S.P.A.R.K.
(St. Paul Church’s Announcements to Read and Know)
February 2022
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Romans 12:1
Lent is a season when we take a look at our lives in view of God’s mercy toward us in the sacrifice of his Son for us on the cross. We, in turn, are called by God, especially during this time of repentance and reflection, to be living sacrifices for him, displaying our devotion to him in word and deed. Jesus helps us to see the richness of God’s mercy in his life, death, and resurrection.
I am excited to bring to you “In View of God’s Mercy,” a series of services for Lent by my seminary professor, David Peter. Through this series, we will focus our eyes of faith on the meaning behind God’s mercy made real and true for us in Christ. The services are outlined below:
Ash Wednesday – March 2nd: “Mercy in Ashes.” In this service, we consider the ashes on our foreheads as a sign of our sins and remember that God lifts us from our ashes to new life in Christ.
Readings: Joel 2:12-18, 1 John 1:8-9, Matthew 6:16-18
Midweek of Lent 1 – March 9th: “Mercy in Temptation.” In this service, we recall that in the midst of temptation, our merciful God provides us with a way out through Christ, who was tempted just as we are, yet without sin.
Readings: Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 1 Corinthians 10:6-13, Matthew 4:1-11
Midweek of Lent 2 – March 16th: “Mercy in Suffering.” In this service, we recall that no life is without suffering, but our sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory to be revealed to us in Jesus by God’s great mercy.
Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, 1 Peter 2:21-25, Matthew 8:14-17
Midweek of Lent 3 – March 23rd: “Mercy in Betrayal.” In this service, we ponder the truth that though we may turn away from our God again and again, our Lord continues to call us back into his merciful arms for Jesus’ sake.
Readings: Jonah 3:1-10, 1 Peter 3:9-12, Matthew 26:47-56
Midweek of Lent 4 – March 30th: “Mercy in Relationships.” In this service, we come to understand that within the communities God has placed us, we are given the grace to treat one another as Christ has cared for us in his love and mercy.
Readings: Genesis 45:1-15, Ephesians 4:25-32, John 13:34-35
Midweek of Lent 5 – April 6th: “Mercy in Service.” In this service, we recognize that we are called to serve in mercy the needs of those around us by Christ’s example.
Readings: Micah 6:7-8, Hebrews 6:9-12, John 13:12-17
These midweek services for Lent will be at 1:30PM in the senior center, and 6:30PM in the sanctuary.
Our Holy Week services will continue with “In view of God’s Mercy,” and I will update you on those in next month’s newsletter. In the meantime, may our gracious and loving God, the Holy Spirit prepare your heart for this upcoming Lenten season.
Pastor Don