2010 Lenten Season
Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a new way of life, rooted in our baptismal vow. In our busy world, Lent invites us to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, to experience sorrow for what we’ve done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. We observe the disciplines of self-denial and prayer in order to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the death and Resurrection of Christ. Throughout this forty-day period, we are afforded the chance to grow in Christ-likeness. It is an extraordinary invitation to each one of us.
LENTEN WORSHIP
Ash Wednesday Worship Services
Wednesday, February 17, Noon (all ages) and 7 p.m. (family)
Sanctuary
Finding Light in Lent
Taizé Worship
A time for prayer, renewal, reflection and worship through song.
Thursday, March 4 and Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Cox Chapel
FAMILY FUN
Pancake Dinner
Wednesday, February 17, 6:00-6:45 p.m. Great Hall
REGISTER HERE
Join your church family for a special evening of dinner, fellowship and worship to prepare for the Lenten season. Dinner will be eggs, pancakes and fruit. There will be crafts and activities at each table, along with a Lenten calendar for each family to take home.Questions? Contact Amanda Clepper at 214.523.2265.
LENTEN LESSONS
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The devotion of the Stations of the Cross originated in the late 4th century when pilgrims flocked from all parts of the world to visit the land of Jesus. Heading the list of places they visited was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which had been built by the Emperor Constantine in 335 AD atop Calvary and the tomb of Jesus.
Over the years, the route of pilgrim processions—beginning at the ruins of the Fortress Antonia and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—was accepted as the way that Jesus went to his death. It was known as the “Via Dolorosa,” the “Sorrowful Way.” Today, it winds through the crowded areas of Jerusalem’s Old City, and pilgrims still travel it in prayer. “Stations” developed on this venerable route as early pilgrims honored places where specific incidents took place as Jesus went to Calvary.
Many Christians practice the devotion, but the Stations hold a special significance among Roman Catholics. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ’s sufferings and death.
What matters most in the Stations of the Cross is to follow Jesus Christ in His passion and to see ourselves mirrored in Him. To face life’s dark side in ourselves and in our world, we need images of hope. By accompanying Him on the Way of the Cross, we gain His courageous patience and learn to trust in God who delivers us from evil.
How to Experience the Stations of the Cross at Highland Park United Methodist Church:
Wednesday Stations of the Cross Services in Cox Chapel: February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 6:00–7:15 p.m.
Cox Chapel will also be open for individuals to experience the Stations of the Cross; pamphlets are available in the Narthex of Cox Chapel. Monday–Friday, February 24–April 2, 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Sundays, noon–6:00 p.m.
Journey to the Cross – Walking the Labyrinth
The labyrinth is found in many faith traditions across history.
As you begin to walk the path of the labyrinth:
1. Let go of the details of your life.
2. You will make your way to the center of the labyrinth – feel free to stop along the path to pray and think about others in your life and outside of your life, pray for them and yourself.
3. As you enter the center, this is an area of meditation and prayer. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows and releases our joys.
4. As you begin your journey toward the exit of the labyrinth may you find yourself at peace and become more empowered to find and do the work for which you feel your soul is searching.
Thursdays, February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25. Holy Week: Monday–Thursday, March 29, 30, 31 (10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) and
April 1 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Room 120. No Fee.
Lenten Bible Study: Living the Questions
Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16 & 23 from noon – 1:30 p.m. in room 225
A DVD discussion based study featuring Marcus Borg, Walter, Brueggemann, Dom Crossan, Tex Sample and other progressive theologians discussing the meaning of Jesus for the third millennium. Lunch ($9) will be served.
Events are open to all ages.
Information & Reservations: 214.523.2249 or stanfordr@hpumc.org
