“Thy Will Be Done” – Lenten Season Worship Series: “Not as I will, but as you will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lenten season as we seek to do God’s will in our lives. Lenten Mid-Week Services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through March 21. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m.
February 28, Mid-Week 2 – God’s Will and My Dreams: In this service, we remember that, anointed by God to rule in Israel, King David followed God’s will to shepherd his people, but often failed to live up to God’s dream for him. We welcome the Good Shepherd into our lives who fulfills God’s dream perfectly to gather his wandering sheep into the sheepfold of heaven.
Lenten Sunday Worship – In addition to the “Thy Will Be Done” series which will be during our Midweek Services, on the weekends we will concentrate on our Return to the Lord. This Sunday we’ll look at “The Lord Who is Gracious.”
Liturgy Questions
Why do we respond to the Pax Domini with “Amen” instead of “And also with You?” The Preface, the first part of Communion Liturgy or Service of the Sacrament, begins with a dialog between the officiant and congregation. The congregation replies to the officiant’s greeting, “The Lord be with you,” with, “And also with you.” (2 Tim. 4:22) Later in this part of the liturgy just after the consecration of the elements, the Pax Domini or “The peace of the Lord be with you always” is offered as a blessing. The response of the congregation, receiving this blessing as though it comes from the mouth of God, would be “Amen” meaning “may it be so.” (John 20:19)
Why don’t we use ‘Alleluias’ during Lent? During Lent, the Church’s worship assumes a more penitential character. The color for the season is purple, a color often associated with penitence. The “Hymn of Praise” is omitted from the liturgy as well as the word “Alleluia.” By not using the alleluia – a joyful expression meaning “Praise the Lord” – until Easter, the Lenten season is clearly set apart as a distinct time from the rest of the year. Additionally, it forms a powerful contrast with the festive celebration of Jesus’ resurrection when our alleluias ring loud and clear.
Thank You Notes to Pastors: There is still time for you to write thank you notes to Pastors McDaniels, Lineberger and Williamson. Note cards and a collection basket are in the Narthex. We will collect and mail your notes this Sunday, February 25.
Spring Support for Lumberton High School Students: We have another opportunity to support the “storm students” at Lumberton HS. This time your donations will help 13 seniors pay cap and gown fees ($65) and 25 juniors and seniors get prom tickets ($35). Gifts of cash or checks in any amount are welcome. FYI, checks made out to “Lumberton High School” (memo line: Storm Support) are tax deductible. Look for the big white “Sharing Basket” in the narthex on February 25 and March 4. Questions? Contact Carolyn Jonesor Lydia Berrong.
Work Days at Lumberton:Volunteers from Hope Lutheran in Wake Forest will be working at homes affected by Hurricane Matthew would love to have others participate on any or all of the following dates: Saturdays, March 3 and April 28; Thursdays March 15 and April 12. Please let Bill Jay (bjay1826@gmail.com) or Pastor Wayne Puls (wpuls@hopelutheranwf.org) know if you can make it on any of these dates, and they will get back to you with details.
PORCH: We need a volunteer to assume the duty of collecting and delivering Advent’s donations to PORCH. Contact: Carolyn Jones.
Abundant Joy Spring Groups: Check out the website: www.abundantjoycwm.com to find out more about spring group sessions and to register. Contact Peggy Earnhardt if you have questions.
Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Feb 25 – John Cangelosi, Mar. 4 – John Stow, Mar. 11 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 18 – Dave Neely