The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. This year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day occur on the same day: February 14.
Lent is the six week season in the Christian calendar that precedes Easter. Lent provides the opportunity to take an honest look at your life to see what and how the message of God’s radical love can bring new life. The intent of the season is that when Easter morning arrives and we proclaim, “Christ is Risen!” we will be able to experience “Resurrection” too.
The Biblical foundation of the season of Lent is found in the synoptic Gospels: Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; and Luke 4:1-13. These passages describe Jesus’ spirit quest – an isolated time of discernment – when his call was tested. Jesus 40-day encounter with the “wilderness” and the Tempter clarified and solidified his mission and purpose. The time of trial gave him strength and conviction that he was called by God to reveal God’s unconditional love for all humanity.
Our worship theme for Lent this year is “What R U Up To?” We’ll be using visual, verbal, and musical resources from Worship Design Studio.
Here’s a synopsis of the theme:
“Lent is often known as a time of giving something up, in order to make room in our lives for spiritual pursuits. Rather than just “giving up” in Lent, the scriptures ask us to consider all that Jesus is “up to” and all that he asks us to be up to as his followers. What pursuits are we up to in our lives that call us to be our best selves, and our best selves as the church?”
Ash Wednesday service will begin at 6:30pm, Wednesday, February 14, with a light supper in Fellowship Hall. Our shared meal will be followed by a brief worship experience including the imposition of ashes for those who desire to receive them.
The “What R U Up To?” sermon series will begin the first Sunday of Lent, February 18 at 10am.