Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Friday, March 22, 2013
Lent begins March 13th
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21). Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving. The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others. The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Be with us each Sunday during these 40 days before Easter.
Between now and Easter, see you in church . . .
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Remembering to Take Time to Take a Time Out
Lent begins February 13th .
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thinking About Faith During Lent
Traditionally, Christians have taken time before Easter to think on things spiritual.
Taking clues from Jesus who before beginning his ministry took a 40 day hiatus, the church has set aside this amount of time during this season when the days lengthen to concentrate on how the faith we profess affects the life we lead.
Through the years, people have used different tools to encourage such thoughts.
Recalling that the Bible says that Jesus fasted for 40 days, many people choose a form of that to help place them in the proper mindset to receive and perceive spiritual thoughts.
The idea of “giving something up” for Lent became a substitute for an all-out fast for Westerners living in an increasingly secular society.
But, we all know that negative behavior in itself does little to stimulate Spiritual thoughts.
And, far more important than giving up something for Lent is a proactive behavior specifically designed to encourage thoughts about our faith and the life we lead.
And, so each of us is encouraged to do something specific during this time before Easter:
• read a book, (Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, by Marcus Borg, will certainly generate thoughts and stimulate conversation with others)
• use a daily devotional guide to help stimulate your thoughts, (if you already use one on a regular basis, add another specifically designed to stimulate new thoughts for the season. I am preparing a devotional guide to be distributed each week during our worship service. Each is designed to put into practice specific actions Jesus often spoke about – actions that will enhance your life and help you live your life to the fullest.)
• pray (set aside a certain time each day, or place a post-it-note with the word “PRAY” on your computer or in a prominent place to remind you that the proper time to pray is any time, all the time)
• do something for others you have not done before (perhaps write a note to people on your Christmas card list – just think what the recipient will think when they hear from you from “out of the blue”, so to speak)
• Come to church every Sunday until Easter as our services will be designed to explore How to Live Your Life to the Fullest.
The first week we will look at the importance of taking time to take a time out – each day – for a season.
(Through our website on the internet you can also sign up to receive daily devotional e-mails to help guide you through the daily time-outs.)
Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to choose to do something during this season.
You will find your faith stimulated and your life enhanced.
This season, this Lent, can be of tremendous significance to you – if you let it, if you participate in it.
Between now and Easter, see you in church . . .
Taking clues from Jesus who before beginning his ministry took a 40 day hiatus, the church has set aside this amount of time during this season when the days lengthen to concentrate on how the faith we profess affects the life we lead.
Through the years, people have used different tools to encourage such thoughts.
Recalling that the Bible says that Jesus fasted for 40 days, many people choose a form of that to help place them in the proper mindset to receive and perceive spiritual thoughts.
The idea of “giving something up” for Lent became a substitute for an all-out fast for Westerners living in an increasingly secular society.
But, we all know that negative behavior in itself does little to stimulate Spiritual thoughts.
And, far more important than giving up something for Lent is a proactive behavior specifically designed to encourage thoughts about our faith and the life we lead.
And, so each of us is encouraged to do something specific during this time before Easter:
• read a book, (Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, by Marcus Borg, will certainly generate thoughts and stimulate conversation with others)
• use a daily devotional guide to help stimulate your thoughts, (if you already use one on a regular basis, add another specifically designed to stimulate new thoughts for the season. I am preparing a devotional guide to be distributed each week during our worship service. Each is designed to put into practice specific actions Jesus often spoke about – actions that will enhance your life and help you live your life to the fullest.)
• pray (set aside a certain time each day, or place a post-it-note with the word “PRAY” on your computer or in a prominent place to remind you that the proper time to pray is any time, all the time)
• do something for others you have not done before (perhaps write a note to people on your Christmas card list – just think what the recipient will think when they hear from you from “out of the blue”, so to speak)
• Come to church every Sunday until Easter as our services will be designed to explore How to Live Your Life to the Fullest.
The first week we will look at the importance of taking time to take a time out – each day – for a season.
(Through our website on the internet you can also sign up to receive daily devotional e-mails to help guide you through the daily time-outs.)
Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to choose to do something during this season.
You will find your faith stimulated and your life enhanced.
This season, this Lent, can be of tremendous significance to you – if you let it, if you participate in it.
Between now and Easter, see you in church . . .
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sez the Rev:
Jesus warns against us doing all pietistic acts in public:
when you pray, go off by yourself and shut the door – and by the way, stop using all those empty phrases.
