Get Ready, Get Set…….GO WITH LENT!
As I’ve mentioned in a light-hearted way as of late in church, “So, we’re going to have Lent again this year!” Yes, Lent is an annual part of our life as a church. For 40 days (not counting Sundays) prior to Easter we journey through Lent with Jesus to the cross.
Historically, Lent is a time of repentance and reflection on our sin and need for God’s grace and forgiveness. Traditionally, Lent is also a time many Christians will give something up for Lent or, in some cases, take something on. That is, as an act of Christian discipline some people will sacrifice meat or chocolate or another food item to focus on the cross. Others will add a discipline like pray and midweek worship.
This year at Alleluia we will journey through Lent by entering the world of Jesus’ last week of life by way of dramas. Volunteers from our congregation will portray characters like Peter, Caiaphas, and Mary Magdalene. These biblical characters will be interviewed by a news anchor to bring their message and involvement with Jesus to life. I am grateful to Mike Frickstad who is coordinating and directing the dramas this year.
Something new will happen at Alleluia during Lent as well. We will worship on Wednesday evenings during Lent by singing the Holden Evening Service of Prayer. This beautiful, very lyrical liturgy was written originally for Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington state. I am hopeful this will be a very powerful and inspiring mid-week worship service for everyone.
As we look to the last days of Jesus’ earthly life during Lent, we can experience renewal in our faith in Christ. Lent is at times referred to as the “spring-time” of the soul. Lent can enliven our faith and can refocus our faith in Christ.
Ash Wed. and Wed. Midweek Lenten Services:
Please plan on beginning the Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, March 9th at 7 p.m. (no soup supper that night) and then on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m (Mar. 16, 23, 30, Apr.6 and 13 with a Soup Supper served at 6 pm and child care provided. Donations for the Soup Supper will go towards the summer Sr. High Youth Mission Trip.
Holy Week: We will hold a Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. on April 21. We will have the symbolic Washing of Hands and Holy Communion that night. The Good Friday Service at 7 pm. will be held on April 22 with a reading of the passion according to John’s gospel.
Easter Celebration Worship Services! Easter Services will be held at 9 and 10:30 am. On April 24th with Holy Communion, special music and inspiring worship for our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
