Worship for Epiphany and Lent
A poor widow with a wealth of gratitude and generosity. A military leader concerned for his slave. "Fat Sunday's" story of 12 disciples who were empowered to feed 5000 people. Ash Wednesday, the First Sunday of Lent, and the story of Jesus "setting his face to Jerusalem" to do what he was called to do.
Sunday, Feb. 5 The Power of Change
With the flick of her wrist she tossed some change into the donation box. For onlookers it was insignificant, for her it was all she had. With the flick of her wrist the widow Jesus talks about challenges leaders and exerts her strength (Mark 12:41-44). It's a story that is well known, The Widow's Offering, but what does the story reveal about the widow's power and our own power?
Sunday, Feb. 12 Listening, Acting, Transforming
Jesus encounters a Centurion asking for healing for the Centurion's slave (Luke 7:1-10) - an uncommon request to say the least. Yet, the Centurion listened to his slave, acted on behalf of that slave, and transformed suffering into hope. What happens when we listen before we act, listen to someone else's suffering? Does that change the way we act and thus seek transformation of the world?
Sunday, Feb. 19 Mardi Gras Sunday!
"Send them away," said Jesus' disciples when they saw 5000 hungry people. "You give them something to eat," responded Jesus. With his help, they did! (Mark 6:30-44) It's a great story for "Mardi Gras Sunday.
First Sunday of Lent
Feb. 26 He Set His Face to Jerusalem
Jesus was free to choose his own way. He chose the one that led to Jerusalem-and to a hill called Calvary. (Luke 9:51-54). Why would he make such a choice? Why do we make the choices we do? We begin the journey of Lent exploring those questions. Throughout the six Sundays of this journey, we'll also hear the stories of other people along that Jerusalem road and the choices they made.
Ash Wednesday
Services on February 22
Noon and 7:00 p.m.
We turn from the celebration of Mardi Gras to the beginning of Lent with two services on Ash Wednesday at Noon and 7:00 p.m. They are quiet times of reflection when we are invited to let go of and turn back to ashes those things that keep us from the fullness of life and relationship with God. All are welcome. Child care provided at both services. Older children and youth are invited to participate in this powerful ritual.
The Colors of the Season
Caroline Burnett, Liturgical Arts
The Christmas holidays are receding from our memories - hopefully for most of you they brought joy, peace and love shared with family, friends and community. As this new year begins to unfold, may we carry with us some of the beauty and love that we experienced during the holidays.
Until Ash Wednesday we continue in the Season of Epiphany. Green is the predominant color of Epiphany. Thus the green and blue banner will hang, with flowers and candles of similar colors. Your Liturgical Arts Team will continue to work to make the Sanctuary a place that reflects the spirit of the season and provides a serene place for worship each Sunday.
On Ash Wednesday, the color changes to purple for the season of Lent. Easter comes early this year, so we are also thinking about the preparations for the Sanctuary.
We welcome new volunteers, whether you can help on a regular basis or are only available for holidays. Please remember to sign up for flowers on the Community Room calendar. A donation of approximately $40-50 is suggested. Please contact Caroline Burnett (cbburnett@mac.com or 820-0902) with questions or information. Peace and love to each of you.
“If the only prayer you ever pray is ‘thank you,’ that would be sufficient.”
Christian Mystic Meister Eckhart
