https://www.portagemi.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1827
Hamid’s Testimony
“Hamid gave him a Treasure audio Bible. As Rahim Khan listened to the stories of Jesus, something remarkable happened. The stories of Jesus pierced his heart.“
One of the missions we support is Unknown Nations and we have helped raise money to purchase the audio Bible devices. Pam Reeves (Mission and Outreach Team Leader) would like to share this powerful article on the work being done in rural Afghanistan through this agency through brave Christians working in the Spirit’s power using a tool that First Reformed as helped provide. Read the full article here.