When you give alms – do it in secret, don’t even let one hand know what the other is doing.
When you fast – that is to say
when you work to break the chains of injustice,
or to get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
or to free the oppressed,
or when you share your food with the hungry,
or when you invite the homeless poor into your homes,
or when you put clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
or when you are available to your own families –
do it on your on your own time.
These are not things you seek publicity for.
These are not things you should call attention to.
For sure, these things are to be done –
but do it under the radar.
Wash your face and comb your hair.
Let know one suspect.
I think it is clear that we need to pay more attention to these admonitions.
This is essential to the faith that has been passed on to us.
We can choose to ignore it – to our peril.
Or, we can take it to heart and spend these 40 days in Lent to deepen our faith and how it impacts our life – who we are and what we do.
Check it out.
when you pray, go off by yourself and shut the door – and by the way, stop using all those empty phrases.
When you give alms – do it in secret, don’t even let one hand know what the other is doing.
When you fast – that is to say
when you work to break the chains of injustice,
or to get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
or to free the oppressed,
or when you share your food with the hungry,
or when you invite the homeless poor into your homes,
or when you put clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
or when you are available to your own families –
do it on your on your own time.
These are not things you seek publicity for.
These are not things you should call attention to.
For sure, these things are to be done –
but do it under the radar.
Wash your face and comb your hair.
Let know one suspect.
I think it is clear that we need to pay more attention to these admonitions.
This is essential to the faith that has been passed on to us.
We can choose to ignore it – to our peril.
Or, we can take it to heart and spend these 40 days in Lent to deepen our faith and how it impacts our life – who we are and what we do.
Check it out.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sez the Rev:
When Jesus addressed the crowd about correct methods of righteousness, everyone knew what he was talking about.
They knew about the three legs on the stool of righteous living.
These days we don’t like to read this passage –
the only time it is brought up in the Lectionary is for Ash Wednesday services.
So for folks that never go to Ash Wednesday services, never have an occasion to hear this in church, unless their pastor is somewhat eclectic in his or her approach to Scripture.
But, we need to hear these words.
He said: “It is good to put the disciplines of godly living into practice.”
Jesus assumes you will be praying – and even tells you how.
Jesus assumes you will give alms.
Jesus assumes you will fast –
But, he warns about making a show of things when you do these acts of faith –
these acts of godly living.
In fact, Jesus says it is not kosher to do faith acts for show.
Check it out.
They knew about the three legs on the stool of righteous living.
These days we don’t like to read this passage –
the only time it is brought up in the Lectionary is for Ash Wednesday services.
So for folks that never go to Ash Wednesday services, never have an occasion to hear this in church, unless their pastor is somewhat eclectic in his or her approach to Scripture.
But, we need to hear these words.
He said: “It is good to put the disciplines of godly living into practice.”
Jesus assumes you will be praying – and even tells you how.
Jesus assumes you will give alms.
Jesus assumes you will fast –
But, he warns about making a show of things when you do these acts of faith –
these acts of godly living.
In fact, Jesus says it is not kosher to do faith acts for show.
Check it out.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sez the Rev:
You see, we have it all wrong when we talk about giving up something for Lent.
The true practice of Lent, has nothing to do with diet – nothing to do with giving something up –
and everything to do with living your faith –
putting flesh on what you say you believe –
enacting your faith.
Check it out.
The true practice of Lent, has nothing to do with diet – nothing to do with giving something up –
and everything to do with living your faith –
putting flesh on what you say you believe –
enacting your faith.
Check it out.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sez the Rev:
Time and time again the prophets and Jesus reminded people in the past –
and reminds us today –
fasting has nothing to do with diet.
Of course, it is a lot easier for us to think that.
But, Micah tells us, Jeremiah tells us, Jesus tells us – what Isaiah tells us:
"The kind of fasting I want is this:
Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.
Share your food with the hungry
and open your homes to the homeless poor.
Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear,
and do not refuse to help your own relatives.”
Or, as one translator puts it:
"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.”
Time and time again, folks went astray and thought fasting had something to do with diet –
self-deprivation was a whole lot easier to deal with than what the prophets and Jesus said God has in mind.
Fasting has to do with living your faith –
putting flesh on what you say you believe –
enacting your belief.
Check it out.
and reminds us today –
fasting has nothing to do with diet.
Of course, it is a lot easier for us to think that.
But, Micah tells us, Jeremiah tells us, Jesus tells us – what Isaiah tells us:
"The kind of fasting I want is this:
Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.
