We begin the season of Lent on Wednesday, March 1, with Ash Wednesday. This 40-day period takes us up to Easter, giving us a chance to reflect on some of the powerful stories of Jesus’ life, including his execution on the cross. But his story does not end there, which is why Easter Sunday (April 16) is such a joyous event.
Worship
Ash Wednesday – March 1 – 7 p.m. service followed by a viewing of One Light, Many Candles, a video with Noel Paul and Rev. Betty Stookey celebrating a variety of faith traditions.
Sundays
March 5 – Temptation – the stories of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7) and Jesus temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 1-11)
March 12 – Seeking – the call of Abram (Genesis 12: 1-4a) and the questions of Nicodemus (John 3: 1-17)
March 19 – Thirst – The grumbling Israelites ( Exodus 17: 1-7) and the woman at the well (John 4: 5-42)
March 26 – Darkness – The children of the light (Ephesians 5: 8-14) and the man born blind (John 9: 1-41)
April 2 – Death – Dry bones (Ezekiel 37: 1-14) and the death of Lazarus (John 11: 1-45)
April 9 – Palm Sunday – Matthew 21: 1-11
Holy Week
Night of the Lord’s Supper – April 13, 7 p.m.
Good Friday – April 14, 7 p.m.
Easter Sunday – April 16, services at 8:15 and 10 a.m.
Take a Break
We will have time on Wednesday evenings called “Lent: Take a Break.” Ellen Reuter will lead a 5-week meditation gathering that will give you the opportunity to step away from the madness and not do anything. Through discussion, guided meditation, body scanning and mindfulness meditation you’ll be able to take time for just you. Gatherings will be Wednesdays, from 6:30-8 pm starting March 8th. Sessions are independent from each other so you can come to one or all. For more information contact Rebecca Malke or Ellen Reuter.
Actions
People often choose one or more ways to do something special during Lent as a form of a spiritual practice. It could be giving up something or it could be doing extra, either in the form of prayer or reading or by doing something to benefit the wider community.
Resources
We are out of printed copies of the UCC’s Lenten Daily Devotional. You can download a copy of Diving Lessons from the UCC web site.
If you like doing daily scripture readings, here is the daily lectionary. Once you get to this page, you have to scroll down to the section for Lent.