Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1)
Introduction
Calendar and Monday Prayer Call
Scripture for Children
The Fast
Introduction
Throughout Christian history, many Christian communities have recognized the season of Lent. Echoing Jesus’ time in the wilderness, the forty days of Lent (not counting Sundays) are a time of penitence and preparation for the Easter celebration.
Calendar and Monday Prayer Call
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Please join us at 6:00 pm at Glorious Light Church (4351 S Drexel Blvd) for a service of worship and prayer. Join us as well for a Good Friday service on April 18 at 6:00 pm at New Community Logan Square (2649 N Francisco Ave).
During the six Sundays of Lent, we will focus on the God who, in the words of Psalm 32, forgives our transgressions and covers our sins. We will celebrate communion each Sunday as a reminder that there is no sin so great that the mercy of Christ is not greater still.
Each of the four Sundays of Advent will have a theme related to God’s character. Every worship service will include communion as well as time to testify to how we’ve experienced this characteristic of God. Additionally, the following Psalms can be used to guide personal prayer during these six weeks:
- Week of March 9: God Forgives Our Sin, Psalm 32
- Week of March 16: God Covers Our Shame, Psalm 44
- Week of March 23: God Heals Our Infirmities, Psalm 6
- Week of March 30: God Frees Our Desires From Idolatry, Psalm 115
- Week of April 6: God Restores Our Relationships, Psalm 126
- Week of April 13: God Delivers Us From Evil, Psalm 59
Please join us for a Seven Last Words service on Good Friday, April 18 at 6:00 pm at New Community Logan Square (2649 N Francisco Ave).
During Lent, we will gather on Zoom for prayer each Monday morning from 7:00-7:15 am. The call will include a short reflection on the previous Sunday’s message and prayer related to the theme of the message.
Scripture for Children
During Lent we invite our families to memorize Isaiah 65:17-19, 23-25 (NIV) with their children who will recite the passage during the Easter service on April 20. Please work on the following verses during the identified week:
- March 9, 65:17
- March 16, 65:18
- March 23, 65:19
- March 30, 65:23
- April 6, 65:24
- April 13, 65:25
Our Kid City team will also spend some time each Sunday during Lent memorizing the passage.
The Fast
It has become our tradition at New Community to observe a collective fast during the season of Advent. For Lent, we observe two fasting days, Ash Wednesday on March 5 and Good Friday on April 18. During these days, if you’re able to do so in a manner that is healthy for you, please abstain from food until after the evening worship services. Additionally, we are invited to consider whether there is anything we want to set-aside during these weeks, anything that might distract us from turning from our sins and into the grace and forgiveness of our God. If you decide to abstain from anything during Lent, please share your decision with one or two Chrisitan friends who can pray with and support you.
Because every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, the Church has typically not fasted on the Lord’s Day. Please treat Sundays as feast days, pausing your fast to celebrate our Lord’s faithfulness.