You might remember from your last American history class a man named Paul Revere. Paul was a silversmith and a patriot in the American Revolutionary War against Great Britain. He is most famous for alerting the Colonial militia of the approaching British forces, reportedly shouting “The British are coming, the British are coming!!” Well, allow me to sound the alarm for the changing seasons of the church year by saying, “Lent is coming, Lent is coming”.
Lent is the season of the church year observed between Ash Wednesday (February 22nd) to Easter Sunday (April 8th). It is a time of preparation for believers, through activities like prayer, repentance, and self-denial, prior to the annual commemoration of Holy Week, where we recall the events of Christ’s Passion (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday).
This year during the Lenten Season at St. John we will explore the Book of Jonah. What’s that you say, Pastor? The book of Jonah during Lent? Sounds fishy, but it's a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign, he said, "I will give you only the sign of Jonah." After three days in the belly of the earth, Jesus rose with news of God's prodigal grace. This series of special services for Lent explores the meaning of "The Sign of Jonah" as we follow Jonah on his journey ... and Jesus on his way to the cross.
This year at St. John we will have two opportunities to participate in Midweek Lenten Services. We will have an early evening service at 5 PM, followed by a soup supper at 6 PM. Following the soup supper at 7:30 PM we will also invite people to gather around God’s great and many gifts for us.
On Maundy Thursday (April 5th) and Good Friday (April 6th) we will also offer both service options (5 & 7:30 PM). There will be no soup supper on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday.
If you have questions or comments in regard to our Lenten observance at St. John, please speak with Pastor Rod or one of the Lay Ministers.
May God Bless and Keep you as you prepare to remember and celebrate His death and resurrection for the sake of the world, and for you!
Take Care and God Bless,
Pastor Rod