LENT @ SAINT LUKE
A Season of Reflection, Preparation & Renewal
THE SEASON OF LENT
Begins in February or March
Lent: The word “lent” has its origin in the same root as one of the German words for “spring,” Lenz. As nature awakens from the death of winter, so the Christian finds newness of life in Christ, rising from sin’s death.
During the 40 days of Lent, God’s baptized people cleanse their hearts through the discipline of Lent: repentance, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent is a time in which God’s people prepare with joy for the paschal feast (Easter). It is a time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the tomb. The Early church used this time to usually fast and focus more on Christ in their lives. In a sense cleansing and purify oneself in order to fully focus and remove any hindrance for Easter worship.
Calendar: Ash Wednesday may fall as early as February 6 or as late as March 10. The dates for Lent depend on the date of Easter. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter.
Customs: Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when ashes are placed on the forehead to symbolize repentance. The color for this service is black or purple. The color for the rest of Lent is purple. The hymns and services of Lent do not include the joyful word, “Alleluia.” Consider fasting during daylight hours. Spend your regular mealtime in prayer and devotional reading. If you cannot abstain from food for health reasons, abstain from something else (e.g. television or another leisure activity). Do not fast on Sundays which are not part of the 40 days of Lent. Read Bible stories with children each day.
[The Lord Will Answer: A Daily Prayer Catechism. St. Louis, MO: CPH, 2004 pg. 147]
This year’s Lenten series is called Places of the Passion. In this worship series for Lent, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, contemplating what happened at each place our Savior stood along the path of his Passion for our sake. Written by theology professor Reed Lessing, each service explores the meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with the location highlighted. Parishioners will learn things they may not have known before as they grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
Lent Kit Available
A Lenten bookmark and calendar are available on the table in the back of the church for you to pick-up and walk in the footsteps of Christ during this Lenten journey. We hope that these creative and safe ways to be the body of Christ-together, yet apart - enhance and support your worship experience.
Weekly Themes
Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, we go to Jerusalem, the place of the Passover, where Jesus gathers with the crowds and sacrifices himself for us. The meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with this location are highlighted. We will learn things we may not have known before as we grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
March 7, 2021 (Week 3)
In this service for Week 3 of Lent, the place of the Passion is Gethsemane, where Jesus is betrayed and arrested in this garden under cover of darkness. We witness Jesus being taken away by soldiers, but we know that his journey toward the cross will take away our sins. The meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with Gethsemane help us to grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
Feb. 21, 2021 (Week 1)
Week’s 1 place of the Passion is Bethany, as we remember that Jesus is anointed for burial by his friend Mary, at her home in this small town. We’re called to prepare our hearts for Christ’s death as well, while still looking toward the fragrant surprise of the empty tomb. The meaning, history & spiritual inspiration associated with Bethany help us to grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
March 14, 2021 (Week 4)
In this service for Week 4 of Lent, the place of the Passion is The Courtyard, outside of where Jesus is put on trial before the high priest and where Peter denies Jesus. We are called to confess that we often tend to distance ourselves from Christ, when we should be drawing closer to him. The meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with the Courtyard help us to grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
Feb. 28, 2021 (Week 2)
In this service for Week 2 of Lent, the place of the Passion is The Mount of Olives, where Jesus went with his disciples to pray. We are called to find places to pray this Lent and seek the will of the Lord in our lives. The meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with the Mount of Olives help us to grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
March 21, 2021 (Week 5)
In this service for Week 5 of Lent, the place of the Passion is Pilate’s Judgment Hall, where Pilate is positioned here to set Jesus free, but turns him over to be crucified instead. We are called to remember that the judgment that should have been placed on us was placed on him that we might be free. The meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with Pilate’s Judgment Hall help us to grow to understand more deeply the hard road our Lord took that the way to heaven might be open to us.
Worship Online - Live Stream Available
You are invited to come to church and worship with us in person. Following COVID-19 health and safety protocols, please remember to practice social distance and to wear face mask covering the nose at all times while inside the building. You can also join us online, all our services are live-streamed. Click the bottom below to worship online.
March 7, 2021 | 10:30 am - PLACES OF THE PASSION
Pastor McReynolds
VIRTUAL MID-WEEK LENT DEVOTIONS:
Calling us Home
Every Wednesday following Ash Wednesday we will release a special video service designed to be experienced with a discussion among those in your household, and we suggest doing it around the dinner table in the evening. A virtual space to gather together and reflect on our journey through Lent, inviting reflections and/or comments. Click button below to watch video. It will be available to watch in our YouTube channel as well.
March 17, 2021 | Mid-Week 3 Lenten Devotions
Blessed and Blessing