2/14/24 Ash Wednesday
Time and Mortality: We Center Our Hearts on Life
Joel 2:12–14; Psalm 51:1–19; Matt. 6:19-34
Time is short and fleeting. Today, we face our mortality with the phrase, “From dust you came and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). As we face this, and as we acknowledge the speed of time and the shortness of life, we gather to reflect on what is most important. The comforting grace of the Great Re-memberer, of God who knows, sees, and forever remembers us is ours. How then shall we live?
2/18/2024
Into the Wilderness: The Journey Begins
Gen. 22:1–18; James 1:12–18; Mark 1:9–15
Today we explore Jesus' baptism and His time in the wilderness. These events mark the beginning of His ministry and our own Lenten journey. We will reflect on the themes of preparation, temptation, and the strengthening of faith in the face of challenges.
2/25/2024
The Cross We Bear: Discipleship's Demand
Gen. 17:1–7, 15–16; Rom. 5:1–11; Mark 8:27–38
Peter's confession and Jesus' teachings on the cost of discipleship speak about the paradox of losing life to save it and carrying one's cross. Today we contemplate the true meaning of following Jesus and the sacrifices and commitments it entails, but also the incredible gift it becomes for us and the world around us.
3/3/2024
Cleansing the Temple: A Call to Renewal
Ex. 20:1–17; 1 Cor. 1:18–31; John 2:13–25
Jesus' act of cleansing the temple is an act of spiritual renewal. This is what he does at the very beginning of the Gospel of John, indicating that the whole Gospel is bringing this kind of renewal to the world. Today, we consider what needs to be 'cleansed' in our own lives and in our community of faith.
3/10/2024
Born Anew: The Light of Salvation
Num. 21:4–9; Eph. 2:1–10; John 3:14–21
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus speaks about rebirth, faith, and God's love as demonstrated in the giving of His Son for the salvation of the world. Notice how Nicodemus comes at night, hiding, and unsure whether he wants to be affiliated with Jesus. We also are called to come out of darkness and into light.
3/17/2024
The Servant King: Ransom for Many
Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 5:1–10; Mark 10:32–45
Jesus' teachings on service, His role as a servant, and him being a ransom for many, become a call for His followers to serve others and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. We hear and embrace a life of service and humility, modeled after Jesus. Not begrudgingly, but because the capacity to so love is the greatest emblem of life and freedom.
3/24/2024
Palm Sunday
Triumph and Sorrow: The King's Journey
Mark 11:1-11 (Beginning of the Service); Zech. 9:9–12; Phil. 2:5–11; Jn 12:12-19
Witness the contrasting scenes of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His eventual suffering and death, as told in Mark's Gospel. This service invites the congregation to experience the full spectrum of emotions from joyous celebration to profound sorrow, reflecting on the depth of Jesus' sacrifice.
3/28/2024
Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper: Covenant and Community
Ex 12:1-14; Jn 13:1-17, 31b-35; Mark 14:12–26
Delve into the profound moment of the Last Supper, where Jesus establishes the Holy Communion, symbolizing the new covenant in His blood. This service emphasizes the importance of community and remembrance in the Christian faith, as we partake in the bread and wine in memory of Christ.
3/29/2024
Good Friday
The Crucifixion: Love's Greatest Sacrifice
Is. 52:13—53:12; Heb. 4:14–16; 5:7–9; Jn 19:17-30 (or John 18:1—19:42)
We reflect on the somber and powerful narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and death as depicted in John's Gospel. This service is a solemn remembrance of the immense love and sacrifice of Christ, a time for contemplation and gratitude for the salvation He offers.
3/31/2024
Resurrection (Easter) Sunday
Renewed as We Go: Jesus is Just Ahead
Is. 25:6–9; 1 Cor. 15:1–11; Mark 16:1–8
Celebrate the joyous revelation of Jesus' resurrection, as the tomb is found empty and hope is renewed. This service is a culmination of the Lenten journey, rejoicing in the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.