LENT BEGINS ON ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2010
The vital penitential season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17
th. On Ash Wednesday, you will have the option ofattending either a mid-day liturgy, with proclamation and theimposition of ashes beginning at 12 noon, or the customary evening liturgy at 7:30 PM.Both liturgies will feature the same sermon. The noon liturgy isto make the time easy to remember, and to make attendance possible for people who might take time at lunch, for those who do not drive at night, or who must work second shift.
Our Lenten studies are scheduled for Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:15 PM as well as the Sunday morning and Holy Week liturgies that mark this sacred time in the Church Year. As always, you are invited and encouraged to bring friends with you to experience the renewing power of the Season of Lent and its glorious fulfillment in the celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord.
Messiah will observe the Season of Lent with a series of five Thursday-evening gatherings offering study followed by Compline (Prayer at the Close of the Day). Each study session will focus on one word, the understanding of which is key for Christian faith and living.
February 25: “Law” March 4: “Grace” March 11: “Justification” March 18: “Redemption” March 25: “Sanctification” Each Thursday evening’s activities begin at 7 PM and are expected to conclude by 8:15 PM. Each session is self-contained, but the topics are interrelated. Understanding the meaning behind these words equips Christians to more fully appreciate the faith we share and to more effectively converse about matters of faith with those we encounter in daily living.
You are welcome and encouraged to bring friends, including your Bible, with you.