“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  Thus begins the holy season of Lent, 40 days to ponder the cross of Jesus and what that cross means for us and for the life of the world.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  Two worship services will comprise the day: one at 10:00 am and another at 7:00 pm.  The imposition of ashes and Holy Communion will be offered at both.  The Bridge will not be held that evening, but will resume the following week, on March 4.

Our sanctuary will be transformed for this Lenten season too.  A wooden cross will stand near the front of the church, draped in purple.  The large cross behind the altar will also have a purple drape, and the processional cross will be covered in purple as well.  Purple, after all, is the color of royalty, and Jesus is the king who journeys to the cross to suffer and die for the sins of the world. 

The theme for Lent this year will be “Conversations by the Cross.”  And Lenten suppers will be available, beginning March 4. 

Lenten Reflections

Most of the Bridge programs will continue during Lent: supper, choir practice, confirmation,  worship, bell choir practice, and a time for study. Beginning on March 4, from 6:10-6:50 p.m., Intern Ladona and Pastor Bill will lead a Lenten study series, using a devotional book that will be available for everyone. It’s the kind of book that can be used at home throughout the week and then studied with others on Wednesday evenings. We look forward to having you join us for this season of reflection.

Conversations by the Cross

What do you suppose might have been said about Jesus by those who stood near the cross?  That’s the question that will be pondered during the five Wednesday evenings of Lent, beginning March 4. Each week, we’ll hear from two of the people caught up in our Lord’s passion, as they dialogue with one another: Malchus and Mark, Barabbas and Caiaphas, Pilate and his wife, Simon of Cyrene and the centurion, Mary and John.

The parts will be read by different members of our congregation and will be placed in the context of our Lenten worship from 7:00-7:45 p.m.