Lord, who throughout these forty day for us didst fast and pray, teach us with thee to mourn our sins and close by thee to stay.
Abide with us, that so, this life of suffering over past, an Easter of unending joy we may attain at last.
Claudia H. Hernaman
The United Methodist Hymnal 269
Ash Wednesday begins a journey of slowing down as we fix our eyes upon Jesus turning away from the time clocks that go tick-tock for the sacred rhythms of heaven that sing angelic songs of eternity.
Our Lenten journey begins with Worship and Dinner, on Wednesday, February 14, at 6 PM. We'll gather in the Fellowship Hall for a pancake supper then conclude with the imposition of the ashes as we remember we are created from dust in God's image and to dust we shall return. Yes, it's Valentine's Day, so check out this slightly humorous invitation from Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX (Instagram).
The first four weeks of Lenten Worship will call us to SLOW. Our lives are busy and hurried. We often overlook the presence of God right in front of us as we move quickly through our days. God offered us a different rhythm, and Jesus invited us to a way of life yoked with him that provides rest. So what if we SLOW: Stop in the Presence of God, Listen to God's Voice, Orient Towards God, and Wonder What God Will Do.
Wednesday nights during Lent we'll practice what is preached exploring four practices to slow down life using John Mark Comer's guidebook "Unhurry." Each night will be a combination of learning and practicing. Read more here.
On Wednesday, March 20, a prayer labyrinth will debut in the Fellowship Hall. That night at 6:30 Pastor Dennis will introduce the labyrinth and offer guided practice. The labyrinth will remain with us through Saturday morning March 23 (updated to accommodate Palm Sunday luncheon), for you to come and pray at your own pace.
Mark your calendars and make your plans now for Holy Week at Westminster. Palm Sunday is March 24. Holy Thursday is March 28. Good Friday is March 29. Easter is March 31. Much more is forthcoming regarding these high holy days.