Share your food with the hungry
and open your homes to the homeless poor.
Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear,
and do not refuse to help your own relatives.”
Or, as one translator puts it:
"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.”
Time and time again, folks went astray and thought fasting had something to do with diet –
self-deprivation was a whole lot easier to deal with than what the prophets and Jesus said God has in mind.
Fasting has to do with living your faith –
putting flesh on what you say you believe –
enacting your belief.
Check it out.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sez the Rev:
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline and it is a sharing discipline.
Becoming aware of the needs of others,
and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
Somehow, somewhere along the way, we have lost the complete meaning of fasting, and alms-giving, and righteous living.
Clearly it is not a new problem.
Even before Jesus’ time, prophet after prophet after prophet took the people to task about their misguided fasting.
Isaiah could say to the devout:
Do you think the LORD wants you to give up eating and to act as humble as a bent-over bush?
Or to dress in sackcloth and sit in ashes?
Is that what you call fasting?
Do you think I will be pleased with that?
They just didn’t get it.
And, quite frankly, we just don’t get it either.
Check it out.
Becoming aware of the needs of others,
and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
Somehow, somewhere along the way, we have lost the complete meaning of fasting, and alms-giving, and righteous living.
Clearly it is not a new problem.
Even before Jesus’ time, prophet after prophet after prophet took the people to task about their misguided fasting.
Isaiah could say to the devout:
Do you think the LORD wants you to give up eating and to act as humble as a bent-over bush?
Or to dress in sackcloth and sit in ashes?
Is that what you call fasting?
Do you think I will be pleased with that?
They just didn’t get it.
And, quite frankly, we just don’t get it either.
Check it out.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sez the Rev:
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Check it out.
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Check it out.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sez the Rev:
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry, the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe,
looking beneath the surface –
within ourselves –
examining our own motives and desires,
and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is:
to what,
to whom,
and what it means.
Check it out.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe,
looking beneath the surface –
within ourselves –
examining our own motives and desires,
and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is:
to what,
to whom,
and what it means.
Check it out.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sez the Rev:
During this time before Easter we are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power – not unlike Jesus did at the beginning of his ministry.
Check it out.
Check it out.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing discipline.
Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, April 17.
Be with us each Sunday during this Lenten season at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing discipline.
Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, April 17.
Be with us each Sunday during this Lenten season at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
11 Ways to Observe Lent - According to Jesus
Wash your face and comb your hair. (Mat 6:17b)
Do not put on a sad face. (Mat 6:16)
When you pray, go to your room, close the door. (Mat 6:6)
When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words. (Mat 6:7)
Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. (Mat 6:1)
When you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it. (Mat 6:2)
When you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. (Mat 6:3)
Your heart will always be where your treasure is. (Mat 6:21)
Do not worry about tomorrow. (Mat 6:34)
Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? (Mat 6:27)
Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what God requires of you.(Mat 6:33)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years.
But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner.
Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
Be with us at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill each Sunday during these 40 days before Easter.
But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner.
Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
Be with us at Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill each Sunday during these 40 days before Easter.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
We need Lent!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
Plan to be with Christ Presbyterian Church each Sunday during this Lenten season to prepare for the coming of Easter.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
Plan to be with Christ Presbyterian Church each Sunday during this Lenten season to prepare for the coming of Easter.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi gras is celhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect.
We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Plan to be with Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill each Sunday to prepare for the coming of Easter.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi gras is celhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect.
We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Plan to be with Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill each Sunday to prepare for the coming of Easter.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Lent Begins March 13th
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry, the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe,
looking beneath the surface – within ourselves --
examining our own motives and desires,
and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is:
to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
On the first Sunday in Lent, March 13, we will be looking at a proper Presbyterian way to observe the Lenten season -- as we remember to his followers who wanted to make a show of their fasting and ritual prayers: wash your face and comb your hair!
Don't let on and don't make a show of what your do.
You are invited to join the congregation of Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill as you prepare for the coming of Easter this year.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry, the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe,
looking beneath the surface – within ourselves --
examining our own motives and desires,
and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is:
to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
On the first Sunday in Lent, March 13, we will be looking at a proper Presbyterian way to observe the Lenten season -- as we remember to his followers who wanted to make a show of their fasting and ritual prayers: wash your face and comb your hair!
Don't let on and don't make a show of what your do.
You are invited to join the congregation of Christ Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill as you prepare for the coming of Easter this year.
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