Every year before Easter, the church calendar guides Christians through a preparatory season called Lent. Observing the season of Lent helps us realign our lives and hearts with Jesus as we remember his journey to the cross. In our Children’s Ministry, we call Lent “getting ready for the big mystery of Easter.”
The season of Lent begins with the observance of Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 5 this year. On that day, MidWeek Supper will be held as usual in the Fellowship Hall from 5pm until 6pm, followed by an experiential Ash Wednesday service at 6pm in the Sanctuary. The service will introduce us to Carol’s Lenten sermon series, Living Lent: Drawing Near Jesus through Fasting, Confession, Giving and Lament. There will be time for reflection and action during this service. The service will culminate with the imposition of ashes, symbolizing our mortality and dependence on God.
Adults, Youth and Children are all encouraged to attend. Worship Care will be provided for those 3 years old and younger.
This year’s FBG Lenten Devotional follows Carol’s theme of classic Lenten disciplines, or practices: self-denial (fasting), confession, lament, and charity. These devotionals, written by staff members and congregants of all ages, are collected by the Spiritual Formation Committee and compiled into a free booklet for anyone to use. Pick up a Lenten Devotional following the Ash Wednesday service on March 5, or at the Reception Desk on March 6 or later.
In addition, the Children’s Ministry has a Lenten Kit available for families with children. If you have children in your household, pick up one of these kits following the Ash Wednesday service or later.
—Bridget Kokolis, Minister to Children
—Camille Loomis Rehnborg, Minister of Spiritual Formation and Outreach