On Ash Wednesday, March 2 nd , we begin the Season of Lent. The church sets
aside the days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday as a time when we remember once again Jesus’ life, ministry, death on the cross and resurrection. Lent is an opportunity for us to journey with Jesus so that we might draw closer to our Lord and remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. Traditionally, during Lent, we are invited to “travel” with Jesus by fasting and praying, giving more of our resources to help those in need and by giving up something. All of these are good Christian disciplines that enrich us spiritually. Jesus is our model for each of these spiritual practices. The Gospels tell us that before our Lord began his ministry, he fasted and prayed for forty days in the wilderness. When Jesus announced his ministry in the synagogue in Nazareth, he read from the Book of Isaiah which said that the Messiah has come to proclaim Good News to the poor and captives. Our Lord cared deeply for the destitute and marginalized. Christ gave up his very life for us that we might know forgiveness for our sins and have life everlasting. Fasting, praying, giving generously to the those in need and letting go of something important to us enable us to draw closer to Jesus. Exodus Chapter 3 is the story of God appearing to Moses in the form of a burning bush. During their encounter, Moses asks God to tell him God’s name. God replies in Exodus 3:14: I AM WHO I AM. In the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies himself by making seven “I AM” statements about himself. On Sunday mornings our worship services will center around the “I AM” sayings of Jesus. Each week we will examine how Jesus defines himself as a way of journeying with our Lord. I hope you will make a special effort to attend each of these services. I also invite you to read the Gospel of John during this Holy Season. Here is a list of services and events during Lent at New Providence Presbyterian: Wednesday, March 2 - Ash Wednesday Service at Paris Presbyterian at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m. - I am the Bread of Life-The Lord’s Supper Sunday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. - I am the Light of the World-Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 20 at 9:30 a.m. - I am the Gate/ I am the Good Shepherd Sunday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. - I am the Way, the Truth and the Life Sunday, April 3 at 9:30 a.m. - I am the Vine-The Lord’s Supper Holy Week: Palm Sunday, April 10 at 9:30 a.m. - Our Youth will lead our service Maundy Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. A Tenebrae Service at Paris Presbyterian Good Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at NPPC with Paris Presbyterian Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16 Time TBA Easter Sunday, April 17, Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast in the Fellowship Hall The Celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, at 9:30 a.m.- I am the Resurrection and the Life Let’s endeavor to draw closer to our Lord as we journey with Jesus during Lent. Pastor Vallerie
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