Join us on the Journey Through Lent

Wandering Heart: A Lenten Journey

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Wandering Heart: A Lenten Journey

Dear First Congregational Church,

The Season of Lent is a 40-day adventure of prayer and reflection, all for the sake of growing in faith and more fully celebrating Easter’s Alleluia when it arrives. This year, we are following the ministry of Jesus through the eyes of one of his most familiar disciples – Peter. Although Peter was the first to respond to the call of Jesus, to drop his nets, to get out of the boat, and to say out loud who Jesus is, he is also the one who will deny Jesus three times when the journey is rough and things get scary. Both a follower and a wanderer, Peter’s story serves to remind us that faith is a constant journey with twists and turns, missteps and second chances. Through Peter we remember that God loves imperfect people. Time and again that’s precisely whom God claims and calls.

Wandering Heart: A Lenten Devotional

Art, poetry, Scripture, written reflections, and journal prompts – inviting you to look, read, pray, reflect, and enter more deeply into the Scripture texts and themes of our Lenten series. A Sanctified Art, the collaborative creators of our devotional, have provided a special e-reader version, which you can access on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. To protect the creators’ work, please refrain from posting this link on social media. If you would prefer a print version of the devotional, you can pick one up in the Narthex of the Sanctuary or a table in the Link or ask the church office to mail it to you.

Daily Devotional Cards

A collection of 62 daily devotional cards for Ash Wednesday through the second week of Easter. Each card has a weekly centering practice, a question for reflection, and a short prayer. Pick up an envelope of cards in the Sanctuary Narthex or the Link. A journal is included in each envelope.

ASH WEDNESDAY, February 14

Dinner Church Worship: 6:00 pm, Plymouth Hall

A simple Soup Supper with an intergenerational worship service of prayer, Scripture, song, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and Imposition of Ashes marks our entrance into the contemplative season of Lent. Jean Abbott from the Ministry of Last Things will offer a reflection. Enter the building through the lower South Entrance off the alley.

MACKENZIE LECTURESHIP WEEKEND

Dr. Anthea Butler

FRIDAY, February 23, 7:00 pm, Lecture, Sanctuary and YouTube

“Religion, Race, and the Struggle to Retain Democracy in America”

SATURDAY, February 24 – 9 - 11:30 am, Plymouth Hall

Workshop on Religion, Race and Politics Nationally and Internationally,

featuring CU Faculty and Graduate Students interacting with Dr. Butler

SUNDAY February 25 – Farewell Julia Wirth

During Worship at 10:30 am, we will give thanks and say farewell to Julia Wirth, our Director of Youth Music, as she moves on to other opportunities. The Joyful Noise and Faith Singers youth choirs will sing in worship on this day.

SUNDAY, March 3 - Welcome Lianna Campos

We warmly welcome Lianna Campos, our new Minister of Faith Formation. A festive reception in Plymouth Hall following the 10:30 am Worship service. Watch the Weekly email and bulletin for more opportunities to meet and greet Lianna.

SATURDAY, March 9, SPIRITUALITY AND ART MORNING RETREAT

8:30 am - 12:30 pm, Heritage and Standish Room, Chapel and the Link

Join members of the McMane Arts Ministry and others for a morning of creative play and art appreciation. Even if you don’t consider yourself someone who typically makes art or enjoys hands-on creative activities, fear not! We have options for you! Three workshops – Zentangle, Origami Hearts, and Art in Scripture – will be offered as well as a “Stations of Art” where members of our community will share some of their artwork and speak about their inspiration and artistic process. Youth and children as young as 8 are invited to participate. Check for details in the weekly emails and Sunday bulletins coming up. Save the date and look forward to nurturing your own and others’ creativity and art appreciation.

HOLY WEEK, MARCH 24 – MARCH 31

PALM SUNDAY, March 24

8:30 am, Worship in Chapel

and 10:30 am, Worship in Sanctuary and YouTube

Celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week with choirs singing Hosanna songs, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and the Procession of Palms.

10:00 am - Blessing of the Palms

A brief outdoor neighborhood service and parade in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church on Pine Street. A live donkey and a combined ecumenical choir will lead us as we join Jesus on the way.

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 28

7:00 pm, Sanctuary and YouTube

A Service of Shadows with Holy Communion when the lights dim to darkness and we remember the Last Supper of Jesus, his anguished prayer in the Garden, his arrest by Roman soldiers, and his death on a cross.

GOOD FRIDAY, March 29

5:30 pm, Worship in the Chapel

The evening of Good Friday is met with our deepest prayers as we travel “the way of sorrows” to the cross through the eyes and experiences of one of Jesus’ closest disciples. Our Scripture readings will focus on Peter’s role in the crucifixion narrative as we imagine how we ourselves might have felt and acted had we been there as one of Jesus’ followers and friends.

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31

9:00 am and 11:00 am, Worship in Sanctuary and YouTube at 11 am

Extended Musical Preludes at 8:45 am and 10:45 am.

Services of Joy with brass and bells as we celebrate the Good News of Christ's Resurrection. A festive fellowship hour is held between the services. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers during worship is available.

As your own hearts wander through this holy season, may your faith journey be nourished and enriched as we prepare together to meet again God’s unfailing love at Easter.

In peace,

Rev. Chris Braudaway-Bauman and Rev. Linda Kowatch

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