We are on the threshold of the holy season on Lent. Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter. People have many practices around this season, but the goal is to increase and deepen our relationship with God as we prepare to receive again the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning.
This year our theme for Sunday worship is Bread of Life. I am very excited about this journey we will be on together. Today, the world feels heavy, divided and uncertain. Many people’s hearts ache, minds seek peace and souls hunger for hope. In these times the Bread of Life reminds of abundance—that there is enough love, grace and hope for all. During the weeks leading up to Easter, we will focus on how Jesus feeds people with good news, redemption, and stories of God’s kindom. I hope that we leave each week nourished and ready to share God’s abundance in our daily lives.
On Wednesday nights, when we gather for the Community Lenten services our theme is Everything In-Between. During these services, we will look at ideas that seem quite opposite, but as we examine scripture, speak liturgy, and sing together we will be reminded that God is in both and everything in-between. If you are looking for a spiritual practice for this holy season, let me recommend putting these services on your calendar and making them a priority. Having dinner in a full fellowship hall and worshipping in a full sanctuary is does something truly wonderful for one’s spirit.
We will continue to prepare our hearts for receiving the resurrection on Easter morning with the larger faith community during Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday we will join other churches at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for dinner and worship and on Good Friday, we will host other congregations here to remember Jesus crucifixion. I know many people do not like to focus on this part of Jesus’ story, but it is an important piece of his story and remembering his death days before celebrating the resurrection helps us remember and experience anew the power of the empty tomb.
However you mark time this Lenten season, I hope you set special time aside to strengthen and deepen your relationship with God through Christ.
