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Journey through Lent: Laying Down Our Lives

2022-3-1 | Pastor Stacey Littlefield

I have been reflecting lately on this reality: Christ laid down his life for us (see John 10.11). I had more to say about that Sunday during worship. It is no small thing to be reminded that this is what we remember and seek to embody each year during the Season of Lent.


Traditionally, people seeking to “embody” and observe the season more intentionally have “given up” things as a way of identifying with Jesus’ suffering and death. But we can “take on” things, too—practices of prayer, reading of Scripture, serving others, etc. What might God invite you to give up or take on during this season?


As a reminder, Lent is a season in the Church Year that begins on Ash Wednesday (March 2, this year), takes us up to Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday, and, of course, to his Resurrection on Easter Sunday. That’s forty days, not counting Sundays—which are always considered feast days, even during Lent.


There are several options we are providing this year so that you may more intentionally engage in the season, and be better prepared to celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ Resurrection when Easter arrives.

  • Our interactive Ash Wednesday service will take place on Wednesday, March 2, at 6:00pm in the sanctuary. It will include the imposition of ashes for those who wish to take part, and will last about 30 minutes. There will be kits available for you as you enter the sanctuary.
  • We will also offer a livestream of the Ash Wednesday service, along with a Zoom option for those who want a more interactive online experience. Those joining us online are welcome to stop by the church office to pick up a take-home kit for the service today and tomorrow. You can find the Zoom link and the YouTube stream of the service on our Worship page: ecclife.net/worship. The zoom room will be open at 5:45pm for a time of fellowship until the Ash Wednesday service begins. There are also two buttons linking you to these options at the bottom of this post.
  • On Sunday, March 6, immediately following worship, we will host an event, where we will eat a light lunch together and make a Lenten centerpiece for you to take home with you. All are welcome. There is a button to sign up for this event at the bottom of this post. Or click this link.
  • As we’ve done in the past, if you would like to receive brief Lenten Text Prompts during the season, you can sign up by texting the word “@lentecc” to the number 81010. These prompts are meant for a time of reflection or prayer. An initial text will go out on Ash Wednesday, and then, you’ll receive a text each morning, Monday-Saturday, starting the following week. If you would prefer to receive the prompts by email, please email me at slittlefield@ecclife.net or let the front office know.


Lent is an important season of the Church Year. It speaks to profound truths that have shaped history and have the power to shape our future and who we are becoming in Christ Jesus. I hope you will make time to participate in whatever way best meets your needs and those of your loved ones.


-       Pastor Stacey Littlefield