Lenten Schedule – Starting March 5

The Lenten Season (which is the 40 fasting / self-examination days before Easter, not counting Sundays) begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. The theme for this year's Lenten Services is Jesus' words from the cross. Through these bold statements, we will come to know Jesus (who he is and what he has done) more fully.

Note, we have a fellowship meal at 5:50 pm in Fellowship Hall. Please sign up for the meal in advance at the Sanctuary entrance. At this time we need fellowship groups and/or people to take charge of a meal each week. Then at 6:30 pm go upstairs to the Sanctuary for Worship.

The Lenten schedule is listed below. Note:

DATE        BIBLE                                                                                                MEAL BY

March   5   Luke 23:32-38 “Father, forgive them …”                                           Council – Spaghetti Dinner

March 12   Luke 23:39-43 “… today you will be with me in Paradise.”               Z-Team – Taco Night

March 19   John 19:25-27  “Woman, behold your son! …”                                 Sunday School

March 26   Matt 27:45-49  “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”    Potluck

April     2   John 19:28-30  “I thirst”                                                                     Potluck

April     9   John 19:30        “It is finished”                                                           Potluck

April   16   Luke 23:44-49  “Father, into Thy hands I commit My Spirit!”  

April   17   Maundy Thursday                                                                              Sisters-in-Faith        

Wednesday Night Worship Services

Starting on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, our Wednesday evening services will have a Lenten message – the words that Jesus spoke from the cross. This will take us up to Easter, Sunday, April 20th. The service format will be the same as it is now, lasting about 30 minutes and including Communion on the first Wednesday of March (5th) and April (2nd). The biggest addition is having a congregation meal beforehand, from 5:50 to 6:00 pm – see the Lenten Schedule below..

So, join us, and invite your family and friends to come to our Wednesday Evening Worship from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Lent

During Lent (from Ash Wednesday, March 5th up to Easter, April 20th) we are reminded of Jesus' passion – His betrayal, trials, crucifixion and death. We do this to lift up (exalt) our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus said (John 12:32), “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” During Lent we lift up Jesus for three reasons. First, to call all people, Christians and non-Christians, to face their sins (Confess and Repent). Second, to call those who have never invited Jesus Christ into their lives, to do so now (by Faith, trusting Jesus to truly forgive). And, Third, to call us to actively follow Jesus (live a good life for Him by the power of the Holy Spirit), and to serve Jesus (build His Church by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring others to Christ).

I encourage you, young and old, to come, and invite you relatives, neighbors, school friends, and coworkers. For (Rev. 22:17a), “The Spirit and the bride (church) say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’.”

Blessings as we lift up our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ;

Pastor Darrell Weber

“Lift High the Cross”

“Lift High the Cross” (Hymn #236) is based on John 12:32, which I quoted above. The original hymn contains many more verses than is in our hymnal. Eleven of which are given in an online article (https://faithmusicconnection.com/lift-high-the-cross-lyrics/) by a music professor, Larry Frazier. Below are some of his notes on the song.

For over 2,000 years the cross has been a powerful symbol in western culture. Many nations feature the cross in their national flag; a red cross signifies medical or humanitarian relief. Examples from literature and the arts include the stories of Count Dracula and Faust. In these stories the cross is used to repel the evil power of the vampire and Mephistopheles. To Christians, the cross represents the ultimate expression of the love of God in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross motivates believers to active faith and mission. "Lift High the Cross" beautifully expresses the power of the cross. It is a product of the work of two Anglican priests - George William Kitchin (1827-1912) and Michael Robert Newbolt (1874-1956).

The refrain calls you and me to “Lift high the Cross” Christ bore, and to share this “love of Christ” with everyone “all the world,” that they too may “adore His sacred name.” We are called to “follow” Christ. We ask Him to fulfill His “promise” to “draw men unto Thee.” And, we add our voices in “praise” to Christ “the crucified” for giving us His “victory.”

Refrain: 

Lift high the cross, The love of Christ proclaim,   Till all the world adore His sacred name.

Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod,  Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God.  Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on this glorious tree,  As Thou hast promised, draw men unto Thee.  Refrain

For Thy blest cross which doth for all atone,  Creation’s praises raise before Thy throne.  Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be:  Praise to the Crucified for victory.  Refrain