Lent is the 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter Sunday and our celebration of Jesus' resurrection. This year, our Lenten theme is "Tell Me Something Good." Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all. We want to ground ourselves in that good news this Lent.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Lenten Worship, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:00 pm: This year, we are joining with Colonial Presbyterian Church for a special time of fellowship and worship in
their fellowship hall. Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m., with worship around the tables to follow at 7:00. Our theme is “The good news is...everyone is invited,” and worship will focus on Jesus' parable of the great banquet. The name “Shrove Tuesday” comes from the Christian tradition of being shriven, or absolved following confession. For many Christians today, it is a day of self-examination leading into Lent, which begins the next day. The tradition of eating pancakes comes from people indulging in richer foods that they will fast from during the Lenten season (which is also the origin of the other name for this day, Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.”) Come join us as we prepare our hearts for Lent.
Worship (on Sundays at 10:30) will be focused on the good news of the Gospel - good news that is surprising; that is great love for God and neighbor, that together, the impossible is possible; that is protection and care for the vulnerable; that is rooted in justice, mercy, and faithfulness; that is inspiring us to act; and that is alive in the world!
Diving into the Good News: Reading the Gospels Together: If you are looking for a spiritual practice this Lent, join us in reading the Gospels together! You can find the reading plan here. If you prefer listening to reading, the Bible app will read the scriptures to you, or you can listen to the podcast “Let's Read the Gospels.”
On Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., beginning Feb. 25, we will have a soup dinner and Pastor Melissa will guide us in a discussion of that week's readings. Even if you haven't done the readings, come for the fellowship and discussion.
Music for the Season: Check out a playlist to go along with our Tell Me Something Good theme: https://bit.ly/Lentenmusic.
Local Missions Offering: During the Lenten and Easter seasons, we will be highlighting the ways we partner with organizations in our community to share God's love. We will collect a special offering to assist in our local missions efforts, as well.
Faith Lending Library: Our library shelf in the foyer has been filled with books for the Lenten season. Feel free to borrow them!