The Way to Shalom: A Lenten Journey to Peace and Wholeness in Covenant Community
Each Sunday this
Lent, we will focus on different aspects of what it means to journey toward shalom through life together as a community in covenant-relationship with God. This series follows the lectionary readings for Lent (primarily the readings from the Old Testament), and tracks closely with our Lenten devotional, which is now available in electronic format as a PDF (see link below) or by hardcopy upon request.
Lent-2021_Devotional.pdf
February 17, Ash Wednesday (6:30 PM)
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
This service will be held by Zoom and ashes are available in the church office for your use at home. If you have not yet received ashes or the Zoom invitation to attend this service, please contact Pastor Dave Strickler at (828) 292-1664 or at dave.fpcjeffcity@gmail.com.
February 21, First Sunday of Lent
Scripture Readings: Genesis
9:8-17; Mark 1:9-15
This week we will explore God's covenant with Noah as promise to stand in solidarity and peace with all creation, seeking shalom (wholeness) for all creatures
February 28, Second Sunday of
Lent
Scripture Readings:
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 4:13-25
Turning to God's covenant with Abraham and Sarah, this week we explore the character of covenant faith through trust in God’s provision of a way out of
no-way
March 7, Third Sunday of Lent (Communion Sunday)
Scripture Readings: Exodus
20:1-17; John 2:13-22
Continuing with the theme of covenant, we now turn
to the way our lives must join in freedom with the saving covenant God makes
with us—turning away from the ways of exploitation and violence as embodied in
the Law as well as in Christ’s righteous anger toward the moneychangers
March 14, Fourth Sunday of Lent (Spring Forward)
Scripture Readings: Numbers
21:4-9; John 3:14-21
This week, we see images of hope, remembering that God does not send disaster, but “in the midst and wake of
such catastrophic events, God teaches us things about ourselves, our faith, our
God, and most importantly about trusting God to lead us through our various
wastelands to God’s promise for us” (Journal
for Preachers)
March 21, Fifth Sunday of Lent
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah
31:31-34; John 12:20-36
The
culmination of reflection on God’s covenant relationship with us is hope for a New Covenant, when our lives will be fully transformed by God’s working
upon our hearts, as light suffuses glass and fire permeates iron
March 28, Palm Sunday
Scripture Readings: Isaiah
40:4-9a; John 12:1-16
In celebrating the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week, we see through his anointing at Bethany a shadow of both the cross and the servant ministry of Jesus.
On the last Sundays of each month, we receive the Five Cents-a-Meal Offering (click here for more information about this Special Offering).
April 1, Maundy Thursday (6:30 PM; Communion)
Scripture Readings: Psalm
139:1-12; John 13:1-17, 34-35 and 15:9-15
We will gather in the church parking lot for a tailgate fellowship meal, after which we will celebrate in outdoor worship together. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, teaching us that no one has greater love than laying down one’s life for friends. In sharing this love with both Judas and Peter, Jesus shows there is no length to which he will not go in order to show his love for us. This service continues on Good Friday.
April 2, Good Friday (6:30 PM)
We will gather again for an outdoor worship service. Tonight, we commemorate the day Jesus died for us on the cross, telling his story through readings, special music, reflection, and prayer. This service continues on Easter Sunday.
April 4, Easter Sunday (Communion)
Scripture Readings: Acts
10:34-43; John 20:1-18
Gathering again for outdoor worship, we celebrate the good news of the risen Lord.
On Easter Sunday, we also receive our Special Offering for One Great Hour of Sharing (please click here for more information about this offering).