MARCH 2020 Pastor's Article

The Season of the Passion

The season of the Passion, another way of saying the Lenten season in the church is upon us. Ash Wednesday was February 26 with a special evening worship. Beginning this Sunday, March 1until April 5, our Orders of Worship will carry the general theme “Facing the Cross”. Each Sunday we look at a different aspect of that theme: “Facing Temptation”, “Facing our Fears”, “Facing Our Worldliness”, “Facing One Another”, and Facing Suffering”.

Centering on this theme for our Lenten worship will cause us to focus on the great gift of salvation we have been given in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. The season culminates with Holy Week beginning Palm Sunday on April 12. That week will include Good Friday services on April 17 and Easter Sunday on April 19.

All these dates are important because they represent the most important events in the church year for Christians. The whole Christian faith revolves around these events. The Apostle Paul tells us that without the resurrection our faith is in vain. During this time as Christians we want to make every effort to worship faithfully as we witness to family and Friends the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Each Wednesday evening during Lent we will have a light supper and Bible study – yet another opportunity to grow in God’s Word and invite others to join us. The title of the Wednesday evening course of study is “By His Wounds We are Healed.”
May the Holy Spirit guide you to want to take part in worship and Bible study so that your faith may be strengthened and your joy in Christ be increased.

Your loving pastor,
Rev. James W. Rhiver