February Worship: Moving from the Glories of Epiphany to the Realities of Lent

In February we bring the Epiphany season to a close with Gospel stories that unveil both the mission and the glory of Jesus. After hearing of the glory of the Mount of Transfiguration we begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday and an honest recognition of our mortality and sin. Then in the Sundays which follow, we hear about Jesus as he begins his journey to cross. We invite you to join us as each Sunday we offer God our thanksgiving and praise while we receive God's gifts in his Word and Sacraments, and in our mutual encouragement of one another as the body of Christ.

Sunday Worship And Sunday School	Sunday worship at 8:00 am and 10:30 am (with Holy Communion every Sunday at the 8:00 service and on February 5, 19 and 26 at the 10:30 service.) Sunday School for children at 9:15 in the sacristy, pastor's office and music room in the new sanctuary. Adult class at 9:15 in the Wagner property.
February 5 & 12 5th & 6th Sundays After Epiphany	On these two Sundays we hear in Mark's Gospel stories of healing as Jesus challenges and defeats powers of evil that diminish human life and hold people in bondage.
February 19 Transfiguration Sunday	On this final Sunday of the Epipany Season, Mark's Gospel recalls the Transfiguration event in which Peter, James and John are given a vision of the glory of God as it is manifest in Jesus Christ. For those disciples, that was a sustaining vision as they accompanied Jesus on his final journey to Jerusalem.
Sunday, Jan. 15 2nd Sunday after Epiphany	On this Sunday we hear the story of Jesus' calling of the disciple Nathanel. After first hearing about Jesus, Nathanel moves from skepticism to faith when he accepts Philip's invitation to "come and see."
February 22 Ash Wednesday	Services at 11:00 am and 7:30 pm. As we begin the Lenten season, our Ash Wednesday services remind us why Jesus began his path to the cross: to deal with our sin and rebellion and the darkness of death. Both services will include repentance, imposition of ashes, and Holy Communion.
February 26 1st Sunday in Lent	On this Sunday our Gospel Reading summarizes the beginning of Jesus' ministry. The Spirit that comes upon Jesus at his baptism sustains him when he is tested by Satan so that he might proclaim the good news of God's reign.