Looking ahead to Lent...
Plans are now underway for our Lenten series for 2015. This year's program will be titled, "The Parables of Lent" and will focus on a series of biblical parables that connect to Lenten themes. Meditations by renowned Lutheran theologian Dean Nadasdy will show us that within each parable's plot is woven a unique message about what we receive through the crucified Christ. Parishioners can take the message with them to enrich their own stories of faith in Christ as they journey through Lent.
Our schedule will be as follows:
- Christ Church: Soup and bread luncheon and session at noon on five Sundays, beginning Feb. 22.
- Trinity Church: Soup and bread supper and session on five Wednesday evenings at 6:00, beginning Feb. 25.
Week 1: "Receive the Word: The Sower and the Seed" * Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23
Sunday, Feb. 22 at noon, Christ Church; Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., Trinity Church
The seed that falls on fertile soil takes root and grows, while seeds in other soils fail. The Word of Christ flourishes within us.
Week 2: "Receive the Treasure: The Hidden Treasure and the Priceless Pearl" * Matthew 13:44-4
Sunday, March 1 at noon, Christ Church; Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m., Trinity Church
Two men give all that they have to buy objects of great worth. We who are priceless to Christ receive him who gave all that he had to call us his own.
Week 3: "Receive Mercy: The Good Samaritan" * Luke 10:25-37
Sunday, March 8 at noon, Christ Church; Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m., Trinity Church
A man beaten on the road gets help from an unlikely traveler. We who are often beaten down along the road of life encounter the healing of Christ through the cross.
Week 4: "Receive Grace: The Workers in the Vineyard" * Matthew 20:1-16
Sunday, March 15 at noon, Christ Church; Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m., Trinity Church
All workers in a vineyard are given the same pay from the master, no matter how long they have labored. All who have been called by the Master are blessed by the same reward in Christ.
Week 5: "Receive Forgiveness: The Prodigal Son" * Luke 15:11-32
Sunday, March 22 at noon, Christ Church; Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m., Trinity Church
A wayward son returns to the forgiving embrace of his father, who welcomes him home. We who have strayed return again and again to the embrace of our Father, through the sacrifice of his Son.
As there are study materials to order for this year's program, we are asking that people sign up ahead of time if at all possible. No one will be turned away from attending, but if you wish to have your own set of materials, you will need to sign up by Sunday, Feb. 8. The sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex at Trinity and in the Marshall Room at Christ Church. There is no set charge, but a voluntary donation of $6.50 to cover materials costs is welcomed.