The season of Lent, a time of preparation and reflection leading to Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. This year, our sermons and studies will focus on “Entering the Passion of Jesus: Picturing Ourselves in the Story.” This series is based on the book by Amy-Jill Levine and the work of Marcia McFee/Worship Design Studio.
Over the course of the whole season, we will look at the events of Holy Week, freeze-framing important moments from the last week of Jesus' mortal life and allowing us to imagine ourselves in the middle of the action. What new meaning can we find for our lives today by framing these moments and discovering our own place in this Passion drama?
The themes are:
Feb 17 (Ash Wednesday) – Preparing the Canvas (Psalm 51.10-12)
Feb 21 – The Parade: Risking Reputation (Matthew 21.7-9)
Feb 28 – The Temple: Risking Righteousness (Mark 11.15-17)
Mar 7 – The Teaching: Risking Challenge (Matthew 22.18-21)
Mar 14 – The First Dinner: Risking Rejection (Mark 14.3-7)
Mar 21 – The Last Supper: Risking the Loss of Friends (John 13.12-16)
Mar 28 (Palm/Passion Sunday) – The Garden: Risking Temptation (Mark 14.32-36)
Special Services
Preparing the Canvas
An Ash Wednesday Service of Reflection Online February 17
Service will be available online beginning at 8:00 AM.
We encourage you to experience it prior to the first Sunday of Lent.
The Rest of the Story
A Holy Week Service of Reflection
April 2
Service will be available online beginning at 8:00 AM.
Depending on progress with the pandemic,
we may offer an additional service in person.
NOTE: Our plans for the Easter Celebration on Sunday, April 4 are dependent
on progress with the pandemic. We will share more information as we near that date.
Discussion Groups
“Entering the Passion of Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine
In-person and ZOOM discussion groups are forming now; you can sign up at www.fumclawrence.org.
You are welcome to purchase the book on your own through your preferred source; however, the book is not necessary to participate in the discussion groups. If you need assistance in obtaining the book, please contact the church office.
Photo-a-Day
First Church Media will be participating in the Rethink Church Photo-a-Day Challenge. Each day during Lent, we will post an image with the word of the day on our social media feeds. We invite you to join us and post your reflection for the word of the day. No explanation needed. You can share a photo, poem, or even a simple thought. Tag your posts #fumclawrence #rethinkchurch
Weekly Worship Options
In-person Worship Services
Sundays 9:00 AM
First Church West Campus
Limited seating with safety protocols
and weekly pre-registration required.
Details, guidelines, & registration here: https://www.fumclawrence.org/.
