We begin this Lent with Jesus in the wilderness, and then travel with him to Jerusalem and beyond.

The gospel of John is our gospel companion for most of this Season of Lent. Here we will encounter Nicodemus and through his conversation with Jesus we, too, are assured of God’s care in the winds of change and new birth. We will sit on the edges with a Samaritan woman as she draws from the well of life-giving waters, see the movement of God in our lives and the world around in the story of one who is born blind, experience the pain of a community in the death of Lazarus, and join the conversation that unbinds and brings forth life.

On Palm/Passion Sunday, we enter Jerusalem on a path paved with cloaks and branches. It is a path that leads to betrayal, abandonment, prayer, violence. The story seems to come to an end in the closing of the tomb. Instead, it is a beginning.

Easter arrives dressed in white and gold and a flurry of Alleluias. Mary is the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus and Thomas follows with his proclamation of faith. Two who travel home believing all has come to an end meet the risen Christ when bread is broken and shared. Narratives from Acts offer a glimpse into the faith and life of the early church, which the authorities could not contain.

The Season of Easter ends with words of farewell and commission. John’s narrative of the Spirit’s promised coming finds abundant fulfillment in Act’s testimony to Pentecost.

The Spirit restores, unites, and empowers the community to witness. Alleluia!

What Does This Mean? Copyright © The Rev. Diane E. L. Wendorf. Used by permission, courtesy of “Seasons of the Spirit.”

Worship Opportunities

Season of Easter

• April 12, Online – Easter Sunday – Alleluias abound on Resurrection Day, when Mary’s proclamation reminds us of the boundary-breaking presence of the living God. (John 20:1-18)
• April 19, Online – Trust and Rejoice – Alleluias from Easter Sunday continue to be raised, as Jesus greets fearful disciples, and we hear Tomas’ proclamation of faith. (John 20:19-31)
• April 26, Online – Breaking Bread – We, with the disciples, encounter the risen Christ as scripture is opened and bread is broken. (Luke 24:13-35)
• May 3, Online – Living in Abundance – Images of shepherding love speak of God’s diverse, abundant provision and guidance. (Acts 2:42-47)
• May 10, Online – Living Stones – The story of deacon Stephen opens the window to the enduring witness of the early church, and we ponder ways we might witness to God – rock, refuge, and redeemer. (Acts 7:55-60)
• May 17, Online – To See Is to Love – We are reminded that the indwelling love of God and the Spirit’s enduring presence is with us; no matter what we are never alone. (John 14:15-21)
• May 24, Online – In It Together – We listen in as Jesus prays for disciples and consider what it means to be a community of such prayer. (John 17:1-11)
• May 31, Online – Spiritual Understanding – On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the Spirit of God in the diversity and variety of Creation. (Acts 2:1-21)