Scripture: Luke 4:1-13
Message: How We Heal
It’s Ash Wednesday and thus begins our Lenten season. “Lent” from the Old English word “lencten” is the practice of preparation for Easter and the resurrected Jesus through fasting, almsgiving and doing “good works.” In its most basic form it’s been an active spiritual practice since the first century, more than 200 years before Christianity even became “Christianity.” In 601AD Pope Gregory the I established the start of Lent 46 days before Easter, including 40 days of fasting and 6 Sundays (which are “feast” days and so don’t count as a part of the fast.) Since then Christian cultures around the world have observed these holy days in so many different ways from “giving up” something we love to experience sacrifice to adding a practice of outreach or charity. We historically mark our forehead with ashes as an act of humility and contrition reminding ourselves that we are mere humans, prone to mistakes though eternally forgiven by Divine Love.
At the UPA, we will mark the beginning of this time of spiritual reflection together with the 4 other UCC churches in Newton and Newton Presbyterian Church this evening at Second Church in Newton (service begins at 7:00pm. If you’d like to join the choir, arrive at 6pm for warm up and practice. Songs will be simple and handed out at practice.) Together we will consider our humanity and our mortality. Together we will enter into these 40 days of preparation. See you tonight!
ALSO THOUGH! This Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent, we welcome The Rev. Dr. Mary Luti to our pulpit! Rev. Luti comes to us out of compassion for our work of care and love for my son and family. She’s looking forward to meeting you all and sharing her good word!
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Cheryl
Music:
Prelude:“My Tribute” Andraé Crouch
Anthem: “It’s Alright” African Am. spiritual
Meditation: “I heard my mother say” African Am. spiritual Marina Khankhalaeva, mezzo soprano
Postlude: “ Concerto in G Major, Op. 29” Carl Stamitz I. Allegro Melody Marino, flute Pei-Chun Lin, piano