What is Lent?
Lent is a season in the liturgical, church year that begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1st and ends at sunset on Maundy Thursday, April 13th. Lent is a season of renewal, a time of growing through repentance, fellowship, prayer, and the embrace of our covenant with each other and with God. Lent is not so much about giving up something but rather about trying to be intentional about being open to the renewing work of God’s grace. Just as the bulbs planted deep in the ground begin to stir to new life as the days grow longer in the coming of spring, so too does this season encourage a kind of germination of God’s spirit in us, calling us to new life and new beginnings, of which we will celebrate in the mystery of the empty tomb on Easter morning.
In the very early church, this season was one of intentional formation where those who wished to join in following the Way of Jesus would undergo a concentrated period of study and preparation which would culminate with their baptism and welcome into the church during the Easter Vigil, Saturday service. The liturgical color for Lent is purple which you will remember is also the color for Advent, which is similarly a season of preparation.
Ash Wednesday, March 1st
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. It is a time to put aside the ways that we may have fallen short of being the people God is calling us to be and to stand in the Grace of God’s renewing Spirit. Whether you chose to receive ashes (a cross of ash marked on your forehead) or prefer instead to receive a blessing, the Ash Wednesday service is a quiet, contemplative, and prayerful space to mark the beginning of our Lenten journey. This year we will have TWO Ash Wednesday services. One at 6:00 p.m. that will be geared specifically to children and then our regular service at 7:00 p.m. Child care will be available for the 7:00 p.m. service.
Food for the Journey — Wednesday Evening Worship 7:00 p.m. throughout Lent
Come be nourished each week as we journey towards Easter! Each Wednesday night, we will share bread and cup as we are nourished for our pilgrimage. Each worship service will be unique, and there will also be some ongoing practices that we include each week. Come walk the labyrinth, pray with paint, hear a story, sing a song. There will be many opportunities to be renewed with each other!
Memorial Chapel (the side chapel off the sanctuary)
Wednesday nights at 7, starting March 8th;
Childcare will be provided.