LENT 2023
Often we think of divine life as detached, foreign, other worldly. If we pay attention we would realize that divine life is found all around us, in our encounters with ourselves, others, and the day to day of life. This Lent we’ll go on a journey of exploration, through stories in literature, stories in scripture, and our own stories. We’ll weave together a pathway towards the greatest story ever told. Join us in worship, discussion groups, and special events through the Lenten Season.
God Stories: The Paralytic, The Prodigal, The Prophet, The Priest and The Prostitute
A new sermon series for Lent
Sundays February 26 -March 26, 9:00am, 10:30am, 11:59am services.
Literary critics will tell you that a truly great novel or story will “display not tell.” That is, the power of a story is not in moments of explicit explanation but when something is conveyed through the actions of the characters. During Lent we will explore five stories in our Bible that convey profound truths about God without even talking explicitly about the divine. In fact, it’ the most surprising characters in our Bible that end up displaying something about the true nature of our mighty God. Let’s journey together through Lent and re-discover our God.
Counterstories: Five Antagonists of the Bible
Lenten sermon series with Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas
Sundays, February 26 - March 26, 8:15am Pilgrim Hall and Digital 9:00am
Explore these five antagonists of the Bible: Cain, Delilah, Haman, Herodias, and Judas Iscariot. Discover why they are an important part of God’s stories.
Movie Screening & Discussion: Jesus Revolution
SOLD OUT
Sat. March 4, 1:30pm, Lincoln Grand Theater (1101 P St).
Kicking off our Lenten series we will be hosting a private matinee of the new movie “Jesus Revolution” starring Kelsey Grammer. After the movie, Dr. Keck and Rev. Huertas will lead a brief discussion on how movies are key to how God stories are told. Doors open at 1:00pm. Tickets ($5 suggested donation) are required in advance.
Join a Lenten Small Group and Read God Stories
During Lent, we are holding church wide discussion groups in homes, at church and online via Zoom. We encourage people to join a group. Listed on firstplymouth.org is a list of groups of various times, dates, and locations to suit your schedule and availability. Contact a group leader to let them know you’ll be attending. Groups will meet for three weeks starting the week of March 12. If you can’t make it to a group, start your own group – just discuss in your home with family and friends. If you would like to host a group, contact addie@firstplymouth.org. Books of God Stories are available for sale in the church office ($15).
God Stories: Bonus Stories
March 22 & 29, 5:45-6:45pm.
Dr. Jim Keck and Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas share a few more stories that will expand your imagination about how you might experience God’s presence in your day-to-day life.
Lent Workshop for Families
Sunday, March 26, Noon-1:30pm, Mayflower Hall
Crafts and fun for your family in Mayflower Hall. Noon-1:30pm crafts, and free pizza beginning at Noon until we run out.
Lenten Devotional Booklets
Daily devotionals written by church members. Copies available at the church or firstplymouth.org.
Carbon Reduction Lenten Calendar
Act on your love of God’s people and planet by reducing your carbon footprint this Lenten season. Use the Carbon Reduction Calendar offered by the St. Paul UMC Climate Justice team. You can also sign up for daily calendar text messages by texting CLIMATE to 97000.
CALM: Candlelight & music for the end of the day
Sunday, March 12, 7:00pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Compline worship for the modern soul.