Lent & Easter

Read any Old Testament prophets lately? They certainly were the most important religious leaders among the people. As spokesmen for God, “This is what the Lord says,” is their repeated phrase. Sometimes that Word from God was one of warning and judgment. Often it was a word of hope and restoration. For the prophets, the ultimate hope was in the Messiah and the New Covenant He would bring. During this season of Lent, we focus on our theme: Repent & Return…a Prophetic Lent.

“Repentance is the admission of emptiness that receives all the good things that the Lord desires to shower upon us.”
From A Year with the Church Fathers: Meditations for Each Day of the Church Year © 2011 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission under license number 19:2-1, http://www.cph.org.

Each week, we will hear the Word of the prophets and see how they point us to God’s ultimate salvation in Jesus. Visit the display in the Gathering Space beginning February 23/24 to learn more about worship, individual devotions, and more. We encourage you to participate in these spiritual growth opportunities.

Ash Wednesday, March 6

12:00, 5:30pm, & 7:30
Imposition of Ashes • Holy Communion
A reflective service as we open our lives to the season of Lent and Christ’s work in us. Childcare (birth-4) available at evening services.

Lent Wednesdays, March 6-April 10

12:00 & 6:30pm
Dialogue • Biblical Character • Thoughtful
During this season of Lent, we will hear the Word of the prophets and see how they point us to God’s ultimate salvation in Jesus. Childcare (birth-4) available at evening service. Lenten Dinners: Served by the youth from 5-6:15pm in the Great Room; proceeds support youth mission trips. Prayer: Join us from 6-6:30pm in the Resource Center for a special time of prayer.

Palm Sunday Weekend – April 13/14

Regular Times: Sat. @ 5:00pm, Sun. @ 8:30 & 11:00am
Palms Procession • Holy Communion • Stirring
We mark Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and transition into the Passion, or suffering, of Jesus. Childcare (birth-4) available on Sunday.

Holy Week Mornings, April 15-19

Mon.-Fri., 6:30am
Restorative • Sermon • Holy Communion
A 30-minute service guides our focus on Jesus’ journey through Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday – April 18

11:00am, Sr. Citizen
Community • Holy Communion • Compassion
All are invited, especially seniors, for a time of worship commemorating the Last Supper. Lunch to follow in the Great Room.

6:30pm
Compassion • Holy Communion
We focus on Jesus’ command at the Last Supper to love each other, concluding with the Stripping of the Altar. Childcare (birth-4) available.

Good Friday – April 19

12:00-3:00pm, Tre Ore
Meditation • Message • Hymns
Meditate on the seven last words of Jesus. Come and go as you need. Tre Ore, Latin for “three hours”, refers to the three hours that Christ was on the cross on Good Friday. We will meditate on each of the seven last words of Christ with a homily, hymn and period of silence in 25 minute segments.

12:00-12:25pm – Father, forgive them
12:25-12:50pm – Today…Paradise
12:50-1:15pm – Woman, here…
1:15-1:40pm – My God…
1:40-2:05pm – I thirst!
2:05-2:30pm – It is finished!
2:30-2:55pm – Father, into…
2:55-3:00pm – Departing

5:30pm, Family Service
Somber • Responsive Reading • Candles
This family-oriented service directs our attention to Jesus’ sacrifice. Childcare (birth-4) available.

7:30pm, Liturgy of Good Friday
Solemn • Prayer • Hymns
We gather to recall the death of Jesus and its incredible impact on our lives. Childcare (birth-4) available.

Easter Sunday – April 21

6:30am, Sunrise
Joyful • Holy Communion • Festive
Beginning quietly outdoors, a new fire signals Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Alleluias ring out as we move indoors to celebrate Easter.

8:00, 9:30am, & 11:15am
Procession • Holy Communion • Festive
He is risen! echoes through the church as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Brass, handbells, organ, and choir enhance worship at 8:00 and 9:30, while piano- and band-led music lend a contemporary feel to the 11:15 service. Child care (birth-4) available. Breakfast available 7:15 – 10:00am in the Great Room.