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The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are at the heart of the Christian gospel, and Good Friday (Christ’s death) and Easter (Christ’s resurrection) are two of the most significant celebrations of the Christian year.  Lent is a season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate Good Friday and Easter.  Just as we carefully prepare for big events in our personal lives, such as a wedding or commencement, Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. 

The practice of a forty-day preparation period began in the Christian church during the third and fourth centuries,  The number forty carries biblical significance based on the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness and Jesus’ forty-day  fast in the wilderness.  The forty days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd, this year) and continue through holy week, not counting Sundays (which are reserved for celebratory worship).  In practice, however, many congregations choose to focus Sunday worship on the themes of repentance and renewal.**

At Willoughby Church, we will observe the season of Lent with both “fasting” and “feasting” as we study Jesus’ fellowship meals.  Jesus did much of his ministry around the dinner table.   The relationship, conversation, inclusion and celebration that characterized Jesus’ fellowship meals model for us how to be a relational and inclusive community that cares for those both within, and without.

Join us for Lenten worship Sundays at 10:00am - February 26th, through April 1st. 2012.

**from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004 Faith Alive Christian Publishing

 

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