Lenten Season

The Word, Lent, is a Teutonic word that means spring.  It comes into our English language as Length and refers to the lengthening of the days that happens in springtime.  Christians from at least the early second century had begun setting aside time before Good Friday and Easter to fast and prepare themselves for these holy days.  By the 400's the period began to be fixed as 40 days, in keeping with Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness that began his ministry (and tied to Moses and Elijah who also fasted 40 days).  It is a season of spiritual seeking and repentance of sin that readies us to observe the crucifixion of Jesus and to celebrate his resurrection. 

During the season of Lent, we prepare our hearts and lives for Easter so that we can truly experience the depth and power of Christ’s death and resurrection. We do this through the practice of disciplines that help us focus on Christ and grow in our faith. To begin your observance of Lent, make a commitment to:

  1. Be in worship each of Lent's six weeks.  If you are out of town, find a place to worship where you are. 
  2. Give up ten minutes a day for prayer and scripture reading.  We've provided Lenten Devotional Guides to help you. You can even subscribe to them online, and they will be sent directly to your email.
  3. Consider a fast of some kind - something you might give up or lay aside that will create a hunger in you - a hunger which will serve as a connection with Christ's suffering and focus your attention on desiring God.  

Sunday Evening Classes 

Classes are at 6:30 pm in Room 220. No registrations required; just come and learn more about the prayer Jesus taught us.

  • Feb. 10 “Our Father …” – Pastor Judy Long O’Neal
  • Feb. 17 “Thy Kingdom Come …” – Pastor Connie Wilson
  • Feb. 24 “Give us this day…” – Pastor Karen Lampe
  • March 2 “Lead us not into temptation…” – Pastor Clayton Smith

Lenten Concert Series

Worship on Wednesdays with a thirty-minute Lenten concert at 12:15 pm in Wesley Chapel.

  • Feb. 6 Shawnee Mission South Heritage Singers, directed by Dustin Cates
  • Feb. 13 Fonda Telthorst, Alto
  • Feb. 20 Susan Astroff (violin), David Lytle (cello) and Barbara Eichenberger (piano)
  • Feb. 27 Adoration, women’s ensemble directed by Jenny Nehrbass
  • March 5 Various soloists
  • March 12 Chamber Singers
  • March 19 Barbara Eichenberger and Ray Smith, organ and piano