Early in the Church's history, the major events in Christ's life were observed. Some of these include His birth, baptism, death, resurrection and ascension.
As these observances developed, a period of time was set aside prior to the major events of Jesus' birth and resurrection as a time of preparation.
During Lent, the Church's worship assumes a more penitential character. The color for the season is purple, a color often associated with penitence. The "Hymn of Praise" is omitted from the liturgy. The word "Alleluia" is usually omitted as well.
By not using the alleluia — a joyful expression meaning "Praise the Lord" — until Easter, the Lenten season is clearly set apart as a distinct time from the rest of the year.
Additionally, it forms a powerful contrast with the festive celebration of Jesus' resurrection when our alleluias ring loud and clear.
Finally, the penitential character of Lent is not its sole purpose. In the ancient Church, the weeks leading up to Easter were a time of intensive preparation of the candidates who were to be baptized at the Easter vigil on Holy Saturday.
This time in the Church's calendar was seen as an especially appropriate time for Baptism because of the relationship between Christ's death and resurrection and our own in Holy Baptism (see Rom. 6:1-11).
This focus would suggest that the season of Lent serves not only as a time to meditate on the suffering that Christ endured on our behalf but also as an opportunity to reflect upon our own Baptism and what it means to live as a child of God.
What is Ash Wednesday?
One of our hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the imposition of ashes on those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful reminder about the meaning of the day.
Ashes can symbolize dust-to-dustness and remind worshipers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God."
The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom among most LCMS congregations, although some have done it for decades. The ashes are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous Palm Sunday.
Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take many ashes to "ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a long way. One palm leaf will produce enough ashes for several years.
Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each worshiper, saying these words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This follows most effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and Absolution on pages 290-291 of the Lutheran Service Book.
You're invited to celebrate the Easter season with us!
Sunday, April 13th at 10:15 a.m. - Palm/Passion Sunday - The Passion of Christ
Thursday, April 17th at 7 p.m. - Holy Thursday with Holy Communion - The Betrayal
Friday, April 18th at 12 p.m. - Good Friday - The Chief Service - The Crucifixion of Christ
Friday, April 18th at 7 p.m. - Good Friday - Tenebrae - The Crucifixion of Christ
Saturday, April 19th at sundown - Holy Saturday Easter Vigil - Reception of New Members
Sunday, April 20th at 7:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - Resurrection of Our Lord (both with Holy Communion) *With Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt in between the services
We believe, teach and confess that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord, and that through faith in Him we receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation.
Children are always welcome in our church services. Here are some resources for you!
Nursery News:
Living Faith’s nursery room is staffed during the Sunday school hour. During the worship service, parents are encouraged to use the nursery room for nursing, diaper changing, crying babes, and toddlers getting out wiggles before returning to worship.
How can I prepare my children for attending the Easter Vigil Service?
LCMS Worship is pleased to offer a coloring book to help children follow along at the Easter Vigil. This special Divine Service — which includes fire, movement, stories, music, special decorations and dynamic lighting — is an ideal learning environment for children, who learn by seeing, hearing, touching and doing.
This Easter Vigil, come watch and revel together as a family in our Lord’s great history of salvation. Bring this coloring book along to help your children better understand this most holy night.
