The season of Lent continues!
Last Wednesday evening we kicked off the season of Lent as we gathered for the first of our Soup Suppers at 6:00pm. Liz Weninger provided the soup and the Core Team served. Worship followed at 6:45pm – a traditional Ash Wednesday service with the choir singing, the imposition of ashes, and Holy Communion. We heard the first sermon in the series, “The Parables of Lent,” which focused on justification, based on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
This Wednesday we will again gather for a soup supper at 6:00pm. Please note that there is always lots of other food choices (fruit, veggies, PB & J sandwiches, dessert) for those who do not care for soup. At 6:45pm we will gather upstairs in the sanctuary for a brief worship service. We will sing and pray and hear the parable of the sower and the seed. The message will be entitled “Receive the Word.” I hope you will join us. And, as always, feel free to invite a friend!
Yesterday we began our Sunday morning Lenten series, “The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus.” We were reminded of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan and his time of testing and temptation that followed. We were reminded (thanks, in part, to Disney’s “The Lion King”) of the importance of remembering our baptism. In doing so, we remember who we are and whose we are. A meaningful part of the worship service was coming forward and touching the water of baptism – “Remember your baptism, and be thankful!”
This Sunday’s service will focus on the healing ministry of Jesus. We will hear how Jesus spent much time around the city of Capernaum and how he performed more healing miracles there than anyplace else. At the conclusion of the service, there will be an opportunity for people to gather around the altar to receive healing prayer and anointing with oil. Because so many are in need of healing – physical, mental and/or spiritual – this would be another great service to invite someone to. Better yet, offer to pick someone up and bring them to the service on Sunday so that they can hear a healing word and participate (if they wish) in a ritual of healing.
Have a Blessed Week!
Pastor Chad