ABOUT WORSHIP DURING LENT
“Controversies with the Christ”

During the season of Lent, as we go the Lenten journey with Jesus, our series of scripture readings will direct our attention to ways in which our spiritual progress may be limited by resistance. Sometimes, it’s the resistance we meet from outside forces; sometimes, it’s our own resistance to accept that change might be helpful or necessary. We will read about the resistance Jesus met with regard to his revolutionary interpretation of both scripture and his historic moment. We’ll also have to acknowledge how resistant even faithful people can be to change.

We will reintroduce the practice of “Sharing Our Stories Before God.” The first five Sundays in Lent will include church members at different points in the worship service remembering their own experiences of resistance, even defiance, when faced with spiritual change. My series of sermons on the first five Sundays has the over-arching title of “Controversies with the Christ” and will feature someone or some group disputing with Jesus over how to live the faithful life.

On the first Sunday in Lent, March 9, we will witness the arguing Jesus had with Satan, as he fasted in the wilderness in preparation for his earthly mission. “Turn these stones to bread,” his Adversary invited him, “Take the earth from my control… Jump from this pinnacle…” Our rabbi was tempted, but he did not submit; instead, with each temptation he countered the devil’s quotation of scripture with his own (Luke 4:1-13; Message: “The Meaning of Salvation”). Cliff Aerie is the storyteller, as he and the Oîkos Jazz Ensemble provide music.

On Lent 2, March 16, as Jesus travels Galilee, he receives a warning (from Pharisees!) about a threat to his life from the regional ruler, Herod Antipas. Fearlessly and boldly, Jesus refuses the threat. But then he turns melancholy and ironic, making reference to his approaching death at Jerusalem… as if it were a sabbath-day of rest. His following lament reveals a resistance he seems to have been feeling about his approaching Passion. (Luke 13:31-35; Message: “A Fox in the Henhouse.”). Sharon Love shares her story. The Canterbury Bells are featured, performing “Wondrous Love.”

For Lent 3, March 23, Jesus addresses the problem of needless suffering – in this case, some defenseless Galileans who suffered at the order of the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate – and how such suffering begs the question of the faithfulness of God. These people did not die because they themselves did anything wrong, Jesus insists. They didn’t suffer divine death sentences. He argues that these illustrations refer more to the interpreters than the sufferers. (Luke 13:1-9; Message: “See the Point”). Ashley Merideth will offer her testimony. The Chancel Choir sings, “Dust I Am,” by Mark S. Miller.

And then comes Lent 4, March 30. Jesus, it seems, spent more time counseling and teaching people who had given up on religion than he spent with co-religionists, like the scribes and Pharisees who wanted to discuss scripture with him. Upon hearing their complaint, Jesus would tell the parable of the Prodigal and the Faithful Sibling. At first, the parable seems to be an allegorical representation of the situation at hand. But looking deeper, it becomes a tale of resistance, adaptation, and change (not necessarily in that order), within the immersive truth of divine embrace (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32; Message: “Home Again”). Nick Suber recollects from his experience. Guest artist Jeff Leenhouts, French horn, will be featured.

With Lent 5, April 6, Julie Cohen will offer the last in our story series for Lent. This will be presented alongside a story in which a disciple of Jesus becomes the one to express resistance. When Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet with an expensive perfume, Judas Iscariot complains that the money could have been put to better use. The author of the story says Judas had an ulterior motive. Jesus seems to reply to the author as well as to Judas that, sometimes, a moment is simply a moment (John 12:1-8; Message: “Let It Be”). This morning, the extraordinary Good Vibrations youth handbell choir from the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake provide a musical setting for us.

I hope that each of these worship services, in which we explore our human tendency either to resist or to surrender to resistance, and the importance of overcoming these inclinations, will be meaningful for you along your Lenten journey toward Holy Week and Easter.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Palm Sunday of the Passion will be observed on Sunday, April 13, with a blessing of palms and shouts of “Hosanna!” followed by a reading of the Passion according to Luke (chapters 22-23).

Maundy Thursday will be hosted by Sts. Clare and Francis Ecumenical Catholic Communion, April 17 at 7:00pm, in the newly renovated William E. Sample Chapel. This service will include communion and footwashing.

Good Friday Blues will be presented at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary, on April 18.

Easter Sunday, April 20, worship will include concert brass, remembrance of baptism, and our annual singing of “Hallelujah!” from Handel’s Messiah.

On April 27, “Stories Before God” will resume. If you would like to offer your own “Story Before God,” sign up by clicking here.