Lenten Worship Series: Giving Up ___________.
Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. Today we know Lent as a season of conversion: we acknowledge the ways we have turned away from God in our lives and we focus on turning our hearts and minds back toward God. Hence the three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These observances help us turn away from whatever has distracted or derailed us and to turn back to God. Giving up something for Lent is ultimately a form of fasting. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure or indulgence, like chocolate, sodas, red meat, etc… and offer that sacrifice up to God.
But honestly, I have never understood how giving up chocolate translates into a deeper, richer, and faithful relationship with God, others and self. What if we would give up things that would make a significant difference in our spiritual and relational lives? What if we were to give up anxiety, greed, or the need to control? What if we were to give up judging, or status? What if we were to give up enemies? What would all this mean? Join us each Sunday, beginning February 14 and find out. I invite you to make the Lenten season a meaningful and life enriching season in your life.
Peace,
Ben
February 14th ~Giving Up Worry Scripture: Luke 12:22-31
February 21st – Giving Up Status – Scripture: Luke 14:7-14
February 28th – Giving Up Enemies – Scripture: Luke 6:27-36
March 6th – Giving Up Judging – Scripture: Luke 6:37-42
March 13th – Giving Up Greed -Scripture: Luke 12:13-21
March 20th (Palm Sunday) – Giving Up Control – Scripture: Luke 22:39-46