Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter
Peter is perhaps the most famous of Jesus’ disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer.
In Peter, we often see ourselves.
When we look closely at Peter’s story, we find Jesus at each step along the way – offering him abundance, catching him when he begins to sink, challenging him when he stands in the way, washing his feet, predicting his betrayal, and offering him unconditional love.
And so, this Lent, we’re joining Peter in figuring out faith. We’re not idolizing or vilifying him; instead, we’re wandering alongside him, open to what we might learn about Jesus, and ourselves, by stepping into Peter’s shoes.
Join us this Lent, as we wander with Peter, reflecting on our own faith journey, who and what has shaped us along the way. And as we wander, we tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.
Worship
Ash Wednesday
February 14
24 Hour Prayer Vigil – Join our church family for a day of prayer as we tune our hearts to God. Sign-ups are available for hour-long time slots from midnight to midnight on Wednesday, February 14. You are welcome to pray wherever you are, or to come to the sanctuary (please contact Pastor Kimmy if you plan to pray at the church). There will be a prayer guide available.
Worship – As we begin the Lenten season, we turn inward and tune our hearts so that they align with God. All are welcome to our Ash Wednesday worship on Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00pm. Service will include the imposition of ashes.
Palm Sunday
March 24th at 10:30am
Palm Sunday remembers Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. With Peter no longer front and center, we imagine him with the rest of the disciples when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, singing songs of loudest praise. Join us for worship at 10:30am, which will include the Parade of Palms.
Maundy Thursday
March 28th at 7pm
During the Last Supper, Jesus kneels to wash his disciples’ feet. When he comes to Peter, he initially resists before wholeheartedly submitting. As Jesus washes his feet, we imagine that God’s grace reshapes Peter in the way that water softens the rough edges of stone. Join us for worship on Thursday, March 28 at 7:00pm, which will include Communion, as we allow ourselves to be reshaped by grace, receiving the streams of mercy that are never ceasing.
Good Friday
March 29th
Good Friday remembers Jesus’ death on the cross.
Worship – Join us for worship at noon on Friday, March 29 at the United Methodist Church as we hear again the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial.a
Stations of Peter – Paying close attention to Peter in Jesus’ final hours, we see that Peter is prone to mess up, to fight, to deny, to leave, to seek safety for himself. But aren’t we all? Join us for a self-guided journey to the cross through the eyes of Peter on Friday, March 29 from 6:00-8:00pm, as we lament the ways we too are prone to leave the God we love. Come when you would like and stay for as long as you would like. A guide to the prayer stations will be available.
Easter
March 31st at 10:30am
Thankfully the events of Holy Week were not the end. When Peter hears the news from the women he is filled with hope and he gets up and runs to the tomb, where his hope turns to awe. Join us for Easter worship on Sunday, March 31 at 10:30am as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Nursery will be available beginning at 10:15am.
Christian Education
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First Look
Tuesdays at 1:30 pm
We will gather each week around the upcoming sermon text. Whether you come once, or every week, this is a great chance to pause and study God’s word together. No preparation required. Lent focused scriptures will begin on Tuesday, February 13. Facilitated by Kimmy Briggs
Practices of God's Beloved
Wednesdays at 10 am
As we journey through life, and through faith, it is important to root ourselves in the truth of who God is and who we are. This group is an opportunity to discover, or re-discover, those truths, while engaging in simple practices that bring us into God’s presence and help us experience life as God’s beloved. It is designed for ordinary people who are seeking to follow Christ within the pressures, problems, and pain of everyday life. Come and join the conversation, beginning on Wednesday, February 14 at 10:00am. The class will continue through the spring. There will be no assigned homework, but this group will include time for personal reflection and group sharing as part of the in-person class. Facilitated by Kimmy Briggs
Into the Mystics
Wednesdays at 7 pm
During Lent, we draw near to God while acknowledging our very human flaws. Across church history, few people have contemplated how frail humans become closer to our infinite Creator than the mystics. Beginning February 21, join us as we explore the writings and experiences of this eclectic group of faithful men and women who, for nearly two millennia, have dedicated their lives to exploring the what, how, and why of “being one with Christ.” Classes will meet Wednesdays at 7pm for six weeks. There is no book to purchase or advanced reading required. All are welcome whenever you can make it. Facilitated by Will Briggs
Spiritual Practices
Whether you’re looking to supplement in-person, corporate, practices during Lent, or wanting to mark the season of Lent on your own, we offer the following guides to aid your Lenten season, with options ranging from 25 minutes per day to just a couple minutes per day.
Chronicling the Journey
Coming Soon
As we wander with Peter, we find an invitation to consider our own journey of faith, the people, the places, the experiences that have shaped us. Using a simple devotional guide, alongside Peter’s story, you’re invited to write your own faith story. And because sometimes such work is done best in community, we will gather on Thursdays at noon, beginning, February 22, to tell our stories to one another. The group will be facilitated by Kimmy Briggs.
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Spending Lent with the Psalms
Coming Soon
The season of Lent offers a chance to slow down, to notice, and to pause. This practice is an invitation to deeply engage with one psalm each week during Lent and Holy Week. A reading guide, and reflection questions, are provided.
Daily Devotional Cards
Beginning with Ash Wednesday, and continuing through the second week of Easter, use these cards to guide your wandering heart this Lent. The cards offer a simple centering practice, a question for reflection, and a prayer for the day. They’ll come on a key ring, so not only are they transportable, but cards with particular meaning can be easily removed and displayed. Day by day, may these prayers remind you that no matter where you wander, you are always tethered to the heart of God.
For Children and Families
Kid's Sunday School
Sundays at 9:45am
Just for the season of Lent! Kids will meet Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, and learn from him about what it means to follow Jesus. The stories will align with worship, so this is a great chance to keep the conversations going at home.
The Junction: Where Faith and Family Meet
March 3rd at 9:45am
A special edition of The Junction: Where Faith and Family Meet! Kids are invited to Sunday School at 9:45am, then the whole family is invited to gather following worship. We’ll talk about the season of Lent and look ahead to Holy Week with ideas about how to talk about Jesus’ death and resurrection at home. A small lunch will be provided.
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Eggstravaganza
March 24, following worship
All are welcome to join us on Sunday, April 2 following worship for lunch, egg decorating, crafts, games, and an Easter egg hunt! Activities will be available from 11:30-2:00pm; lunch will be served until 12:15pm, and the Easter egg hunt will be at 1:00pm.