Lent at FPC
Tell me something good
Lent began as a season for new converts to prepare for baptism by studying what lay at the heart of Christian faith. In that same spirit, this Lenten season explores what was central to Jesus' life and ministry: radical welcome, love of neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, and nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the core of Jesus' teaching we find liberation, mercy, love, and grace - good news is meant for all.
Too often, Jesus' words are softened or sanitized, yet following him leads to a deeper, more expansive life, even when it challenges our comfort. The word radical comes from radicalis, meaning "root," reminding us that the good news draws us back to who God created us to be.
This Lent, we invite you to rediscover that the good news is truly good - joyful, abundant, alive - and still unfolding in the world today. Join us as we journey together.
WORSHIP
Sunday Worship
Sundays at 10:30am
Join us every Sunday as we worship through music, Scripture, sermons, and prayers. Nursery is available beginning at 10:15am and Kids Sunday School occurs during worship.
Ash Wednesday
February 18
24 Hour Prayer Vigil – Join our church family for a day of prayer as we enter the season of Lent. Sign-ups are available for hour-long time slots from midnight to midnight on Wednesday, February 18. You are welcome to pray wherever you are, or to come to the sanctuary (please contact Amy in the office 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, reminding ourselves that Jesus is concerned not just with our outward actions, but with our hearts. All are welcome to our Ash Wednesday Worship on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00pm. Service will include the imposition of ashes.
Soup Supper & Worship
Wednesdays, beginning February 25, at 5:00pm
This Lent, we will again join with our neighbors at Lewistown United Methodist Church, Zion Lutheran Church, and St. James Episcopal Church for a series of shared Wednesday evening Lenten services. Together, we will journey through the season under the theme, the "Songs of Ascent," drawing on Psalms 120–134. Originally sung by pilgrims traveling "up" to Jerusalem, these psalms trace a movement from distress and exile toward mercy, humility, joy, and praise in God's presence. As we walk the Lenten road toward Holy Week, the Songs of Ascent help us lift our eyes to mountains, name our need for grace, and prepare our hearts for the saving work of Christ, who leads us to new life.
Each gathering will begin with a soup supper at 5:00 p.m. followed by worship and reflection. We will conclude by 6:30 p.m.
Schedule
February 25 – Zion Lutheran Church (604 W. Evelyn)
March 4 – Lewistown United Methodist (512 W. Broadway)
March 11 – First Presbyterian (215 5th Ave S.)
March 18 – St. James Episcopal Church (502 W. Montana)
March 25 – Lewistown United Methodist (512 W. Broadway)
Palm Sunday
March 29 at 10:30am
Jesus' march was for the people - all the people: the hungry, the poor, the afraid. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd responds to Jesus' authenticity and humility. Perhaps they can see through the pageantry of the Roman parade; in contrast, the goodness of Jesus' leadership shines through, mobilizing crowds to take action by throwing cloaks in the street and waving palm branches in the air. We are invited to shout "Hosanna," to throw our coats down, and to wave branches. Join us for worship on Sunday, March 29 at 10:30am, which will include the Parade of Palms.
Good Friday
April 3 at Noon
Good Friday remembers Jesus' death on the cross. We will come together at noon on Friday, April 3rd in the First Presbyterian Sanctuary for an Ecumenical Worship with St. James Episcopal, United Methodist and Zion Lutheran.
Easter Worship
April 5 at 10:30am
On Easter Sunday we remember that the world did it's worst to God.
The world battered and bruised,
betrayed and abandoned,
crucified and buried our living God.
And despite it all, Jesus still chose to return.
Jesus rose again and immediately went to work spreading God's love to the very people who had hurt him. So hear me when I say, there is nothing you can do that could keep God's love at bay.
And THAT is the good news we will hear about during Easter Worship on Sunday, April 5 at 10:30am. Nursery will be available beginning at 10:15am. Children are welcome in worship for the full service.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
A Journey With Jesus
Thursdays from 6 to 7:30pm
Join us on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30pm as we virtually join Bob Goff on a journey across Israel—not as a tourist but as a follower of Jesus. From Capernaum, where community took root, to the Sea of Galilee, where joy met calling, each session includes stunning video, fascinating biblical and historical insights, and time for reflection. This course begins on February 26th and runs for 8 weeks.
The Good News
Wednesdays at 10:00am
During Lent we are taking the time to look at the good news...just what good news is that? Join Berkanna Wicks on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am to find out!
FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
Kids Sunday School
Sundays, beginning February 22, during worship
During Lent our kids will explore Tell Me Something Good through Gospel stories and rejoicing in song! The will also engage in the good news through crafts, books, and games. Kids start in worship, then head to Sunday School after the Children’s Message.
Eggstravaganza
March 29th following worship
All are welcome to join us on Sunday, March 29th following worship, for lunch, egg decorating, crafts, games, and an Easter egg hunt! Activities will be available from 11:30-1:30; lunch will be served until 12:00pm. The Easter egg hunt will be at 1:00pm.
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.
Six Weeks of Mindfulness
Sundays at 9:15am in the Chapel (near the offices)
Join us before worship on Sunday mornings, during Lent, beginning February 22, for 45 minutes of practicing mindfulness. Using scripture and prayer, we will strengthen our faith through this experience. During our time together, we’ll learn some basics of mindfulness, and how to reduce stress with basic breathing techniques. This will allow you to center your mind, body, and soul. We will learn to be present, letting go of judgement of ourselves and others, so that we can grow closer to God. This is beginner friendly!
Facilitated by Margee Smith and Monica Clinton
Devotion Cards
Beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing through the first few days of Eastertide, we invite you to use these daily devotional cards to deepen your spiritual walk through Lent. You might place a stack by your bed to read first thing in the morning or right before sleep at night. Display the prayers that resonate with you the most. Perhaps use the questions as prompts to journal and reflect. Day by day, may these prayers ground you in the good news of the gospel this Lent.
Lent & Mark
This guide provides a plan to read the entire Gospel of Mark during Lent, with readings slowing down during Holy Week to focus on those events. Guide will begin on Ash Wednesday and conclude on the Monday after Easter. Lent and Mark is available digitally (link below) and at the church.
The Poetry of Lent
Looking for an alternative way to experience Lent? This guide is for you! Using a variety of sources, this guide provides a poem-a-day for the season of Lent. Readings begin on Ash Wednesday and conclude on the Monday after Easter. The Poetry of Lent is available digitally (link below) and at the church.