Lent
Lent begins March 5. During Lent, running roughly 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, we are invited to a "holy observance...by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word" (Book of Common Prayer, 265). Explore our curated resources for Lent to help you and your family step back from your daily routine and more fully participate in this time of preparation and reflection as we prepare to walk with Jesus to the cross.
Mardis Gras
Tickets for the Mardi Gras dinner are on sale. $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for 10 and under. We will have jambalayas, red beans & rice, salad, & dessert. Date of the dinner is Tuesday, March 4th. Come and enjoy fellowship with lots of carnival craziness!
ash wednesday March 5th
12:00 PM (Communion)
6:00 PM (Communion) (Service is available on Zoom)
Lenten Offerings
STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
Every Friday at 5 PM in the nave.
Spiritual Momentum for Our Later Years
Wednesdays During Lent, 10:30-12:00
March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9
Facilitated by the Rev. Jan Head, Lyn Fraser, and Reenie Neal
The series will provide a safe space and structure for exploring the challenges and rewards of aging within a spiritual context. Participants will explore topics such as dealing with loss, expressing our laments, finding gratitude in the midst of change, building resiliency, and maintaining forward momentum in our spiritual lives. We will consider (with some help from Mary Oliver) questions and beliefs about aging including how we pray, what we worry about, what we believe about death-dying-and the afterlife, whether we have to walk on our knees through the desert for a hundred miles repenting, and how we get our house ready for God when there are mice under the sink. Sessions will combine informative content with reflection, directed discussion, experiential exercises, and contemplative practice.
A Lenten Study For Home Use!
If we as Christians are to have a meaningful role in shaping our world, we need to have strong congregations filled with people living out the values of the Gospel. More and more we cannot be Christian by force of habit, but must be intentional about being followers of Jesus. This Lenten season you are invited to join others in a true walk with Christ using a Lenten devotional that may rekindle--or begin--your journey as a disciple of Jesus. Featuring daily meditations that will take only about 10 minutes, you will be drawn to further reflection and reading that will help you in your Lenten journey. Discussion can flow into coffee hour and private sharing among parishioners is encouraged as well. Copies of the book,The Disciple's Way, will be available for all who would like one. Please contact the church office so a discounted group order can be placed no later than February 12th. Books will then be available for pick-up on Sunday, March 2nd—just in time for Ash Wednesday.
More Resources for Lent
Click to Explore the Diocesan Resource Page
HOLY WEEK
As the church approaches Holy Week, here is a summary of the services offered at St. Matthew’s. If you are new to St. Matthew’s and the Episcopal Church, you are highly encouraged to attend Holy Week services, especially the worship services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter. These services work in unison to become what is called the Triduum (Three Days). These combined services work together to express the fullness of the Christian faith and salvation history as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday in the Episcopal Church is a dual commemoration that marks Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem with the waving of palm branches and also reflects on the events leading to his crucifixion. The service typically begins with a joyful outdoor procession (weather permitting), symbolizing Jesus' welcome into Jerusalem, followed by readings recounting his passion and death. The liturgy captures both the excitement of Palm Sunday and the solemnity of Christ's sacrifice, setting the stage for Holy Week's reflection on the central themes of redemption and salvation. Sunday, April 13 at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Maundy Thursday
The significance of Maundy Thursday to Christians stems from its origin in the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "commandment," referencing Jesus' commandment to love one another as he loved them. This day commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine, instituting the Eucharist, and washed the feet of his disciples, symbolizing humility and service. It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum. The special service on Maundy Thursday is a remembrance of these events, fostering reflection on Jesus' sacrifice, love, and teachings, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, unity, and selflessness. Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 PM.
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marking the pinnacle of his sacrificial journey for humanity's redemption. It is a day of solemn reflection, acknowledging the magnitude of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross. The special service on Good Friday calls us to deeply contemplate the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, his unconditional love, and the promise of salvation. Following the service in the church, those who want to continue the Good Friday observance will carry the cross in procession to the Hill of the Crosses on Horizon Dr. as we pray the Stations of the Cross. Friday, April 18 at Noon.
The Great Vigil of Easter
The Great Vigil of Easter is the most significant and richly symbolic service of the church year. It is the first celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying God’s victory over death and the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. This special service, held on Holy Saturday evening, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light, reflecting the journey from despair to hope. Through rituals like the lighting of the Paschal candle and the proclamation of the Exsultet, we rejoice in the resurrection, and renew our baptismal vows, embracing the transformative power of Christ's triumph over sin and death. Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 PM.
Monday-Friday during Holy Week
• 9:00AM Morning Prayer, Zoom/Facebook Live
• Anytime - self-guided Stations of the Cross on YouTube. Be sure to click the bottom right to proceed through the stations or the bottom left to return to a station.
Father Steve and Deacon Rich will be available for spiritual direction and/or Reconciliation of a Penitent by appointment.
Easter Sunday
April 20th
• 8:00 AM Easter Day and Holy Communion, in person
• 10:00AM Easter Day Holy Communion, in person and livestream on Zoom/FB Live. Egg hunt and brunch to follow the 10AM service.
Suggested Activities During Lent
Lent is an opportunity to undertake a special act of devotion or worship. Some possibilities include:
· Church. Join us online or watch our Facebook live for Sunday Morning Prayer with homily.
· Prayer. Join us online or watch Facebook live for Morning Prayer. Monday through Friday at 9AM. Click here for the zoom link. Call the office at 970-242-3293 for the password.
· Holy Scripture. Some set aside time to read the Bible, or read a specific book, or take time to read the Bible as a family.
· Generosity. Some give to charity. Some take up work with a food bank or other organization.
· Special Devotion. Some will fast on Fridays or some other day, or for a meal, as an act of devotion. Others might walk the labyrinth at St. Matthew’s.
Robes and slippers
This Lent we are again collecting new robes and slippers for folks in nursing homes, as well as Easter cards. Your generosity is appreciated!