Lenten Worship Series Feb. 17 — April 1

 

par⋅a⋅dox [par-uh-doks] –noun 1. a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

 

 

What could be more paradoxical than Jesus’ description of the “blessed” life in the Sermon on the Mount? What’s so “blessed” about being poor, meek, hungry or persecuted? The Beatitudes describe a way of life that contradicts some of the most commonly-held assumptions of the world around us. But in reality, they describe just how good life can be. Instead of turning our lives upside down, they turn our lives right side up. This is really how great life can be!   

Join us beginning Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, and continuing through Lent for our worship series: “The Transforming Paradox.”

Wednesday Prayer and Communion Services

During the season of Lent, we will offer a weekly prayer service with Communion at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday (Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24) in the Chapel. Join us following the evening service for our regular Wednesday Night Dinner. Dinner reservations are requested.

Sunday Worship Services

Each week we will explore each of the Beatitudes and the challenge and meaning they offer us during this season.

Feb. 17: Ash Wednesday — “Blessed are the poor in spirit ...” Matthew 5:3

Jesus, you’ve got to be kidding. We’re hard-working, blue-blooded American capitalists; we measure happiness by what we own! It’s the rich who are blessed down here!


Feb. 21: First Sunday in Lent — “Blessed are those who mourn ...” Matthew 5:4

Get with it, Jesus! In our world being happy means escaping – or at least denying – suffering and pain. Our parents taught us that big boys don’t cry!


Feb. 28: Second Sunday in Lent — “Blessed are the meek ...” Matthew 5:5

Sure, Jesus! The only ones who make it down here are the ones who can hold their own, the folks with enough power to make things go their way. Might makes right in this world!


March 7: Third Sunday in Lent — “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness ...” Matthew 5:6

Alright, Jesus, there are lots of things we’d really like to have, but righteousness may not be the first one on our list.


March 14: Fourth Sunday in Lent —

In the Sanctuary: Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale
In the Chapel: “Blessed are the merciful ...” Matthew 5:7

Sure, Lord. Just see where mercy gets you in the world. Folks get what they deserve in this world.


March 21: Fifth Sunday in Lent — “Blessed are the pure in heart ...” Matthew 5:8

Yea, Lord. We nod at purity; but when the lights go down, we will go for the cheap thrills.


March 28: Palm Sunday — “Blessed are the peacemakers ...” Matthew 5:9

Sure, Jesus. We’ve heard all that non-violence and peace stuff before, but when things get tough, we’d rather have a gun.

Maundy Thursday, April 1

Service of Communion and Remembrance, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
On Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus and his disciples gathering for the Last Supper with a worship service including the Sacrament of Holy Communion and symbolic washing of the feet for all who wish to participate.  Our message will conclude our Lenten worship series on The Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who are persecuted ...” Matthew 5:10-12.


Daily Scripture Readings and Discipleship Journal

Make daily reflection on scripture part of your Lenten discipline using these daily Bible verses.

You can also download the Daily Discipleship Journal to record your thoughts and reflections on Sunday sermon and daily readings.

Third Week of March: March 14 - 20, 2010 — .pdf file (35 KB)

Lenten Discipleship Challenge

Throughout history, Lent--the 40 days between  Ash Wednesday and Easter, excluding Sundays-- has been a time for spiritual  discipline in which Christians have responded to Jesus’ call to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.

The charge is for each of us to take our next step along the Discipleship Pathway. Choose to practice one or more of these essential disciplines that will enable you to move toward a Christ-centered life from Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) to Easter (April 4).

  • Worship: Be faithful in worship every Sunday.

  • Scripture and Prayer: Set aside 30 minutes each day for reflection on scripture and prayer.

  • Community: Participate in a small group or Sunday School class.

  • Financial Generosity: Practice tithing (giving the fi rst 10 percent of our income to God).

  • Service: Invest at least one hour every week in active service to others.

  • Evangelism: Invite someone to worship with me or learn to share my faith with others.