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 let’s look at the season through different eyes—the eyes of grace.

This season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) is a time to respond to God’s 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:

  • We will postpone baptisms until the Easter season—Lent has traditionally been a season to prepare for baptism, so we will honor that tradition and get ready for some great celebration in the months ahead
  • Youth and mentors are meeting in preparation for Confirmation Sunday on Easter (Pray for them- Alex Jones, Heather Smith, Emily Abernathy)
  • We will wean ourselves of "Alleluias" during Lent in our worship—this is an ancient practice of the church which will help focus the joy of the Easter season
  • There will be a Lenten Study on Sunday evenings for all who want to grow in their Christian commitment
  • There will be opportunities for mission and service during the season—take advantage of them
  • There will be numerous opportunities for worship and devotion throughout Lent, especially Holy Week—put them on your calendar.

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), Christ’s 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

March 5
Transfiguration Sunday (Last Sunday After the Epiphany)
2 Kings 2:1-12
Ps 50:1-6 (UMH 783)
2 Cor 4:3-6
Mk 9:2-9

March 8
Ash Wednesday (A, B, and C)
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Ps 51:1-17 (UMH 785)
2 Cor 5:20 b -6:10
Mt 6:1-6, 16-21

March 12
First Sunday in Lent
Gen 9:8-17
Ps 25:1-10 (UMH 756)
1 Pet 3:18-22
Mk 1:9-15

March 19
Second Sunday in Lent
Gen 17:1-7, 15-16
Ps 22:23-31 (UMH 752)
Rom 4:13-25
Mk 8:31-38

March 26
Third Sunday in Lent
Ex 20:1-17
Ps 19 (UMH 750)
1 Cor 1:18-25
Jn 2:13-22


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

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