The Meaning of Lent
Find Out More About Lake Edge Lent ProgramsLenten Labyrinth
Ecumenical Wednesday Night Lent Worship
Lake Edge Holy Week and Easter schedule
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, and includes the following forty days (excluding Sundays), essentially 6 weeks. (The liturgical color for Lent is purple, and you will notice purple drapings in the sanctuary.) The season of Lent recalls for us the many times that God’s people have found themselves in the wilderness, unable to pretend any longer that everything is OK, necessitating a turn toward God and God’s forgiveness. This year, Lake Edge will be using the labyrinth as a focal point for reflection during Lent. The labyrinth is an ancient meditation tool to help people journey towards God as their center.
We think, for example, about Noah in the ark, watching the waters rise as, for 40 days, the rain pounds down. We think of the Hebrew slaves, escaping from Egypt and wandering 40 years in the wilderness as God transforms them from no people into the nation of Israel. We think of the exiles of Israel, living as strangers in Babylon, the generations passing as they grieve the loss of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. And we think of Jesus himself, in the wilderness for 40 days following his baptism, being tempted, preparing for the work ahead.
Now we look ahead to our own 40 days. Lent is traditionally viewed as a time of spiritual journey and preparation. Many Christians make a special effort during Lent to focus on the spiritual aspects of their lives, sometimes taking on a spiritual discipline such as a daily devotion or a study program. This year Lake Edgers are particularly invited to participate in the Lenten Labyrinth worship and devotional programs and/or join the ecumenical Wednesday night worship series. Lent also includes some of the most moving worship services of the church year, Ash Wednesday (7 pm, Feb. 17), and Holy Week.