This year, SFC will be observing the season of Lent.  For those who are unfamiliar with this season of the Church Year, here is a brief explanation:

The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.  It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

From the Book of Common Prayer

We will begin our 40 day journey of Lent on Ash Wednesday (February 10th, 8:15am) with a service in conjunction with our Silverton Christian School chapel.  We will meet in the gym for a contemplative service and the imposition of ashes for those who would like to participate.

The six Sundays of Lent, we will have a teaching focus on the theme, “Symbols of Lent.” Each week we will add a symbol around our cross at the center of our sanctuary.  Here are brief descriptions of each Sunday’s focus:

Sunday, February 14.  Ashes (Mortality)  Genesis 3:19

Sunday, February 21.  Purple Cloth (Repentance) John 29:2

Sunday, February 28.  Sackcloth (Penitence) Jonah 3:5, Luke 10:13

Sunday, March 6. Crown of Thorns (Suffering)  Matthew 27:29

Sunday. March 13.  Grain (Death) John 12:24

Sunday, March 20.  Palms (Celebration) Luke 19:28-40

We pray you will join us as we explore this season through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.

Grace and peace, Pastor Bob+