Journey to the Cross: An Invitation
Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 17. This is the forty-day period that reflects the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Lent is a time of spiritual self-examination that invites us to journey with Jesus to the cross, to die with him as we die to those things about ourselves that keep us from being who God intends us to be. It prepares us to rise with Jesus to the new life he offers us, free from self-seeking, free to love and serve and give, in this world and the next.
Self-examination is accomplished with spiritual disciplines ... prayer, Bible reading, meditation, fasting, good works, confession, generosity and similar practices. "Discipline" comes from the same root word as does "disciple." When we practice spiritual disciplines we are reminded to see ourselves the way God sees us: claimed, met, called, and sent to be God's people doing God's work. One of the least recognized of these disciplines is generosity. Lent can be a time to open ourselves in fresh new ways to God's abundance, and to realign ourselves as stewards of all of God's gifts.
Lenten Devotions for God's Stewards is a gift intended to assist you on this journey. "Give up" five or ten minutes each day, at a time that works best for you. Read the daily devotion in this booklet, offer the prayer, read the recommended Bible text and explore the question or statement that follows. Try your hand at writing your thoughts in a journal, or share conversation with a companion or friend. Or, take the question with you as you work out or walk.
You are invited to invest in your spiritual life this Lenten season. Take advantage of additional offerings at Holy Cross, especially on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. They are listed on the back.
Journey to the Cross: An Invitation
Sunday Worship 8 and 10 am
Bible Study 8:30-9:30 am
Faith Forum 9-9:45 am
"Gilligan's Island and the Seven Deadly Sins"
Mid-week Lenten Worship 7:30 pm
Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion
February 17: Ash Wednesday
Holden Evening Prayer and Personal Testimony Wednesdays
February 24: Chuck Hunter March 3: Barry Rabe
March 10: Donna Matteis March 17: Carl Gerard
March 24: Joe Wojcik