Lent is the liturgical season closely associated with Easter. It began on Ash Wednesday, March 5, with the imposition of ashes, “From dust you have come, to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Marked by prayer and penitence, Lent is a post-Epiphany fast associated with Christ’s forty days in the wilderness. During Lent, we turn toward the cross, meditating on Jesus’s final trip to Jerusalem and the self-giving nature of his love.
The Lenten season probably originated in the 2nd or 3rd century as the final intensive period of preparation for converts who had been set apart to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. Interestingly, the observance of Lent is not as strong a tradition in the Presbyterian church, as it is in Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican congregations. Some of the spiritual disciplines and worship rituals may seem new to you. However, more and more people of faith, including Presbyterians, are re-claiming this season as an important period of preparation for the mystery of Easter.
While Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, Holy Week services (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday) draw it to its conclusion. The Three Hours' Agony is a service held in some churches on Good Friday from noon till 3 o’clock to remember the death of Christ. Beginning in the 16th century, many Good Friday services included meditations on the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross. The Seven Last Words - as they are traditionally known - are an integral part of the liturgy on Holy Week and several composers (including Joseph Haydn) have set the words to music.
This year at Covenant, as part of our year-long focus on "The Word," we’ll consider one “word” a week in worship at 11:00 am with Rev. Jamie Butcher, Rev. Sally Foster, and Rev. Brady Radford preaching. Rev. Jamie Butcher will introduce the series with a Sunday school session this Sunday, March 9 at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Radford, LPC and founder of The Lovewell Collective will also offer a special Sunday school session dedicated to Jesus’s last days on March 23.
Our chancel choir will lead in worship with “Last Words” Cantata by Michael Myrick on Sunday, March 30. This contemporary cantata (published in 2017) begins on the day of the crucifixion, the heart of the passion story. The cantata takes the listener through sorrow and heartbreak as Christ looks down from the cross and speaks.
Also, Palm Sunday worship at 11:00 am on April 13 begins Holy Week. Don't forget to RSVP by clicking here to attend our special Maundy Thursday Communion Suppers in homes on Thursday, April 17. And mark your calendar for the combined Good Friday service on Friday, April 18 at Morningside Presbyterian Church at 7:00 pm.
Finally, the Lenten journey leads to the celebration of the resurrected Lord on Easter Sunday. Plan to join us for a joyous Easter Sunday worship service on Sunday, April 20 at 11:00 am with coffee and donuts on the Plaza at 10:30 am.