The word "lent" comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word for "spring".  Since the fourth century Lent has been a penitential season of forty days of preparation for the celebration of Easter.  It has long been a time of preparation of candidates for baptism.  Lent is also a time of self-examination—time to look with seriousness at one's life, and to take account of the changes that need to be made.  It is a time for serving God with even greater devotion with more prayer, more study of scripture, and more service to others.  It is a time of fasting.

Fasting may take many forms.  One might consider fasting all day, or only one or two meals of the day.  One might choose to give up something that they enjoy, like sweets. Alternatively, rather than giving something up, one might consider taking on an activity of devotion or prayer or service. The intent is to deny one's self in order to be more devoted to God and God's call to serve.  Whatever the form, be assured that God sees the intent of your heart. 

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is considered a solemn day of fasting.  The readings on Ash Wednesday remind us though that when we fast we should not look dismal.  The intent of fasting is personal and for one's own devotion to God, not for public piety. Also, the readings for Ash Wednesday remind us that the fast God calls us to is to help and serve others.

Two services will be held in observance of Ash Wednesday, 12:15 pm and 6:00 pm.  This service calls us to the "observance of a Holy Lent" in which we remember that all our dependence is on God's love and mercy.  The imposition of ashes will be made, with the celebration of Holy Eucharist. March 12^th through April 17^th, Father John will present a Lenten study based on the work of Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan in their highly acclaimed book, The Last Week, a day-by-day account of Jesus' final week in Jerusalem. The book "depicts Jesus giving up his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor." A limited number of copies of The Last Week are available in the church office for $5.00.

Faith Matters
March 12^th through April 17^th, Father John will present a Lenten study based on the work of Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan in their highly acclaimed book, The Last Week, a day-by-day account of Jesus' final week in Jerusalem. The book "depicts Jesus giving up his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor." A limited number of copies of The Last Week are available in the church office for $5.00.

Stations of the Cross

During Lent the service of the "Way of the Cross" will be observed on Wednesdays at 5:00 pm and Fridays at 5:30 pm. Holy Eucharist immediately follows the Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. The service follows the path of Jesus' Passion from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to his crucifixion and burial.  It calls us to walk the way of the cross with Jesus during this holy season of Lent and at all times. The fourteen stations include:

Jesus is condemned to death.
Jesus takes up his Cross.
Jesus falls the first time.
Jesus meets his afflicted mother.
The Cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene.
A woman wipes the face of Jesus.
Jesus falls a second time.
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
Jesus falls a third time.
Jesus is stripped of his garments.
Jesus is nailed to the Cross.
Jesus dies on the Cross.
The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother.
Jesus is laid in the tomb.
Reconciliation of a Penitent

The ministry of the Reconciliation of  Penitent (commonly known as "private confession") is available to all who desire it at any time.  It is especially appropriate during Lent.  It is the opportunity to say out loud to God, and in the presence of a priest where we have not lived up to God's will for our lives.  A description of the service can be found in the Prayer Book on page 446.  You may schedule a time for Reconciliation by calling the rector and setting an appointed time.

Sundays In Lent

Our Sunday services in Lent are more solemn and subdued in tone so that we can worship God in the more subdued tones of the heart.  At 8:00 am (Rite One) and 10:00 am (Rite Two) we will gather to worship.  Silence will be observed both prior to and just after the services.  No prelude or postlude organ music will be played so that we can both gather and leave in silence.  In addition, there will be silence observed after each Lesson. 

The services will begin with the Penitential Order and the confession of sin.  We will also, at the 10:00 am service, use Eucharistic Prayer C throughout Lent.  Prayer C is not used much, but it is a beautiful prayer of humility and gratitude for what God has done for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  One idea for a devotion is to read through the words of Prayer C which begins in the Book of Common Prayer on page 369.

Holy Week

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday with the triumphant entry of Jesus in Jerusalem, and the reading of the Passion Narrative.  

On Maundy Thursday we will celebrate Holy Eucharist with the Agape Meal.  A solemn service, this will retell the story of Jesus’ Last Supper, the giving of the commandment to "love one another" as Jesus has loved us.  It also includes the stripping of the altar, and reserving the Holy Sacrament.  

On Good Friday we will have the Proper Liturgy of Good Friday with communion from reserved sacrament.  

The brief order of Holy Saturday will be observed at 9:30 am.  

Easter Services will be held at 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 am. 

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