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

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

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

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

March 14: Fourth Sunday in Lent —

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

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

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

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.

Second Week of March: March 7 - 13, 2010 — .pdf file (34 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.