Throughout this season of Lent I have been reminded time and time again of the power of words. Written. Spoken. Sung. Heard. Felt. Words have the power to guide us through all seasons of life. The season of Lent begins with these words on Ash Wednesday: “you are dust.” This simple utterance offers a truth that our culture has a hard time acknowledging. The grace on the other side of this truth is that we are also breath, spirit—we are living souls. As we move through this Lenten season, words of grace and truth, like the words that fed Jesus in the wilderness, continue to feed our souls.
Lenten Devotions
The Adult Ministry Team’s churchwide initiative this year was to write our own devotions. These devotions have been written by youth, young adults, staff, lay people, newer members, and seasoned members of this church. Each reflection offers unique insights particular to each writer. It has been a joy to edit these devotions each week—reading each of these offerings has nourished my soul.
Lenten Podcast
As an offshoot of the Lenten Devotions, these podcast conversations have been more in depth and personal. Highlights included a conversation with David Hughes that revealed our church’s observance of Ash Wednesday began under his pastorate. I was particularly impressed with the conversations with young adults, who showcase their faith in such real and thoughtful ways. Olivia Blake and Julie Hall both highlighted giving up or reducing social media use during Lent. Their words are an invitation for us all.
Lenten Anthems
The choir’s anthems each Sunday this season have been a gift to the Lenten worship experience. Last week’s anthem, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, based on the 23rd Psalm assures us of God’s promises, even when we face the wilderness: “The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His and He is mine forever.” These words speak to God’s abounding faithfulness throughout this and every season.
Lenten Scriptures
In Sunday School classes youth and young adults have focused on the lectionary scriptures. In the last couple weeks this has lined up with the sermon texts. Youth even read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman as a play—and the words came to life.
Lastly, many of our staff and church members will be in Raleigh for the annual CBFNC Gathering. We’ll gather with other churches across the state and share stories of all the ways God is moving at First on Fifth.
-Kyle
