Preparing for Lent
The following seasonal introduction was first published in Sundays and Seasons 2026, Year A, copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress.
During the season of Lent many Christians turn their attention to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—activities meant to quiet our minds, still our hearts, and allow us to draw near to God. On Ash Wednesday we hear the words “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” and so it is. We recognize the frailty of human existence, the reality of our personal and corporate sin, and our deep need for Jesus, who forgives our sin and gifts us with eternal life.
Throughout the season, we are called to put our priorities in order. Throughout scripture we receive the invitation to examine ourselves. Are we storing up treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:20)? Are we bringing our questions to Jesus with hearts wide open to being transformed (John 3:1-17)? Are we being as rigorously honest in all our doings as the woman at the well (John 4)? Have we truly embraced the good news as both Martha, sister of Lazarus, and Mary, Mother of God, did (John 11:27; Luke 1:38)? Are we celebrating Jesus with the pilgrims in Jerusalem, crying, “Hosanna! God save us!” (Matt. 21:9)?
Lent is a forty-day reminder that it is God who saves. God saves us through the ministry of almsgiving as our hearts are opened to the injustices of our world. God saves us through fasting as the concerns of our hearts are reorganized when we meditate on Jesus and all that we truly hold dear. God saves us through prayer as we join Nicodemus in learning that in Jesus we are reborn; we join the woman at the well in understanding God’s unconditional love for her and the entire neighborhood; we stand with the blind man in receiving God’s healing of body and restoration to beloved community. In all the stories of this Lenten season, let us remember that the agency always belongs to our God.
This truth leaves us with naught but to follow the Holy Spirit into the neighborhood, our hearts aflame with the good news. We are in solidarity with our neighbors, following the example of both Martha and Mary, who choose to actively align themselves with the promises and purposes of God. We join the crowds in glad jubilation—and desperate hope—as we declare, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matt. 21:9). We stand in awe with the centurion who exclaims at Jesus’ death, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Matt. 27:54).
Lent is an invitation from God that requires a response. It is not a response to “choose salvation”; as Lutherans, we know we don’t have to feel such pressure! Instead, it is the response of a heart overflowing with gratitude as we continually encounter Jesus, who was willing to go to all lengths to redeem us.
Right now, and at all times, God is at work redeeming the world and inviting us into a deeper relationship and ministry with God. In all cases, when human beings encounter the spirit of the living God in the work and ministry of Jesus, awe is inspired. Perhaps the woman at the well said it best: “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (John 4:29).
Later we learn that upon this woman’s testimony to her fellow villagers, and after hearing Jesus teach for two days, the villagers declared, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
At the end of this Lenten season, what profession of faith will flow out of the hearts of our hearers? How will it inspire them to come alongside God’s Holy Spirit, who is already at work bringing greater justice and peace to all the earth?
Lent 2026 Schedule
Wednesday, February 18th
Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Sunday, February 22nd
1st Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10 am (sanctuary)
Wednesday, February 25th
Midweek Supper #1 at 6 pm (gathering space)
Worship Ministry Team will provide the meal
Midweek Worship Service #1 at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Sunday, March 1st
2nd Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10 am (sanctuary)
Wednesday, March 4th
Midweek Supper #2 at 6 pm (gathering space)
Proclamation Ministry Team will provide the meal
Midweek Worship Service #2 at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Sunday, March 8th
3rd Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10 am (sanctuary)
Wednesday, March 11th
Midweek Supper #3 at 6 pm (gathering space)
Church Council will provide the meal
Midweek Worship Service #3 at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Sunday, March 15th
4th Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10 am (sanctuary)
Wednesday, March 18th
Midweek Supper #4 at 6 pm (gathering space)
Service Ministry Team will provide the meal
Midweek Worship Service #4 at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Sunday, March 22nd
5th Sunday in Lent Worship Service at 10 am (sanctuary)
Wednesday, March 25th
Midweek Supper #5 at 6 pm (gathering space)
Volunteers needed to provide the meal (see the clipboard on the kiosk to sign up)
Midweek Worship Service #5 at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Sunday, March 29th
Palm/Passion Sunday Worship Service at 10 am (sanctuary)
Thursday, April 2nd
Maundy Thursday Worship Service at 7 pm (sanctuary)
Friday, April 3rd
Good Friday Worship Service at 7 pm (sanctuary)