Leaders at Great Falls United Methodist Church invite parishioners and visitors now through Easter Sunday, April 4, to share in their Community Lenten Prayer Cross at 10100 Georgetown Pike. Installed outdoors and backing to the sanctuary, the rough-hewn wood cross and a container of multi-colored ribbons are visible from the roadway. "You can select ribbons representing each of your prayers and tie them to the wire on the cross as you offer your personal prayers," said church member Jesslyn Lumb.

Parishioners erected the cross in preparation for Ash Wednesday, which in 2021 was Feb. 17. Ash Wednesday marked the start of the 46-day Lenten journey leading to Easter Sunday, a moveable feast based on the moon's cycles. Some Christian faiths, such as Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, and Methodists observe Lent. Others do not.

That morning a small group gathered and prepared to tie their petition ribbons on the cross. Native Great Falls resident Sandra Musser brought one of her four children, daughter Caroline. "At a time when we cannot join in prayer inside our church sanctuary, the Prayer Cross is a welcome alternative way to bring concerns to the Lord," she said. Musser added that as people stopped by to participate, they would breathe life into the community of faith.

"Lent has begun, and I believe this will be the most meaningful season as we journey toward Easter," said Reverend Livingstone S. Dore, Pastor of Great Falls United Methodist Church, in his newsletter. He also announced that the Church would resume in-person worship services on March 21, nearly a year since they were last together in-sanctuary worship. According to Dore, there would be a limit of 50 persons. A summary of the guidelines, along with a registration form, would be posted on the Great Falls UMC website.