There are many ways to observe the season of Lent. Some give something up as a reminder of the far greater self-denial made by Christ for the salvation of humankind. Others choose to spend extra time in God’s Word or prayer in order to draw closer to God. And many see this season as a chance for a deeper form of confession and penitence in order that the joy of forgiveness on Easter might be even greater.

But historically, the season of Lent was significant in other ways as well. Since the days of the early church, Lent was a time of teaching and preparation, not just for Easter itself, but for baptism as well. Christians at that time appreciated a strong connection between Baptism and Easter – because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are also able to be washed, cleansed and raised to new life in faith. As Paul writes in Romans 6:4:

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Because of the strong connection between baptism and Easter, the early church would often celebrate the baptisms of new believers on Easter, or the days leading up. The 40 day period of Lent was used as a special time of instruction and teaching, especially for those adult converts who were preparing to be baptized.

It makes sense then, that this season of the church year is still helpful in many ways today. It is a chance to reflect again on all that Christ has done. It is an opportunity to lay down some things in our lives in order that we might draw closer to the one who laid down his life on our behalf. And it is also an opportune time for celebrating milestones in the faith – baptisms or confirmation.

At Calvary this year we will be celebrating the Rite of Confirmation for one of our own students on Palm Sunday, March 20th. And confirmation is just what it says, a chance for an individual to confess their own faith, and have their confession confirmed by the church. Certainly all at Calvary are invited and encouraged to be present for this milestone.

One final note on the season of Lent: You may wonder why it is 40 days long (excluding Sundays). 40 is a significant number in the Bible. It is often seen as a number that indicates testing, trial, or probation just before a new beginning. Interestingly, the earliest of Christians believed Jesus was dead in the grave for 40 hours(Good Friday afternoon until Easter morning). The number 40 has held significant importance throughout biblical history. The rains fell on Noah in the ark for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses was on top of Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments for 40 days and 40 nights. Elijah walked 40 days and 40 nights to the mountain of the Lord. Jesus, most importantly, fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights before starting his public ministry.

~by Pastor Mike Middaugh

This past Sunday, the first Sunday in Lent, we turned our attention to Jesus’ words from the Cross “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” These words, spoken by Jesus even as he was being crucified, are the defining mark of his ministry. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Our sinfulness drove God’s Messiah, our Savior, to the cross, and our sins were placed upon him as he was there. Yet, he looks down and sees the people below and with unbounding love and compassion seeks forgiveness for the multitude.

As we experience this forgiveness Jesus came to give it changes our lives in three ways:

A New Freedom

No longer does our sin have power over us…

“All of A.A.’s Twelve Steps ask us to go contrary to our natural desires” says Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book; “they all deflate our egos. When it comes to ego deflation, few Steps are harder to take than Five. But scarcely any Step is more necessary to longtime sobriety and peace of mind as this one.”

What is step five that A.A.’s co-founder and author of the Big Book considers so necessary? It is “admitting to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” This step is so crucial because our wrongs weigh heavily upon our hearts. And this is not just true of wrongs associated with alcohol or any other substance, it is true for all the wrongs, sins, and shortcomings of our lives. True freedom is only found by acknowledging these things, and our inability to overcome them.

As we come to understand Jesus work upon the cross, part of our new reality and new life is realizing our new freedom. No longer does sin have control over us, no longer are we captive to the weight of our own failings. These have all been placed upon Jesus, and in his death, and ultimate victory of resurrection, our sins have been defeated.

For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14

A New Future

Because of forgiveness our lives here and now can be different. No longer captive to sin or weighed down by the knowledge of our failings, we are freed to live a new life of hope. We are invited to embrace God’s design for his creation, living as he has called us. We are freed to fulfill our true callings. To care for creation, to contribute to society, to find joy in creative beauty.

Our new future is not contained to the here and now, not nearly. We are summoned to embrace a great hope for the life that is to come. A life free of failings, a life absent of longing, a life where sadness has been vanquished. The gift of forgiveness is a new hope. A hope that cannot fail us. We will be united with our God, our savior, the very Lord Jesus.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

A New Fellowship

We are freely forgiven, and now we are blessed to freely forgive. If we were not a people of forgiveness we might feel like it was our job to hold out forgiveness and “make others pay.” But, we have been forgiven. God alone is judge. As we have experienced mercy we are encouraged to be a merciful people.

This changes the nature of our fellowship. Grace defines how we now live, as a family, as a congregation, and as members of our society. They are to know we are Christians by our love. Forgiveness is loves prime display.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

 

If you would like to read a weekly lectionary reflection for the season of Lent, the Southeastern District has provided one HERE. Please note that Calvary will not be following the lectionary readings for the Sundays of Lent, therefore the readings listed will be different than our Sunday readings.

On October 12, 2016 Calvary will celebrate 75 years of service and dedication to our community, as we remember the very first service held as a church body. This is a very special time in our history and we intend to celebrate it all year long.

The 75th Anniversary Committee is in the process of planning activities to honor past pastors, members, teachers, students and events throughout the year which will be followed by a 75th Anniversary Service on October 16, 2016. We look forward to receiving any suggestions from the church body; please direct them to EVP, Courtney Fletcher via email.

There will be plenty of opportunities for members to lend a hand with the various subcommittees. We’ll need a lot of volunteers to assist with Historical Memories; setup and breakdown for different events, so please be on the lookout for sign-up sheets or the wonderful Committee members asking for your assistance.

We look forward to a great year full of memories, celebrations and commitments to another 75 years of servicing our community by Changing Lives with God’s Love.

 

Beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 10th, Calvary will host a Midweek Lenten Service featuring the theme “Stepping Stones.” Lent is a reflective, meditative season of the church year when believers are encouraged to consider their own shortcomings and need for God’s grace. The season culminates with Holy Week as we remember Jesus passion and Crucifixion.

This year’s Stepping Stones theme will highlight readings from scripture that feature stones. Each evening worshipers will be invited to take a stone before the service begins, using it as a meditative tool during worship. The stone may then be placed at the altar as communion is receiving symbolizing repentance, petition, or thanksgiving.

These services will be joint between Calvary Lutheran and Christ Deaf Lutheran Church.

Week 1. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10th
Written In Stone – Exodus 32:1-24; (Psalm 51); 2 Corinthians 3:1-6; Mark 2:13-22

Week 2. Feb. 17th
Stones That Tell a Story – Genesis 28:18; 31:45-53

Week 3. Feb. 24th
Rejected Stones – Psalm 118 (esp. 22-24)

Week 4. Mar. 2nd
Sticks and Stones – John 10:22-33

Week 5. Mar. 9th
Stones to Bread – Matthew 4:1-11

Week 6. Mar. 16th
Hearts of Stone – Luke 11:37-52