Lenten Sermon Series

The forty-day long season of Lent has begun. A few of us at Christ Church met for Morning Prayers yesterday to mark the start with ashes, silence, Scriptures, and prayers.

• This Sunday begins a new Lenten sermon series titled, Cross Words, key words that bring definition to Christian faith. Over the next six Sundays during Lent we will explore Cross Words like repentance, forgiveness, worship, Communion, and evangelism. These are words Christian use a lot, but sometimes we use them without realizing the depth and breadth of the meaning they hold.

Unfortunately, some well-intentioned Christians can use cross words over cross words. Meaning, we can use words to hurt others over differences about how to interpret Cross Words; what they mean and how they should be lived out. Some of us can be offensive with the ways we use these words while others become defensive when people seek to grapple honestly with their meanings.

Trying to be both biblical and Christ-like is not as easy as it sounds when it comes to these Cross Words. So, how do we talk about these words passionately yet respectfully in community? How do we handle these words wisely as people who follow after the Cross-bearer?

Join us this Sunday as we begin the journey with Jesus toward the cross with the first Cross Word: repentance. And may you find a full experience of God's grace and mercy during this Lenten season in worship, Bible study, and prayer. Speaking of prayer:

• Join us also for Lenten Sunday evening prayers beginning this Sunday night at 6:00PM. There will be Scripture readings, silence, guided prayers, and art meditations. Evening Prayers will last about 30 minutes. It is meant to be brief, contemplative, and informal.