Walk With Us Through the Season of Lent

In our spiritual life, we have times of great celebration. We also have times of deep reflection, when we empty ourselves before God and contemplate our place in the world. The Lenten season is one such time. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, and before Ash Wednesday is Mardi Gras – a long-honored tradition where we participate in parades and enjoy indulgent foods before turning our full focus to God and our mortality. This faith-centered practice gives rhythm to our life and offers an opportunity for festivity followed by contemplation. Following are ways we can walk through this season together.

Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
People of all ages are invited to a Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 pm, in the Family Life Center. Pastor Ed brings us this family-friendly, festive tradition from his Gulf Coast roots. We need volunteers! Click below to volunteer or learn more.

Ash Wednesday Service
Join us for a meaningful worship service on Feb. 18 at 5:30 pm, in the Sanctuary, where we will reflect on the significance of Ash Wednesday through Scripture, prayer, music, and the imposition of ashes. This service is a time to turn our hearts toward God, embrace the call to repentance, and prepare for the Lenten season ahead.

Prayer Guide for Lent
Rodney Duke, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Appalachian State University, has written a translation of the Lord’s Prayer for us to follow during this Lenten season. Included in this translation are seven reflections on the prayer, one for each week during Lent, starting on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Click the link below to access a digital copy of these reflections and follow along with us.

Lenten Bible Study
A Lenten Bible study is being led by Laura Padgett on Wednesdays, Feb. 18 through April 1, in Room 134. Join us for Plenty Good Room: A Lenten Bible Study on African American Spirituals. This six-week study includes a deep devotional experience that contemplates African American spirituals as we walk along with Jesus in the wilderness towards His final week before the cross. Meetings will begin at 5:30 pm, with the exception of the gathering on Feb. 18, which will begin immediately following the Ash Wednesday Service; the Ash Wednesday Service begins at 5:30 pm, in the Sanctuary.