Observance of the Season of Lent
Lent is observed in the Christian Calendar as the forty days leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. This is a time of fasting, serving others and in-depth reflection on the life and ministry of Jesus. The Christian church began to celebrate this season of the church year very early in our history. The earliest mention of this period occurs in the Cannons of Nicaea in 325 A.D. It may have grown out of the custom used by the early church to initiate converts and then go through Baptism as the final celebration before Easter. Nonetheless it is an important part of our Christian practice as we look back at Christ's life and strive to be better through fasting and penitence. Though in the early church the fasting was very strict, today fasting may be giving up a bad habit or something we love like sweets, and then doing something good for someone in it's place.
Ash Wednesday –
Sanctuary
This service marks the beginning of Lent and a time of reflection on the life, ministry and sacrifice of Christ. Entering the Lenten season with clean hearts and a renewed focus on a penitent life was very important to early Christians. Palm branch from the previous Palm Sunday are burned in the caldaria before the altar then prepared on the altar and blessed. It is the imposition of ashes upon the forehead that symbolizes our penitence and struggle to lead a righteous life based on the example of Christ. Take part in this ancient and moving service. “Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Holy Week Services:
Palm Sunday –
On the Sunday before His crucifixion, as Jesus entered the city, the scripture reads that a multitude spread branches of palms along His pathway. Our children reenact the scene with a palm processional into the sanctuary. Children, Sound Faith and Chancel Choir perform during all services.
Thursday Lenten Lunches
A sack lunch is served in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 12:00 noon. A small donation is requested. A brief service, usually led by a guest speaker, concludes by 12:45 p.m. in order that participants might return to work by 1:00 p.m.
Maundy (Holy) Thursday – Service of Holy Communion
A somber recollection of The Last Supper; the ancient service dates back in oral tradition to the first century. Harpist and soloist, Margaret Hall performs with the Chancel Choir.
Easter Egg Hunt – Fun Activities and an Easter Egg hunt for the children, ages birth – 5th grade.
Celebration of Easter Sunday –
Easter is the ancient celebration of the Risen Christ. Easter is the most grand and oldest feast day of the Christian Church. We begin to prepare ourselves for Easter starting Ash Wednesday and observing Lent. In the earliest days of the church, it was on the day before Easter that a Great Easter Vigil was held. It was here, after a year of study, that new converts were examined by the elders as to their beliefs in Christ. If the elders were satisfied with the answers of the new converts they would be baptized into the church at midnight. The symbolism of this was dying to the world. As they would rise from the waters of baptism on Easter morning they would rise to new life in Jesus Christ.
Sunrise Service in Gloria Garden
Family Breakfast following service in Fellowship Hall
Our celebration begins with our Sunrise Service scheduled at the time the sun is to break over the horizon. We begin in the beautiful Gloria Garden in the front of the church facing the bayou over which the sun rises. As we worship, the sun rises on the bayou and reflects off the water like thousands of precious jewels and we join the birds in singing God's praise. At the conclusion of this service those in the Friendship Class prepare a wonderful breakfast for all who would like to stay and eat.
Following our Sunrise service there are three morning worship experiences.
8:30 a.m. & 10:50 a.m. Traditional Worship
Children’s Choir, Chancel Choir and Westminster Bells performing
Service led by Dr. Larry Stafford
Both the 8:30 & 10:50 services are held in the sanctuary and are full with choir, brass accompaniment, beautiful lilies and floral arrangements, and a timely message by our Senior Minister, Dr. Larry Stafford.
9:30 a.m. “New Beginnings” Contemporary Worship
Performance by Sound Faith
Service led by Dr. Larry Stafford
For those who like a more contemporary style of worship, our New Beginnings service at 9:30 a.m. is just for you. Sound Faith keeps the rhythm upbeat as they sing and lead the worship of God's risen Son. With visuals and drama this exciting service concludes with Bro. Larry's message of faith.
9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.
