Lent 2023

The season of Lent is 40 days (not including Sundays). Forty is symbolic of the time “in between,” the journey to God, the time it takes for us to see that God is already with us. During our 40 days of Lent, we remember the spaces of our lives “in between,” the times of our communal wilderness and uncertainty, and the times we long for new life. This year, we gather to experience the wilderness times in the here-and-now. Join us on the journey.

• Lenten Lament and Liberation
  • Weekly Schedule
  • Bible Study
  • Midweek Services of Laments (select Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.)
  • Lenten Project
  • Ash Wednesday
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

During this time of Lent, as we reflect on the meaning of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, we also remember so many who suffer in our own communities and in the world. Lament has long been a way that the church acknowledges suffering and distress. Martin Luther viewed such expressions of grief as appropriate signs of our helplessness before God. (Learn more about lament’s place in our communal worship here.)

During this series, we will explore the threads of grief and sorrow along with release and deliverance that are often co-present in our faith. This exploration will include some laments felt in 2023, including for the three-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, racism, and gun violence. Join us in worship, study, fellowship, and service as we journey together.

Weekly Schedule

• Ash Wednesday Service (Wednesday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.) – We begin our journey toward the baptismal waters of Easter with a time to return to our God. This service includes confession, imposition of ashes, and Communion. Learn more here.
• Lenten Meditation – At all services during Lent, we invite you to join us twenty minutes before the service to center yourself in silence along with a meditative phrase repeated as a focus statement as we engage in a spiritual practice to better understand our God.
• Lenten Bible Study: The First Sin (Sunday, February 26 at 11:30 a.m.) – Learn more here.
• Service of Lament: Gun Violence (Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.) – More information is here.
• Lenten Bible Study: Covenant with Abraham (Wednesday, March 8 at ~8:30 p.m.) – See details here.
• Lenten Bible Study: Water from the Rock (Sunday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m.) – Learn more here.
• Service of Lament: Racism (Wednesday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.) –Explore this service here.
• Lenten Bible Study: Anointing of David (Wednesday, March 22 at ~8:30 p.m.) – Find out more here.
• Lenten Bible Study: The Valley of Dry Bones (Sunday, March 26 at 11:30 a.m.) – More information is here.
• Palm/Passion Sunday (April 2 at 10 a.m.) –Join us for our procession with palms and read the Passion narrative according to Matthew as we enter the holiest week of our faith.

Lenten Bible Study

This weekly Bible study focuses on the theme of “Lament and Liberation in the Old Testament.” We’ll be looking at some lectionary readings from the Old Testament (aka the Hebrew Bible) and exploring threads of grief and sorrow as well as release and deliverance and how those two seemingly contradictory themes are co-present in the Bible (and our lives!) During Lent, deepen your spirituality by attending one or more of these studies.

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The First Sin (Sunday, February 26 at 11:15 a.m.)

We begin our Bible Study focusing on Lamentation and Liberation in the Old Testament by looking at the story of The First Sin as recounted in Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7. This story is commonly referred to as “The Fall,” and there’s a lot that’s been written lamenting this moment. But what if I told you there’s liberation, even here? Let’s explore it together! Learn more and RSVP here.

Covenant with Abraham (Wednesday, March 8 at ~8:30 P.m.)

We continue our Lenten Bible Study of Lament and Liberation in the Old Testament by looking at the Call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4a, and God’s covenant with him in 15:1-6. Abraham worries that God has broken his word, as he is old and childless. God tells him to count the stars, if he can. His decedents will be that numerous. Learn more and RSVP here.

Water from the Rock (Sunday, March 12 at 11:15 a.m.)

We’re continuing our Lenten Bible Study focusing on Lamentation and Liberation in the Old Testament. This week we’re looking at Exodus 17:1-7, where we join the the Israelites in the desert as infighting about lack of water runs rampart. But Moses helps demonstrate to the people yet again that God hasn’t led them into this wildness place to die, but to bring forth something new. Let’s find it!Learn more and RSVP here.

Anointing of David (Wednesday, March 22 at ~8:30 P.m.)

We continue our Lenten Bible Study of Lament and Liberation in the Old Testament by exploring 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where God reminds the prophet Samuel that outward appearances can be misleading and God’s more concerned with what’s inside them. Alongside the prophet, we mourn the political leaders that have failed us, even as we look with hope for what the future may have in store. The books of Samuel are sometimes referred to as a “biblical soap opera,” and for good reason! So…buckle up. Learn more and RSVP here.

The Valley of Dry Bones (Sunday, March 26 at 11:15 A.m.)

We conclude our Lenten Bible Study exploring Lamentation and Liberation in the Old Testament in the Valley of Dry Bones with Ezekiel (37:1-14). God asks the prophet if the bones that surround them can live once more and when the prophet won’t give a solid answer, God goads him into taking part in this resurrective act. We all have our own valleys of bones, but today we’re reassured we won’t be left there and forgotten. Come and prophesy! Learn more and RSVP here.

MIDweek Services of Laments

We gather around the cross in the sanctuary for a time of lament, scripture, and song. This 45-minute service will use the newly release lament using the ELCA’s All Creation Sings hymnal supplement. Enjoy meditative Taize-style music, an opportunity for individual healing prayer/anointing, and reflection around a candle-lit cross. This service will be available by Worship Livestream or in person.

• Service of Lament: Gun Violence (Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.)
• Service of Lament: Racism (Wednesday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.)

CLick here For Worship Livestream Information

Frequently asked Questions

Will services be offered on-site at the church? Yes! We continue gathering in a hybrid format, so join us online or in person. If attending in person, you may be interested in our safety measures.

What’s worship like at WPLC? You can learn a bit more about our worship style here, and can check out a service on our YouTube page.

Where can I learn more about WPLC? Check out our visitor information section.

I have another question. E-mail Pastor Jason at pastor@wickerparklutheran.org or leave a message at the church by calling 773-276-0263.