First Lutheran Church

Ash Wednesday, March 2

“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

The early Christians adopted the use of ashes as a visible sign of seeking forgiveness and as recognition of our mortality and dependence on God. As Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we too spend the 40 days of Lent reflecting upon our need for a savior and in preparation to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, our saving hope.

This worship service will include both holy communion and imposition of ashes. All are welcome here: people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, faith history, economic status, marital status, physical and mental ability, and education.

Worship will be both in person and online, using the Sunday morning worship link.

Lenten Midweek Vespers

As our congregation deepens our Sabbath practices, our worship for Lent will be simple but beautiful. Join us at 7pm on Wednesday March 9-April 6 for Holden Evening Prayer. We’ll reflect on scripture, sing together, and re-center ourselves in the love of God.

Lutheranism 102: The Lord’s Prayer and Apostle’s Creed

Lent is traditionally a season to prepare for holy baptism, and what better preparation than going back to basics? We’ll take a deeper look at the Lord’s Prayer and Apostle’s Creed as found in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, learning about their history, different interpretations, and their uses for our lives on Sundays March 6-April 10 at 11am in the Parish House. Please contact Pastor Emily if you would like to join us via Zoom.

A Note from Pastor Emily:

We often approach Lent as a season for penitence and self-reflection, sometimes using the practice of fasting, or “giving something up for Lent.” Others add a spiritual practice for the season. Both of these are good and holy approaches; however, we know that many among us are feeling weary and downtrodden after two years of this pandemic and the many losses and difficulties we’ve faced. This season, consider something as simple as remembering your baptism when you wash your hands or face, saying the Lord’s Prayer every day, or simply resting in the knowledge that you are loved and forgiven by Jesus Christ our Lord.