At the heart of the Christian faith is our participation in the life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus Christ was born into human history in the fullness of time for our salvation. He lived and taught, suffered and was put to death; but God “raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand” (Eph. 1:20) Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are delivered from sin and death, and by the power of the Holy Spirit we are born into eternal life with God.
Since the beginning of Christian worship, these events have given shape and meaning to the week, the whole year, and even to each day of the Christian community’s life. In remembering the mystery of our redemption in Christ through the seasons of Lent and Easter, we are formed in the pattern of his death and resurrection and his life-giving Spirit.
Since the seasons of Lent and Easter celebrate the most definitive aspects of God’s redemptive acts, we must carefully plan, carry out, and give ourselves fully to our worship during this time. Lent is a time for evangelism and for true conversion - a time for growing through repentance, fellowship, prayer, fasting, worship, forgiveness, etc. We are to be signs of God’s Kingdom in this world. Lent is not necessarily giving something up, but rather taking upon ourselves the intention and receptivity to God’s grace so that we may worthily participate in the mystery of “God-with-us”.
Daily Bible study, contemplative prayer and attending Sunday School and worship regularly during this time might be a redemptive way to stay focused on God’s Kingdom.
Exploring the meaning of Lent, Tuesday, February 24, 6:30-8:30pm at Still Waters
Ash Wednesday is February 25 at 6:30pm in the sanctuary
11:00 Worship on the Sundays of Lent: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Contemplative Conversations every Thursday in March, 6:45-8:30pm at Still Waters
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