Lenten Worship Focus
Living Our Baptismal Calling
Lent is popularly known as a season for individual self examination, penitence, and “giving something up” as a spiritual discipline. It seems to be primarily inwardly and negatively focused. It’s commonly seen as being about what’s wrong with me as an individual and what I’m willing to do to improve myself.
While self-examination and some individual work are part of the work of Lent, the early church developed Lent to be primarily “other-focused.” Lent was created as the final leg of intense preparation and support for people who had chosen to learn to live the way of Jesus. It was, we might say, a kind of finishing school for those preparing for baptism and lifelong Christian discipleship.
Each week, our scripture readings correspond to a section of our baptismal vows. Our time of worship will be an occasion to celebrate and contemplate what it means to live out one or more of these vows.
Important Dates & Times of Worship at Parkwood United Methodist Church during Lent
Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner (6PM, Fellowship Hall)
Wednesday, March 1 – Ash Wednesday Service, “Remember, You Are Dust” and Imposition of Ashes (7PM, Sanctuary)
Sunday, March 5 – First Sunday of Lent, “RENOUNCE” and Holy Communion
Sunday, March 12 – Second Sunday of Lent, “ACCEPT” v St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon (12:15, Fellowship Hall)
Saturday, March 18 – Come to the Table (5:30PM, Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, March 19 – Third Sunday of Lent, “CONFESS”
Sunday, March 26 – Fourth Sunday of Lent, “NURTURE”
Sunday, April 2 – Fifth Sunday of Lent, “BELIEVE!”
Sunday, April 9 – Palm/Passion Sunday
The children will process and wave palm branches.
Thursday, April 13 – Maundy Thursday
Common Meal (6:15 PM, Fellowship Hall)
Service (7:00PM, Sanctuary with Holy Communion)
Friday, April 14 – Good Friday
Stations of the Cross (6PM)
Tenebrae Service (7PM)
Sunday, April 16 – Easter
Sunrise Service (6:30AM), breakfast at Beneti’s
Traditional Service (11AM, Sanctuary, Flowering of the Cross and Holy Communion) Please bring fresh cut flowers to adorn our rustic cross, transforming the cross from death to new life.
