February 2015
The Season of Lent at Harvest
What is Lent?
Lent is a season on the traditional Christian church calendar, leading up to Easter. Observed by Christians across the spectrum, including many Protestants, Lent is a time of preparing one’s heart for Easter in much the same way that the Advent season prepares us for Christmas. Lent spans the 40-weekdays preceding Easter, beginning on what’s known as “Ash Wednesday” (February 18th this year).
Why are we observing Lent?
Harvest hasn’t traditionally observed the season of Lent, which is fine since Lent is a church tradition, not a Biblical command like Communion and Baptism are. Still, we see value in seasons of preparation (which is why, for example, we observe Advent). We’re very comfortable with our identity as a non-liturgical church and have no desire to change that. Yet our Elders see in Lent an opportunity for us to cultivate a deeper experience with the Gospel at Easter, and not let the hectic, fast-paced nature of our culture rob Easter of its impact on us.
Our Purpose for observing Lent – To cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Gospel, and our need of it.
What is involved?
Our observation of Lent will consist of three components, all of which are optional yet encouraged for our members:
1)Ash Wednesday Service
We’ll hold our first-ever Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday February 18 at 7:00 pm here at the church. This service will mark the beginning of Lent by helping us focus on God’s holiness, our sinfulness, and our need for a savior, as we look ahead to the hope of Easter. Participants will be invited to receive the traditional mark of ashes on the forehead in the shape of the cross. Older children and teens are encouraged to attend. Younger children are also welcome, and childcare will be available from age 4 on down.
2)Daily Lent Readings
We have obtained an outstanding booklet of daily Gospel-focused devotional readings for the 40 days of Lent. We’ll make these available to our congregation, and we encourage you to set aside some time each day to read, pray, and prepare your heart for Easter.
3)Fasting
It is traditional to give up some normal comfort during the season of Lent, for the purpose of increasing our sense of our sin and how much we need God’s saving grace. Some fast traditionally, choosing to skip a meal (like lunch) every day during Lent. Others give up regular comforts such as television, internet use, regular leisure activities, or even the daily latte, depending on their lifestyle. The point is to go without something that’s a regular part of your routine, and the absence of which you’ll really feel. The time, energy, and money freed up by setting that activity aside can then be devoted to preparing the heart for Easter, perhaps by doing the daily readings above.
We invite you to join us in making the most of Easter this year, by preparing our hearts for it through the 40 days of Lent!