Slideshow image

Lent 2026

“Questions Welcome.” This is our Lenten theme for 2026. We grow in faith by asking questions, but most of the time our questions don’t get asked out loud. This Lent we’re going to ask lots of questions focusing our attention on some of your top questions. We’re doing this so that we all grow in faith.

 

What is Lent?

Lent is the 40 day season leading up to the Passion of Jesus Christ and it culminates in the death and resurrection of our Lord. It is a time to intensify our Christian practices to grow closer to Jesus Christ.

 

How do we grow in faith in Lent?

One way is by asking questions. Questions asked with sincerity and love allow us to explore the depth of God’s love for us that we see in Jesus Christ. Why would God choose to suffer and die for us? Why does God love us to the point of giving his life? What does it mean for our daily living that Jesus invites us to follow him? Notice how questions can open the door to exploring faith.

 

What are Prayer, Fasting, Giving Alms?

These are three classic Christian practices that help us to grow in faith. Prayer is intentional communication with the Triune God. Fasting is going without something to practice trusting God to sustain us. Giving alms is how we follow the example of Jesus in meeting the needs of our neighbors.

 

This Lent your questions are welcome. All questions are welcome. We bring our questions to Jesus seeking to grow closer to him.

 

Lent and Easter Schedule

Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 18

  • 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Ashes “to go” is a brief service in the parking lot
  • 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Ashes “to go” is a brief service in the parking lot
  • 6:30 p.m. – Ash Wednesday Worship Service

Holden Evening Prayer, Wednesday Evening Worship – February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25. On Wednesday evenings we’ll gather as a congregation at 6:30 p.m. for Holden Evening Prayer. The scripture and sermon will be based on top questions from the congregation: Where is God in suffering and evil? How can we trust the witness of the Bible? What is God? How do you grow in faith? How can Christians do justice?

Palm / Passion Sunday – Sunday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. – includes Palm procession and the reading of the Passion Gospel.

Maundy Thursday – Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. – We hear Christ’s command (mandautum) to love one another, we wash feet, celebrate Holy Communion, and the service concludes with the stripping of the altar.

Good Friday – Friday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. – We bring crosses from home to place on the communion table and turn our attention to the sacrifice and victory of our Lord Jesus on the cross.

Holy Saturday – Saturday, April 4

  • 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – EGGstravaganza – children’s ministry event to engage children in the story of Christ’s Passion through crafts, games, Easter eggs, and the telling of the gospel with Pastor Stephen.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Flowering of the Cross – drop by the church building and add flowers to a wreath on the cross as a way for us to prayerfully mark this day of waiting and watching. Pastor Stephen will be present to offer a brief Holy Saturday prayer with you. You are welcome to stay for as long as you like to pray.

The Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. – This will be a joyous festival worship service celebrating the triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please invite friends and neighbors to join you for worship – Christ has made a place for them and desires to welcome them into his presence.