Marching into Lent

"There is a season for everything;

a time for every occupation under heaven."

— Ecclesiastes 3:1

If there’s one thing I hear Floridians say they miss about living up north, it’s the change of seasons. Many miss the dramatic changes, the fiery Fall colors and the green shoots peeking up through a white blanket of snow. But even here in Florida the signs of approaching Spring are emerging. The grass is a little less brown, the lizards are moving about more, and the oak pollen covers our mailboxes. With our record lows behind us, we are experiencing more of the beautiful Winter days Florida is known for.

We will soon be seeing a dramatic seasonal change in worship. The mountaintop glory of Transfiguration Sunday at the end of Epiphany (March 6 this year), ushers us down into the valley of Lent the following Wednesday (Ash Wednesday, March 9). The mood changes quickly from celebration to introspection, from exultant praise to quiet contemplation. This year, Lent (and Easter) will be coming much later than usual. In fact it can only come one day later, and this won’t happen until the year 2038! So just when the temperature outside is warming, we will be finding the tone of worship darkening as we look into our hearts and rediscover our deep need for Jesus and his forgiveness.

Here at Atonement we will delve into Lenten worship in three ways. As usual, we will be having midweek Lenten services at 7:00 pm, beginning Ash Wednesday and continuing through the week before Holy Week. Except for Ash Wednesday, each of these services will be preceded by a soup supper. During the midweek services our Jesus in Film series we will examine different ways Jesus has been portrayed in the movies. We’ll watch clips from films such as The Miracle Maker, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Passion of the Christ to see what they reveal and what they distort in how they present our Lord.

Sundays in Lent, we will take a serious look at the sins of the church. We have a wonderful congregation at Atonement, and we do many things well. Still, we are susceptible to the same temptations and shortcomings that any Christian church in our culture is liable to. Our Sunday sermon series, The Broken Body, will be a thought- provoking and enlightening examination of some of the obstacles keeping us from fulfilling our potential to be God’s people.

Finally, we hope you are able to take the opportunity to join us for the “Spring Safari” weekend up at Luther Springs camp, March 18-20. This year, we are receiving an unprecedented low rate for our congregation — only $55/person for the two-night stay in a fine, clean cabin with restrooms and 4 meals included! And only $75 if you prefer the “hotel style” room. Beautiful scenery, walks by the lake, an archery range...all this plus the Bible study, fellowship and worship program add up to a fun and memorable weekend.

Join us, and don’t forget to tell your friends and neighbors about the meaningful and memorable Lenten worship lineup at Atonement this season.

Peace,
Pastor Scott