THE GRAPEVINE | March 2000 |
A Word from Our
Pastor A Challenge for the Disciplined Life The season of Lent has always gotten a bad rap as being a "negative" season. "Too much emphasis on sin, preacher," is how some put it. This year lets look at the season through different eyesthe eyes of grace. This season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) is a time to respond to Gods grace in our lives. God has done so much for us in Jesus Christ, the least we can do spend some time in disciplined Christian living and preparation for the ultimate Christian celebration--Easter. Here are some ways that we will be preparing for Easter:
Remember that these are ways we can respond to the grace of God that has already enveloped our lives. May this season of Lent be one that challenges you to greater commitment and growth in the faith. Mike LENT is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring". The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians. The First Sunday describes Jesus temptation by Satan; and the Sixth Sunday (Passion/Palm Sunday), Christs triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his subsequent passion and death. |
VISION STATEMENT New Covenant United Methodist Church will be known as a church that reaches out in love to the people in the local community and surrounding counties by ministering to the spiritual, physical and social needs through expanded facilities, programs and congregational commitment. LECTIONARY
TEXTS FOR MARCH
Special Opportunities for Lent March 7 FAT TUESDAY Pancake Supper (Burning of the Palms for Ash Wednesday) March 8 Ash Wednesday Services of Ashes and Penitence 6:30 PM Lenten Luncheons at 12:00 noon at First United Methodist Church, Mt. Holly. Each Wednesday in Lent. April 1 "Go Ballistic" Service with Cabot LaPratt April 16 Palm Sunday Day of drama and celebration for all ages April 20 Maundy Thursday, 7:00 PM April 21 Good Friday, 7:30 PM April 23 Easter Sunday Sunrise Service time to be announced |