Lent
““Lent is a time to take the time to let the power of our faith story take hold of us, a time to let the events get up and walk around in us, a time to intensify our living unto Christ, a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts, a time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and listen to his word, a time to touch his robe and feel the healing surge through us, a time to ponder and a time to wonder…
Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God!” ”
Lent is not the most exciting season of the Christian year. It doesn’t hold a candle to Advent and Christmas. It doesn’t have the lift and newness of Easter. But, Lent can be one of the most meaningful and profoundly moving times of the year - if we are willing to give it time…our time.
Lent will begin for us here at The Neighborhood Church with an Ash Wednesday service on February 22nd (a week from today) at 7:00 p.m. Our worship that evening will be quiet – offering time for remembering and reflection. We will share in communion and offer the imposition of ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross – recalling Jesus’ suffering and the words of scripture, “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) It is a very meaningful way to start the Lenten journey and I hope you will consider joining us.
The sermon series for the 40 days leading up to Easter (Lent) will be “Following Christ”. For us as Christians, following Christ is the most important journey of all. To help in our faith growth, don’t forget the Saturday morning classes in the Parlor from 9 -10 a.m. running Feb 25 – March 19 called “Living Theology”. Stepping up in commitment to grow in discipleship with Christ can be the most meaningful and transforming experience during the Lenten season.
What kind of time will Lent be for you this year? The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “there’s a time for…” What will that be for you? Why not jump in wholeheartedly…and who knows, you could have the time of your life!
Blessings for the journey…
Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister
This piece originally appeared in The Wave on February 15, 2023.