March 1: 1st Sunday in Lent This year we will begin the season of Lent, as we always do, with the story of Christ in the wilderness and his temptations. This scripture provides the foundation for our entire Lenten journey because our theme for Lent is “Wilderness Wanderings: Journey to the Cross.” Each week we will be looking at the story of a biblical character; times they wandered in the wilderness, why they kept struggling, where they have found hope. We will Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with the assistance of our Confirmands and we will also bury the Alleluia with the children. Scriptures today are Matthew 4:1-11 and Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7.
March 8: 2nd Sunday in Lent Our “Wilderness Wanderings” continue as we hear Nicodemus’ story and reflect on his journey to salvation using John 3:1-17 and Psalm 121. Diane Amundson will present the message while our pastors are away for a memorial service.
March 15: 3rd Sunday in Lent This morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and hear about the “Wilderness Wanderings” of a woman caught up in a conversation with Jesus at a well and her thirst for living water. Scriptures for our Journey to the Cross are John 4:5-42 and Exodus 17:1-7.
March 22: 4th Sunday in Lent Today we will hear the story of the man born blind in the gospel of John, a man who truly was trapped in the wilderness of darkness, having lost any hope of a future outside of begging. We will also hear about the Pharisees who were trapped in their own blindness, not able to understand who Jesus really was. Worship includes the Lord’s Supper. Our texts are John 20:1-41 and the familiar 23rd Psalm.
March 29: 5th Sunday in Lent Our “Wilderness Wanderings” this last week before Palm/Passion Sunday and Holy Week takes us into the wilderness, pain and hopelessness of grief as we gather with Mary and Martha outside their brother’s tomb. This is a fitting place to pause in our Journey to the Cross where we will see our Savior take on on death. Scriptures are John 11:1-45 and Psalm 130.